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Guest Post and Giveaway: The Heroine in All of Us by Marisa Dillon, Author of The Lady of the Garter

Wednesday, February 25, 2015

Today, I'm sharing this guest post by author Marisa Dillon as a part of the ongoing VBT for her debut historical romance, The Lady of the Garter. Hope you enjoy it! Also find an excerpt and a complete promo on the book. Don't forget to comment!

Marisa Dillon will be awarding a $25 Amazon or Barnes and Noble GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour
The Heroine in All of Us

Why do we read fiction? Because we to want to live a part of our day somewhere else. We all have our favorite places, but we must escape, even for a short while, to a world where we are safe, but our heroines aren’t. Inherently, we all worry. It’s not pretty, but it’s human nature. Instead of fretting about our own lives, the best thing we can do for ourselves is to worry about our heroines instead, whether we’re a reader or an author. How will she escape her fate? When will she realize the hero’s in love with her? Can’t she hear us warning her to be careful? 

You are the heroine. That’s what workshop authors tell us. Yes, to do your best character writing, it’s advised, you must think like the heroine. Get into her skin. You’re on the horse. The corset is digging into your ribs and you can’t breathe. No, you don’t want to ride sidesaddle.

I took that advice! And stepped back in time. But seriously, I hadn’t ridden a horse since I was 12. The guy holding the reins in the picture, assured me I would be safe on Thunder, one of the Renaissance Festival’s jousting warhorses, but I wasn’t so sure. Yes, the corset dug into my ribs and no, I didn’t dare ride sidesaddle.

Did it help?  Yes! My friend captured me in a shot that inspired my writing. When I looked at that picture, I was able to remember the hard leather of the saddle, the horse’s massive muscles moving beneath me, how high I sat. Not the computer chair where I did my writing.

Another place and time. I’ll admit, it was fun dressing up and stepping back in time, to experience the sights and sounds of a place I wanted to write about. I met knights, peasants, clergy and royalty, all in a visit to the Ren Fair.  Those characters spoke to me when I was writing. They told their stories in a way that wouldn’t have been as authentic, if I hadn’t taken the time to be my heroine for a day.

Our heroines inspire us. Yes, the heroines we create or read about, often help us have the courage and resolve to take on people, events and challenges, we might have otherwise avoided. For writers, the inspiration to share our stories with others, takes some of the fear out publishing. Sure we all want to  sell a lot of books, but sometimes the greatest satisfaction comes from helping a reader forget her battles and allow her to cheer for someone else’s victory. I’m very grateful to Soul Mate, for giving me that opportunity.

DAYTON, OHIO – Readers are applauding the new historical romance novel The Lady of the Garter by first-time author Marisa Dillon.

“What do you get when you mix an alpha knight in shining armor and a feisty lady in need of one? That equates to a rollicking, fast-paced tale of love, honor, mystery and revenge,” wrote reader (and established author) Terri Valentine on Amazon.com, adding that the story will “hold you spellbound page after page.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23808098-the-lady-of-the-garterThe Lady of the Garter
Marisa Dillon


When Henry VII takes the throne, not all are loyal to the new king. Garter knight, Sir James, is charged with bringing dissenters to justice. Determined to fulfill his vows, he’s unprepared for Lady Elena, a girl from his past he’s never forgotten.

Lady Elena defies her family and disguises herself as a squire to reunite with the man she’s always loved. She might be able to wield a sword, but she still possesses a woman’s heart.

Thrust into a world of danger and family rivalry, James and Elena face the ultimate test.

Can James avenge his father’s death and find passion, or will his Garter oaths hold him to a life of service without love?

Buy Link:

An Excerpt from The Lady of the Garter:

Elena had prayed that James would rescue her, but not at the price he paid. How would she ever make this right? First, she’d lost his trust. Now he lost Dragon because of her carelessness. She fully expected to be escorted back to Warwickshire after they returned to Nunnery. She hoped it would be with anyone but James or she wouldn’t survive it.

“God’s blood, woman, who do you think you are?” His deep, powerful voice made her cringe.

She couldn’t answer.

He sighed, steering the horse underneath some trees. Then he turned so abruptly, she thought he’d strike her.

“Are you daft, woman?”

She covered her face with both hands.

“You’re not ready to be a knight, Elena. Look at me.” He drew her hands away. “You’ve sworn allegiance to me, but you constantly disobey.” His eyebrows knit together. “You’ve begged for guidance, yet refuse to follow my instructions.” He shook his head. “You speak of courage, yet don’t show any. Did you not consider the consequences when you lied your way into my life? You’re selfish and don’t consider the future. The ability to sacrifice for the good of others is what qualifies a man for knighthood. Your heart is unworthy.”

But her heart was worthy. Perhaps not for knighthood, but for love. His love. And that seemed more important to her now. Although his criticism hurt, she knew he cared about her. His eyes showed it. She kissed him, her quivering lips met his. It was the only answer she could give. She needed to sate her unbridled passion. She wanted him. She wanted this. It might be her only chance before he came to his senses.

He responded, embracing her.

When he finally released her, she whimpered and leaned into him, wanting more.

He gazed into her eyes. Why had he stopped?
Giveaway:
About the Author:

With a degree in journalism, Marisa has spent many years writing for the television industry. As an award-winning producer/director/marketer, she has worked on commercial production, show creation, product branding and social media.

Marisa’s passion for writing began when her first-grade teacher read her poem aloud and posted it on the classroom wall. She soon followed up by writing plays for her neighborhood friends and hosting the productions in her garage.

Marisa has always enjoyed reading romance novels and now realizes a dream come true, writing romantic adventures. She lives in Kettering, Ohio, with her first love and knight in shining armor, James.

Author Links:
Brought to YOU by:

(Note: I received this guest post+promo+giveaway info from Goddess Fish Promotions. ~Punya)

7 comments:

Goddess Fish Promotions said...

Thanks for hosting!

Unknown said...

Beautiful blog. Thank you for having me today! Marisa

Patrick Siu said...

I have enjoyed learning about the book. Thanks for sharing it.

Unknown said...

Thanks for stopping by, Patrick!

Glenda said...

I really like how you 'got into character'. It does make for more realistic writing. :-)

Punya said...

@Goddess Fish, you're welcome.

@Marisa, thank you! It was a please hosting you on my blog.

Punya said...

Patrick and Glenda, thanks for stopping by and commenting. :)

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Punya
I love to read in my spare time and do reviews the books I read. My blog Punya Reviews just turned 6 in 2017 and still going strong. I love music and traveling. Sometimes, I wish I could live inside a book, having my own HEA. :)
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