And our Sue's Clues Mystery Author is:

Our Mystery Author this round is Jackie Ivie. If you are looking for a good historical romance, she's the lady you need. Jackie's books are set in Scotland, range in time periods of the 12th century to the 19th, and feature characters you can't help but fall in love with. Each of her books have consistently received a Top Pick rose at our website, and our own reviewer Kristal described one as "A book that is so beautiful, so incredibly worthy that I will want to read it again the minute I close the last page."

After you have read the interview, you can visit Jackie at her website: http://www.jackieivie.com/index.htm

And if you'd like a taste of what we're talking about, access the link below for the first chapter of Jackie's upcoming release, ONCE UPON A KNIGHT: http://kimberlykillion.com/ZebraCollection.pdf

Thanks, Jackie!

1. Tell us about growing up in a fairly large family. You are one of five- for girls and a boy. Your poor brother didn't stand a chance?

You didn’t meet my brother! He was the fourth child my mom had in five years—poor woman! And man! He was so cute when he was young—but he got bigger. A lot bigger. I’m tall—most of my sisters are close to 6-footers—but the brother? Football linebacker size. He’s got the size and look of a Viking. (We’re Danish descended. And he’s a hunk. I’ve got one of his pictures on my website)..

2. In addition to writing, you are also an artist. Do you still find time for it? What type of artwork and where would we find it?

I haven’t drawn in years, actually…. Since I just retired, I’ve dusted off the art boards and pencils and paintbrushes, and am looking forward to getting back into it. I really like mixed media technique. And I’m very good at detail and realistic images. So…I generally do animal portraits in colored pencil and ink, and then I put a human face with them in pencil—but with like shaded eyes. And then for fun, I’ll water-color the background.

3. You grew up in Utah and ended up in Alaska, via Wyoming. What brought you there? Do you live in a rural area or more of an urban location? What is the best and worst of living there?

I was a manager for the US Postal Service! Just retired. Moving to Alaska was a huge move for my career (after getting the approval of the entire family, of course). The best thing about Alaska is it’s everything you’ve seen. The scenery is outstanding! Every time of the year. Winter, Summer….it’s absolutely jaw-dropping. And the worst thing is….it’s fairly isolated. If you want to visit family or vacation in a warmer climate or travel to writing conferences, it requires a plane trip—(or boat or drive through Canada)—and we all know how much fun security at the airport is. (not)

4. Your books are set in time periods ranging from the Middle Ages to the Victorian Age. Is there a particular century you've preferred to the others?

You know, all I have from my publishers is to set my historical romances in Scotland. I love my editor and publisher! I get to decide whether I want my hero to be a medieval “in-your-face” alpha male wearing not much more than a sword and plaid…or put him in a later era with a veneer of civilization. There is nothing better! So…as to what century is my preference….? None, really. All. Scot history is so full of rich and deep emotions and trauma I really don’t have a preference. (I’m actually toying with setting one in the 19th century again. I do love trains.)

5. What parts of your books do enjoy writing the most? Enjoy the least?

I LOVE the beginning! The first look. First scent. First touch. First eye lock. First kiss. Oh my! It’s the best! As for least….I write books in a maniacal fashion. I spend weeks getting a total feel for the setting and how it will feel, look, smell, that kind of thing, and then I sit down and about three to five weeks later (depending on the muse) I’m done. I write in a plot-less, linear fashion, so it’s exactly like reading it (only longer). But…as I close in on the pivotal point (the “are they going to get together?” stage) I truly start slowing down and dragging my feet (and sobbing). That’s the least favorite. By far.

6. Tell us about your upcoming October release, "Once Upon A Knight".

Oh—boy! This is the sequel to THE KNIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS. In that book, my heroine, Kendran, has a little sister who manipulates events and gives hints and then sits back and loves to watch people make their own mistakes and suffer their own heart-burnings. So…I gave Sybil her comeuppance… In ONCE UPON A KNIGHT, she gets her very own, hot, hunky Highlander, who just happens to be a complete con-artist. Trouble comes when they find out they’re both too hard to handle.

7. What is next?

Oh man! I have two of the most amazing things I’ve ever written coming up. One is set in 1453 with a King’s Champion and the heroine he claims through a battle at her castle—much to her dismay. I titled it THE KNIGHT AND WHITE SATIN, but titles could change. And I just turned in one about a guy who’s so steeped in being a Highland barbarian he doesn’t let anyone tell him what to do. And man! Is he in for trouble!

8. Also, I see you are involved in LOW RWA. What exactly is that and how does a person get involved?

This is the Low Country RWA group. (South Carolina!) I just did an on-line class with them on researching your historical romance for accuracy and authenticity and that certain touch that makes it so real. I love that group! Their website is: http://lowcountryrwa.com/