Spotlight on Michelle Griep's wonderful characters

What a treat we have today!! I was able to secure a much sought after interview with Colwyn Haukswyrth, knight of Gallimore Castle. He is the hero in Gallimore and what is so incredible about this inteview is we had to bring Colwyn into the future to learn more about him.

But before we do lets have Michelle Griep the author of Gallimore tell us a little about her wonderful character Colwyn Haukswyrth.

Here’s a short teaser on him:

Colwyn Haukswyrth, as cold and unfeeling as the armor he wears, is a knight who has one focus in life—himself. The product of a family rooted in hatred and greed, he never understood the significance of forgiveness. Until he meets Jessica Neale. More vexing and irksome that any wench he’s ever encountered, this provoking bit of a woman teaches him what genuine love is. . . a lesson he’ll take with him to the grave.


Are you a person who loves the secrets and surprises or do you want to know what is hidden in the packages under the tree?

I know naught of packages and trees, but secrets abound in castle corridors, especially during the long, dark nights surrounding winter’s solstice. ’Tis generally best to avoid that which is hidden, for the holy light of a Christ child is nowhere to be found on Gallimore grounds.

Wow!!!

What is the best Christmas present you ever received?

A gift well worth savoring was when my brother, the Earl of Gallimore, journeyed far and away, and was kept from returning by weather turned wicked and foul. ’Twas said of that winter that none ever so cold had been seen, the hoarfrost coating e’en the insides of hearths. Though chilblains accosted me and food was scarce, the absence of my brother warmed my soul.

I am not sure what to say in response to that Colwyn.

Are there any foods that you only have a Christmas dinner? Could you please share a family favorite recipe?

Gingerbread. Laugh and my blade will end any further capacity for your mirth in the future. The Gallimore kitchens don’t easily give out their secrets, but with a little persuasion, the cook’s lips were loosed.

“Seethe and skim a quart of honey. Throw thereon saffroun and powdered pepper. Take grated bread and make it so stiff that it will be leched. Dust over with cinnamon powder. Shape it square as though thou wouldst slice it. After thou slicest it, cast box leaves above, stuck thereon in cloves. And if thou will have it red, color with saunders.”

I promise I will not laugh. I happen to love gingerbread too although I have never had it quite the way you are suggesting.. What traditions do you hold most dear?

The twelve day battle truce. Even warriors prosper from respite. Every Christmastide, I set aside my weapons, within reach naturally, and lift a tankard or two with my second-in-command.

Naturally within reach of course. I am glad you have a day to relax your guard a bit. You seem a little tense.

Christmas is a time that many memories are made. What is the best Christmas memory you have?

’Twas a season in my life when a smile lightened my countenance. I knew love but for a brief moment, but ahh…such a fierce passion. A Christmastide, now nigh on eleven winter’s past, was the happiest of holidays ever have I known. Stolen away in Gallimore’s stable, my true love and I cozied ourselves in a nesting of sweet straw. ’Twas there I first pledged my heart, my very life. ’Tis a bittersweet memory, one of which I rarely allow to linger in my mind for surely the sorrow it brings would drive me mad.

It is a very lovely story and I am sorry for the sad ending.

What pet peeves do you have associated with the Holiday season?

Kissing boughs. Detestable practice. Since my true love was taken, I cannot bear the doe-eyed, wanton glances from the serving wenches who hope to catch me beneath the entwined evergreens. Fortunately, I’ve perfected my scowl.

I am sure your scowl does deter the ladies.

Michelle, I loved that you shared Colwyn with us he is truly an interesting character. Could you please briefly describe your novel?

Sure, here’s the back cover copy:

Jessica Neale’s faith is lost the day of her husband’s death, and with it, her belief in love. In a journey to find peace, she encounters a gentle, green-eyed stranger who leads her to the ruins of the medieval castle, Gallimore.

On his way to battle, Colwyn Haukswyrth, knight of Gallimore, comes face to face with a storm the likes of which he’s never seen, and a woman in the midst of it who claims to live centuries in the future. The Lady Jessica of Neale is an irksome, provoking bit of woman to be sure. And she’s about to turn his beliefs on end.

The product of a family rooted in pain and evil, Colwyn has focused on naught but himself—until Jessica. To a mysterious prophecy stitched on a tapestry, through the invasion of Gallimore itself, Colwyn and Jessica are bound together by a lesson in forgiveness and love—a bond that might be strong enough to survive the grave.

If you would like to win your own copy of Gallimore please leave a comment telling me what your Pet peeve of the Christmas season. As always leave a way for me to contact you if you win.

For additional entries be a subscriber to my blog or post a link to this site on your own blog. Be sure to leave me the link. The winner will be picked by December 19th.