Fàilte Kimberly Killion

homecomingscotland2009.com

I met Kimberly Killion at the RWA National Convention in DC/2009.  She joined Mary Gramlich, Delilah Marvelle, Bonnie Vanak and I for dinner - yes, it was fabulous to dine with such talent!  

During the book signing, Kimberly was decked out in her Royal Stewart Tartan.   She created an authentic Gaelic mood that I expected a bagpiper to come out so she could demonstrate the sword dance. 

juneauempire.com

I wonder where she developed this passion.  From her website,

Do you remember the teacher who made a difference in your life? 

I do. His name was Dr. Krantz. He was my mythology teacher. While attending college near Kansas City, I was working toward a Bachelor in Fine Arts when I discovered I had to take an elective. I pulled "Mythology" out of a hat, and it was there I found Dr. Krantz. The book wasn't Romeo and Juliet, as you might suspect, but Dante's Inferno-a Divine Comedy indeed. Talk about an intriguing read.

Sure, I bought Cliffs Notes—I was eighteen. With a three-hour block of nude figure drawing and rocks to sculpt, who has time to read? Well, I read it. Cover to cover, after which, I read Oedipus, The Iliad, The Odyssey, and a few other Greek tragedies. 

I walked away with, not only an "A" in the class, but a love for all things tragic, passionate, and historic. I did receive a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree, with which I have enjoyed a rewarding career as a graphic designer for more than fifteen years. I moved on from the ancient authors of yesteryear and became engrossed in the writings of Julie Garwood, Teresa Medeiros, and Gaelen Foley — just to name a few.


Highland Dragon

Her One Desire

Please join me in welcoming Kimberly Killion as she shares her favorite ...

....  clan?  Clan MacLeod (or course!)

MacLeod Coat of Arms

.... tartan?  The Royal Stewart.

Scots Guard Pipe and Drum Band
in Royal Stewart

.... castle?  Ravenhurst
(although, I can’t remember if that’s a real castle or one I made up!)

Kim:  I found Ravenwood Castle in Hocking Hills, Ohio.

.... drink?  Heather ale.

historicsaltire.com

.... Scottish saying?  Aye pat the richt end o’ the wean
(Child rearing is merely knowing which end of your child to pat.)

houseofmclaren.com

Kimberly contributed to the MAMMOTH BOOK OF SCOTTISH ROMANCE - 21 Passionate Tales of Myth, Magic and History.  It is edited by Trisha Telep and available January 4:

Contemporary romantic fiction from bestselling writers set in Scotland and concerning ever-popular Highlanders from every historical period. A collection which ranges widely, including both contemporary and historical settings, time travel, ghosts, and plenty of fantastic and paranormal elements.

Kimberly's website offers an excerpt from His Magick Touch, a sensual novella set on the Isle of Barra in the 16th century Scotland.  I've already ordered the book!

Kisimul Castle, Isle of Barra
http://www.castles.org/Chatelaine/KISIMUL.HTM

Tapadh leat (thank you) Kimberly for joining us during St. Andrew's Week.  I am giving away one Hawaiian trivet each day. The trivet has a design from a Hawaiian Quilt - unique as each clan's tartan.  

To enter the giveaway,

1. Leave a comment about Kimberly, Scottish dress, dancing, and children.

2. Make sure I know how to contact you - send your email to sos.america@yahoo.com.

3. This giveaway is only open to US and Canadian residents. But if you live in Scotland, I will send you a special Hawaiian treat!

Mar sin leat (good bye),

Kim in Hawaii

An nì chì na big, ‘s e nì na big.
What the little ones see, the little ones do.

KIM'S MAMMOUTH PICTURES

OF SCOTTISH HEROES
Who's your favorite?

Christopher Lambert as Connor MacLeod

HIGHLANDER

Mel Gibson as William Wallace

BRAVEHEART

Liam Neeson as Rob Roy

ROB ROY

Sean Connery as James Bond

and the Spaniard

Ewan MacGregor as

Obi Wan Kenobi

STAR WARS

Alex O'Laughlin as Steve McGarrett

HAWAII 5-0

(two very Gaelic names)