Band of Roses by Pat McDermott: Interview

I am so excited to bring this blog’s first author interview!

With St. Patrick’s Day approaching, I can’t imagine a more appropriate interview for this month. Please welcome Pat McDermott, author of A Band of Roses: A tale with a twist on Ireland’s history that leaves a princess in danger. Release date March 17, 2008.

Thanks so much for being my first blog guest, Pat!

Thanks for inviting me, Holly.

Holly: Can you give us a sneak peek at Band of Roses?

Pat: A Band of Roses is an alternate history set in modern day Ireland. The story’s “what if” premise supposes what Ireland would be like today if High King Brian Boru hadn’t perished at the Battle of Clontarf in 1014 AD. I’ve created an Ireland that’s still a monarchy, one where the present King Brian is a descendant of the first Brian Boru, and his daughter Talty is a princess in trouble.
Talty Boru becomes a pawn not only in the high-stakes gamble for offshore oil, but in a scheme to seize the throne of England that escalates into murder and treason. From Japan to California to an eleventh century Ireland preparing for the Battle of Clontarf, she finds romance and adventure and brings back a discovery worth more than any oil well. Yet all she wants is to return to her family and her lifelong friend and protector, Neil Boru, the adoptive cousin she secretly loves but can’t have—or so she thinks. Talty’s warrior cousin has a secret of his own, one that emerges as the Boru clan scrambles to thwart an invasion of Ireland and bring Talty home.

Holly: Band of Roses sounds like it has every element to satisfy any reader's appetite. As lover of all Celtic themed stories, I can't wait to read it! Was there a lot of research involved for this story?

Pat: Yes, for Brian Boru and his times and for many other aspects of the story, though I enjoyed the research as much as the writing. I find that looking up facts for one idea not only leads to dozens of new ideas, but keeps me out of the shopping malls as well.

Holly: Your story sounds truly unique. Was there anything in particular that triggered the inspiration for this Band of Roses?

Pat: I’m blessed to have two wonderful aunts who happen to be devotees of Irish history. When I was a little girl, they entertained me with all sorts of legends and assured me that we were descended from Irish royalty. (Isn’t everyone who’s Irish?) From one of their trips to Ireland, they brought me a gift of a copper statue of Brian Boru, and I wanted to know more about him than I already did. Everything I found said how sad it was that Brian didn’t survive Clontarf, as Ireland would be a very different place today. So, I started thinking . . . what if he had survived?

Holly: I know you’ve made several trip to Ireland. What about the country appeals to you so much?

Pat: The people, first of all. They’re the sort of folks who’ll jump in your car and take you somewhere if you stop and ask directions. One woman behind me in a grocery store line followed me outside and offered me a ride home. The scenery is gorgeous, and diverse. You’re never far from the sea, and the various castles and abandoned homesteads that dot the countryside, often right beside new homes, remind you constantly that Ireland has been around for quite a while.

Holly: What is your favorite Ireland destination?

Pat: I enjoy the rural areas, but I’m basically a city kid, so I always love visiting Dublin. It’s a great base of operations.

Holly: We all know writing is a labor of love. Have you run into any obstacles on your journey to becoming a writer? If so, how did you overcome them?

Pat: I can’t really say I’ve run into any obstacles. Now that my children are grown, I can focus on developing a story, a selfish pleasure I couldn’t indulge when I was “Mom on Call.” My husband is supportive, and I’m always learning and making new friends. Life is good, though I could use a good housekeeper/cook!

Holly: Do you have any words of wisdom to hand over to aspiring writers?

Pat: You’re the only one with the ultimate, grand vision of the story you’re trying to tell. Don’t let anyone tell you something can’t be done simply because it hasn’t been done before. Take writing classes, attend workshops, and read a lot. And persevere!

Thanks again, Pat! It's been wonderful talking to you about your new book and getting to know a little about you. To read excerpts from Band of Roses to be released March, 17th 2008, from Tiger Publishing, and learn more about Pat and what she's currently working on please visit her website. (www.patmcdermott.net)