Interview
& GIVEAWAY with author Gina Conkle
Good
Morning everyone and Happy Monday! What better way to start out a
week than by hosting not only a GIVEAWAY, but also a
brand-spanking-new author. Gina Conkle has just published her first
book with Entangled. I love Entangled and have discovered some
fabulous authors through them. And she has a bunch of other WIPs that
sounds great. She also has another coming out with Sourcebooks very
soon. I am hoping I will have a chance to tell you all about that
when the time comes. A also have found some great authors with
Sourcebooks. All in all, she seems to be off to a fabulous start. It
will be fun to watch her progress as time goes on. I wish her the
best of luck with the new release and hope that you soon add her to
your TBR lists! Please allow me to welcome to the blog:
**GINA
CONKLE**
**BIO**
Gina’s
a lover of history, books and romance, which makes the perfect recipe
for historical romance writer. Her passion for castles and old
places (the older and moldier the better!) means interesting family
vacations. Good thing her husband and two sons share similar
passions, except for romance…that’s where she gets the eye roll.
When not visiting fascinating places, she can be found in southern
California delving into the latest adventures of organic gardening
and serving as chief taxi driver.
You
can find out more about Ms. Conkle in the following places:
**NORSE
JEWEL**
Genre:
Historical/Viking Romance
Publisher:
Entangled Publishing, LLC
Date
of Publication: June 10, 2013
ISBN:
978-1-62266-223-4
Number
of pages: 262
Word
Count: 70,000
Cover
Artist: Liz Pelletire
**BLURB**
A
stolen woman of rare qualities…
AD 1022…Helena longs for freedom. The Frankish maid wasn’t born a slave but marauding Danes have taken her. She’s desperate to escape their camp. Her savior comes as a fierce Norse chieftain, Hakan, who takes her to the far, icy north.
A
powerful warrior who’s lived by the sword…
Hakan wants to lay down his sword and live a peaceful farmer’s life. Betrayal has left him cold to other women, yet his heart thaws to clever Helena. Her tender ways lure him, weaving kindness into his hard life. But, happiness is short lived. Old loyalties and deceit vex the warrior, calling upon his sword arm.
A
clash of cultures amidst a kingdom in transition…
War erupts…a kingdom’s in the balance. Can Hakan defend his homeland and keep the woman he loves?
Buy
Links
**EXCERPT**
By
reading any further you are stating you are at least 18 years of age.
If
you are under the age of 18, it is necessary for you to exit this
site.
He
saw wetness on her lashes. She turned her face to the fields, and
another piece of the riddle that made Helena fell into place.
Hakan
cupped her chin. His thumb stroked her scarred jaw. “Your pouch,
the stone is the reason for this. Magnuson said as much.”
She
nodded, sniffling and swiping at tears that rolled down her cheeks.
His
thumb brushed a tender stroke over her cheek’s curving pink scar.
“The stone almost cost you your life. Why?”
Hakan,
with great tenderness, stroked her face. The salve had done its work:
smooth, touchable skin remained. But the salve only healed skin deep
wounds. Some wounds lurked deeper than the Dane’s cut. What ached
beneath the surface? More fat tears rolled down her cheeks.
“I
am a peasant maid.” Her voice quivered. “When Guerin wanted me, I
felt…” Helena sniffed and chewed her lower lip. “I was suddenly
important. A woman of value. Without it…”
Her
vulnerable admission was a tender spot for her. Couldn’t she see
her worth was higher than any stone?
His
thumbs wiped away her tears. “Keep the pendant. It came at a great
price. Wear it for all to see.”
Hakan
took her hand in his and set the necklace in her palm. He curled her
fingers over jewel and chain.
“Aye,
Helena, the stone could buy more thralls. But ‘tis metal and stone.
They do nothing for me.”
Her
lashes, spiked with wetness, fluttered at him. Bewilderment writ on
her face, he soothed his voice as if calming a babe.
He
shook his head. “I’ll not trade you for that.”
“I
don’t understand.” Her eyebrows knit together.
How
could he explain what he didn’t fully understand? He was on shaky
ground. From the corner of his eye, part of a red sail caught a
strong breeze and fluttered. Selig replaced the rocks that tamped
down the sail before the whole cloth blew free. The vibrant red waved
at him, a banner by which he could escape explaining why he would not
let her go. Hakan waved his arm at the sails drying in the meadow.
“Look
what you’ve accomplished in so short a time. You promised me great
talent weaving fine linens…to expand my wealth.” Hakan’s arms
folded across his chest. “Strong sails for my ships. This I
understand.” Tilting his hand toward the jewelry in her own, the
corners of his turned down. “Stones do nothing for me.”
A
thousand glittering stones couldn’t equal her worth. He stared
into the depths of her blue eyes and called himself a coward for not
admitting this to her.
Helena
sniffed again and clutched the pendant, returning it to the leather
pouch. “Is there no custom? No means to gain my freedom?” she
asked, her voice hoarse with emotion.
Hakan
sighed. “There are ways.”
“Mardred
told me a thrall can earn her freedom after some years of service. Is
this true?”
“Aye.”
His arms stayed crossed, unmoving. He’d give no more.
“Then,
may I strike such an agreement with you?”
“Such
as?”
“I
want to earn my freedom.” Her eyes pleaded with him.
Hakan
shifted his stance, cagey about giving an inch. His neck and
shoulders knotted.
True,
many a valuable thrall gained freedom after years of service. Most
stayed.
“Serve
me well for seven years, Helena, and you’ll be a freewoman.”
“The
time cannot be shortened?” She clasped her hands together. “Seven
years,” she groaned. “So long.”
“I
will not be swayed on this.”
She
canted her head at him, doubt clouding her features. “But, will you
keep your word, my lord?”
“What
makes you doubt me? The way I’ve mistreated you?”
Helena
flinched at his sarcasm. She was not satisfied. Seven years must feel
like one hundred to her. Her fingers plucked at her apron, and she
kept silent. A stab, like a hot brand, hit him. This was rejection.
An arm’s length from her, Hakan shut himself away as if in a
distant fortress. “I require your respect. For seven years.”
Pain
flashed from her eyes. She dabbed at their corners and nodded.
Hakan
needed to move. He needed something to ease the itch that plagued
him. He needed to keep a good distance from her. His ax leaned
against the barn. He grabbed it and swung the heavy tool over his
shoulder.
“I
have to clear some trees,” he announced. The field did need
widening, and he needed wood.
The
tree line would keep him a safe distance from her, yet he could keep
an eye on the longhouse. And the loom where she would sit. Hakan
walked to the edge of the yard and something pushed him to needle
her.
“I
expect fresh bread at my table tonight. See to it.”
Her
eyebrows shot up at his harsh command. He hadn’t spoken to her that
way since the journey to Svea. Her body visibly bristled at his tone.
He waited, and Helena bowed her head in exaggerated servitude. Hakan
whistled on his way to chop wood, pleased at gaining the upper hand.
Much
could happen in seven years.
**INTERVIEW**
How
has your life changed since becoming published?
Sometimes
I work seven days a week, but I love it. Also, this summer too much
is going on so we nixed family vacation plans.
That
stinks, but I know exactly what you mean. What is your typical day
like?
Now
that it’s summer, life’s a little different without the school
shuttle, but I get up around 6:00 AM. I’ve spent more time this
summer on plotting (2 books and writing some scenes) and a lot of
promotional work.
I’ll
go until time to start dinner around 4:30 or so. Sometimes I go back
in the evening, but I’m often brain-fried by 8:00 PM.
You
mean that time at the end of the day when you are no longer capable
of coherent thought? Yeah. I know that time. LOL Tell us a little
about your current release Norse Jewel.
Norse
Jewel is my “first ever” book…first written and first
published. I love Vikings and the movie “Gladiator.” This story
sprang from reading the Smithsonian’s book Vikings: the North
Atlantic Saga and from Maximus at the beginning of the
“Gladiator” telling the emperor that he wanted to go home (to his
farm in Spain).
What
would happen if you had a Viking chieftain who wanted to lay down his
sword and live a peaceful farmer’s life?
CONGRATULATIONS!!!
Any upcoming projects you would like to tell us about?
I
balance out the Norse hammers in my head by also writing Georgian
romance. I have a 3 book series with Sourcebooks coming out next year
“Midnight Meetings” (tentative series name). The first book,
Meet the Earl at Midnight, comes out next summer. The other
books are partly written with more in depth plotting being done now.
At the same time, I’m working on Norse Fire, the follow-up
to Norse Jewel.
Wow!
Busy, busy. I would love to know more about the Georgian romance.
*whispers* Come back again for that one. How do you keep in contact
with your readers?
My
website’s pretty dynamic. I tweak things every few weeks plus
bogging. I also have a once a month newsletter where I share first
peek items (if interested, you can sign up here: (See
the links above)
Active
authors make me happy. What is your favorite thing about this book?
Ahhh!
To pick one thing?? I love the build of sensual tension where you get
to see the softer side of a hard Viking warrior. When you dig into
Viking history and read the Sagas, you learn they are so much more
than the stereotypes people think about them.
Interesting
point. And very true. What’s next for the Norse series with
Entangled?
I
have Norse Fire in process.
What
is one thing you cut from the book that either you wish you had left
in, or readers would like to hear about?
You
know you left out something important when your mom calls you on it!
I trimmed down a river scene (a favorite of hers from the longer
manuscript) and had to shorten the ending.
This
is what happened: Norse Jewel was originally 95,000 words but
I had to cut it down to 70,000 words. There was a big battle scene
and sensual scene toward the end. I had to trim down the story and
move things around.
The
“river scene” was originally more sensual.
Your
MOM? What is that like having her read “sensual” scenes? I can't
even imagine. I would probably have a pen name and NEVER reveal my
true identity just so my mom wouldn't read them and know I did it.
Any special quirks or habits when writing?
I
have a routine where I keep hearing and picturing scenes and
characters in my head. I write those scenes down. If the story
persists, I dig more. That includes backtracking and doing research,
loose plotting, and doing more character backgrounds. Then, I start
writing again.
I
think a lot of us tend to (rather easily) overlook the work that goes
into research prior to writing for historical accuracy. I am not
super picky like some people are on historical details, but at the
same time I want the period of the book to seem plausible. How do you
celebrate when you finish a novel?
I
take a few days off and reward myself with a “spa” day (more like
a facial or pedicure…something pampering).
Nice.
I should start doing that too. Sounds divine! What about (the hero)
and (the heroine) made you want to put them together?
I
learned about a great king (Olof Skotkonung of Sweden) who tried to
make genuinely good changes in Sweden in the early 1000s. He came
across as such an honorable leader. Then I imagined him raising a
friend’s son with similar ideals.
So,
Hakan, while a tough, lower chieftain, has this gentle side to him.
His own father was more farmer than raider. Then, I began to think
about a peasant maid, not born a slave, who has talents of her own.
That mix of a young woman who’s been nowhere falling for the hard
man who’s weary of being everywhere.
I
love how the minds of writers work. Any advice you’d like to share
for aspiring writers?
Work
on your platform now! Don’t fall into the thinking: “I’ll wait
‘til I get published and then I’ll start a website or get on
twitter.” The best thing is figure out the “why do I write what
I write” and let some of those guiding principles be your
foundation. Then, join 1 or 2 social media sites and start to
mingle.
Great
advice! What is one thing you know now that you wish you had known
when you first started writing?
I
would’ve been more disciplined about what I wanted…more
scheduled. I still work on that.
I
would say that is probably one of those constant things in the life
of a writer that is a continual work in progress. Salty or Sweet?
Salty
Alcoholic
or Non-alcoholic?
Non-alchoholic
What
is your favorite drink?
Diet
coke
Question:
How do people drink Diet anything? All I can taste is the aftertaste.
*shudders* What is your favorite holiday?
Christmas
That
is definitely a favorite of mine as well. Favorite place you have
ever visited? Colmar, France
Cool.
I would love to leave the states someday. Favorite childhood memory?
Water
skiing in Minnesota
Really?
All I think is Brrrrrr … My brother lives there and I am an AZ
girl. I was freezing the whole time. Boxers or briefs?
Boxers
M&M’s
or Skittles?
M&Ms
Yes!
E-reader or Paperback?
Paperback
Absolutely!
Flowers or chocolate?
Flowers
(especially tulips or gerbera daisies)
I
almost think you are the first to say flowers. Well done, you. Now
how about a little taste of NORSE JEWEL? I know I had an excerpt
prior to the interview, but Ms. Conkle has provided us with just a
bit more of a taste. I am sure I will have to twist your arm to make
you continue with your reading, right? LOL
**EXCERPT**
By
reading any further you are stating you are at least 18 years of age.
If
you are under the age of 18, it is necessary for you to exit this
site.
“Why
the tether? What harm can one woman do?”
His eyes widened at her show
of courage, or so she guessed from the way he tipped his head in
acknowledgment.
“Aye, one woman.” His
mouth made a grim line and bitterness threaded his voice. “I have
seen the destruction one woman can do.” He knotted the leather.
“The bindings stay.”
Helena licked her lips,
choosing silence. The chieftain’s nostrils flared like some
predatory beast scenting prey. Was this anger barely restrained? Or
something else?
He touched the wet rope of
hair that hung over her shoulder, letting his fingers slip between
tangled strands. His thumb and forefinger found a single lock and
stroked the hair down to the curling tip. Goose bumps skittered
across her flesh from the intimate touch.
“What is your name,
thrall?” He asked in the gentlest voice.
“Helena,” she whispered.
“Helena.” He repeated
her name softly. The corner of his mouth twitched. He seemed pleased
to know her name, but the pleasure was fleeting, replaced by
fierceness. “I care not about trust, but I require obedience.”
Helena swallowed the hard
lump in her throat.
“Serve
me, as well as Agnar—” His teeth gleamed wolf-like in the
darkness. “—and you’ll be rewarded.” Rising, he towered over
her. “Fail in your purpose, and you will suffer the consequences.”
**GIVEAWAY**
**AUTHOR
QUESTION**
What’s
your favorite hero/heroine types? (Such as alpha male with
wallflower, brooding hero with kick butt heroine, tough warrior with
quiet peasant girl, etc.) Why is this your favorite pairing?
So
what did you think? Pretty great for a first-timer, yes? I really,
really want your feedback on this one, so be sure to leave a comment
below telling me what you think of what you read here today as well
as the likelihood that you will read this book. And don't forget to
answer Ms. Conkle's question. What are YOUR favorite hero/heroine
types?
I
want to thank Ms. Conkle for taking the time to answer my interview
questions as well as taking the time to spend with us today. I hope
that you all enjoyed yourselves as much as I did. If you were hooked
by what you experienced today, please consider supporting this author
as she launches her published career and buy a copy of this book for
yourself. Be sure to enter the giveaway before you leave today. You
have nothing to lose except a chance to win. I wish everyone who
enters the best of luck. Have a truly fabulous day and I will be
seeing you all very soon! I also have another interview on the blog
today, so check it out. Until next time ...
HAPPY
READING!!!
Thanks for the fun review on your blog. Have a great rest of the summer and I appreciate you taking the time to open up your blog to me.
ReplyDeleteGina Conkle
No thanks necessary, Ms. Conkle. The pleasure was mine.
Delete