An Interview with Lord Bryce Mitchell

The Inside Scoop

Interview with Lord Bryce Mitchell

Welcome to The Inside Scoop, Radio Transcripts of Guest Interviews. My name is Justin Case, host and executive producer of The Inside Scoop, where we interview the characters in the stories created by author Ruth A. Casie.

This was the fourth interview of characters in The Stelton Legacy series and took place in front of a live audience. I ask everyone to sit back and imagine sitting in a comfortable chair and talking with my guests. I hope my interview is informative and thought provoking and that you enjoy reading them as much as I had conducting them.

If these interviews spur questions of your own, contact me via Ms. Casie at Ruth@RuthACasie.com. She and I will work together to get you answers.

Previously Recorded

Justin Case: Thank you for joining me today at The Inside Scoop. I’m your host and moderator, Justin Case. We’re about to interview Lord Bryce Mitchell of Ravencroft, the neighboring estate to the Reynolds family of Glen Kirk Castle. To clarify, both domains are on the English side of the Scottish border. Through Lord Bryce’s service to the king, he is also a close friend of Lord Alex Stelton, the guardian of Glen Kirk Castle.

Lord Bryce makes appearances in The Guardian’s Witch, The Maxwell Ghost and The Highlander’s English Woman. You can see he’s an integral part of the Stelton Legacy story. Ah, I see him approaching now.

You can’t miss the man, always dressed in black, holding his signature black leather gloves. He has a shot of black hair and a well-trimmed beard. He walks with a commanding air that I suspect has served him well in court. He certainly looks the part of the black knight. Intimidation has served him well. He’s been battled trained through his youth alongside his neighbor and close friend, Richard Reynolds and cheered on by Richard’s sister, Laura.

(Sound of footsteps approaching)

Justin Case: Good afternoon, my Lord. I’m so glad you could join us today.

Lord Bryce: Case. (A slight nod of acceptance as he sits) Many thanks for the invitation. (He looks at the tankard by his chair)

Justin Case: I secured it from Glen Kirk Castle. (He motioned toward the tankard) I understand it’s your favorite brew.

Lord Bryce: (A smile breaks his set expression) Glen Kirk is renowned for its fine ale. It’s even prized by the king.

Justin Case: I understand the Mitchell and Reynolds families have been neighbors for quite some time.

Lord Bryce: My family has held Ravencroft and the Reynolds have held Glen Kirk Castle for centuries.

Justin Case: (Flipping through notes) My sources tell me you have been found of Lady Laura Reynolds for some time.

Lord Bryce: (His steely eyes take on a dangerous glint. Justin Case mops his brow.) It was a political strategy, I assure you. It’s the thirteenth century. Combining our houses would have ensured the safety and longevity of the castle, besides I’m sure it would please the king to have an Englishman hold the castle and not a Scottish sympathizer.

Justin Case: I understand Laura was called away to Scotland before her parents discussed your proposal with her.

Lord Bryce: Laura went with the Scottish bastard Jamie Maxwell Collins to Caerlaverock Castle to visit with her distant relations. Lord Maxwell saw an opportunity to secure Glen Kirk Castle for his family. If his nephew Jamie married Laura it would further tighten the Maxwell stronghold on both sides of the border.

Justin Case: You grew up and trained with Jamie. He was fostered to the Lord at Glen Kirk. He was—

Lord Bryce: (Bent menacingly forward toward Justin Case) I wouldn’t go there if I were you. Jamie was a filthy Scot who didn’t deserve the air he breathed.

Justin Case: I understand m’lord. That doesn’t change the fact that he married Lady Laura and that their marriage was sanctioned by the King of England himself. Not an easy thing for a Scot in the thirteenth century.

Lord Bryce: Not marrying into the family was a relief. You know the women are all witches—every last one of them. (Bryce glared at Justin Case) And you know what they do to witches.

Justin Case: Lord Bryce, surely you don’t mean—

Lord Bryce: I certainly do. As well as everyone who harbors and supports them no matter who they are or what position they hold. Do you support the arcane arts? (Bryce rhythmically slapped his gloves against his thigh)

Justin Case: I mean to disrespect, m’lord. But the healing arts which the Reynolds’ women are known for is not witchcraft.

Lord Bryce: (Stands up) You think that’s all they do? You have a lot to learn. Read the stories. It is all there, and then you tell me they’re not witches.

Justin Case: (Stands up) I will read the stories, sir. And we will meet again to discuss them. Thank you for your time.

(Retreating footsteps are heard as Lord Bryce leaves the studio)

Justin Case: (Turning toward the audience) Thank you for joining me today. I hope you enjoyed learning about Lord Bryce Mitchell and the part he plays in The Stelton Legacy.

Before you leave, I’d like to acknowledge our station and staff at WRAC for their commitment and fortitude to see this project to fruition. Many technologies had to be developed to make this happen and credit must be given where credit is deserved.

General Manager — Norma Leigh Lucid

Studio Manager — Helen Back

Maintenance Supervisors — Earl E. Bird and Ella Vada

Musical Supervisor — Kerry Oki

Electrical Engineers — Flint Sparks and Les Volt

Sound Crew — Mike Rafone and Constance Hum

Traffic Manager — Joy Rider

Legal Advisor — Sara Bellum

Researchers — Paige Turner and Rita Booke

Commissary Director — Jasmine Rice

Security Directors — Barry Cade and Anna Conda

Funded by donors Hy Price and his wonderful wife Lois Price 

Laura Reynolds and long-time friend of Jamie Maxwell Collins are in love. She adores his playful sense of humor, caring nature as well as his strong sense of honor. They have known each other from the time Jamie trained with her older brother at their home on the English side of Scottish border. Jamie has become an excellent soldier except he won’t fight and while she knows him well, she has no idea why. 

Jamie Maxwell Collins lives on the Scottish side of the border. Carefree and open, he hides a dark secret so powerful it could destroy his family and those he cares for. He can’t involve Laura in this deception. He mustn’t give her hope for a future together. Instead, he ends their relationship.

While visiting Jamie’s uncle, Laura stumbles upon Jamie’s secret, but has nowhere to turn. The only person with the answer, her brother is gone, killed on a Welsh battlefield. In her heart of hearts she knows Jamie is innocent. Their relationship in tatters and with no hope of reconciliation, she plays a deadly game to find a way to exonerate Jamie even though it means agreeing to a political marriage. She has no idea the entire game has been orchestrated by her future husband, Jamie’s greatest enemy.

Available at:   Amazon,  B&N,  iBooks,  and Kobo

Ruth A. Casie is a USA Today bestselling author of historical and contemporary romance. She weaves exciting and beautifully told legendary tales that are both rich and engaging. Her stories are full of, ‘edge of your seat’ suspense, mind-boggling drama and a forever-after romance. You can see her other stories on www.RuthACasie.com

My Boyfriend is a Demigod--An exclusive interview with Belinda Loring

Interviewer: We here at True World Teen are delighted to welcome Belinda Loring. She’s here to fill us in on behind-the-scene gossip to recent shocking events and dish about her boyfriend the demigod. Welcome, Belinda!

 (polite applause. Belinda shifts in her chair as if uncomfortable)

Interviewer: How did you find out that your boyfriend was a demigod? Or did you always know?

Belinda: I’m embarrassed to say that although Demian and I have been friends for years, I only recently found out he is a demi-god. I knew he had the long-winded talent because we exchanged messages on the breeze, but I didn’t know about his other powers until a forest fire threatened us. Demian used his powers to reroute a stream and allowed us to hide safely in the water until the flames were past.

Interviewer: Wow! How did you feel about this revelation?

Belinda: I was absolutely stunned. I mean, my boyfriend is a demi-god. How cool is that?

Interviewer: There’s a rumour that you and Demian have Bonded. Is this true? And is this bond why your recent Bonding ceremony with Warren, the House Scott heir, failed so spectacularly?

Belinda: I’m glad you asked, because I’d like to set the record straight. Demian and I were Bonded together, illegally, as children by my grandmother’s enemy, Malachi. We were so young we didn’t know what it was about or remember the ceremony. When the Bonding ceremony to Warren failed, I was more surprised than anyone. I would never, never have embarrassed our Houses like that, if I’d known about the previous ceremony.

Interviewer: And how does your grandmother, former First Councillor Ellona Loring, feel about the match?

Belinda: At first, of course, she was very angry at Malachi for the illegal Bonding and afraid that Demian would be an inappropriate match for me. But now that’s she’s met Demian and knows that he doesn’t share Malachi’s radical views, she’s much more reconciled.

Interviewer: Very quickly, could you give us five cool things about having a demi-god for a boyfriend?

Belinda: Uh, well, we can send each other messages on the breeze, because being a demigod means that he has all four elemental talents. He`s an awesome sculptor—he can shape stone with his bare hands. (pause)

Interviewer, laughing: That`s only two things.

Belinda: When we had to jump in the stream to escape the forest fire, he heated up the water so that it wasn`t icy cold. Uh, he can bring statues to life.

Interviewer, leaning forward: To life? What do you mean?

Belinda: Not permanently. I mean, that would be kind of creepy. More like golems. When I was kidnapped, he sent golems to find me. He saved me.

Interviewer: Well, that is hard to beat! One last cool thing about having a demigod for a boyfriend?

Belinda, ducking head shyly: He created a new flower, just for me.

Audience: Oooooh!

Interviewer: Swoon! Okay that’s all we have time for tonight. Tune in next week when prominent scientist Edgar Killjoy explains how the tethers between the True World and the Mirror World function and why we should care.

What she can’t remember could ruin her life.

The Mirror Worlds are but dull reflections of the True World, where magic and technology blend together…

On the True World, Belinda Loring has known from childhood that she must Bond with the son of another noble First Family. Uniting the families ensures hers will hold onto its powerful position, and so she’s always pushed down the tender feelings she has for her best friend—gorgeous, steadfast Demian, who isn’t noble.

But when the ceremonial magic goes disastrously wrong, Belinda becomes a national disgrace. Scorned as Broken, she turns to Demian for help getting revenge on the man who ruined her: the radical Malachi.

But the seeds of Malachi’s murderous plans lie buried in Belinda’s past, in the dark days of her kidnapping—a period of which she has no memory. And Demian may hold the key to recovering all that she’s lost—and saving the worlds.

Click here to read an excerpt or buy.

Character Interview: Sir Connor MacKay

Author’s Name: Cindy Spencer Pape

Book Title: Cards and Caravans

Character Name: Sir Connor MacKay 

What was your life like growing up? I had a grand childhood, the only son of a Knight of the Round Table, knowing I could grow up to be a Knight myself. My two sisters kept me on my toes, along with the Irish wolfhounds my family raises at Kay’s Tower, our Scottish Lowland estate. Living in an age of steam power and magickal abilities, I’ve always known that anything could happen.

Before the action in the book, what were your plans/hopes for the future? Well, at one time, I planned to marry Miss Winifred Hadrian, but she fell in love with that werewolf Inspector, Liam McCullough. I thought myself broken-hearted and threw all my energy into my work for the Order, helping keep Britain safe from vampyres and the like.

What changed that? Ah, then I met Belinda, about to be burned for a witch. Although I married her to save her from that fate, I soon discovered that I’d never really been in love before.

How would you describe your personality? Most folks think I’m a devil-may-care adventurer, always full of jokes and antics. My Belinda knows I have a serious side. I’ll fight to the death for the people I care about.

Do you have a motto or code you live by? Well, now, the code of chivalry was a strong part of my upbringing as a Knight. Mostly I believe in protecting those who need it and being kind to anyone less fortunate than myself.

What one thing would you take to a desert island? Other than a working airship? Or my bride? I suppose my sword. Pistols run out of ammunition.

Where would you go on vacation? Vacation, you say? (Scratches head.) Oh, you mean a holiday. Well, we go down to London from time to time. I visit my sister Genny and her family in the Hebrides. But I do like to travel. Anywhere Belinda wants to go is fine with me.

What is your most distinguishing characteristic? I suppose the hair, which my mother calls auburn and my father calls ginger. I’m a big man, but neither of those is uncommon among Scots. Belinda says I have nice knees when I’m clad in a kilt.

What is your major skill or talent? I’m a decent hand with magick, sword, or pistol.

What’s your favorite color? Favorite food? Green I suppose, for the rolling hills of my home, or the soft purple of the heather. As for favorite food, I’ve a sneaking fondness for sugared walnuts.

If you had to pick another career, what would it be? Well, I’m not much for literature or the sciences, but I suppose Liam would take me on as a constable if I asked nicely.

What’s on your bucket list? (After having that term explained, Connor shrugs.) I’d like to see my children grow up. Travel a bit. Experience all the new adventures the age of steam has to offer.

Which actor or actress would you want to play you in the movie? I’ve no idea what that means, but Cindy, the scribe of my tale, seems to think someone named Tom Hopper would do the trick. Apparently he's an actor who's played Sir Percival, another Knight. (In Merlin--ed.)

Who are your closest friends? Sir Tom Devere, a fellow knight of about my own age. His foster family, the Hadrians, especially now that I no longer think I’m in love with Winifred. Her husband, Liam, is a good friend as well.

Who do you love? My Belinda. Our future children. My parents, grandparents, nephew and sisters.

What are your future plans? One day I’ll inherit the family estate and my grandfather’s baronetcy. I already help manage the lands. Between that and hopefully moving up within the Order, I ought to have a busy life. All I really care is that Belinda is by my side.

*****

Contest: In conjunction with the release of Cards and Caravans, Cindy is running a contest for a $25.00 gift card to the e-book distributor of your choice, plus the chance to name a character in the next Gaslight Chronicles story. To enter, visit the “Contact Cindy” page on her website and send her a note. Mention which blog you saw this on, and some tidbit about the post. One entry per person per blog post. A list of posts is available on the Contest page on Cindy's site.

*****

About the Book: Cards and Caravans is book 5 in the Gaslight Chronicles steampunk romance series, and releases from Carina Press on March 18. Find out more here.

Blurb: Belinda Danvers isn't a witch. But that won't stop them burning her at the stake...
Connor McKay can tell at a glance that Belinda's magickal powers are minimal at best. She can't be guilty of murdering village children. There's something suspicious about her arrest and lightning-quick sentence. Unfortunately, telling anyone how he knows would mean revealing his own powers. He's been sent by the Order of the Round Table to help and he can't just let her die.

Escaping from jail and running from vindictive villagers in her grandfather's steam-powered caravan is more excitement than Belinda's had in years. And despite the danger--or maybe because of it--she loves the time spent with her sexy rescuer. But there's more to his magick than he's letting on...

There's something going on that's bigger than the two of them. It's time for good to make a stand.

Review: 4 Stars from Romantic Times: “All the trappings of a good steampunk novel are here..but most enchanting of all is the love that develops between the hero and heroine.

*****

About the Author: Cindy Spencer Pape firmly believes in happily-ever-after and brings that to her writing. Award-winning and best-selling author of 16 novels and more than 30 shorter works, Cindy lives in southeast Michigan with her husband, two sons and a houseful of pets. When not hard at work writing she can be found dressing up for steampunk parties and Renaissance fairs, or with her nose buried in a book. Catch her online at:

Website: http://www.cindyspencerpape.com 

Blog: http://cindyspencerpape.blogspot.com/

Newsletter group: http://yhoo.it/ni7PHo   

Twitter: http://twitter.com/CindySPape

Facebook: http://on.fb.me/gjbLLC

 

Lady Sarathena Remillus

Today we’re interviewing Lady Sarathena Remillus, the main character of my fantasy romance novel, GATE TO KANDRITH.

    1. What was your life like growing up?

SARA: I grew up on a remote estate in the province of Elysinia.  My father spent all his time in the capital and my mother was ‘delicate’ and rarely left her sickbed, leaving me to run wild with only slaves for company.

     2. Before the action in the book what were your plans/hopes for the future?

SARA: When I was fifteen, my thoughtless actions beggared my family.  I swore then to marry as my father wished to help rebuild our fortunes.  I gave up my dreams that day.

3. What is your most distinguishing characteristic?

SARA: Beauty, though I’ve found it more of a curse than a blessing.  In a society where woman are chattel, my beauty has made me a pawn.

4. What is your major skill or talent?

SARA: I excel at both mathematics and horseback riding, both extremely unladylike talents.

5. What’s your favourite colour?

SARA: Blue used to be my favourite colour; it is the colour of House Remillus, and I’ve been told that it matches my eyes.  But in Kandrith the colour blue is associated with Vez, the God of Malice, and the colour of my eyes almost gets me stoned.

6. What’s on your bucket list?

SARA: I’ve always long to travel—though not to Kandrith.  At least I managed to see the great Vaga Waterfall along the journey and visit the Temple of Mek in the middle of the falls.

7. Who do you love?

     SARA:  The most unsuitable man in the world, Lance of Kandrith.  He’s an ex-slave, our countries are mortal enemies, and he despises noblewomen.  He’s rude and impossible.  But.  He saved me from an abduction, he doesn’t treat women like mindless toys, and he has a heart as big as a mountain.  Plus very sexy muscles.

Read an excerpt or buy Gate to Kandrith

 

Don't forget to scroll down and enter the Halloween giveaway.  Weekly prize 5 first chapters critiques from Herebemagic authors (including me).  Grand prize: Ereader, your choice of Kindle Fire or Nook