New Year, New Book
Hi Friends and Family,
It’s 2024! I can’t wait for you to dive into THE STARS OF SCOTLAND this summer. And yes, the release date is coming soon (my publisher promises ;).
I’ve shared the cover, a few teaser reels, about the MCs posts, and more on social media, which has led readers, bookish friends, and family members to ask wonderful questions including, ‘What inspired you to write THE STARS OF SCOTLAND?’
Are you ready?
Two words: Jamie Fraser.
The name that makes millions of women worldwide swoon. If you’re not familiar with the James Alexander Malcolm Mackenzie Fraser, he is the eighteenth-century Scottish warrior that Claire Randall meets in Diana Gabaldon’s book, Outlander (also the first book in her best-selling series and TV show).
When Claire visits the standing stones, while on her second honeymoon with her husband, she’s mysteriously hurdled back into time from post-WWI Scotland to eighteenth-century Scotland. She has to fight for survival using her wits and meets Scottish warriors, including young Jamie Fraser. In case you haven’t read the book, I’m not spoiling it for you. BUT Claire and Jamie have an arranged marriage and end up falling for each other.
I’ve always loved love stories, although Outlander also includes some fantastic and historical fiction elements. My grandmother, Yaya, as we called her (and no we’re not Greek, but it’s a long, funny story!) gave me my first romance novel as a young teen. She introduced me to Outlander. Although Outlander is a time-bending romance, there are some heavier topics included in the book such as the effects of war including loss, murder, rape, flogging, amongst others, but Yaya always welcomed discussions. I also skipped some scenes due to the difficult content. What I loved: Jamie and Claire’s love story.
Fast forward three hundred years and I’m sick, lying on the couch. Sick to my stomach, sick. I’m allergic to wheat (celiac) and must’ve eaten something that was cross-contaminated because my faculties are suppressed, stomach is a mess, head pounds, and more. Luckily, it’s Monday, and the kids are at my mom’s. After sending a couple work emails and notifying my manager that I’d be taking a sick day, I rested on the couch. Scrolling through Netflix, a familiar title kept flashing across. Outlander.
Although the name seemed familiar, I didn’t put two and two together until I watched the preview. Once the aching tune began and the introduction unfolded, I noticed a handsome, red-haired Scotsman. And then, I heard a familiar name. Jamie Fraser!
I binge watched television for the first time in my life, watching shows in between two naps. I realized why I was transfixed by the show: Jamie Frasier was a warrior. Not just for his clan and country, but for love—for Claire. Many female fans, including me, want a warrior. They want someone who stands by their word and sword, who fights for them, and after the battle is through, makes love with passion.
During this time in my life, my husband and I were also working on our marriage following his near-death accident, but I still missed the man he was—my warrior. He used to practice mixed martial arts including muay thai, jiujitsu, and greco-roman wrestling, and trained and fought with other fighters. Later, he was a CrossFit athlete. And although he’s six foot two, he was fast, agile, and strong. After his accident, he was told he couldn’t train or workout to protect his brain and organs. I missed my warrior and yearned to have him back. Sure, Charles wasn’t an 18th century, sexy Scotsman dressed in a kilt with red curls, but he was my warrior. Charles wasn’t like any man I’d ever met before we dated. He’s incredibly kind and never belittling or demeaning. He grew up with a single mom and a younger brother whom he protected—even as a young boy. And that need to protect has stayed with him. Much like Jamie Fraser.
That same day I was sick, Charles returned from a doctor’s visit and sat down in the midst of the fourth episode, while Jamie wielded a sword and kicked attackers away. “Badass. I like him already.”
From then on, we watched the show together. It was an escape from our reality and honestly, I’ve wanted to travel to Scotland for as long as I can remember, having heritage on both sides and loved the gorgeous setting. I wanted to stroll in fields of heather, explore historical castles, experience Scotland’s rich history, and more. I also wanted to escape—to go on an adventure or a trip with Charles—but it wasn’t possible with our finances and Charles’ health. One thing I knew: I could write. I could experience an adventure alongside my heroine.
But I didn’t want my heroine to be rocketed into 18th century Scotland. I wanted her to be living in the present day. And then I had another thought: what if Jamie Fraser lived in the twenty-first century, too? And, what if he was single? Ideas zipped and zoomed around my head, and my entire being buzzed with excitement.
I hadn’t felt that bubbling energy in so long. My fingers flew across the keyboard, and I couldn’t write fast enough.
Since my book was inspired by Outlander, I named the male main character, Bryce Fraser—Fraser after Jamie. And, he might be called another name that’s inspired by Jamie’s full name as well…. :)
I can’t wait for you to read it!
Until next time, I send you love.