<>

Albert Camus

Don't walk behind me; I may not lead. Don't walk in front of me; I may not follow. Just walk beside me and be my friend.

Friday, April 4, 2014

Interview: Blind Mercy (Blind #2) by Violetta Rand

Description:

The Sigurdsson family legacy continues…

A woman who prayed for a hero…

Orphaned at a young age, Rachelle Fiennes prayed for a hero to rescue her from her tragic life in England. When her only kinsman goes missing after the Battle of Stamford Bridge, Rachelle braves the aftermath of the battlefield to find him.

A man who lost everything…

Damned by the gods for surviving the bloodiest defeat in Norse history, Jarl Tyr Sigurdsson is still determined to get home. Hiding until nightfall so he can escape to his ship, his dangerous endeavor is disrupted when he’s accidently discovered by a beautiful Saxon.

Brought together by war, Rachelle and Tyr face many obstacles. Can sworn enemies find peace through love, or will fate tear them apart?

MB's INTERVIEW

What Violetta Rand the environmental scientist shares with the VR the writer? 
My Viking stories are typically set in the Trondelag, Norway which is remarkably similar to where I live in Alaska. The natural splendor, mountains, rivers, fjords, forest, and flora and fauna are always incorporated into my stories. Not only is the landscape paramount to where the Vikings domiciled, it also holds religious significance to my characters. Because I’ve worked as an environmental professional in Alaska, visiting remote sites throughout my state, it’s easy for me to picture the wilderness in Norway. 

And are there any subtle messages hidden in your books? 
I believe my stories reflect how important the natural environment is. Vikings lived in harmony with nature, dependent on it for their survival, but always in awe of its mystifying beauty and value. 

As a side note, Norse surnames were often chosen for where a person lived. 
Example: Dahl – means valley 

Your Blind series is with and about Vikings. Why do you write historical romance and why did you choose the Vikings? 
Historical romances are my favorite genre to read and write. I love the challenge. Historical accuracy is a must, so I enjoy researching. Vikings have always been a favorite of mine. As warriors, they also fall under a very rare category of fighters. Most men weren’t afraid to die in battle, but preferred to live so they could celebrate victory. Vikings wanted to die so they could gain entry to Valhalla. 

How important is the historical accuracy to the story and how much the writer can change the historical facts? 
Historical accuracy is very important—readers expect it. With Vikings, there’s room for creative interpretation because there’s a lot of data gaps in Viking records. I enjoy trying to connect the missing pieces. 

How (and why) do you prefer your heroes to be? But your heroines; are they damsel in distress or kick ass heroine? 
I’m all about Alpha males. Vikings aren’t exactly your civilized, regency hero. However, striking the perfect balance between the dominating warrior and patient/compassionate hero is essential. 

My heroines are usually a mix of damsel in distress/strong-willed and very independent. This varies with each storyline, but I’m a big fan of women who aren’t afraid to pick up a sword and fight after they stitch their dress. J

What do you and your characters believe about the idea that love will always prevail? 
Love always prevails. End of story. J

About the author:
Violetta Rand holds a bachelor's degree in Environmental Policy and a master's degree in Environmental Management. Serving as an environmental scientist in the state of Alaska for over seven years, she enjoys the privilege of traveling to remote places few people have the opportunity to see. 

Violetta has been "in love" with writing since childhood. Struck with an entrepreneurial spirit at a young age, at five, she wrote short stories illustrated by her best friend and sold them in her neighborhood. The only thing she loves more than writing is her wonderful relationship with her husband, Jeff. She enjoys outdoor activities, reading whatever she can get her hands on, music, and losing herself in the fictional worlds she enjoys bringing to life. 

Ms. Rand’s debut historical romance series, The Blind Series, is set in the fascinating world of 11th century Vikings. Her New Adult romance series, The Devil’s Den, is edgy and evocative, and explores the sexy world of exotic dancers.


1 comment:

Anonymous said...

Mi-a placut foarte mult interviul, cum a raspuns si ce a raspuns. Autoarea e draguta, dar mai draguta e cartea:)) Glumesc. Imi place cartea, si iarasi... n-am auzit niciodata de ea. Tipic mie.