Before Thornwood… There Was Burnz
Broderick MacDougal’s Original Interview (2011)
This is it, darklings — the final post on the Arial Burnz Substack.
Starting Tuesday (April 29th), all future newsletters will come from Gina Thornwood — my new pen name and official home for all things romantasy.
Your email will be automatically migrated over the weekend, so you don’t have to do a thing. Just keep an eye out for Gina’s name in your inbox.
But before we close the book on Burnz… I had to bring one legend back for one final bow.
🩸 Back in 2011, I sat down with Broderick MacDougal — the vampire who started it all. This flirty, fang-filled Q&A sent readers swooning, and the comments? Legendary.
Today, I’m sharing that original interview post in full — completely free, and exactly as it was. Think of it as a love letter to those of you who’ve been with me since the beginning... and an invitation for new readers to meet the rogue behind the dimple.
P.S. Want to win a signed copy of the NEW Midnight Conquest?
Broderick will be back on May 9th with a brand-new in-character interview, and he’s choosing three lucky readers to receive a signed paperback of the book.
All you have to do is comment on that post when it drops.
Note: The giveaway is open to all, but winners will receive their copies once the print version is finalized — likely in June. (If I can get it formatted sooner, I will!)
Until then… mark your calendar, warm up your blush response, and get ready. Rick always brings the heat!
Broderick MacDougal Interview (2011)
I await Broderick MacDougal—vampire and hero of my debut novel Midnight Conquest. Sitting in the parlor of his fortress, a fire crackles in the hearth heating my skin. A warm orange glow flickers across the stone walls and tapestries. The smell of burning wood is heady, soothing, and I can't resist taking off my shoes.
Gentleman that he is, Broderick does not keep me waiting very long. His 6-foot-3 frame enters the room seducing my attention. The corner of his mouth turns up in a smirk. I draw a deep breath to steady my beating heart. Even though I created this guy, and he's constantly in my head, he never fails to get my blood pumping.
His auburn hair shrouds his shoulders, and the flames reflect his brassy highlights as he saunters across the room. No. Saunters is hardly the word. He glides. With ethereal movements, he stands before me, that tempting dimple creasing his cheek. Cocking a fiery eyebrow, he bends forward, takes my hand, and blesses my knuckles with a sensuous kiss that leaves me in a puddle. A warm chuckle rumbles from him and he sits in the vacant chair.
“You're a rogue,” I accuse. He knows what effect he has on me and exploits it at every opportunity.
The full smile on his handsome face nearly does me in. Leaning back, he crosses his ankle over his knee and settles in for our interview. “You make it too easy, Arial.” He winks, his deep voice like a drug. Could I possibly melt any more? “You hold the advantage tonight, lass. I must confess, your warning about the topics had me both excited and fearful.”
In spite of his words, he maintains a roguish sneer.
“Yes, I have some juicy questions for you to answer, so be prepared to squirm.” I narrow my eyes in a dare.
That same eyebrow rises at my challenge, but he waits for me to begin.
Maybe I'll be the one who ends up squirming! “Our readers don't have much time to spare, so I'm diving right in. What's the first thing you notice about a woman?”
“Two features draw me almost immediately. First, her eyes. I search for that spark of intelligence, a hint of something deeper than her appearance. And then, her mouth. He grins with a dangerous glint as he does just that…gazes at my lips. His deep voice is almost breathy. “Once my eyes go to her mouth, I listen for her heartbeat and her thoughts. If any attraction exists betwixt us, her quickening pulse and forbidden images betray much.”
Yep! You guessed it! My heart's pattering a mile a minute and he wears the most wicked expression on his face. “You are such a bad boy!”
He tips his head back, and his rich laughter fills the room. “’Twas your provocative question, not mine.” He winks again. “Please proceed.”
I deliberate over switching to safer questions, but Broderick shakes his head.
“Finish what you started, Arial.”
I grumble as soft laughter oozes from his full lips.
“Since we're discussing reading thoughts, nosy… Doesn't it get awfully noisy up there?” I tap my temple with the end of my pencil.
“Inside your head, aye!”
His laughter drowns out my protests but he lures me into his amusement. I playfully nudged his knee with my toes.
Roguish smile still in place, he nods. “Aye, at first the noise was difficult to control. I, myself, did not realize how much people think…how many ideas ran through my own head…until I heard the constant rambling of it. I have, over time, learned to quiet the thoughts.
“Being a gypsy fortune teller for so long, and using your immortal gift to read minds, what advice can you give our readers? What wisdom have you gleaned from this experience?”
Broderick leans forward, resting his elbows on his knees. “Most of my clients were women. Men don’t fancy holding hands for a palm reading.” The amusement on his face melts into a softness in his emerald eyes that draws me closer. “I am happy for this opportunity to share my thoughts. Ladies, you are all beautiful, unique creatures. Yet you worry about your appearance and your presentation, and though taking care of yourself is not a fault, you betray your beauty by not being yourselves.”
I am shocked at the whisper of my voice. “Can you clarify that a bit, Rick?”
He nods. “Many women worry more about what other people think, rather than being true to themselves. They alter their behavior based on how they assume others wish to see them, as opposed to allowing their natural personality to emerge. As such, these beautiful creatures hide behind a mask, so they miss the people who would adore them because they are pretending to be someone they are not.” Broderick sits back and rests his elbows on the arms of the chair, steepling his fingers beneath his chin. “I have seen this behavior enough to near break my heart. One can never find true love if they waste their energy on such fruitless pursuits.”
I’m a little taken aback at the heavy warmth in the atmosphere and in his voice. As usual, Broderick MacDougal gains control in unexpected ways.
“You're a guy who tells it like it is, Rick. I've always admired that about you.”
He nods with a hooded gaze and smiles.
“Some of the questions common during most hero interviews don't apply to you, so I can't ask them.” I search through my notes to find the ones that do.
“Such as?”
I chortle. “Boxers or briefs?”
He laughs. “Aye, I wear neither. What do you call that?”
“Commando!” I waggle my eyebrows.
He laughs again. “What other questions?”
“Uh, okay. White, milk, or dark chocolate? You drink blood, so I don't—”
“That does not mean I cannot eat food or do not occasionally partake. I am rather fond of dark chocolate.” That heart-melting dimple emerges beside his lopsided smirk.
“I'm a little surprised. After all, he's my character.. “I didn't know that about you.”
“You never explored that part of me before.” He cocks a challenging eyebrow.
Oh yeah? I rise to the challenge. “What's your favorite erogenous zone on your body?” Ha!
Broderick widens his legs a tad and I can't help but drop my gaze to his groin. Nor can I stop heat from flaming my cheeks as he slides his hands over those powerful thighs, down between his legs...and…uses the pads of his index finger to trace the crease where his...ahem…package and legs meet. I dart my eyes back to his, and his wicked gaze, I fear, has not left my face the entire time.
My mouth suddenly dry, I reach for a glass of water on the small table beside my chair. After a long drink, I clear my throat. “What—” I squeak, and try again. “What's your favorite color?”
“Sapphire blue,” he responds, almost dreamy.
“Ah, the color of Davina’s eyes.”
“Aye.” He sighs. “’Tis a woman who has stirred my blood like no other. I may toy and tease with you, but there will be no other woman like her.” Broderick crosses his ankle over his knee again and, strangely enough, I see color bloom in his cheeks. He shifts in his chair and sports a boyish grin.
“Wow, I wish I could read your thoughts right now,” I tease. “I'm sure they're about her, judging by the way you're blushing and the, um…”
I try to peer around his knee, but he clasps his hands casually across his lap.
“What are you hiding there, Rick?”
Broderick opens his mouth as if to respond, but no words come out. He makes two more attempts to bring forth some witty phrase, but resigns to clamping his mouth shut, a crease marring his brow.
I gasp. “The infamous Broderick MacDougal is speechless. An immortal moment indeed.”
He chuckles. “As you are fond of saying, payback is a bitch.”
That it is! After a tense moment of the air fairly crackling with that oh-so-scrumptious sexuality of his, Broderick rises from his chair, steals my hand, and sears a kiss on my palm, piercing me with his sparkling emerald eyes. My heart quickens when his fangs graze the tender skin of my wrist. His tongue darts out to taste my pulse and my breath quickens. Such a tease!
“As always, your company is entertaining.” He winks, graces me with that lovely dimple and roguish grin, and glides out of the room…leaving me breathless.
Broderick, however, will be available for questions throughout the week, and so will I. We are both standing by with much anticipation. This is a rare opportunity to speak with Rick, ladies, so be sure to take advantage of it! Until then…
That’s my two pence…
Arial :)
Original 2011 Interview Comments – Broderick MacDougal
Note for Longtime Fans: Did you participate in the original interview comments?? check below to see if you recognize your comment name/handle. CLICK HERE to go to the Gina Thornwood post and leave a comment to let me know!
44 Comments
Jfort357 said…
Hi Arial! Thanks for sharing this great interview with Broderick & providing us with a visual!!! He is a HOT vamp!!! ;-) Can’t wait to read your book!! Added it to my TBR list.
Oct 22, 2011 8:20:00 AM
IreneRJ said…
Oh yes! Loved the interview with Broderick. He has gone straight onto my wishlist. Ooops I meant your book has gone on the wishlist.
Oct 22, 2011 9:12:00 AM
Temperance said…
Thanks for sharing with us. :) I really enjoyed reading it. Thank you for the great giveaway.
Oct 22, 2011 9:34:00 AM
Vanessa N. said…
Arial is a new author for me and I loved the interview. The story sounds cool. Thanks for the chance.
Oct 22, 2011 11:50:00 AM
Cathy Ward said…
Thanks for the introduction to a new author for me and a most intriguing character. I wouldn’t mind having him live in my Kindle.
Oct 22, 2011 1:10:00 PM
Jfort357 said…
>Cathy – I so agree!! He can live in my Nook and never leave!!! ;-)
Oct 22, 2011 1:15:00 PM
Yto said…
Thanks for the opportunity to win this book – it sounds intriguing ^^
Oct 22, 2011 1:45:00 PM
Tanya1224 said…
Well well…I do like the sound of Broderick =) I love the comment about living in my Kindle…lol…I so agree =) that’s funny. Thank you so much for the chance to win and sharing this new author with me. I’d love to try her stuff and devour her character. :)
Oct 22, 2011 4:28:00 PM
Barbara said…
Is it warm in here? I so enjoyed meeting Broderick today! And you just had to give him a dimple, huh? Geeze. Trying to put him aside (!)…the story sounds very good too and I’m placing it high on my lust…I mean list!
Oct 22, 2011 5:45:00 PM
DarkBloodVamp said…
Thanks for this giveaway!
Looks like another hot book that I would love to read.
Oct 22, 2011 6:12:00 PM
BLHmistress said…
This book and sounds great! Thanks for the opportunity!
Oct 23, 2011 2:40:00 AM
Mnjcarter said…
That man is stunning!! Between his smirks, winks and dimples, I am hooked!!! Went on over to your website, the cover for this book is beautiful!! I see you have a whole series planned out. Very nice!!
Thanks for the giveaway!
Oct 23, 2011 8:49:00 AM
MaryC said…
Love these interviews!
Oct 23, 2011 3:59:00 PM
Lindalou said…
Great interview! OMG, you’ve certainly pictured on hunk of a vamp! Thanks for the giveaway!
Oct 23, 2011 4:20:00 PM
Jen B. said…
Broderick sounds yummy! Thanks for the giveaway!
Oct 23, 2011 8:21:00 PM
Books4me said…
Wowowowowow…the photos are dreamy and this is a great last thing to see before I go to bed!
Thank you for the giveaway!
Oct 23, 2011 10:28:00 PM
KainsHottie said…
Never read your work before, but I am definitely interested. So how old is Broderick? If he had to decide to eat something (other than blood or female) what would it be? (i.e., favorite food)
Oct 23, 2011 10:50:00 PM
Anne said…
There needs to be pictures of the hunky heroes with all posts!
Oct 24, 2011 11:37:00 AM
Maria (pronounced Mariah) said…
This is the first I have heard of this author. I thoroughly enjoyed this interview. It was very entertaining. If the book is anything like it, I will really enjoy it!
Thanks!
Oct 24, 2011 4:19:00 PM
Sariah said…
Great interview. Thanks for the giveaway.
Oct 24, 2011 6:01:00 PM
PattiP9001 said…
Great interview. I really want to know where you find all of these awesome books/authors/characters.
Seeing my wish list, I think I’ll get nothing but books for Christmas…lol
Oct 26, 2011 8:48:00 PM
Arial Burnz said…
Hello, Ladies!!! I apologize for my late response. Life has been crazy and my day job is hogging all my time! So many wonderful responses and I'm jazzed that you all find Rick so dee-lish!
Due to the late response, I’ll be giving away three copies AND 1 bonus...my erotic vampire short story written under my erotic pen name Kami Cummings: Here's Blood In Your Eye.
Keep the comments coming! I’ll do the drawing at the end of the month.
Hugs to all of you all!
Arial :)
Oct 27, 2011 3:21:00 PM
Arial Burnz said...
OH! And don't forget...Broderick is available for any questions. KainsHottie... see you’ve asked a couple. I’ll get Rick on to answer your questions and make some comments.
Oct 27, 2011 4:10:00 PM.
Broderick MacDougal said…
Ladies, I don't believe I have ever blushed so much in my 561 years! You lassies are bold and outgoing…and sweet enough to eat. I am humbled and stired by your many compliments. Thank you. I encourage you all to ask your questions and I will do my best to please. ;)
Yours eternal,
Broderick MacDougal
P.S. Please…call me Rick.
Oct 27, 2011 4:40:00 PM
Broderick MacDougal said…
>KainsHottie - Greetings, Blossom! I believe my last comment may have addressed your fist question, but I shall be more specific here. I was born April 4th, 1450, in Oban, Scotland… making me 561 years old.
As for my favorite food...through the years I have sampled a wide and wild variety of cuisine, so it is difficult to choose o favourite. I especially enjoy Italian, French and recently have come to enjoy Mexican food during my time in the Los Angeles area and my many trips to Mexico. In all honestly. I admit dork chocolate is a weakness of mine. Not just for the bittersweet flavour, but there is so much you can do with chocolate. Let us leave that to our imagination...shall we? ;)
Humbly yours,
Rick
Oct 27, 2011 4:47:00 PM.
Amie said…
Hottie hottie hot hot hot! Uhum...can't think of anything to ask yet. Maybe I'll go a cold shower and see if I can get my brain working…
Oct 28, 2011 7:43:00 AM
Broderick MacDougal said…
I shall wait patiently for your return, sweet Amie...towel in hand. ;)
Yours eternal,
Rick
Oct 28, 2011 10:28:00 AM
Poison Rose said…
AH yes, Arial final let's her rogue escape, if only too briefly. I have read your tale thus far, dear Rick, and I have always wondered what your initial thoughts were upon seeing your beloved Davina again in your wagon, and in full bloom, a child no more?
I look forward to hearing more about how you and all are doing.
Your Playtoy,
Poison
Oct 28, 2011 12:43:00 PM
Calisa Rhose said…
Wow... Nice to meet you, Broderick! Thanks for sharing, Arial! Love his erogenous zone…
Oct 28, 2011 1:45:00 PM
Broderick MacDougal said…
Dearest Poison Rose,
Aye, lass, she was quite a site to behold...especially since I just had a randy time with her in my dream! Still aroused from the imaginary coupling, I was ready to take her where she stood. However, though I am a rogue, as Arial reminds me often, I do not believe I am as brash to take advantage of the weakness of mortal women. I prefer seduction as a tool.
The most curious point, though, is Vamsyrians (now known today as vampires) do not dream, and yet with her, I did. And dampening that arousal were the images I saw in her mind of my enemy and clan rival - Angus Campbell. Aye, quite sobering to be sure. But I am revealing too much about my tale. I shan’t spoil the story
I do hope you are enjoying MIDNIGHT CONQUEST. I will admit, I have never thought to play with Poisoned Rose. Perhaps there is something I am missing, ay lass? ;)
Yours eternal,
Rick
Oct 28, 2011 2:31:00 PM,
Poison Rose said…
Rick,
*nods* Ay, but you made swift to remove those thoughts from her mind for good. And for that, I am sure she is eternally grateful.
*grins and laughs lightly* Indeed, you are missing out. I can only admire a man more who is devoted to his love. I shall tease you though. I like to play rough and Im not afraid to go after what I want in order to get it. *winks seductively*
Your Playmate,
Poison,
Oct 28, 2011 3:16:00 PM
Broderick MacDougal said…
Sweet Calisa Rhose,
I’m surrounded by precious blossoms with all of you “roses.” Its a great pleasure to meet you, as well. Aye, Arial was a bit daring asking me that question about my erogenous zone. I do enjoy making her squirm, but I am pleased you found such satisfaction learning about such a personal detail. Care to share yours?
Yours eternal,
Rick
Oct 28, 2011 3:33:00 PM
Broderick MacDougal said...
Poison,
Och, woman! Yer enough to boil any man's blood...a tease you are at that! And there's something to be said about a woman who knows what she wants, Never change, lass! Be true to yourself.
Yours eternal,
Rick ;)
Oct 28, 2011 4:19:00 PM
Calisa Rhose said…
Oh, Broderick (I do like that romantic version over the short form), you are the word charmer. I wasn't aware this was ‘I’ll show you mine if you show me yours’ period. But if you are brave enough to ask…you need to come spend time with me and find out for yourself. ;) *I like sharp teeth :-O*
Everlasting,
C. Rhose
Oct 28, 2011 4:51:00 PM
LaVerne Clark said…
Hi Arial and Rick,
Whew! *fans self* What on interview! I must admit, I'm not normally a vampire-lover - but you have me completely and utterly under your spell - and it’s a wonderful place to be. :) I loved your insights into what makes a woman beautiful. Thanks for sharing Broderick with us, Arial. It was an incredibly wonderful way to start the morning on my side of the world! Oh - and here is my email in case I’m the lucky one to spend more time with Rick – [email redacted].
Oct 28, 2011 5:48:00 PM.
Broderick MacDougal said…
Miss Calisa Rhose,
A Rhose is not a rose I see. ;) I do my best to please. As the posting here states, you are entered into the drawing and now Arial is giving away three copies of MIDNIGHT CONQUEST, so you have a better chance of taking me home with you. I wish you all the luck, Blossom!
Yours eternal,
Rick
Oct 28, 2011 6:15:00 PM.
Broderick MacDougal said…
Sweet LaVerne Clark,
Thank you for your kind and luscious words. I am moved to be the vampire who seduced you. Perhaps we will spend more intimate moments together if you, too, can take me home.
Lassies, you are all spoling me. I wish I could go home with you all.
Yours eternal,
Rick
Oct 28, 2011 6:20:00 PM
Arial Burnz said…
Whoa! I leave the keyboard for a spell and Rick has taken over cyberspace. I’ll try to teach this rogue to behave.
Um…actually… I would wager, based on the comments…you ladies are having such a good time, I’d probably get clobbered if I did that. Never mind! Have at it!
I will say that I’m pulling Rick away for a bit. We have a Halloween party to go to. We’ll try to check in on the weekend and then we’ll have the drawing on Monday - HALLOWEEN DAY. Rick is insisting he be the one to announce the winners.
Hugs to you all!!! And Happy Halloween!
Arial :)
Oct 26, 2011 6:28:00 PM
Anne R said…
Loved the interview and loved reading the comments even more. Rick sounds like a handful.
Happy Halloween!
Oct 28, 2011 9:22:00 PM
Broderick MacDougal said…
Sweet Anne,
I absolutely cannot resist responding to your comment with a cheeky grin…a handful indeed, depending upon what you grab. ;)
Wishing you a very sweet and happy All Hallow's Eve.
Yours eternal,
Rick
Oct 29, 2011 3:08:00 PM
Broderick MacDougal said…
Ladies,
I have the great privilege and pleasure to announce our three winners:
- JFort357
- Bortsora
- PattiPs001
Each of you lovely blossoms will receive a copy of MIDNIGHT CONQUEST (full-length novel) and HERE'S BLOOD IN YOUR EYE (short story). Arial will send out the e-mail shortly.
I am honored to have met all of you and I hope we can spend more time together as you enjoy my stories.
Yours eternal,
Rick
Oct 31, 2011 5:23:00 PM.
Arial Burnz said…
Ok, Gals! The e-mail went out. I do hope you enjoy the story and thank you all again for all your participation!! What a joy it was to see all your wonderful comments. Looking forward to our next exchange. Until then…
That's my two pence,
Arial :)
Oct 31, 2011 5:35:00 PM