When Marshal Ira Farrell learns that his youngest brother and his fiancee may have been murdered in what's alleged as an accidental fire, he'll stop at nothing to see the killer or killers brought to justice. However, he never expected to have his investigation hampered by beautiful, stubborn Sarah Brighton, an independent, female journalist who insists on male and female equality. At first, he's convinced to go it alone, but as thye uncover another murder and a cattle rustling conspiracy that involves the entire town counsel, they're forced to work together in order to survive.

Reader Views would like to welcome noted author Donna
MacQuigg.  Her third novel, “The Price of Pride” is a
western adventure that takes place in enchanting New
Mexico during the late 1800’s.  Thank you for taking
the time to share your thoughts with us today.

Donna MacQuigg is being interviewed by Juanita Watson, Assistant Editor for Reader Views.

Juanita:  This is your third novel.  What inspired you to
write “The Price of Pride?”

Donna:  A few years ago, I borrowed my daughter’s
school-book on women’s literature and read about the women’s suffrage movement which began in
the very late 1800’s and lasted into the early 20th century.  Having an over-active imagination, I
pictured how it would be if a free-spirited young woman from the east traveled to the wild-west with
equality issues at a time when it still very much a man’s world.  Also, I’ve always loved western
books and movies.  Roy Rogers and John Wayne were my childhood heroes, and when I was 4, my
parents put me on a friend’s horse and that was probably their worse mistake.  After that, all this city-
kid ever wanted was to own a horse and be a cowgirl.  They finally relented and bought me a horse
when I graduated from high school.

Juanita:  With a love of the old-west reaching back into your childhood, it must have been
completely natural for you to write “The Price of Pride.”  What kind of research did you do in
preparation for writing a western set in the late 1800’s?

Donna:  Unlike many authors I love research.  I consider myself a history-buff, and own quite a
collection of books on various subjects including guns, and a series from Time specifically about the
old west.  They’ve inspired me to write another western romance entitled The Doctor’s Daughter
about a colonel in the Army who fought in the Indian Wars and is haunted by his memories of the
terrible things done to both sides.  I also enjoy reading about women’s roles in society at the turn of
the century, and how they finally won the right to vote.  Did you know that many medical
professionals in the late 1800’s thought it medically harmful for a woman to learn to read or obtain a
higher education?

Juanita:  Give us an idea of the storyline in “The Price of Pride.”

Donna:  It opens with the death of the hero’s brother and the heroine’s cousin in Santa Fe, New
Mexico in what’s alleged as an “accidental fire.”  Ira Farrell, our hero left his family’s ranch north of
Santa Fe, ten years before to get away from an abusive father.  He became a bounty hunter-turned
gunfighter-turned United States Marshal.  Sarah Brighton, our heroine, is one of the first female
journalists in an age when the women’s suffrage movement wasn’t exactly popular.  They both come
to town, Ira from Arizona, Sarah from Maryland, to learn more about the fire.  They meet, are
attracted to each and suspicious about the fire, and realize, after some sparks fly, that they’ll have to
work together to solve the mystery of their loved one’s death.

Juanita:  Have you based any of the characters on anyone you know?

Donna:   Yes … and no.  I’ve been married to a police officer since I was 22 years old, and I think
most law enforcement officers are very special people who perform a difficult job with little
understanding from the public.  It’s easy to become cynical after years of serving the public in this
capacity.  I think Ira is a lot like my husband.  Sort of the strong, silent type.  A man’s man, who’s
willing to do whatever’s necessary for his family and his job, regardless of popular opinion.

Juanita:  Sarah Brighton is quite an unconventional woman for the late 1800’s.  Tell us more about
your motivation in having such a strong female lead and, I’m sure your readers would like to know, is
there any of you in Sarah Brighton?

Donna:  Oh, sure.  I think most authors put a little of themselves in their characters.  Mine are
always smarter and better looking. lol.  And, mine are always strong, independent free-thinkers.  I
worked in management for many years, and prided myself on being a strong leader without bowling
over my fellow employees.  I’m a problem solver, and in order to be that kind of person, I believe one
must have a good deal of determination.  Sarah is a very determined young woman, often acting
without thinking of the end result.  But she never gives up.  Gosh, that really applies to being a writer
these days.  Never give up even if you’re first attempts are rejected.

Juanita:   That is really good advice – and timeless too.  We need more determined, strong women
acting on what they believe in.  Now, if it doesn’t give too much away, what is the meaning of the
title “The Price of Pride?”  How does it apply to the story?

Donna:  The title first came to me when I was in Ira’s POV.  His character is very proud and it was
partly his pride that made him leave the ranch and stay away.  Then his youngest brother is killed, and
Ira feels guilty—thinking that had he been there for his brother, his death might have been prevented.  
In Ira’s mind his brother paid the price for Ira’s pride.  In the reader’s mind, I hope they see that Ira’
s also paying the price.

Juanita:  Who would enjoy this book?

Donna:  I’m pleased to tell you that I think both men and women will enjoy my book.  Yes, it’s a
romance, but Five Star did such a great job with the cover, I don’t think a man would feel self-
conscious standing in a line to pay for it.  Also the University of New Mexico’s English Department
soon-to-be-professor, Virgil Mathes graciously agreed to do a critique.  He stated he thought my book
was “western enough to appeal to many male readers as well as the more typically female romance
market.”  I’ve had some great reviews, but that’s the one I’m most proud of.

Juanita:  “The Price of Pride” is considered a western romance.  What does “The Price of Pride”
have to teach us about love?

Donna:  That two strong, stubborn individuals can reach a compromise and experience a great and
enduring love while remaining individuals.

Juanita:  I understand that “The Price of Pride” has a very action-packed ending, is this true ?

Donna:  Absolutely.  What’s a good western without a good shootout?  Remember, my hero is an ex-
gunfighter, and he’s got two grown brothers, all good with guns.  And even though most of the town
council is bad, as a lawman, it’s Ira’s duty to bring then in.  As a result, there’s a heck of a gunfight,
a fire that burns down the jail, and finally a man-to-man draw-down between Ira and the worse of the
bad guys in the middle of the street.

Juanita:  What do you hope readers take away after reading your book?

Donna:  Wishing it hadn’t ended … that they could’ve stayed a little longer sharing in the lives of Ira
and Sarah.

Juanita:  Donna, you are a native New Mexican.  Tell us a little of your love of New Mexico and
your decision to use this as the setting for “The Price of Pride.”

Donna:  I love New Mexico.  It’s unique, full of different cultures and packed with history.  Many
people think it’s nothing but cactus and tumble weeds when in reality some of the most beautiful
mountains of the Rocky Mountain chain cut through the center of our state.  My husband and I have
ridden many miles on horseback exploring trails through the majestic Sangre de Cristo Mountains near
Santa Fe.  I have pictures of these rides on my website and a link for visitors to explore New Mexico
for themselves.

Juanita:  Besides writing novels, what do you do to keep inspired and your creativity flowing?

Donna:  Lots and lots of day dreaming.  I think today it’s called “adult attention deficit.” lol.  I’m a
true romantic at heart, so I’m appreciative of a beautiful view, and old cowboy’s weathered features
as he puts a match to a stogie—things like that.  I think I see things in my surroundings that other
people don’t notice.  I think about how the people that settled this country lived, and I believe this
helps me visualize scenes which eventually come together in my books.

Juanita:  Imagination truly is one of our greatest gifts.  Who have been your influences in your
writing career and what authors are your favorites?

Donna:  Two people, both now passed.  Dr. Rodger MacQuigg, my father-in-law, and Elizabeth
Schick, my mother.  My mother was wonderful, supported all my crazy ideas with a clam nod and a
soft smile.  She was a great listener, and gave me wonderful names for castles and did all my proof
reading.  I once nearly submitted a book where the heroine had bear feet when I really meant to say
bare feet.  We laughed about that for quite awhile.  Rodger was a bit of a writer himself, but what he
left me when he died was one of the best things ever.  He left me his library full of history books.  He
also bought me books on style and how to get published.  Both of these people died before it
happened, but I think they know and are happy for me.

My favorite author is Judith McNaught.  However, I’m selective.  I only buy her historical
romances.  And, I was recently introduced to a paranormal romance book that I just loved by
Kathryne Kennedy entitled Beneath The Thirteen Moons, and now I’m hooked on Kathryne’s writing
and her magical romances.  Who knows, maybe next year I’ll try Sci-Fi romance!

Juanita:  This is your third novel to date.  What are your other books and would readers who enjoy
“The Price of Pride” relate to them?

Donna:  My other books are medieval historical romances.  However, in many ways the characters
are the same type—strong women attracted to stronger men even though in reality women back then
were expected to be meek and mild.  My mother was English, so I’ve always been especially
interested in British history, and just opening a book on the Hundred Years War conjures up dozens of
ideas.  I just published my first e-book entitled Trust and Treason which was inspired by the battle at
Halidon Hill between the Scottish and the English in the 14th century.

Juanita:  I know fans of “The Price of Pride” will easily enjoy your other writings.  How can your
fans find out more about you and your endeavors?

Donna:  You’ll get to know what’s in my head by reading my books, and you can take a look at
what inspires me by checking out the photo section on my website.  It’s a freebee, and I built it
myself with a lot of determination and the gracious help of a dear author friend, Kathryne Kennedy of
Magical Romance.  Have a look at our creation at www.geocities.com/donnamacquigg.com

Juanita:  Well Donna, thank you for talking with us today.  We wish you continued success with
your books and writing career.  Do you have any last thoughts for your readers?

Donna:  I’d like to thank them all for their support.  It’s readers that ultimately make authors
successful, and I’ve had some wonderful, inspiring encouragements from some of mine.  Also, thank
you Juanita and Reader Views for allowing me to participate in such a fun and exciting interview.