Article: Writers are often asked where...

Writers are often asked where they get their ideas. My quick answer is that mine are born in Scotland. But what is it about Scotland that so inspires me?

Perhaps my own Scottish ancestry? Or my fascination with medieval history, in particular the era of my favorite historical hero, Robert Bruce, King of Scots?

Or is it because Scotland satisfies my great appreciation of atmospheric places?

A thick-walled cottage perched on a cliff-top; a castle ruin, its once mighty walls, now tumbled. A grove of ancient yew trees; a circle of centuries-old standing stones, lichen-covered and worn, yet still possessed of enough power to pervade their surroundings with a thrumming sense of continuity, despite the passage of time.

Scotland is blessed with a wealth of such places, and it is there that I find the inspiration for my books.

My first, DEVIL IN A KILT, took shape when its hero, Duncan MacKenzie, 'appeared' to me when I visited Eilean Donan Castle near Skye. Dark, proud and handsome, he told me his tale and unleashed a chain of synchronicity that eventually became 'his' book.

Eilean Donan became the book's setting, while other story elements were gleaned form the atmospheric places elsewhere in Scotland.

I wanted to weave a special legend and ceremony into the book's wedding festivities. Something to reflect the lure of medieval Scotland and old Celtic beliefs, but also to mirror the book's two underlying themes: unconditional love and the realization that a pure heart holds more worth than outer beauty.

These values are reflected in the book's Marriage Stone Ceremony, wholly my own creation, inspired by the Clara Cairns near Inverness and Aberlemno Standing Stones in Tayside.

Such places exude a sense of timelessness, and when anyone with an open mind and fervent imagination, treads such ground, they are assailed with impressions.

And ideas.

What memories linger on? What emotions may yet stir beneath the surface? Whose voices would call to us if only they could? And what would they say?

I believe the memories are there: rare glimpses into a long-past world, hidden only by a thin veil that separates then and now. On my trips to Scotland, I seek out such atmospheric places, and when there, I look deep and listen closely, always striving to sense what traces of the past might still be present. If I am very fortunate, a full-bodied character like Duncan will stride into view and give me the foundation for a story.

More often, I gather bits and pieces. Precious flotsam I combine with elements from my research, and then mix together until I am satisfied.

Scotland is a land of unspoiled natural beauty, a rich cultural heritage, and a long history of proud, brave, and honor-loving men and women. Bountiful, too, are atmospheric places, just waiting to share their tales.

I always tell anyone planning to visit there, to slow their pace and listen deeply when they walk those heather hills. One can never be sure what wonders might come to light.

Copyright © 2002 Sue-Ellen Welfonder