Interview –Kelley Heckart

We’re happy to welcome Kelley Heckart to share in our event today.

CTR: They say “everybody is Irish on St. Patrick’s Day,” so are you really part Celt –that includes a group of nationalities and ethnic or tribal elements such as Irish, Scots, Welsh, Cornish, Breton and residents of various islands around Great Britain—or just a fellow traveler fascinated by these amazing people?

KH: I think I do have some Celtic blood, especially from my dad’s side. My paternal grandmother’s maiden name was Murry and that is a common Scottish name.

CTR: Obviously you have written a book with Celtic inspiration so please tell us a bit about it. The ISBN and buy link is always good and maybe some background or ‘story behind the story’ to pique our reader’s interest. Of course the Celts have long been known as bards, poets and storytellers so maybe that figures in too, right? You can provide a blurb here also!

KH: All of the books I have written have some form of Celtic mythology/history in them. My latest book is Beltaine’s Song and is the second book in my Dark Goddess trilogy (The first book in this series is Cat’s Curse). I drew on a Celtic myth about two goddesses—one rules from Samhain to Beltaine and one rules from Beltaine to Samhain. These goddesses are bound to an Irish clan because of an ancient curse. The hero in this trilogy is based on an actual sixth century Irish king who ruled in Dal Riata (southwest Scotland). He was a formidable king and was called ‘Aedan the Treacherous’ in the Welsh triads. I also used some true events in my story. Here is a blurb for Beltaine’s Song:
For each of them, spring’s song has a different meaning.

Aedan and Domelch must battle earthly foes—enemy kings and traitorous allies. For the first time, the arrival of spring heralds the sound of a harsh battle horn as their foes close in. Through all this turmoil, can their love survive?

For their son, Gartnait, spring brings with it the promise of new love and the thrilling sound of the battle horn, putting those he cares about in danger.

Purchase link: http://www.king-cart.com/Awe-Struck/category=Kelley+Heckart/exact_match=exact

CTR: What do you think is the special appeal of the Celts to modern readers? There seems to be a huge enthusiasm for those “kilty lads” as heroes 😉 and also for Celtic elements ranging from ancient to modern. I know some of the Celtic based spiritual paths such as Druidry are also gaining many new adherents. Do you think that is a result of, a driving force behind or just a parallel to the growing fandom for Celtic romances?

KH: I don’t know about other people, but I was drawn to the ancient Celts (pre-kilt) because, as an oral society, they are mysterious. I was also drawn to them because of their association with the faery realm, the supernatural. The only writings we have about them were written by their enemies like the Romans so we really don’t know that much about them except for some archaeological evidence on how they lived. That is very appealing to me. I spent many years studying the ancient Celts, their mythology, and as much history as I could find before I started writing about them. Writing Celtic romances isn’t just a trend for me. I don’t think I could write anything else.

CTR: Do you celebrate St. Patrick’s Day and if so what do you and your friends or family do?

KH: I used to go out and party on St. Patrick’s Day, but I can’t drink anymore. I had some fun times though.

CTR: If you could choose a Celtic people or place/event to visit, maybe by a time machine, where would you go and why?

KH: Dark Age Scotland. I want to know more about the Picts. They are even more mysterious than the Celts.

CTR: Do you have a favorite Celtic-themed book (besides yours of course) and what do you especially love about it? A fave author who writes Celtic inspired stories?

KH: My favorite Celtic author is Morgan Llywelyn. I like all of her books, but Druids is one of my favorite reads. I like the way she mixes history and fantasy.

CTR: It seems the Celts are all known for their music. The folk music store is rich and loved by many whether the Irish dance tunes and ballads, the Welsh choral tradition, the Scots airs and laments or the evocative music of Brittany. Do you have a favorite Celtic artist or album? Do you play some of that music when you are writing to enhance the creative process? When did you discover that artist or style of music?

KH: I do have some Celtic music from various artists. I like Loreena McKennitt, Blackmore’s Night and Enya. Strangely, I listen to more Icelandic metal when I’m writing. LOL

CTR: Before we say farewell, please tell us where we can learn more about you and your books, how to find your blog, website, twitter or Facebook pages, etc.

Author: Sure. Here are my links:
http://www.kelleyheckart.com
http://kelleysrealm.blogspot.com/ Check out my long hair hotties!
Tweets by CelticChick
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Kelley-Heckart/111838455604

Slainte!

CTR: Erin go braugh and Scotland forever! Thanks for sharing this happy event with us all.