8/16/2013
Name: Dawn Marie Hamilton
Location: Southern Maryland


 Question:what are you working on at the moment? 
In May, I published the first Novel in my Highland Gardens series—Scottish Historical Time Travel Romance with Faeries—‘Just beyond the Garden Gate’. In September, I will release the second novel, ‘just once in a verra blue moon’. I’m also writing the third novel and a holiday novella for the series.
Question: Did you publish with a traditional publishing house or did you go the indie route?
For the Highland Gardens series, I took the indie route. I work with a freelance editor and design the covers myself. I’m enjoying the experience.

Question: what advise do you have for other writer’s in your genre? Book Trends are circular. They come and go and return. Write what you are passionate about.
Question: who or what inspired you to start writing?
I started writing a journal as a preteen. I wrote short stories in High school and my honors English teacher encouraged me to continue. College and career got in the way until about ten years ago. I had been travelling a lot for business and reading on long trips. While in Brussels, I saw a hunk-worthy highlander advertising whisky on a billboard. I decided I wanted to write about sexy highlanders and the woman who love them.
Question: how long have you been writing?
About ten years ago I started writing seriously. When I finished the first book, I joined Romance writers of America (RWA®) and learned I didn’t know any of the rules. I joined several on-line chapters, took workshops, and joined a critique group. Now I know what rules to break.
Question: what other books or works have you published? 
It’s not published yet, but the first novel in a Scottish inspired, gender bending Paranormal is out for submission. ‘Sea Panther’, the first novel in the Crimson Storm series was a RWA 2013 Golden Heart® Finalist.
Question: what is your favorite book?
I have so many favorites. One book I return to over and over is ‘Faeries’ Described and illustrated by Brian Froud and Alan Lee. I love all things magical.
Question: what works best for you when writing? Meaning do you outline or write freely when you feel inspired to do so?
 I begin a story with an outline and then use a storyboard with colored Post-it notes that I can manipulate while I write. Each Point Of view character has a different color as do plot threads.
Question: for other authors who may be struggling what advice can you on handling rejection? 
Celebrate every small success. When a rejection or bad review comes in, treat yourself to a piece of chocolate, a good soak in the tub, or something else special and keep writing. Dare to dream.
any links you would like your readers to check out? 
‘Just Beyond the garden Gate’ For Kindle:  http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00CVXMS04
‘Just Beyond the Garden Gate’ For Nook:  http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/just-beyond-the-garden-gate-dawn-marie-hamilton/1115477122?ean=2940016591100&itm=1&usri=2940016591100
Blog: http://dawnmariehamilton.blogspot.com/
Website: http://www.dawnmariehamilton.com/
Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/author/dawnmariehamiltonTwitter:  https://twitter.com/DawnM_Hamilton
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/DawnMarieHamilton
Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/authorDawnMarieHamilton
Author Bio:Dawn Marie Hamilton dares you to dream. She is a 2013 RWA® Golden Heart® Finalist who pens Scottish-inspired fantasy and paranormal romance. Some of her tales are rife with mischief-making faeries, brownies, and other fae creatures. More tormented souls—shape shifters, vampires, and maybe a zombie or two—stalk across the pages of other stories. She is a member of The Golden Network, Fantasy, Futuristic & Paranormal, Celtic Hearts, and From the Heart chapters of RWA. When not writing, she’s cooking, gardening, or paddling the local creeks with her husband.


Book blurb for ‘Just Beyond the Garden Gate’:The Scottish Highlands—a place where faeries and brownies and other fae creatures dance through time. On occasion, so do mere mortals.
Determined to regain her royal status, a banished faerie princess accepts a challenge from the High-Queen of the Fae to unite an unlikely couple while the clan brownie attempts to thwart her.
Passion ignites when a faerie-shove propels burned-out business consultant Laurie Bernard through the garden gate, back through time, and into the embrace of Patrick MacLachlan. The arrogant clan chief doesn’t know what to make of the lass in his arms, especially when he recognizes the brooch she wears as the one his stepmother wore when she and his father disappeared.
With the fae interfering at every opportunity, the couple must learn to trust one another while they battle an enemy clan, expose a traitor within their midst and discover the true fate of the missing parents. Can they learn the most important truth—love transcends time?
Journey from the lush gardens of the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina to the Scottish Highlands of 1509 with ‘Just Beyond the Garden Gate'...
Thank you so Much Dawn, for talking the time to let me interview you! I'm looking forward to checking out your work!