I am here today to tell you all about my Scottish historical paranormal romance, DRAGON’S CURSE. Since writing a historical novel of any kind must start with a location to stir the readers’ imagination, I researched books, clan maps, and the internet to find the perfect setting for my novel. The only requirement? It had to be a real place in Scotland. I discovered many islands, which I mention in the book, but the main location I chose was Staffa.
Using poetic license in my story set in sixteenth century Scotland, I made my hero, Draco Macdonald, wrongly accused of being the villager that a roaming band of Macleods spot, thereby causing the deaths of his clansmen. The village witch comes back as a ghost to haunt him and curses him for the deaths. For the next 15 years, her curse causes him to shape shift into a dragon at inopportune times.
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In need of a new home, he flies over the ocean to nearby Staffa. In pre-historic times, ice sheets covered the island. Around 20,000 years ago, sea levels were about 125 meters (410 ft) lower than at present and researchers believe Staffa was a larger island. It sits just off the coast of mainland Scotland—near the Isle of Mull, and Iona. Steadily rising sea levels have further isolated this little island of volcanic origin. The slow cooling of a layer of basalt resulted in an unusual pattern of hexagonal columns. They form the walls of the principal caves.
Staffa’s most famous feature is Fingal’s Cave (known pre-eighteenth century as An Uamh Bhin, also known as “the melodious cave”. I use this information during my story when my heroine, Brianna Macleod, notices the ghostly music. DRAGON’S CURSE also sports a wonderful book cover where the cover artist, Traci Markou, used an actual photo of the big cave on Staffa.
Its severe weather, rocky coasts, giant caves, and closeness to the mainland of Scotland made Staffa a perfect setting for DRAGON’S CURSE. I hope you will pick up a copy and think of the dark and ominous islands of Scotland as you read.
Nancy Lee Badger
www.RescuingRomance.nancyleebadger.com
Like a short military romance? Check out UNWRAPPING CHRIS, from Whispers Publishing
These are fierce, windy islands, molded. by weather. Very dramatic setting.
Scotland is inherently romantic and a great location for a romance novel. I, too, used it as the setting for my book the Path of Innocence.
Nancy,
This sounds like a really interesting place to see. And the book sounds great. What fun doing the research must have been.
Thanks, guys. I would LOVE to visit Scotland. Hubby already has, but it is at the top of our ‘Bucket List’. In the meantime, I soak up the Scottish culture when I visit scottish Highland Games.
I love these islands in the Heberdes. My ancestors originated on the Isle of Barra. We were kicked off our island and exported to the Americas in 1746 for sinking an English ship. In the 1900′s the Macneil bought back our lisland and the clan has has owned it ever since. It’s a rough place to live but that rugged life apparently suits the Scots.
I liked your interesting blog and I wish you great success with your book.
Nancy, I hope you and your hubby get to Scotland in the near future. Meanwhile, your research will stand you in good stead when you do set foot on those windy shores.
Interesting facts. LOVE Scotland. Scary cave!
Great info, Nancy! I’ll have to add it to my list of places to visit.
Nancy–I can’t believe you haven’t gotten to Scotland yet!!!! I love the cave photo. We didn’t get to any islands on our trip but did follow the great loch down the western coast. Such a gorgeous country. Meredith
Sad, isn’t it. When I join my family at the New Hampshire Highland Games each fall (where we volunteer all weekend) I get the flavor of the highlands. Someday…
Hi. Actually, my family was originally from Mull, with a couple of sheep farmers on Staffa, so I’ve been there many times. You’re right… it’s a fantastic backdrop for a book. Both islands are are bleak and mood-inspiring. YAY on the book. Go, Scotland!
Linda