Welcome to our special event celebrating Celtomania! We’re happy to welcome Anne Kane 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?

AK: I really am Celtic. My parents were both born in Edinburgh, Scotland and immigrated to Canada after they were married. I have quite an assortment of relatives back there, and hope to go visit again some day. The first and last time I managed to make it across the pond I was seventeen, which was more than a few years ago. LOL.

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 story tellers so maybe that figures in too, right? You can provide a blurb here also!

AK: My Stargazer series was inspired by the Celtic Druids and their affinity with the earth. The Druids believed that there were lines of power, called ley lines that ran beneath the surface of the earth. Many of their ceremonies concentrated on capturing the power of these ley lines and bending it to their purpose. In Stargazers, I took that concept one step farther. The women (and all Stargazers are women) can “see” the lines of energy that connect the planetary bodies and harness that energy to do all sorts of things such as power a ship, or track down a missing person. The first book in the series is Wanton:

Blurb:
When Tarik’s brother is captured by the Intergalactic Council, the handsome cyborg realizes he’ll need the help of a Stargazer if a rescue mission is to succeed. Problem is, as the leader of the rebellion he can’t just advertise for a Stargazer willing to flaunt the Intergalactic Council. But when he kidnaps Krystal, he is completely unprepared for the irresistibly sexy young woman with a gentle soul. Now he’s torn between rescuing his brother and his growing attraction to the talented witch.
ISBN (13): 978-1-60521-179-4
Watch the Book Trailer : Here
Buy Link: http://changelingpress.com/product.php?&upt=book&ubid=1115

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?

AK: I think it may be a reaction to our modern world, where things are becoming more and more disconnected from the values of the past. We want to feel a connection to our past, to know where we belong. As life becomes a chaotic race without any clear goals I think that we reach for simpler times and values that we can understand. The Druidic focus on the earth and nature has great appeal for that very reason. Of course, a yummy hunk in a kilt is always appreaciated, too!

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

AK: I would like to go way back to the beginning, when life was simple and people lived in small villages and worshipped the earth. I admit I find the simplistic times the most appealing.

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?

AK: The Mists of Avalon by Marian Zimmer Bradley is one of my all-time favorite books. I love the strong female characters and the way it depicts the whole Arthurian legend from a fresh angle. If you haven’t read it, then you’re really missing something.

Of course, for a nice hero in a kilt, I’d recommend either Selena Illyria’s Tartan Werewolf series (Changeling Press) or Nicole North’s Kilted Lover (Red Sage Publishing) **whew, it’s warm in here!**

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?

AK: My favorite Celtic artists are the Barra MacNeils, a Canadian family group from Cape Breton. I got to see them play a few years ago and absolutely loved it. Since my parents are Scottish, I’ve been exposed to Celtic music all of my life so there was no real moment when I discovered it. What I play when I’m writing depends on the mood of my story, so it’s not always Celtic. I also love country, classic rock, symphony music and ,

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.

AK: The easiest place to find out about me and my books is on my website. You can also find me on Facebook, twitter, my blog, or the Writers Gone Wild blog.

Website: http://www.AnneKane.com
Blogs: www.annekane.wordpress.com
http://writersgonewild.blogspot.com/
Twitter: www.twitter.com/annekane
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/anne.kane.author

CTR: Erin go braugh and Scotland forever! Thanks for sharing this happy event with us all. Go in peace and watch out for that green beer.