1--What is the title of your latest release?
WOOING THE DEVIL. It is book 3 in the Noble Norsemen series.
2--What’s the “elevator pitch” for your new book?
When two free spirits meet one wild night, sparks fly. But Rune and Eowyn will soon get to see that what is between them could be much more than a fling.
3--How did you decide where your book was going to take place?
It takes place in the same village as the other books in the series. I have no idea why I thought about doing a Viking series, other than I write medieval romance and I like to vary periods a bit. I am currently writing book 5 and I feel as if I live in that village myself!
4--Would you hang out with your protagonist in real life?
Err……. YES! But my poor heroine Eowyn might not be happy about that. If I get hang out with Rune, I would definitely do all I can to win him over. He’s the stuff of dreams, but it’s not surprising he should appeal to me as I created him…
5--What are three words that describe your protagonist?
Cheeky, sensual, protective.
6--What’s something you learned while writing this book?
The whole Noble Norsemen series has given me the opportunity to learn more about Vikings and their culture. I watched the series again too. What you have to do in the name of research!
7--Do you edit as you draft or wait until you are totally done?
I would be unable to explain my writing process, or even advise anyone to work this way but it works for me. I usually start with a key scene. Then I work out what type of people would find themselves in this situation and why, and it goes from there, like watching an ink drop fall on a wet page and then blossom into many ramifications all at once. I watch my ink stain develop and see what has possibilities. Sometimes you meet a dead end, sometimes a detail that was unimportant at first becomes the key to everything. It really depends. Every book is different. I really don’t have a method, that’s what makes it exciting. If I followed one I would get as bored as I do following a recipe in the kitchen.
So of course I reread and edit all the time while writing.
8--What’s your favorite foodie indulgence?
Oooh, a very French answer but cheese and crusty bread is impossible to beat! Or a bowl of fat cherries. Or tiramisu. Yes, here is my podium.
9--Describe your writing space/office!
I don’t have one. I write anywhere and everywhere. At home it’s usually on the sofa but it could be at night in my bed, while I am queuing at the market, on public transport… I always have a notebook and pen in my bag with me so I can jot down ideas or even write whole scenes. Then I type it into my computer, padding it out as I go. Sometimes I find it hard to get going and cannot write more than a few lines at a time, sometimes the words come pouring out for hours on end, it really depends.
But once I start, I get into my bubble and I am no longer on a plane or in the kitchen but in a castle in the fifteenth century or galloping through the forest with brigands in hot pursuit. So the place doesn’t matter. As long as I’m comfortable physically.
10--Who is an author you admire?
There are many but in my genre, Lisa Kleypas in an amazing writer. Such a knack for similes and evocative images. I’ve just finished Devil’s daughter. Great read. I also love Elizabeth Hoyt, Amy Jarecki, Stacy Reid…
11--Is there a book that changed your life?
Changed my life, none really. But I’ve always loved reading. The first books I remember loving and rereading over and over again are Fantastic Mr Fox and White Fang, which everyone will know, and Pimprenelle and the whimsical leek, which no one will. The story of a leek with the powers to transform itself into anything. Very random but aged 7 or 8, I loved it.
And of course the series of the Six Compagnons, a band of friends very much in the style of The Famous Five, with their own dog, Kafi. I wore them thin, all 20 of them.
12--Tell us about when you got “the call.” (when you found out your book was going to be published)/Or, for indie authors, when you decided to self-publish.
Oddly, my first contract offer arrived in my junk mail, and I almost deleted it thinking it was another of those vanity press offers. I was incredulous. But my real break was signing with Oliver Heber books, and become part of an amazing team including all my favorite authors. I still have to pinch myself.
13--What’s your favorite genre to read?
No surprises there, romance! In all sorts of subgenre and levels of spice, my favorite being medieval romance, which I write.
In other genres I love Jasper Fforde, Mark Gatiss, Karen Maitland, Alexandre Dumas amongst others.
And I read a lot of nonfiction about the Middle Ages for research and pleasure.
14--What’s your favorite movie?
Life is Beautiful. Such a moving film, poetic, romantic, hilarious, clever, full of hope. Incredible achievement.
15--What is your favorite season?
Spring. Everything comes back to life, the colors and the smells are incredible. And it’s not too hot!
16--How do you like to celebrate your birthday?
With my family, good friends and good food. Unfortunately, October is not great for picnics.
17--What’s a recent tv show/movie/book/podcast you highly recommend?
With my husband we’ve been watching a series of documentaries lately about the explosion of Challenger and Columbia. Unbelievably sad but fascinating,
18--What’s your favorite type of cuisine?
Oooh la la….. I don’t think I can choose between Italian, French, Moroccan, Mexican and Indian. But I also love Thai, Japanese, Greek….. I just LOVE good food, wherever it comes from.
19--What do you do when you have free time?
I read, write, crochet, got for a walk or a run, go horse riding, I cook, I see my friends, I pose for an artist friend, I do calligraphy…. I am never short of ideas but I don’t garden….
20--What can readers expect from you next?
Book 4,5 and 6 of the Noble Norsemen to come shortly, as well as some other medieval stand alones. It will be another busy year! I’m loving every moment.
The Noble Norsemen #3
Nicknamed “Devil" for his fiery hair and hot temper, Rune cannot resist the temptation of a wild night with a beautiful Saxon during his visit to East Anglia. But that one night of pleasure will have more far-reaching consequences than he had first imagined.
Eowyn has always wanted to live her life freely. Her meeting with the fierce Norseman will force her to see that reality is catching up with her.
When fate and well-meaning friends force them to spend more time together, secret fears and hopes start to emerge. Soon they come to see that nothing less than a lifetime together will be enough.
Romance Historical [Olympia Publishers, On Sale: April 23, 2024, e-Book, / ]
Virginie thinks she became a writer the day she decided to write a (very bad, shamefully close to the real story) version of White Fang when aged nine or ten! As for the Middle Ages she fell in love with it at school during a history lesson, then Kevin Costner’s Robin Hood put its final seal on it all. A girl of twelve then, Virginie never recovered!
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