Scotland is more than a setting, it is a spirit that runs through my writing.
The Scottish soldiers and commanders of the 18th century carried a distinct identity shaped by clan loyalty, discipline, and resilience. Even when serving under foreign banners or fighting far from home, they brought with them a fierce sense of duty and an unshakable bond to their heritage.
In Valor With Honor, Scottish influence appears not only through Highland regiments and dialect, but through worldview. There is a deep respect for leadership earned through action, a belief that courage is proven through perseverance, and an understanding that faith and hardship are often inseparable.
Scottish history is filled with struggle against harsh landscapes, political upheaval, and relentless conflict. That struggle forged a mindset perfectly suited to the realities of 18th-century warfare. It is why Scottish soldiers were respected across Europe, and why their stories remain compelling today.
When I write, I strive to honor that legacy. The Scottish heart of my work is not nostalgia, it is a recognition of a culture that valued honor, endurance, and loyalty above comfort or acclaim. Those values continue to shape my stories and define the kind of historical fiction I believe in.