Author Interview | Meet the fabulous Margaret Izard and her upcoming time travel paranormal romance set in Scotland #bookboost #giveaway #pnr #timetravel #authorinterview #nnlbh
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  • N. N. Light
    • Feb 9
    • 13 min read

Author Interview | Meet the fabulous Margaret Izard and her upcoming time travel paranormal romance set in Scotland #bookboost #giveaway #pnr #timetravel #authorinterview #nnlbh



I’m so excited with today’s guest on N. N. Light’s Book Heaven. As a time travel romance reader, I am tickled pink about Margaret Izard’s upcoming release, Stone of Love. Fans of Outlander will love this book. Anyway, I asked Margaret for an interview, and she agreed. Trust me, readers, you’re going to love Margaret’s honest answers. Grab your favorite beverage and join us. Margaret, take it away…

 

Are you a plotter or a pantster?

 

I don’t know why this question gets so much flack in the writing community, but it does.

 

My answer – both!

 

In a nutshell I am a huge plotter. Character profiles with goal, motive, flaw and stake are a must. Defining my romance trope and overall concept is essential and this usually leads to my title.

 

I’ve discovered that plotting in a table using scene by scene summary with point of view markings makes for early on developmental editing. This process reduces overall self editing and allows me to produce manuscripts quicker.

 

That being said, sometimes my muse will take over. I have also learned that I must listen to her. She is truly the inspiration for all my work and when she steps in, takes over my direction we go to some really great places. So, I must listen when she comes calling.

 

After, I get to re-edit the outline and must check for consistency across the entire plot but most certainly, she drives my stories to a place of greatness.

 

Have you always liked to write? What writing advice do you have for other aspiring authors?

 

My answer covers both questions.

 

I have always loved to tell stories. I have always loved to read stories. Being involved in performing arts since age three and developing stories has been a passion of mine.

 

I began writing in High School and stopped. Writing well didn’t come naturally to me but telling a good tale did. Because of that fact, I thought writing just wasn’t for me, so I pursued a career in dance and used the language of the body in motion to tell my tales.

 

Over time, I found I still have some stories to tell, and words were the only way to ensure my stories were rich and provocative. So, I went back to writing. I spend months in workshops and classes before I even wrote a word. During that time, I completed much of the research that formed the foundation for my series. When my characters demanded their story be told, I wrote. Then I learned editing. Then I wrote some more. Edit, write, edit, write became my work. I constantly attend class, work with a writing group and am always working on my craft.

 

My advice to other writers. Never let anyone tell you, you can’t do this. You can! Don’t give up on a story, especially if it’s your first book. Stone of Love was the first book I’d written, and I vowed early on to never give up on it even when others advised me to. It took a lot of work and time, but I got the story to a place where it resonated and gained the attention of a publisher who was interested in publishing it. The series has seven books and three holiday companion books I expect to have all published by 2026. Never give up.

 

Do you have a favorite spot to write? What is it?

 

When I started writing seriously or full time, it was shortly after the pandemic. My husband officed from home so separate space was limited. I began writing in a great room chair with a portable desk. This didn’t work well as it was between the great room and the kitchen, “Grand Central Station” in my home. It just didn’t work for a beginning writer.

 

After being inspired by a vacation rental, we decided to remodel the wet bar in the game room into a drink/study station. We reversed the cabinets, changed out the counter and got creative with how the space was used.

 

Thus, my writing space was born. While it’s not completely private and any zoom/video meetings/interviews must be completed in my husband’s home office due to lively dogs, I love my space I’ve carved out in my little corner.

 

How important are names to you in your books? Do you choose the names based on liking the way it sounds or the meaning?

 

Names are very important to my books. First the historical names of the families I write abut are as accurate as I can get them. I’ve taken a few liberties but when we go to the past, those people really existed, and many actions are pulled from history.

 

Names meanings and/or origin play a huge role in why I’ve chosen them. Example. Brielle Elise DeVolt, the main female character in Stone of Love. Brielle is short for Gabrielle and came from her father who was French. Her mother was from Glasgow and Scots. She speaks some Gaelic but not a lot. Colin, the main male character gives her a Scottish nickname that I won’t spoil here.

 

What are you working on now? What is your next project?

 

I am so excited to share that Stone of Fear, Marie and John’s love story, will be released on June 12. A Christmas companion book, Thistle in the Mistletoe, will be released at the holidays of 2024 and Stone of Lust, book 3 in the series later in 2024.

 

Stone of Hope, book 4 in the series is complete and in edits and Stone of Doubt, book 5 is in drafting. The second Christmas companion book Her Holly and His Ivy is expected in 2025.

 

Stone of Fear

 

She’d give everything to keep his love. He’d chase her through time to save her soul.


Marie Murray, a spunky expert on spiritual buildings, jumps at the opportunity to renovate the chapel mosaic floor at Dunstaffnage Castle, where she falls hard for the dashing John MacArthur. From their first kiss, sparks fly.

 

Believing her religious renovation creates magic, a fanatical priest kidnaps Marie. Obsessed with obtaining a powerful magic Stone of Iona, he drags her to 15th-century Scotland.

 

With his love kidnapped, John must tackle his hereditary duty and locate a magic Fae stone while chasing his love across time. Her memories of their passion keep her sane. His fuel his will to find her.

 

Will John get to Marie in time to save her soul?

 

Check my website and sign up for my newsletter. Or drop by any of my social media feeds for upcoming announcements for more of my books.

 

What were you like as a child? Your favorite toy?

 

I was very impressionable and creative as a child. I loved to move and danced and sang to my parent’s records. I rose early and went until I crashed. I began dancing at age three because I danced everywhere. I started tumbling at five and would stand on my head till I nearly passed out. I learned to climb the kitchen cabinets since my mother stored her handmade bourbon Christmas chocolates on top of the frig.

 

Even with multiple injuries (rebuilt knee and a full fusion on my lower back involving screws and pins) I still dance but I don’t bend the way I used to anymore. On occasion I still dance in my point shoes.

 

As a teen I was a rebel without a clue and was dedicated to performing arts. At times, I am the same as an adult. My adult kids call me “cool” when I’m not yelling about chores.

 

Toys I kept from childhood. Sleepy elephant who still looks new. A beat-up bear that has a music box inside, a Raggedy Ann doll my grandmother made and an original design Holly Hobbie doll. There are others but these are the standouts. My adult daughter collects stuffed toys and I suspect it’s because I encourage it.

 

What is the biggest fib you’ve ever told?

 

I’ve told many fibs, large and small but this is one of my favorites.

 

During Jr High School after school my friends and I would sneak out my younger brother’s go cart. Now this wasn’t any hand-crafted two-seater cart, this was manufactured with a 2.5 horsepower engine with a sturdy frame painted red and blue. My father installed one of those orange bike flags that stuck up so cars would see the cart. It flapped as the cart went along and waved when you turned.

 

The motor had a set “governor switch” which regulated how fast the cart was permitted to go. Thanks to a boyfriend who showed me how to run a string directly to the accelerator lever, we got that cart to go fast. Once a cop stopped us just to clock it, 5 MPH. Another time a cop threatened to ticket us for a non-licensed vehicle. Once a co-worker of my father’s spotted us doing donuts in the school parking lot and asked me if this was his cart. Thought I was caught for sure, but nothing was said.

 

While positioning it back into the garage so my father wouldn’t figure out I’d been out joy riding all afternoon, I burned my arm on the muffler. I mean blistered burn marks four inches long. It even had the pattern of the muffler. When questioned, I lied and said it was the toaster, which had a metal side and was very hot. I thought I was caught. I wasn’t and took the go-cart joy riding till I got my driver’s license at fifteen years old and graduated to a VW Bug. The cart lived a long life and finally rotted in my dad’s beach house garage suffering the death of time and non-use.

 

Fast forward to my 30s, my kid’s, husband and I are having Easter Luncheon with my father, and I make a smart comment about sneaking the go-cart out and the burn on my arm. He lost it. To that day he still thought it was the toaster. Back when it happened, he had called the toaster manufacturer, chewed them out, got a new toaster and for many years believed it was the toaster.

 

In my 30s I still got chewed out for taking out the go-cart and lying about it as my husband and kids laughed.

 

If you had a superpower, what would it be? If you were a super hero, what would your name be? What costume would you wear?

 

Superpower: The ability to be in two places at once for a period of time.

 

Superhero Name: ubiquitous

 

Superhero Costume: I imagine Edna E Mode from “Incredibles” designing my costume, an artist “too talented to design clothing for humans.” Someone who refuses to add capes to costumes as they “contribute to the demise of the hero.” My costume would be of the upmost fashion in red and black, slimming to the figure yet flexible enough to accommodate my powers.

 

What do you want your tombstone to say?

 

Lived well.

Loved well.

Was well loved.

Lord, here she comes to liven heaven.

 

What secret talents do you have?

 

I am a formally trained dancer and used to be a professional ballerina when I was much younger. I taught dance for many years. I owned a dance studio and directed a non-profit dance group. I stopped to tutor my triplets from grade school though college.

 

I craft and many of my giveaways are handcrafted by me. Example: Any vinyl cut item being a decal or iron on transfer and acid glass etching.

 

I used to be a graphics artist and I use that talent in my marketing.

 

I sew costumes and remake thrift clothing into something modern.

 

Thank you, Margaret, for the fascinating interview. I learned so much about you and I hope our readers did too. Readers, please scroll down to learn all about Margaret’s upcoming release and enter her fabulous giveaway.

 


Title Stone of Love

 

Author Margaret Izard

 

Genre Paranormal Romance

 

Publisher The Wild Rose Press

 

Book Blurb

 

Against all odds, is true love strong enough to save a human soul?

 

After leaving her abusive ex, American scholar Brielle DeVolt embarks on a career-changing opportunity, the renovation of Laird Colin MacDougall’s Chapel ruin. The attractive, broad-shouldered Laird leaves her weak-kneed, but can she trust herself to love again?

 

Dusted in construction dirt, the curvy beauty in his study captivates Colin. As Brielle steps to the window, her brunette tresses halo in the sunlight, and he sees her as his dream soul mate. When he learns his hereditary duty is safeguarding magic Fae stones, all he wants is to protect Brielle from the evil forces of the Fae.

 

Traveling to the past to assume his forefather’s identity and find a missing magic stone is challenging enough. When Brielle appears, an undeniable attraction to his ancestor ignites, causing her confused passion. Faced with fighting an evil Fae to save the realms, Colin must choose between saving the stone or saving his love.

 

Excerpt

 

She turned toward the door and Colin stood there, smiling. “I thought ye might like a break.” He swung a large basket from behind his legs. “And maybe lunch…with me?”

 

Brielle huffed. “Lunch would be nice. Aspirin would be a godsend.”

 

Colin laughed as he approached her. “The banging of rock gettin’ to ye, lass?” He brought his hand to her face, brushing the hair from her eyes. “Ye should not work so hard. I wouldn’t want anything happenin’ to ye.”

 

She glanced away. “Yes, well then, where would you be? No one to oversee the renovation of your pile of rocks.”

 

She sidestepped around him, but Colin’s hand went to her shoulder, stopping her. “I mean what I said, and it has nothin’ to do with the chapel, Brielle.”

 

Staring at him, she noted his sky-blue eyes searched her face. He was trying to be nice. And he had brought her lunch, not asking for anything more than her company.

 

She sighed. “I am sorry. I get cranky when I’m ill.”

 

Colin’s hand slid down her arm to her hand. “Then let me make ye better. Come for a picnic.”

 

She allowed him to take her hand and draw her toward the doorway. “Well, maybe for a little while. The guys are all gone, anyway.” What would a little time in his company hurt? She was here to enjoy Scotland. Maybe she could enjoy the people, too. Enjoy new experiences and new friends.

 

Colin waved for her to proceed with him through the door. When she stepped into the doorway, the wind blew at her. A stone creaked, and Colin’s arm wrapped around her waist, pulling her back into the chapel. A rock fell from the top of the doorway, landing with a thud where Brielle had stood.

 

She glanced at the stone, then at Colin, who took a deep breath.

 

“Brielle, lass, ye okay?”

 

She shook herself. “Yes, thank you. The stone must have been loose. It’s an older one.”

 

Colin glanced at it. “Make sure the guys check all the stones, Brielle; that one almost hit yer head.”

 

She nodded, turning to the doorway. Now, more than ever, she feared the opening. Colin’s hand brushed her back, and she shivered. He took her hand and led her through the door, steering her around the rock. She was glad he went first, for the chill disappeared when he cleared the arch. As she moved behind him, she took a deep, cleansing breath.

 

Colin stopped, rotated her hand in his, and kissed the back of it. “I want to show ye the picnic spot my parents always liked. Ye cannot see it from the castle, and it offers the most beautiful view of the loch and the mountains beyond.”

 

Brielle thought of her view from her window. She loved sitting there and had thought about going there to escape, but spending time with Colin sounded more appealing.

 

She squeezed his hand once. “That sounds nice.”

 

They strolled in silence, holding hands, allowing them to swing a little, making Brielle feel young and carefree. She hadn’t done something so spontaneous in a long time—taking time to picnic. Come to think of it, she hadn’t been on a picnic since she was a child.

 

She glanced at Colin, who kept his eye on where they stepped. His profile showed a relaxed, casual manner as he swung the basket and her hand in rhythm as they went.

 

He stopped short. “Now, close yer eyes, Brielle.”

 

She watched him closely. “This isn’t a trick, is it, Colin?”

 

He set down the basket, moving around her, covering her eyes with his hands as his arms encircled her.

 

He whispered, his breath tickling her ear, “Trust me, lass, ye will not regret this.” He inhaled, then hummed deep in his throat. “Ye will never regret trusting me, Brielle, ever.” Colin turned her to the left, took a step, then a few more. The breeze from the loch blew over her face, its salty tang tickling her nose. He stopped them and cut short his hum.

 

Colin’s breath returned to her ear. “The sight of a Scottish loch is one ye will never forget. The soft waters cast a mirror image of the vast mountain landscape, reflecting its beauty. Most fall in love at first sight.”

 

His hands moved, trailing his fingers along her cheeks. She was almost afraid to open her eyes, but her anticipation got the best of her.

 

She opened them.

 

The loch spread out directly in front of her. At a lower angle, she had a clear view. She allowed her gaze to travel the landscape. She caught sight of the marina with all the boats docked and Hamish’s pub beside it. Farther, and the mountains folded over one another, reminding her of her drive up the castle cliff. Colin placed his hands on her shoulders as he stood behind her, like an anchor keeping her from drifting away.

 

He slid his face next to hers, his breath on her cheek. “Some say it’s love at first sight, the beauty of Scotland. But my ma always said it was…”

 

“Magic,” she said beside him.

 

He squeezed her once, then turned her. “Aye. Magic.”

 

Buy Links (including Goodreads and BookBub)

 

 

 

 

 

 



Giveaway –


Enter to win a special Stone of Love box of bookish goodies any reader will love. Here’s what’s inside…


The printed book (signed if you’d like)

Bookmark and recipe card featuring a dish from the book

Author pen

Doublin shot glass with Stone of Love logo in acid-etched glass

Insulated wine glass with Stone of Love logo in vinyl decal (color of glass may vary from photo)

Large Stone of Love book bag

Small Stone of Love book bag

Stuffed animal from the lore in the book

Wild Rose Press 2024 wall calendar



Open to residents of US, Canada and UK.


Runs January 8 – March 21, 2024.


Winner will be drawn on March 22, 2024.

 


Author Biography


Margaret Izard is an award-winning author of historical fantasy and paranormal romance novels. She spent her early years through college to adulthood dedicated to dance, theater, and performing. Over the years, she developed a love for great storytelling in different mediums. She does not waste a good story, be it movement, the spoken, or the written word. She discovered historical romance novels in middle school, which combined her passion for romance, drama, and fantasy. She writes exciting plot lines, steamy love scenes and always falls for a strong male with a soft heart. She lives in Houston, Texas, with her husband and adult triplets and loves to hear from readers.

 

You can email me at:  info@margaretizardauthor.com 

 

Social Media Links

 

 

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