Today’s
blog guest is historical romance novelist Violetta Rand. She’s touring her
novel Blind Allegiance.
Violetta
will be awarding a $25 Amazon gift card to a lucky commentor during her tour.
To be entered to win, leave a comment below. To increase your chances of
winning, visit other tour stops and leave comments there.
Bio:
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 ancient
worlds she enjoys bringing to life in the pages of her stories.
Welcome Violetta. Please tell us about
your current release, Blind Allegiance.
Eleventh
century Vikings, very near the end of the Viking Age when Christianity spread
across Scandinavia.
It’s a
risk of a lifetime loving a man you’re supposed to hate…
Betrayed
by a brother she hardly trusted before the bloodthirsty Viking, Jarl Randvior
Sigurdsson, attacks her home, Noelle Sinclair is conveniently bartered as a
means to save her cowardly sibling’s skin. Forced to leave her homeland and
accompany the petulant Viking to the untamed wilderness of central Norway,
Noelle is ever-aware of the burgeoning dangers around her—including her
weakening resolve to resist Randvior.
Should
Noelle surrender to his resplendent charms and seduction, or fight with every
ounce of strength she possesses to get home?
What inspired you to write this book?
I’ve been
writing poetry and stories since I was very young. Somehow, the universe
decided I was going to be a writer. For years I ignored it, focusing on my
education and career as a scientist. Cancer hit my family a few years ago and I
guess that’s what woke me up. I needed a release. The words just started
flowing and haven’t stopped.
Excerpt:
Cringing from his brutal words, Noelle finally burst.
Through the blur of tears, she saw a warrior of tremendous proportion storm
across the hall. He seized Brian’s arm and pried his fingers loose from her
hair. She heard a loud snap as he curled Brian’s arm behind his back. Her
brother stumbled and hollered, then dropped to his knees.
“Say it,” the colossal warrior demanded, visibly applying
more pressure to his hand.
Brain tried to wrestle him down, but the stranger was larger
and stronger—controlled him with little effort.
Although she detested her brother, her first instinct was to
protect her own flesh and blood. Yet, it seemed a fitting punishment. Let Brian
suffer the same mortification she felt whenever he embarrassed her, which
happened too often.
Brain quit struggling. “Mercy,” he begged.
The Viking released him, and Brian staggered to his feet as
gracelessly as a drunk.
“Is this how you treat your own kinswoman?” her rescuer
asked.
“She’s faithless—no blood of mine. We’ve made our bargain
Norseman, take her.”
What exciting story are you working on
next?
Blind Allegiance is the first book in a series. The
second book, Blind Mercy, was just
accepted by my publisher in June. Book 3 of the series is nearly done. I’m also
working on a 1980s contemporary romance with strong environmental connections.
I’m pretty excited about it; an awkward biologist finally receives a federal
grant to conduct research in central Mexico to study the fall/winter migration
of monarch butterflies and their habitat. He doesn’t know what he’s getting
into—conflict with a drug cartel, unexpected love, and the admiration of a
young boy who changes his perspective on everything.
When did you first consider yourself a
writer?
I sold my
first story (with illustrations) at age five … the theme of the day was cats.
My best friend wanted to be an artist/illustrator and I wanted to be a writer.
We were quite entrepreneurial and enjoyed sharing
our stories and making some cash. I never grew out of it.
Do you write full-time? If so, what's
your work day like?
Right now I
do. I write five to six hours a day (usually start in the morning). Between
pages I’m a domestic goddess, caring for my husband and pets.
If not, what do you do other than
write and how do you find time to write?
Typically,
I write part time. I’m an environmental scientist by trade specializing in
environmental risk assessments, contaminated soil and water investigations, and
remediation projects. If I’m in the field (usually remote Alaska) I take my
writing with me. I dedicate 2 to 3 hours a day to writing.
What would you say is your interesting
writing quirk?
Religious
conflict is part of all my stories. It’s such an integral part of human
history—it shaped the world. My characters thrive off it, debate, and usually
learn to accept/respect each other’s faiths.
As a child, what did you want to be
when you grew up?
A writer
and a jockey. The horse thing never worked out, but I was a disc jockey (if
that counts) for many years.
Anything additional you want to share
with the readers?
Hurry up
and write! Through my writing/publishing experience I found so many wonderful
people offering well-intentioned advice. Classes, marketing options, support
groups, and so much more. Although these resources/tools are very important, it
can swallow you. Write. The rest will follow.
Thanks, Violetta! Readers, don't forget to leave a comment for a chance to win a $25 Amazon gift card!
