I share my birthday, August 23, with the William Wallace's death. The 700 year difference does not lessen the sobering fact that William gave his life in the pursuit of freedom.
For my birthday, my husband gave me two CDs from Albannach, http://www.albannachmusic.com/. Albannach is a Scottish tribal band that we discovered during the Maryland Renaissance Festival when we lived in Baltimore, http://www.rennfest.com/ (sadly, Hawaii does not host Renn Fests).
Albannach's music would have inspired the Scottish farmers to follow William Wallace into battle. It inspired me to write today's post with Diana Cosby, a Navy vet - turned - romance author. So join us for a journey back into time.
On August 3, 1305, Scottish outlaw William Wallace was captured by English troops with information provided by Scottish noble John de Menteith.
On August 23, 1305, William Wallace stood trial and was found guilty of treason. He responded,
"I can not be a traitor, for I owe him (King Edward) no allegiance. He is not my Sovereign; he never received my homage; and whilst life is in this persecuted body, he never shall receive it."
William Wallace was then hung, drawn, and quartered. His death gave birth to the Scottish Freedom Movement.
In 1320, Robert the Bruce and fifty other Scottish Lords, including Menteith, signed the Declaration of Arbroath, declaring their independence from the English crown. Menteith's family would march behind Robert the Bruce during the Wars for Scottish Independence. Several lost their lives.
William Wallace is remembered as a Scottish Patriot for following his uncle's advice:
'This is the truth I tell you:
of all things freedom’s most fine.
Never submit to live, my son,
in the bonds of slavery entwined.’
from Bower’s Scotichronicon c.1440’s.
William Wallace's quest for freedom has inspired romance authors and readers to seek the same inspiration from his beloved homeland. I have visited Scotland twice in the past five years. I would like to retire to Scotland after my children leave home for college. The land and the people are connected the by the spirit of family and freedom.
I asked Diana Cosby to join me to today in celebrating William Wallace's legacy. Diana is the author of Scottish Medievals featuring the MacGruder Brothers,
- His Captive (Book 1) and His Captive (Book 2)
- His Conquest (Book 3) will be available November 2.
- His Destiny (Book 4) will be available next year.
Kim: How has William Wallace inspired your writing?
Diana: Here is a paragraph of historical fact that I incorporated into His Conquest concerning Wallace:
On August 28th, 1296, King Edward I held Parliament at Berwick. He ordered prominent Scottish landowners, burgesses and churchmen to swear fealty to him, then sign and affix their seals as proof, hence The Ragman Roll. Numerous nobles signed the Ragman Roll without intending to support the English crown, including the Bishop Wishart of Glasgow and Robert Bruce, Earl of Carrick. Then, there were those like William Wallace, who refused to sign, consequence be damned.
*Source: Robert Bruce & The Community of The Realm of Scotland by Geoffrey W.S. Barrow
Kim: Your website, http://www.dianacosby.com/, refers to the National Trust for Scotland, http://www.nts.org.uk/Home/. Tell us about this organization.
Diana: The National Trust for Scotland acts as guardian of Scotland's magnificent heritage of architectural, scenic and historic treasures. Without the National Trust for Scotland, many of Scotland's historical wonders would be lost. I'm proud to be a lifetime member.
Kim: My favorite NTS property is Culzean Castle in Ayrshire. David Kennedy, the 10th Earl of Cassilis, gave General Eisenhower an apartment for his personal use to honor his leadership during WWII. The NTS offers the Eisenhower Apartment as part of the castle tour.
And tell us about your newest book.
Diana: His Conquest is set in the spring of 1297 after Wallace has slain the English Sheriff of Lanark, a time when King Edward's focus was on the turmoil in Flanders as he believed all left within Scotland were minor pockets of resistance. Within this dynamic setting, a handful of months before the Battle of Stirling Bridge, I wove the story of love as deception between the powerful rebel lord, Seathan MacGruder, Earl of Grey, and his enemy's sister, Lady Linet Dancort.
Mahalo, Diana, for joining us today. Come back in November when we celebrate the release of His Conquest just in time for St. Andrew's Day!
In honor of William Wallace's Legacy, I am giving away the Scottish-themed books listed below on a first come, first serve basis. I met many of the authors at RT, RomCon, and RWA. To request a book,
1. Leave a comment on this blog about Scotland.
2. Send me your top three book requests plus your mailing address to sos.america@yahoo.com
3. When you receive the book via media mail (slow boat across the Pacific), please email the author to thank him/her for supporting SOS Aloha.
The book giveaway is only open to US residents due to mailing costs. However, I will send bookmarks from Scottish historicals authors to any international reader who sends their address to me at sos.america@yahoo.com
Slàinte mhor a h-uile là a chi 's nach fhaic.
(Great health to you every day that I see you and every day that I don't)
Kim in Hawaii
Books available for SOS readers:
Diana Cosby, http://www.dianacosby.com/
- His Captive
- His Woman
Karen Hawkins, http://www.karenhawkins.com/
- The Laird Who Loved Me
Hannah Howell, http://www.hannahhowell.com/
- Highland Captive
- Highland Fire
- Highland Savage
- Nature of the Beast (anthology with Adrienne Basso and Eve Silver)
Margo Maguire, http://www.margomaguire.com/
- Taken By the Laird
- Temptation of the Warrior
Melissa Mayhue, http://www.melissamayhue.com/
- A Highlanders' Homecoming
Monica McCarty, http://www.monicamccarty.com/
- Highland Scoundrel
Teresa Medeiros, http://www.teresamedeiros.com/
- Some Like It Wicked
Paula Quinn, http://www.paulaquinn.com/
- Ravished by a Highlander
Veronica Wolff, http://www.veronicawolff.com/
- Lord of the Highlands
plus the Scottish epic, Outlander by Diane Gabaldon, http://66.147.244.179/~dianagab/
and three books from Scottish author Alexander McCall Smith, http://www.alexandermccallsmith.co.uk/
- Heavenly Dates and Other Flirtations,
- The Comforts of a Muddy Saturday,
- The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency
Hi Kim. Thanks again for the Diet Coke in Orlando!
ReplyDeleteI love Scotland but I've never been. I would love to go. I see the blogs with all the wonderful pictures and it makes me so envious. In a way, it's kind of like experiencing it.
I write Scottish Paranormals, but they're set mostly in America, partly in Scotland. The warrior clan comes from Scotland. There is so much more of the history I'd love to learn. It's hard for me trying to find time to write, promote, keep up with my hubby and kids and learn. This was a great post.
Hi Kim,
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for having me on SOS Aloha. Two CDs from Albannach - sounds like you had a wonderful birthday. :)
William Wallace made significant contributions in winning Scotland's Independence, and it's always a pleasure to remember him as well as the inspiration provided then that still lives today. My sincere thanks for having me here.
Diana Cosby, AGC(AW), USN Ret.
Kim and Diana I would love to travel to Scotland and see the history there. I love history and think the old saying if we dont learn from it we are doomed to repeat it. Maybe one of these days things will change. If I had the money I'd be a traveling idiot. Still I'd come home and recharge but to travel and see things all over the U.S. and the world would be fun. Have a great day ALoha and Mahalo Kim.
ReplyDeleteKim and Diana I would love to travel to Scotland and see the history there.
ReplyDelete~Hi Kathy, I'm planning a book signing tour in Scotland in 2012 and am ultra excited. I know it's going to be amazing!
I love history and think the old saying if we don't learn from it we are doomed to repeat it. Maybe one of these days things will change.
~I agree. It's imperative to learn from the lessons of the past.
If I had the money I'd be a traveling idiot. Still I'd come home and recharge but to travel and see things all over the U.S. and the world would be fun.
~I am on move #32 and love to travel. I always enjoy experiencing different cultures and what each country has to offer. Take care and may a trip to Scotland soon be in your future!
Slaìnte!
Diana Cosby - 2009 Booksellers Best Finalist
Wonderful blog on a real life hero!
ReplyDeleteTeresa Medeiros said: Wonderful blog on a real life hero!
ReplyDelete~Hi Teresa, thank you very much for stopping by. William Wallace paired Andrew de Moray made a fascinating team as they led their troops to battle at Stirling Bridge. I'm enjoying my years researching this era. Take care and I wish you continued success!
Diana Cosby - 2009 Booksellers Best Finalist
Hi Kim and Diana,
ReplyDeleteWonderful blog! I love Albannach and have them on my Ipod for inspiration while I write. It's my dream to visit Scotland and I hope to get there next summer! As for William Wallace, a true hero among men!
Paula Quinn said: Hi Kim and Diana,
ReplyDeleteWonderful blog! I love Albannach and have them on my Ipod for inspiration while I write. It's my dream to visit Scotland and I hope to get there next summer!
~How exciting. Do you have a list of 'must see?' Have a blast!
As for William Wallace, a true hero among men!
~:) Thank you so much for stopping by, and I hope you have a fabulous trip to Scotland!
Cheers!
Diana Cosby - 2009 Booksellers Best Finalist
Hi Kim and Diana,
ReplyDeleteI love Scotland and all things Scottish -- can't wait to go back again! As to the music you mentioned, I gave their site a try and absolutely loved it! I ended up ordering myself a cd -- sounds like perfect mood music for writing!!!
~ Melissa
Melissa Mayhue said: I love Scotland and all things Scottish -- can't wait to go back again! As to the music you mentioned, I gave their site a try and absolutely loved it! I ended up ordering myself a cd -- sounds like perfect mood music for writing!!!
ReplyDelete~Melissa, where did you go while you were in Scotland? What did you enjoy most? I always love recommendations. :) Take care and enjoy the rest of your summer!
Cheers!
Diana Cosby - 2009 Booksellers Best Finalist
Growing up in Scotland the song I always sang with gusto began:-
ReplyDeleteScots wha hae wi' Wallace bled,
Scots wham Bruce has often led,
On to victory.
Frances
Great blog, Kim and Diana, about a fabulous hero! I read quite a bit about him in preparation for my new series--such a fascinating man. I'm actually going to Scotland in a few weeks and can't wait! I'll be following Bruce's trail, but there will be some overlap with Wallace (particularly in Ayr). I'd love to be visiting Kim's part of the world, too! Hawaii is probably my second favorite place. :)
ReplyDeleteFrances Housden said: Growing up in Scotland the song I always sang with gusto began:-
ReplyDeleteScots wha hae wi' Wallace bled,
Scots wham Bruce has often led,
On to victory.
~Frances, thank you so much for sharing. You grew up in Scotland? Wow! I'm jealous in all good ways. :) I spent 4 years in Spain, a couple in England as a child, but haven't made my way to Scotland - yet. Thanks again for dropping by. I hope you're enjoying your summer!
Cheers!
Diana Cosby - 2009 Booksellers Best Finalist
Monica McCarty said: Great blog, Kim and Diana, about a fabulous hero!
ReplyDelete~Hi Monica, I agree, Kim has an excellent choice for today's blog as hero. :)
I read quite a bit about him in preparation for my new series--such a fascinating man.
~He is. I've been in the early 1290's for almost ten years. My two favorite research books are:
Robert Bruce & The Community of The Realm of Scotland by Geoffrey W.S. Barrow
The Scottish War of Independence by Evan Macleod Barron
*If you're interested, my bibliography is at:
http://www.dianacosby.com/bioliography.html
I'm actually going to Scotland in a few weeks and can't wait! I'll be following Bruce's trail, but there will be some overlap with Wallace (particularly in Ayr).
~Congratulations, you're going to have a fantastic time!
I'd love to be visiting Kim's part of the world, too! Hawaii is probably my second favorite place. :)
~:) It's really neat. I was stationed there in the late 70's/early 80's. I enjoyed my time there and served a few months out at Midway Island as well. My sincere thanks for stopping by. Enjoy your trip to Scotland!
Slaìnte!
Diana Cosby - 2009 Booksellers Best Finalist
Hi Kim and Diana,
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed your blog about Scottish heroes today. I've researched both Scottish and English history because of my interest in those times. I'll have to look for those history books mentioned.
Looking forward to your next book, Diana.
*Hugs*
Jeanmarie
Jeanmarie Hamilton said: Hi Kim and Diana,
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed your blog about Scottish heroes today.
~Hi Jeanmarie, thank you so much for stopping by!
I've researched both Scottish and English history because of my interest in those times. I'll have to look for those history books mentioned.
~I hope you enjoy them as much as I do. :)
Looking forward to your next book, Diana.
~Thank you very much, I hope your book is doing fabulous! ^5
*Hugs*
~*Hugs* Have a super day and enjoy the rest of your summer!
Slaìnte!
Diana Cosby - 2009 Booksellers Best Finalist
Very interesting post, Diana, and congrats on the upcoming release! I'm sure it will be a winner. You research so carefully. I read your first book and really liked it and then fell behind in my reading. I'm getting a kindle for my birthday, it's on order with Amazon, and I hope this will help me catch up on my reading. My birthday is just a day before yours and The anniversary of Wallace's death. I greatly admire him too.
ReplyDeleteAloha Kim and Diana! It was such a pleasure, Kim, seeing you at not one, but two conferences. What a wonderful and powerful post this is. I'll be traveling with Monica to Scotland this fall, and cannot wait--it'll be my third time visiting, and each time recharges my soul.
ReplyDeleteGive my best to the base on Oahu. As you know, my dad was stationed there for four years when I was a kid. =)
Beth Trissel said: Very interesting post, Diana
ReplyDelete~Thank you very much, Beth. I find the political upheaval of the time frame for the Scottish War of Independence fascinating, with William Wallace in the thick of it. :)
and congrats on the upcoming release! I'm sure it will be a winner. You research so carefully.
~Thank you very much for your kind words. I enjoy the research and work hard to ensure my historical facts are correct.
I read your first book and really liked it
~Thank you so much for checking out the MacGruder brothers. I'm glad you liked Alexander and Nichola's story. :)
and then fell behind in my reading. I'm getting a kindle for my birthday, it's on order with Amazon, and I hope this will help me catch up on my reading. My birthday is just a day before yours and The anniversary of Wallace's death.
~Really? Wow. You and Kim have that in common.
I greatly admire him too.
~Wallace was definitely a man of strong values. :) Thank you so much for stopping by, and I wish you continued success with your writing!
Slaìnte!
Diana Cosby, AGC(AW), USN Ret.
Veronica Wolff said: Aloha Kim and Diana!
ReplyDelete~Hi Veronica, thank you so much for stopping by. :)
It was such a pleasure, Kim, seeing you at not one, but two conferences. What a wonderful and powerful post this is. I'll be traveling with Monica to Scotland this fall, and cannot wait--it'll be my third time visiting, and each time recharges my soul.
~Have a wonderful time! What have you enjoyed most during your visits? Is there anything new you hope to see this time? Take care and enjoy your trip!
Slaìnte!
Diana Cosby, AGC(AW), USN Ret.
HI Kim and Diana!! (and Jeanmarie and Monica, too!) Wowza! All my favorite people in one place--How sweet is that?! :)
ReplyDeleteGreat post! Loved all the historical facts. Diana's books are a favorite of mine as is William Wallace.
Wouldn't it be a blast to hang out in Kim's paradise, sipping diet coke, eating pineapple cheeseburgers, and watching Braveheart?! Sounds like an awesome idea to me! (lol can you tell what I'm craving?) *wink wink*
Hope everyone is staying cool! It's smokin' hot here in CA today! 107-109* Yuck!
OH! Happy Birthday, Kim!!! How cool that you're a Leo, too! :)
ReplyDeleteI'm hoping to go back to Scotland next year to do more research, I was there 2 years ago and have been back a few times earlier but I wasn't writing Scottish Medieval then. The perod I'm writing about is the late eleventh century, Malcolm Canmore and Queen Margaret. I lived near Dunfermline where they are buried in the abbey as well as Robert the Bruce who is buried under the pulpit, and a lotr of the history I've drawn on I learned at my grandfather's knee, as he used to take me to visit places like St Margarets cave in Pittencrief park.
ReplyDeleteI'd like to be having a lovely summer, but unfortunately down here in New Zealand it's winter. One week until Spring.
Frances
Sarah Simas said: HI Kim and Diana!! (and Jeanmarie and Monica, too!) Wowza! All my favorite people in one place--How sweet is that?! :)
ReplyDelete~:) Hi Sarah, thank you so much for stopping by, always great to see you. :) Yes, this blog is filled with amazing people I agree! ^5
Great post! Loved all the historical facts.
~I'm glad you enjoyed it. I thoroughly enjoy researching and love weaving historical facts through my books.
Diana's books are a favorite of mine as is William Wallace.
~My sincere thanks for your kind words!
Wouldn't it be a blast to hang out in Kim's paradise, sipping diet coke, eating pineapple cheeseburgers, and watching Braveheart?! Sounds like an awesome idea to me! (lol can you tell what I'm craving?) *wink wink*
~:) Definitely a keeper idea!
Hope everyone is staying cool! It's smokin' hot here in CA today! 107-109* Yuck!
~In TX we had our first break below 100 - in the mid 80's for highs. Love it! My sincere thanks again for dropping by, I hope all is going great on your end! ^5
Slaìnte!
Diana Cosby, AGC(AW), USN Ret.
Frances Housden said: I'm hoping to go back to Scotland next year to do more research, I was there 2 years ago and have been back a few times earlier but I wasn't writing Scottish Medieval then.
ReplyDelete~With your focus on the medieval period, you're going to have a blast! :)
The period I'm writing about is the late eleventh century, Malcolm Canmore and Queen Margaret.
~Neat.
I lived near Dunfermline where they are buried in the abbey as well as Robert the Bruce who is buried under the pulpit, and a lotr of the history I've drawn on I learned at my grandfather's knee, as he used to take me to visit places like St Margaret's cave in Pittencrief park.
~That is so neat.
I'd like to be having a lovely summer, but unfortunately down here in New Zealand it's winter. One week until Spring.
~I used to forecast for your area. :) Enjoy, Spring is almost here!
Slaìnte!
Diana Cosby, AGC(AW), USN Ret.
Good evening, my sincere thanks to Kim for having me on her SOS Aloha blog. I had a fabulous time with a wonderful topic and am humbled by everyone who took the time to stop by and say hi.
ReplyDeleteKim, I hope your birthday was amazing. My best to you and again, thank you for having me on. *Hugs*
Slaìnte!
Diana Cosby, AGC(AW), USN Ret.
Interesting blog, Diana. Wish I knew more about history in Scotland. Sounds fascinating.
ReplyDeleteHappy writing,
Monti
MaryMontagueSikes
Monti said: Interesting blog, Diana.
ReplyDelete~Hi Monti, thank you very much for stopping by. :)
Wish I knew more about history in Scotland. Sounds fascinating.
~It's amazing. I'm in the thick of the Braveheart time frame, and love the complexity, the amazing true facts I've uncovered and woven within the MacGruder brothers series.
Happy writing.
~The same to you. Always great to see you, and I wish you continued success!
Slaìnte!
Diana Cosby, AGC(AW), USN Ret.
What an awesome blog today! Thank you! I've always been enchanted by Scotland and Scottish tales. Braveheart was the first DVD I ever bought because I loved William Wallace's story so much. Maybe that's why I love highlander tales so much. Outlander was also one of the first books that I ever read through the night because I just couldn't put it down.
ReplyDeleteAll my life, I grew up thinking I was nearly 100% Irish. But just a few years ago, I found out that I actually have a little Scot in me too! A great-great grandfather was a Stuart!
After seeing Brave Heart a while back, I enjoyed reading the history about that time. If there are any books left, I'd enjoy His Captain, His Woman, The Laird Who Loved me, or Some Like it Wicked or any you'd like to send.
ReplyDeleteCarolyn Williamson
1745 Brown Trail
Hurst, Texas 76054-3736
Hi Kim and Diana,
ReplyDeleteI'm a day late but I clicked over and enjoyed the post. I think I would have had a hard time swearing fealty to anyone; it's hard enough dealing with a husband much less a leader who demanded obedience.
Thanks for the glance into history!
LilMissMolly said: What an awesome blog today! Thank you!
ReplyDelete~Hi LilMissMolly, thank you very much for stopping by and for your kind words. :)
I've always been enchanted by Scotland and Scottish tales.
~Same here. For me, Hannah Howell, Julie Garwood and so many other wonderful authors bring medieval Scotland to live.
Braveheart was the first DVD I ever bought because I loved William Wallace's story so much. Maybe that's why I love highlander tales so much. Outlander was also one of the first books that I ever read through the night because I just couldn't put it down.
~:) There's something magical about medieval Scotland.
All my life, I grew up thinking I was nearly 100% Irish. But just a few years ago, I found out that I actually have a little Scot in me too! A great-great grandfather was a Stuart!
~How neat! I haven't done my genealogy, but I hope that there's a bit of Scots in me. *Smile* Take care, thank you again for dropping by, and I hope you have a fabulous rest of the summer!
Slaìnte!
Diana Cosby, AGC(AW), USN Ret.
Anonymous said: After seeing Brave Heart a while back, I enjoyed reading the history about that time.
ReplyDelete~Carolyn, I agree it's a fascinating era. Thank you very much for dropping by, and I hope you enjoy the rest of your summer!
Slaìnte!
Diana Cosby, AGC(AW), USN Ret.
Maggie Toussaint said: Hi Kim and Diana, I'm a day late but I clicked over and enjoyed the post.
ReplyDelete~Hi Maggie, your timing is perfect. It's always wonderful to see you. How is your grandbaby? :)
I think I would have had a hard time swearing fealty to anyone; it's hard enough dealing with a husband much less a leader who demanded obedience.
~*Chuckle*
Thanks for the glance into history!
~My sincere thanks for taking the time to drop by. I wish you continued success!
Slaìnte!
Diana Cosby, AGC(AW), USN Ret.
Diana and Kim, sorry to arrive late, but this was a wonderful post. Made me want to return to Scotland. Well, I ALWAYS want to return to Ireland and Scotland, but this stirred up more longing. I have Diana's books, and I'm sure by now I've missed all the books given away. If not, I'd love those Theresa Medeiros,Monica McCarty, and Veronica Wolff.
ReplyDeletecaroline@carolineclemmons.com
Caroline Clemmons said: Diana and Kim, sorry to arrive late, but this was a wonderful post. Made me want to return to Scotland.
ReplyDelete~Hi Caroline, thank you so much for taking the time to stop by, it's always wonderful to see you! *Hugs*
Well, I ALWAYS want to return to Ireland and Scotland, but this stirred up more longing.
~I've never been, but I'm major psyched about my book signing tour in Scotland in 2012. I know it's going to be amazing!
I have Diana's books,
~My sincere thanks! *Hugs* I hope you have a fabulous weekend, and I wish you continued success!
Slaìnte!
Diana Cosby, AGC(AW), USN Ret.
Diana and Kim,
ReplyDeleteI've really enjoyed reading the blog about William Wallace and Scotland. Highlander stories have always been my favorite. I went to visit Scotland in 1991 and haven't quite made it back yet, but I intend to! It is truly one of the most beautiful places in the world.
Diana, I am most impressed on how you have personally answered and addressed everyone's comments. WOW!
Kim,
ReplyDeleteI love book about Scotlander and Highlander and would like to go there.
lorettaC
lbcanton@verizon.net