Hi booklovers!
I'm thrilled to welcome Gina Corkle to my blog today. I've read her wonderful book. Norse Jewel, and I LOVED IT. I'm hard to please, but I've been blown away by this Norse love story. I kept asking myself--how did she learn all this? How did she write this? I'm very impressed, so I invited Gina here today to give away the secret of writing an historical novel that has hooked me from beginning to end.
Gina’s a lover of history, books and romance, which makes the perfect recipe for an 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.
Over to Gina for a One Word interview:
Gina's new release:
A mighty Viking Chieftain…
Thank you for visiting today.
I'd hoped to write a review for today's post, but time ran out. If you click on Reviews below you can read this review and others...
a Rafflecopter giveaway
I'm thrilled to welcome Gina Corkle to my blog today. I've read her wonderful book. Norse Jewel, and I LOVED IT. I'm hard to please, but I've been blown away by this Norse love story. I kept asking myself--how did she learn all this? How did she write this? I'm very impressed, so I invited Gina here today to give away the secret of writing an historical novel that has hooked me from beginning to end.
Over to Gina for a One Word interview:
1. What's your current favorite word?
sliver
2. In one word, what inspires you?
writing
3. What's one word that describes your writing habits?
absorbed
4. What's one word that you wish you could get rid of in your writing?
prepositions
5. What's one word that describes your writing desk?
tight
6. Share the best writing advice/tool/quote that helps you. (Please limit to one sentence)
Ask yourself if writing’s a hobby or a profession.
7. What's your current project?
I have two projects going: Meet the Lady at Midnight (part of a Georgian romance series that
comes out next year), and Norse Fire, more of the Viking romance world in AD 1022.sliver
2. In one word, what inspires you?
writing
3. What's one word that describes your writing habits?
absorbed
4. What's one word that you wish you could get rid of in your writing?
prepositions
5. What's one word that describes your writing desk?
tight
6. Share the best writing advice/tool/quote that helps you. (Please limit to one sentence)
Ask yourself if writing’s a hobby or a profession.
7. What's your current project?
Gina's new release:
A stolen woman of rare qualities...
Seized by marauders and taken to the icy northlands by the wolf-eyed Viking warrior, Helena will do whatever it takes to earn her freedom and return to France.
A mighty Viking Chieftain…
Betrayal has turned Hakan’s heart to ice, but the spirited Frankish maid warms him in a way he’s never known. The spell she weaves leaves them both breathless, but can he keep his promise to return her home even if it means he’ll lose his precious jewel forever?
I'd hoped to write a review for today's post, but time ran out. If you click on Reviews below you can read this review and others...
Norse Jewel by Gina Conkle - a review.
Reviewed by Shirley Buchanan which I found at Contemporary Romance Reviews.
Norse Jewel by Gina Conkle
Entangled Publishing
Throughout history, lands have been invaded, pillaged, and burned by invading armies or marauding bands of heartless, cruel men. Stealing goods, livestock, and humans, these conquerors were often depicted as cruel, unjust men, but occasionally a just, honourable, and kind man was found. Fierce in battle, revered by his comrades, and honoured by his king, Haken was just such a man.
Weary of the constant demands of his ex-wife to relinquish her hold over his son, Haken constantly sailed on voyage after voyage to obtain more wealth to buy his son's freedom from her clutches, hardening his heart further against ever marrying again and letting a wife dictate terms. The only way left to obtain his heart's desire, if she is not satisfied with his latest offer, is the Althing, an public assembly to procure his son. With this on his mind and a jaded heart, he impulsively falls for the beseeching pleas of one of the latest group of thralls(slaves) from Frankia. Taken by her gentleness of spirit, organization of warmth for his home, and increasing the wealth of his lands, the walls around his heart start to crumble. Pleased with her work, he gives her gifts, but out of all the gifts he offers,there is only one gift she truly wants, but he is loathe to give it: her freedom. Setting impossible tasks for her to earn her freedom, he contemplates an important question. If she accomplishes these tasks, will he be able to let her go, or does he see heartbreak in his future?
Captured by a marauding group of Danes and taken far from her homeland, Helena refused to give up her hope that one day she would return home to her family and betrothed, Guerin, but the future looks bleak. Tied to a stake in a Danish marketplace, only two choices are open: be sold to Gudred, when he returns,a warrior who has already scarred her face, or be bought by another. Spying Haken, a Norse chieftain, she pleads for him to buy her, but when he walks away, her heart plummets. Hearing Gudred's horse's hoof beats growing closer, desperately she begs until he buys her. But has she really traded the devil's minion for the devil???? Dangling her freedom as a prize, he sets impossible tasks for her to accomplish. But the longer she stays and the closer she gets,she begins to ask herself this question. When the time comes to gain her freedom and return home, will it be with a glad heart or will she forever hide a broken one?
Excellent story written with a well thought out plot and well developed characters. The historical element of the tale showed the intense research done by the author into the times and customs of the Norse. Underlying subplots of intrigue, mystery, and treachery gave a biting edge to the story.
I would recommend to all historical romance readers.
5/5 stars Was freedom really what she wanted??
Norse Jewel by Gina Conkle
Entangled Publishing
Throughout history, lands have been invaded, pillaged, and burned by invading armies or marauding bands of heartless, cruel men. Stealing goods, livestock, and humans, these conquerors were often depicted as cruel, unjust men, but occasionally a just, honourable, and kind man was found. Fierce in battle, revered by his comrades, and honoured by his king, Haken was just such a man.
Weary of the constant demands of his ex-wife to relinquish her hold over his son, Haken constantly sailed on voyage after voyage to obtain more wealth to buy his son's freedom from her clutches, hardening his heart further against ever marrying again and letting a wife dictate terms. The only way left to obtain his heart's desire, if she is not satisfied with his latest offer, is the Althing, an public assembly to procure his son. With this on his mind and a jaded heart, he impulsively falls for the beseeching pleas of one of the latest group of thralls(slaves) from Frankia. Taken by her gentleness of spirit, organization of warmth for his home, and increasing the wealth of his lands, the walls around his heart start to crumble. Pleased with her work, he gives her gifts, but out of all the gifts he offers,there is only one gift she truly wants, but he is loathe to give it: her freedom. Setting impossible tasks for her to earn her freedom, he contemplates an important question. If she accomplishes these tasks, will he be able to let her go, or does he see heartbreak in his future?
Captured by a marauding group of Danes and taken far from her homeland, Helena refused to give up her hope that one day she would return home to her family and betrothed, Guerin, but the future looks bleak. Tied to a stake in a Danish marketplace, only two choices are open: be sold to Gudred, when he returns,a warrior who has already scarred her face, or be bought by another. Spying Haken, a Norse chieftain, she pleads for him to buy her, but when he walks away, her heart plummets. Hearing Gudred's horse's hoof beats growing closer, desperately she begs until he buys her. But has she really traded the devil's minion for the devil???? Dangling her freedom as a prize, he sets impossible tasks for her to accomplish. But the longer she stays and the closer she gets,she begins to ask herself this question. When the time comes to gain her freedom and return home, will it be with a glad heart or will she forever hide a broken one?
Excellent story written with a well thought out plot and well developed characters. The historical element of the tale showed the intense research done by the author into the times and customs of the Norse. Underlying subplots of intrigue, mystery, and treachery gave a biting edge to the story.
I would recommend to all historical romance readers.
5/5 stars Was freedom really what she wanted??
Read more Reviews
Buy Links:
Giveaway:
Win $50 Amazon Gift voucher-click on the rafflecopter link below to enter!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
- STOP PRESS! Norse Jewel will be available at the SALE PRICE of 99c for one day only -- set your reminder now -- 22nd October.
- Gina has joined the Write...Edit...Publish bloghop. Entries go live next week. You still have time to join - you can do it right here in my sidebar.
39 comments:
Denise, awesome interview, and Gina's book sounds amazing. I've pulled it up on Amazon now and placed it on my wishlist. Thank you!!
Romance novels with Vikings are some of my favorite historical romances. I hope I get to visit a castle someday.
Hi,
You don't want to miss out on this: I found out my publisher and Amazon will offer Norse Jewel for $0.99 on 10/22 only. I appreciate you putting Norse Jewel on your wish list.and hope you enjoy the story.
Gina
Hi,
I LOVE castles. I probably spend too much perusing Pinterest for pictures of castles and really old places. I hope you get to visit castles, too. Any favorites that stand out to you?
Gina
Ah I remember when I first started serious overseas travel and came across my first crumbling castle on a dark Irish road. A great introduction. Since then, I've sought out as many as I can -- castles and chateaux in France. I just adore the history...
HI, Denise, Hi, Gina...
VERY interesting time of history... One doesn't generally think of the NORSE as romantic people back in that time period. Congratulations Gina on an amazing triumph. AND it's true, Denise is VERY select especially when it comes to Romance... She takes it very seriously. A FIVE STAT rating is like a JEWEL... BRILLIANT!!!
hahaha, I loved the interview. Amazing how much you can learn through single words. "Absorbed" was my favourite. I can relate to that when writing.
Hi Denise, Hello Gina!
Loved this interview. A very unique way to ask your questions Denise and Gina for your one word replies.
Congratulations on the release of your Norse Jewel, Gina!
Thanks Denise.
I too will put on my wish list. sounds like a good story.
You know, that's really good advice, because if it's just a hobby, you'll never make it.
Sounds like a terrific read! On my TBR list. And sending prayers those horrific fires end soonest. One of our national news programs ties in with one of yours for frequent updates.
Sounds like fun and Vikings are so in! :) Love the cover.
My admiration for writers of historical fiction and fantasy is way, way up there. Can't imagine the amount of research and worldbuilding that goes into producing a single novel.
Sounds like a lovely read. Congratulations on the release, Gina.
Thanks for the lovely interview Denise.
Ooh, vikings!
Hi Michael,
Thank you for your kinds words! You're right, say the "Vikings" and people don't tend to think of romance or anything of a softer nature. But, I love their art (the Urnes style is my favorite), the woodwork and metal work. I appreciate you taking the time to read the blog and thanks again for your glowing words. You made my day!
Gina
Big smile to you Lynda. I agree. Nailing down one word answers makes you really think. There are lots of other things I could get rid of in my writing, but prepositions bedevil me! I hope you have many enjoyable, absorbed writing days.
Hi Nas,
Thanks to you and Romance Book Paradise for organizing such a great blog tour for me.
Gina
Hi Jo,
Thanks you! I hope you enjoy Norse Jewel.
Gina
Hi Alex,
Yes! I just heard Jennifer Probst speak this weekend. She shared her journey to publication and her turning point came in 2012. She asked herself that very same question and made necessary changes to go from "Writing as a hobby to writing as a profession." I wish you the best on your journey, Alex.
Gina
Hi Nicole,
Thanks! Abs, I hear, are very popular these days in snaring the interest of romance readers.
Have a great day-
Gina
Hi Kittie,
Thanks so much. I hope when you're in the mood for an alpha male with a soft side you think of Norse Jewel. And thank you for your thoughts and prayers about the fires.
Gina
Hi,
Yes, Vikings are in...yay! I follow some of the lead "Vikings" series actors on twitter and check the History Channel's website out quite often. They share a lot of historical tidbits there with great videography. And thank you for the cover love :-)
Gina
Hi,
I LOVE that part of the writing process....so easy to get lost in another world. I'm guessing you'd be a contemporary author?? What kinds of challenges do you face with your genre?
Gina
Hi Kelly,
Thanks for stopping by and a HUGE thank you for your supportive tweets. I checked out your book icon and that's a nice cover.
Gina
Hi Charmaine,
Thank you! I feel the same way about those hot, Nordic men! :-D
Have a great day-
Gina
Thanks about the cover, Gina.
Awesome post, my friend. You romance writers are the greatest!!
I just posted on my blog a comment to yours that you left about 5 days ago. So here it is here ....
http://www.mormontemples.com/73/brisbane_australia-mormon_temple
Hi, dear sister/friend. If I came into my blog more often, I would have seen this wonderful comment sooner. Actually, the past five days have been both wonderful, and trying. It's the trying part that kept me away from my blog. I know, you keep encouraging me by telling me bloggers miss me. I do love and appreciate all these dear friends!
That link above: you can see it's to the Brisbane LDS (Mormon) Temple. I checked to see what temples are in Australia, and since there is one in Brisbane, or near it, and you say Australia is at the top of successful inhabitants. As you know the US of A government has become very dysfunctional (they can't seem to be civil to each other; never in history has it been this bad!), so put together this state of affairs, and a temple that you and your family are not far from, and I'm ready to sign on!!
Yes, so many of our blogger friends are now published. I've read many that are excellent, such as Carol Kilgore's and Pat Morrison's (Pat of the Christmas Village; she is putting out a sequel). Then I've read others that drive me wild with the poor editing. I know yours will be good, for one thing because you're an excellent writer and editor, and because you are indeed taking your time. I've decided to finish a memoir about my brother I started a number of years ago, before he died. Karen Gowen asked me about it when we were on our trip in Salt lake City. All her followers know she is managing editor of WiDo Publishing. She took me and Jen to lunch, and I told her Loving My Brother Again is novella length--almost to 30,000 words right now and almost done; I had most of it written before I had to decrease my writing because of Jen-care, but it needed a beginning and end, the most difficult to write. I am thinking of adding the Russian girl's story that you read that I self-published at the end, and also some poems, some of them award winners and accessible I think even to people who might not read poetry. They can decide if they want the additions, or of course if they want this at all !! Unlike you, since I'm not self-publishing ever again so I don't have to get it absolutely perfect for a read-through; my memoir is still selling, still on the first page of the memoir category on amazon, so I'm hoping it will keep selling so that maybe if WiDo will publish this last memoir for me; In the Mirror might a sales booster. And of course I hope my friends would support me with this one as they did so generously with the mirror.
So, that's catch-up for now. We can keep up a communication through our blogs. I know you prefer this to emailing. I too think it's a timesaver. And besides, we need comments on our blog posts so we won't feel like we're talking into an empty closet (he he). I just need to carve out some time to communicate back with my blogger friends, though many of them are on Facebook and I will make a comment there. But blogging is my favorite, and I know it's yours--you're so good at it! It's just very time-consuming if it's done right.
((( ))) from me and Jen to my favorite sister/friend in "The Lucky Country."
Thanks, Mate, for getting Rachel's book! Ohhh, but fire scares me. What we had in Colorado looked like the mouth of hell! There've been so many fires one wonders how there could be a tree left to burn. Tonight, the news did like they did for out West and showed a map with your fires. Scary stuff! We've got a cold snap coming tomorrow, but I am NOT turning on the heat--last year we did 10 days with no heat for the polar bears--this year 2 weeks! Yep, I'm one of those who worries about the planet! Stay safe, my friend!
Thanks for your concern Kittie...and for the planet too. Everything we do helps a little. D
Hello! Sounds great! Love the interview!
Thanks for visiting, Michelle!
I read, I entered, I bought. Now all that's missing is that money in my Amazon account.
I've listed on my G+ page to and i'm afraid i took some liberties with your comment. and while I'm on that I have have to confess that I will most robably steal that interview style. f
ar to sassy and tempting..... :(
you don't live in America do you. I could be sued for two cases by now.
Her writing desk is tight, as in cramped? I used to work out of a tiny hutch and now I have no idea how I managed.
Great to meet you, Gina. Great interview by both of you. A Viking chieftan ... my heart is pounding :) And my Amazon list is growing.
Hi Wendy,
Your post comment made me smile! Denise does have a creative style, doesn't she? I hope you enjoy Norse Jewel.
Have a great day-
Gina
Yes! As in messy, small, and in an already cramped area. We're moving next June, so hopefully there'll be more space in the next house. My desk is a hutch! LOL!
Gina
Hi Carole,
Nice to meet you too. The interview was interesting, and I liked it. I'm glad you liked the my wolf-eyed Viking chieftain. I fell in love with him, too.
Gina
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