   Hello! Today is a very exciting day! I had the privilege of interviewing author Hannah E. Griggs (aka my sister), and you get to listen in on our conversation. Her historical fiction book, Remember My Royalty, is releasing this week, and she has plenty to share about what inspired the story. Enjoy!
I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.
1. Where did you get the idea to write Remember My Royalty?
Hannah: What Texan author dabbling in historical fiction doesn’t dream of writing a story about the Texas Revolution? One of my early stories was about a pioneer family in the early days of Texas. And for years I had dreamed about writing a Texas Revolution story. I just wasn’t sure how to make the story I wanted to write work with some of the historical details.
So I laid the story aside on my someday list until I discovered John McGregor. You’ll be hearing more about him in the next section. Once I learned about him, I set to work with a will to figure out how to make the story work. And from there, the rest is history!
Bethany: It certainly is! And what a story it has become. It’s so exciting that it’s almost ready to make its way into the world to be enjoyed by readers!
2. What inspired the combination of Scottish and Texas history for the story?
Hannah: I was inspired to include the Scottish element in my Texas Revolution story when I discovered John McGregor, the Scottish piper at the Alamo. Since my ancestors belonged to Clan McGregor, I knew that I needed to write a story about him and blend my Scottish heritage with my love of Texas and her history.
Bethany: The combination of Scottish and Texas history is so neat, and it’s great that both fit together so naturally. The influence of the two is definitely one of my favorite things about the book!
3. What is your favorite Texas Revolution site you’ve visited? Why?
Hannah: I’ve been to all the main Revolution sites, and I’ve enjoyed each one of them. But my favorite is definitely the Alamo. It is just so meaningful to be walking on the site of where so many men gave their lives for freedom.
   Even though I’ve been there many times, I always feel a sense of awe whenever I return. And there is such a solemn feeling when you open the door and step inside the dim interior of the church and see the row of flags commemorating the men from those states and countries who sacrificed their lives there.
Bethany: I agree about that feeling of awe going into the Alamo. I love the way you described it.
4. What was a highlight of your trip to Scotland?
Hannah: Definitely seeing the places connected with my ancestors, both McGregor and other clans. It was so neat touring the ruins of the castle that my ancestors once lived in. And as far as sites that didn’t have family significance (at least that I knew of at the time), the Isle of Skye was another highlight. The scenery was breathtaking, and it more than lived up to my high expectations.
Bethany: There is something so special about visiting places where your ancestors lived and walked. And it’s a bonus when the place is beautiful too!
5. If you go back to Scotland, where would you most want to visit that you didn’t see the first time?
Hannah: That’s a toughie since there are a lot of places I’d like to visit like Shetland, Glencoe, and other sites. The one I want to visit most, though, would probably be the Loch Lomond area. I like the song, but more importantly, this area was once McGregor land, so it would be neat to see more of my ancestral lands.
Bethany: I hope you get the chance to go back someday (and that you take me with you).
6. If you had to guess, how many times do you think you’ve read Remember My Royalty?
Hannah: Hmm…maybe seven or eight? That might be a little on the low side, though…Ten might be a better guess.
Bethany: That definitely sounds like it’s on the low side, considering all of the rounds of proofreading and editing you’ve done.
7. What is one of your favorite things about Remember My Royalty?
Hannah: This is a toughie since I love every aspect of this story: the characters, the themes, the history, the Scottishness, the Texanness, the hours and hours of research it took. But to choose just one favorite, I think I’d have to say getting to combine my Scottish heritage with my love of Texas, the place that I call home.
Bethany: Like I said, that’s one of my favorite things about it too!
8. Who should read Remember My Royalty? Who shouldn’t read it?
Those who should read it:
• Anyone who loves well-researched Christian historical fiction, especially those who enjoy unashamedly Christian stories
• Those who enjoy stories of flawed characters who slowly grow and overcome their flaws in God’s strength
• Those who wonder why it’s so important that we remember the Alamo
• Anyone interested in learning why the Texas Revolution happened
• Fans of the works of Robert Burns, Sir Walter Scott, and other Scottish poets and writers
• Those who enjoy frontier stories in the vein of Laura Ingalls Wilder
• Readers who enjoy stories of emigrants
• Anyone who loves bagpipes
As far as who shouldn’t read it…
• Those who aren’t interested in growing in their walk with God
• Anyone who doesn’t care for war stories
• People who aren’t interested in meeting real historical characters and seeing them come to life.
• Those who don’t enjoy Scottish history
Bethany: Great answers! I think anyone who doesn’t enjoy Scottish history should go ahead and read it though. You might get them to change their minds! Actually, the same goes for any of them. It’s such a great book, they need to read it!
Their race is royal. But will they remember?
     When Hamish McGregor and his sisters are forced to leave their home in the highlands of Scotland, they prepare to join their uncle in faraway Texas. Before leaving, they make an agreement to always remember that ‘s rioghal mo dhream, my race is royal.
    However, they soon discover that remembering is not easy. For Hamish, forgetting his heritage lands him in the middle of a desperate revolution as the Texians fight for independence.
     Catriona, proud and responsible, has no patience for her brother’s shortcomings until she too needs grace. And Ealasaid, an invalid facing the hardships of frontier life, struggles to live up to a still more important title: daughter of the King of kings.
     As fighting surrounds and comes between them, will the McGregors fall or will they turn to the King for victory? Will they remember their royalty as well as the sacrifice of the brave men at the Alamo?
Content: No romance, minimal violence, no language
Are you thinking about ordering a copy of the book? Check out the perks that come with ordering a book by release day, March 6, 2026!
Visit the shop to order a physical copy or go here to find the e-books!
About the Author:
Hannah E. Griggs is a homeschool grad, teacher, and author, primarily of middle-grade Christian fiction, from Texas. She loves music and history. When she’s not writing, you’ll find her building her education business, reading classics, Christian fiction, and biographies, or improving her guitar skills. You can connect with her at hannahegriggs.com.
Simple Takeaway:
- Hannah E. Griggs likes Scottish and Texan history.
- Hannah E. Griggs wrote a book about Scottish and Texan history.
- If you also like Scottish and Texan history, maybe you should buy a copy of the book!
Let’s Chat!
   Which aspect of this book do you find the most intriguing?
   Until next time, remember your royalty as a child of the King of kings!
In Christ,
Bethany
What a lovely interview! I love the homemaking and spiritual aspects of Remember My Royalty the most. It’s a fun way to learn history too, though! Can’t wait to have it on my bookshelf. 🙂