Years ago, I was fortunate enough to travel to Scotland and to stay in a castle. During our stay, we learned that a former guard tower could be rented as a studio apartment, and that there were other outbuildings that could be rented for holiday as well. The place is run by the lady of the house. There’s been a residence since the 1400s at this site. It’s been in this particular branch of the family since the 1600s. That’s some serious history.

During my stay, my imagination ran amok. I kept wondering how I could use this for a book. At the time, I didn’t have a good idea, so I tucked it away for later.

Over time, my mind kept wandering to my stay in Scotland and all the holiday lettings at this castle. I started a first chapter and sent it to my local RWA chapter’s critique group. One of my author friends mentioned that I had to have a better reason for the two people to be at the castle together.

I grumbled for a while, as we writers do when someone shoots down an idea (though she did do it in a very constructive way). Yet, I overcame the grumbling in my head to consider her words. What would keep two different people of different backgrounds in the same place?

I had two answers.

Money

Family

And that’s all I’ll say now. Match Made in Plaid will be published by The Wild Rose Press.