Today it is great to welcome Mary Ann Bernal, the author of The Briton and the Dane novels. She is also kindly agreed to give away a FREE paperback copy of her latest book, Legacy, but more about that later.
First, could you tell us what your books are about?
The Briton and the Dane novels bring to life the tumultuous ninth
century when the formidable Vikings terrorized the civilized world. The epic
adventure runs the gamut of deception, treachery, intrigue, and betrayal during
a time of war and conquest in Anglo-Saxon Britain.
What inspired you to
write them?
An incurable romantic Anglophile was born during my
high school years, after having read Sir Walter Scott’s Ivanhoe, and seeing
the Hollywood blockbusters such as The Vikings, King Arthur and Knights of the Round Table, to name but a
few. When Hollywood changed its venue of
period movies, I found solace with the British programs being aired on the
local PBS station, and with the advent of Cable TV, historical documentaries
and period miniseries filled the void.
During this time, Erik the Viking was hovering in
the cobwebs of my creative mind, waiting to escape oblivion, waiting to tell
his story, waiting and waiting and waiting, but it was not until 2008 that I
was able to find the time to devote to fulfilling my lifelong dream of writing
my Erik the Viking story, and The Briton and the Dane trilogy was born.
What other periods of
history are you interested in? Ancient Egypt and Ancient Greece come to mind, but my fascination with the rise and fall of the Roman Empire almost trumps my love of Anglo-Saxon Britain. . . almost. Roman Britain is also included in my top five interests.
I believe you have also written some short stories. Could you say something about them?
My short stories reflect my love for history in that I will take a modern theme and set the characters in a bygone age. Take for example betrayal. I placed my characters in Rome when Christians were being persecuted. My heroine was baptised into the Christian faith and she shared this information with her Patrician husband who she trusted. Unfortunately, her politically-motivated husband had her arrested and she was executed in the arena. Betrayal is betrayal no matter which century we live in, the only thing different is the name and place.
What are you currently working on?
The Briton and the Dane: Concordia will be available in 2013.
What are you reading at the moment?
Jacqueline Kennedy: HistoricConversations on Life with John F. Kennedy
What do you like to do in your free time when you're not reading or writing?
Attending my grandson’s sporting events and my granddaughter’s dance competitions top the list of free time activities. I also love to travel and have planned a trip to Greece this fall.
Do you have any advice for other authors?
Keep writing and never give up. If going the conventional route is not working for you, then consider self-publishing - it is not as hard as it sounds. Every successful author has had his/her share of rejections and negative reviews, so you are in good company. If you have a story to share, tell it. Persevere and never, ever quit.
Do you have any parting comments?
It has been a pleasure to be a guest on your blog. It is always fun to humanize an author. Thank you for giving me this opportunity, and for a fun time.
Thank you so much Mary Ann for taking the time to chat with me!
Where can we buy your books?
Purchase Info:
Amazon US
Amazon UK
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Mary-Ann-Bernal/e/B003D2DPZ4/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_pop_1
Barnes and Noble
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/mary-ann-bernal
Where can readers find out more about you?
Please visit my webpage: http://www.maryannbernal.com
Novels published in association with The Literary Underground
Book Trailer:
Win a FREE paperback copy of LEGACY. To enter, just follow this blog (if you aren’t already) and leave a comment below with your contact details (your email address or twitter account) before 30th June. How simple is that!
My dad was very interested in Vikings and history of this era. I am sure he would have enjoyed these books. @AndreaCoventry on Twitter.
ReplyDeleteThank you Andrea - the Vikings are fascinating!
DeleteOoo, Vikings and Adventure. Count me in Katheryn. @MartinGreening on Twitter. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome Martin!
DeleteHistorical fiction is one of my faves. Vikings kick butt. I'm definitely in. @CrystalSchall on Twitter. Thanks so much.
ReplyDeleteHi Crystal. I'm a big fan of historical fiction too!
DeleteA wonderful series rich with history, suspense and love!
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful series this is. I am working my way through the second novel and I am enjoying it very much! Can't wait for the fourth installment!
ReplyDeleteThank you for your comment. It looks like you'll have to wait until 2013 for Part 4
DeleteEnjoying this epic journey with Concordia and company.
ReplyDeleteGlad you like these great books Diana!
ReplyDeleteI like the sound of Erik the Viking.
ReplyDeleteThank you Emma - I think the video trailer is great
DeleteIt is a pleasure and a gift to personally know Mary Ann and her passion for writing. She has inspired me.
ReplyDeleteVikings and Adventure, what fun!
Mary Elizabeth Harper
Thank you Mary for posting such a lovely comment about the author!
DeleteThank you everyone for your great comments. The winner of a free copy of Legacy is Crystal Schall! Congratulations!
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