Happy New Year!

As the end of December draws near, it’s a time for reflection on the events of the past year. Just over a year ago I published my first book, Conquering Passion. I've often  repeated that my secret hope at that time was to sell 100 books over the course of a year.

I was astounded as the year progressed and readers embraced my novels, now twelve in all. It has been an epidemic of writing!

My secret hope began to whisper furtively about possibly selling 10,000 books, which I surpassed a few months ago. And so inevitably the goal became 20,000 by December 31st.

I am thrilled to announce that as of today, December 30th, my total sales (digital and paperback) stand at 20,119.

I owe a great debt of gratitude to many of my fellow indie authors who have willingly shared their expertise and support. Also to the people at Free Partay. Participation in their promotional events has boosted my sales exponentially every time, and I have learned a great deal about marketing from Carolyn McCray and Taylor Lee.

Thanks too to the members of my RWA chapter on Vancouver Island, particularly Mimi Barbour and Jo-Ann Terpstra for their constant positive support.

The biggest thanks of all go to my heroes and heroines who have generously revealed their life stories to me from 900 years ago!

Actually, my most heartfelt thanks go to my readers who have taken the Montbryce family to their hearts.

There are lots more stories to come, though I don’t promise to produce twelve more novels in the coming year! I am working now on Dark Irish Knight, due out in February. It’s the story of Rhoni Montbryce, the babe born in captivity in the mountain fortress of Cadair Berwyn.

In January 2013 I will be launching a series I have called SHARE THE WEALTH WEDNESDAYS. I have invited other authors to share their stories with you.

I wish everyone only good things for 2013. 

Meet A Rebel Chieftain

99 cents on Kindle

Exclusive Interview with Rhodri ap Owain, Welsh rebel chieftain from ConqueringPassion.

Date: 1075

Place: The fortress of Cadair Berwyn, Wales

Henry Cavill (Tudors, The Immortals, Superman) is definitely the actor I would choose to play Rhodri.

The Normans are cursing you as a murdering troublemaker. What do you say to that?

I have spent my life making trouble for the Normans. They invaded my country and treat us like dogs. Many are starving while they live like kings.

So in retaliation you’ve kidnapped the wife of a prominent Norman nobleman, as well as her children?

We need the coin their ransom will bring us. Mabelle de Montbryce and her children will not be harmed if her husband pays what we demand.

But you’ve also captured two of her servants?

Yes, her maidservant and her healer, Rhonwen Dda. They were with her when we captured her.

Rhonwen sounds like a Welsh name. Why not let her go if she’s not a Norman?

I cannot. She is a mystical healer whom I’ve come to admire.

Was it you gave Rhonwen the amber beads she wears?

Yes. My mother crafted them.

Amber beads

But you’re betrothed to the woman called Morwenna, aren’t you?

I prefer not to speak about Morwenna...there are problems.

With the shifty Norman soldier I see lurking around with her?

You have the right of it.

Some would say kidnapping a pregnant woman is cowardly.

I did not know Mabelle de Montbryce was expecting a child when we took her.

Now that winter has set in, isn’t there a danger the child may be born here in Wales?

Again, you have the right of it.

It seems your simple plan to kidnap and ransom this woman has become more complicated?

Statue of Arianrhod, Goddess of the Moon and Fertility

I am a Celt, a believer in destiny and I’ve had a dream wherein the goddess Arianrhod revealed the future to me. All will work out in the end.

Definitely the right build for Rhodri!