Welcome Soul Mate Publishing author, Violetta Rand...



1)   When and why did you decide you wanted to be a published author?

I cannot definitively say I chose to be a writer. I started writing at age five and couldn’t stop! Whatever my muse is, I’m eternally grateful. I do wish however, that once in a while, I might turn off that inner voice at night and get some sleep.

2)   What is the best and worse thing you have learned from an editor/agent?

I’ve been so fortunate to receive kind rejections from agents and editors. I guess being rejected is the worst thing I’ve ever experienced. The best, receiving offers for my work. Is there a greater moment (okay, maybe finding out you’ve made the best sellers list)? I hit my knees that day and thanked God for my good fortune.

3)   Favorite author/s?

For romance, Diana Gabaldon and Karen Marie Moning
General fiction, Ken Follett and James Connor
American history, Abraham Lincoln and George Washington

4)   What is your typical day?

I’m writing fulltime for the next few months. I start my day ay 7AM, grab a quick breakfast, and check emails. I read for an hour and start writing by 9AM. Somewhere in between my best friend stops by and we drink coffee and chat for an hour. I finish writing by suppertime. I like to take evening strolls with my dogs and relax with my husband. I usually go to bed by midnight. On the weekends, I enjoy hiking, four wheeling, and fishing.

5)   Who would you cast to play your hero & heroine in a movie?

Randvior Sigurdsson - Timothy Olyphant or Hugh Jackman

Noelle Sinclair – Keira Knightley

6)   Did you plan this book? Or write it as it came?

I knew I wanted to write about Vikings. Overall, I write as it comes, no plotting and no outlines. My characters influence my scenes.

 7)   What surprised you the most when you became published?

Two things, how long it takes to get things finalized and how many people come out of the woodwork claiming to be aspiring writers once they find out you’re getting published. Sometimes it’s humorous because I know very well that person hasn’t written a lick since the day they were born. Other times, I’m thrilled because I’ve discovered a new thing that draws me closer to that individual.

8)   Do you have a dedicated writing space? What does it look like?

Absolutely! I have a perfectly comfortable office downstairs that I NEVER use. Instead, I sit at the end of my dining room table facing east where I can stare out three large windows that overlook the forest and mountains. For me, it’s more about what I can see when I look up.

9)                   What’s next for you?

Blind Allegiance is Book 1 of the Blind Series. I signed a contract in mid-June for Book 2, Blind Mercy, which follows the life of Randvior and Noelle Sigurdsson’s middle son, Tyr. Book 3, Blind Vengeance, is nearly done. I’m also working on my first contemporary romance.

My author website - http://www.violettarand.com/






BLIND ALLEGIANCE
By
Violetta Rand

BLURB:  
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?


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.”

AUTHOR INFORMATION:

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.


Violetta will award a $25 Amazon Gift Card to one randomly drawn commenter.

Follow the tour and comment; the more you comment, the better your chances of winning. The tour dates can be found here:  
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10 comments

  1. Thanks for hosting today Rachel.

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  2. I enjoyed the interview thank you. I'd cast Hugh Jackman in everything.

    marypres(AT)gmail(DOT)com

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    Replies
    1. Hello Mary, yeah, Hugh is pretty hard to resist. Thank's for visiting.

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  3. Thanks for sharing your interview. I love Keira Knightly and will definetly imagine her when I read the story then, she is a great heroine

    fencingromein at hotmail dot com

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    1. Greetings Shannon. I loved Keira in Pride and Prejudice. Thanks for reading the book.

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  4. Great interview and excerpt, thank you.

    Kit3247(at)aol(dot)com

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    Replies
    1. Great to see you again Ingeborg.

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  5. Wow! you started at age 5! How awesome! I'd like to see some of those mini-manuscripts! lol

    andralynn7 AT gmail DOT com

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  6. Loved reading your interview today. I like your choice of stars for the characters in your book.

    kareninnc at gmail dot com

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  7. Thanks for sharing the giveaway, the interview and the excerpt. Sounds great. evamillien at gmail.com

    ReplyDelete