Author Archives: ggrussell

The Fairy Pools

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In Only a Highlander Will Do, I sent Tormod and Fiona on a “date” to the Fairy Pools located on the Isle of Skye in Scotland. It seemed like the perfect place for them to finally have some time alone, away from everyone at Dunvegan.

The Fairy Pools are a collection of pools, streams, and waterfalls in the Scottish Highlands that create a beautiful setting in the middle of the Glen Brittle forest. The Fairy Pools are said to contain a certain amount of magic in their unbelievably blue waters. On a sunny day, the water is so clear you can see each moss-covered stone in the bottom of the pools.

There is no legend associated with the Fairy Pools other than that which comes from the lore associated with the fairies and the MacLeods of Skye. The waters of the Fairy Pools might be bone-chillingly cold, but that doesn’t stop visitors from swimming in them. Their near supernatural atmosphere has made them one of Scotland’s most enduring natural wonders. 

The Fairy Flag of Dunvegan

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Am Bratach Sith or The Fairy Flag of Dunvegan Castle is the most treasured possession of the MacLeod clan. Legend has it that this sacred banner has miraculous powers. When unfurled in battle, the clan would invariably snatch victory from the jaws of defeat.

There are many tales of the flag’s origin but the one the MacLeod clan chooses to believe is this:

Once upon a time the MacLeod chief, Iain Cair, stumbled upon a fairy dwelling where he met a fairy princess. The two fell in love, married, and had a child. But after a year in the mortal world, the fairy princess had to return to Fairyland. After promising his wife never to let their child cry, the laird did just that. Hearing her son’s cries from the fairy world, the fairy princess returned to her son, wrapped him in a fairy shawl, and sang him a fairy lullaby. Years later, the child told his father that the shawl his mother had given him had magical powers. That magic could be used at a time of great need, but only three times, before the flag, and the flagbearer would return to the fairy world.

The Fairy Flag and the legends surrounding it are woven into the storyline of The Return of the Heir.

Readers Event – Passport to Romance October 19th, 2019!

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Passport to Romance is an amazing reader event you don’t want to miss…

Saturday, October 19th, 2019 from 6:00pm to 8:00pm
Sponsored by the Greater Seattle Chapter of Romance Writers of America at The Westin Bellevue  –  600 Bellevue Way NE, Bellevue, Washington 98004

 

Gerri will join 40 other authors at a meet and greet event that is open to the public. She’s also presenting two workshop: Using Myth, Legends, and Fairy Tales in Fiction and Launching Multiple Books at Once: Pros and Cons during the conference. For further information check out www.gsrwa.org.

Black Cats: Lucky or Unlucky?

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I am the owner of four black cats. Or do they own me? I’m never quite sure. Pictured here are Indy and Tye, two brothers we adopted three years ago. In A Temptress In Tartan, a black cat is mistaken as a witch’s familiar.  In the sixteenth century, it was largely believed that  black cats were… Continue Reading

The History of Chamomile Tea

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In Romancing the Laird, my warrior-hero, Reid Douglas, enjoys a cup or two of chamomile tea every day to help him relax and recover from physical fatigue,. Which got me wondering about the history of chamomile tea. Here’s what I discovered. The name chamomile comes from the Greek word meaning “ground apple.” Records of its… Continue Reading

The Witches’ Well

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I always think it’s fun to find out where writers get ideas for their books . . . that one thing that makes them pause and ask the question, “What if . . .?” That’s what happened to me while passing through Edinburgh Castle’s esplanade. I came upon a bronze plaque and a fountain featuring… Continue Reading

PNWA Autograph Party – September 14th, 2018!

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Friday, September 14th, 2018 from 8:30pm to 10:00pm PNWA Writer’s Conference at DoubleTree Hotel Seattle Airport – 18740 International Blvd, Seattle, WA 98188 Gerri will join 60 other authors at an Autograph Party that is open to the public. She’s also presenting two workshop: Creating Character Emotion and The Business Side of Romance and Women’s… Continue Reading

New historicals are coming!

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So happy to announce the sale of a new historical romance series set in the Scotland of James I featuring three brothers to Meghan Farrell at Tule Publishing as part of a three-book deal. The series entitled ALL THE KING’S MEN begins with THE KING’S WITCH. More details, especially a publication date, will be coming… Continue Reading

Holiday Book Signing – December 3rd, 2016

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Saturday, December 3rd, 2016 from 1:00pm to 3:00pm Gilman Village Writer’s Cottage, 317 NW Gilman Blvd, Issaquah (next to The Boarding House restaurant) Looking for the perfect gift for that reader on your Christmas list? Or just a little holiday spirit? Join me, Pam Binder, Sabrina York, Deborah Schneider, Pamela Mohn, Diann Shope, Shirley Smuda… Continue Reading