Mary Ann Bernal
Author Interview
What is your writing experience?
Over the years I have entered poetry and short story contests, and have had several selections published. My first novel was published in 2009 with subsequent novels published yearly.
What is your book and it’s genre?
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.
Genre: Historical fiction
What is it about?
The story begins when Gwyneth hides a wounded Danish Viking, Erik, from her father, Lord Richard, who commands the Burh of Wareham where men wishing to serve in King Alfred’s standing army are trained. King Alfred and the Danish Viking King Guthrum have already signed a peace treaty and King Guthrum will be returning to his lands in East Anglia. Gwyneth falls in love with Erik, but he is rescued before she speaks with her father who has already arranged her marriage without her knowledge. Meanwhile, the southern coast is being fortified to withstand another Viking assault from the Danish homeland. Gwyneth is kidnapped by one of King Guthrum’s favored warriors who brings her to the Danish encampment. There are many characters whose lives intertwine with Gwyneth’s plight, and each of them have their own story. Illegitimate offspring covet a crown and warring Norsemen covert the fertile land. Treachery, deception and betrayal determine the outcome of the battle for sovereignty (Birthright) and the battle at sea (Legacy).
Who are your favorite writers?
Frans G. Bengtsson, James Patterson, Josephine Tey, Jacob Abbott, Thomas Carlyle and Steven Saylor.
Your favorite book?
Sir Walter Scott’s “Ivanhoe”
Who or what are your writing influences?
Stephen King’s “A Memoir of the Craft” is inspirational. He is very candid about his experiences, such as rejections and negative reviews, which gives hope to struggling, upcoming writers.
When did you know you wanted to write?
My interest began in grade school and progressed through high school and college. I managed to fit in creative writing coursew and/or workshops during this time and continued doing so after graduation. I still enjoy attending these classes.
How long did it take you to write the first book
Once I set pen to paper, the entire process took about a year; however, reaching that point took half a lifetime because “life happens.”
What did you do to promote the book.
In addition to posting the launch on my webpage, Facebook fan page, blog, twitter, google+ etc, I issued press releases to my local and hometown newspapers and have used online press release services such as PR Log, which is a free service. I also have an author page on numerous book promotion sites including Amazon US, UK, France, Germany and Japan.
Contact Information:
Purchase Links
The LitU -
http://www.litunderground.com/MaryAnnBernal.html
Amazon US
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=mary+ann+bernal&x=0&y=0
Amazon UK
Barnes and Noble
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/mary-ann-bernal
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