Welcome
to my stop on Violetta Rand’s Virtual Book Tour for Blind Allegiance. Please
leave a comment or question for Violette to let her know you stopped by. Violetta will be awarding a $25 Amazon GC to
one randomly drawn commenter during her tour.
You can follow her tour stops here, the
more often you comment, the better your odds of winning.
Where
I hope to be as a writer in five years…
by Violetta Rand
Great question, but I never really thought about it until
now. With the June release of my debut novel, Blind Allegiance, I’ve been so
caught up in the moment. I can, however, definitively say I have a goal of
completing/releasing two books a year. One of the biggest challenges is keeping
your name/work fresh on the minds of readers. With nearly 500,000 (approximate)
new titles published a year, it would be easy to get lost in that quagmire. I’ve
planned 6 to 7 installments for the Blind Series. I’m also working on a couple
other projects. Of course there’s the dream of being a best seller … we all
fantasize about that. Deep breath. In realistic terms, I’d prefer to make a
living doing what I love. Writing.
If that means I need to simplify my life, be frugal, sell
the second vehicle and stay home more to save money so I can afford to focus on
writing, I’m up to the challenge. The most important thing is getting words on
paper (onscreen). There are also a couple talented authors I’d love to
collaborate on new projects with.
Approaching a historical romance with two unique perspectives
excites me.
Another professional goal—mastering marketing. I’m savvy
enough with Twitter and Facebook, blog tours and reviews, but I’d like to
discover something unique and help new authors tap into that. This is a give
and take profession. There’s no such thing as barricading yourself inside,
completing your novel, and expecting it to sell. Friends and fellow authors
nurtured and supported me through the process. Time to give some of that back.
Thanks for giving me something to think about.
Blind AllegianceBy Violetta RandThe Blind Series, Book 1Publisher: Soul Mate PublishingRelease Date: June 26, 2013Genre: Historical RomanceLength: 219 PagesAdd to GoodreadsBook Description:She’ll always fight for what she believes in…
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?Buy Link: Amazon
Excerpt
She
covered her face, blocking Randvior’s eyes from her own. She was only
guessing—which never served anyone very well. She whirled, retreating full
speed, heading directly for the cabin. She collided with a soldier. Noelle
shoved him away in a huff, and tripped over her own feet as she stumbled
through the door. She slammed it shut, barricading herself inside.
Confinement
was the only escape at her disposal. But that only lasted a few minutes.
Randvior tried to open the door. She braced her legs, hoped to keep the rest of
the world locked out until they reached Norway. Randvior twisted the knob and
pushed, but she stayed stubbornly locked in position. He banged on the planks
and demanded she open the door. If she refused any longer, he’d probably just
kick it down. She braced herself for what might happen when he came in and
reluctantly stepped aside.
“What
happened out there? Did you see a ghost?” he asked, entering the room.
“I
would consider myself most fortunate if it was only an apparition taunting me.”
She sat on the bed and wringed her hands nervously. “My conscience troubles
me.” She raised her eyes to meet his.
He
leaned against the doorframe, arms crossed. She couldn’t keep herself from
sneaking admiring looks at his body. Only flesh and bone, she reminded herself,
he’s only flesh and bone. His fine looks did little to relieve her; she was so
helplessly riddled with guilt, she didn’t know what to do with herself any
more.
He
closed the door and moved closer. “Remember the things I told you in England?”
“I
remember too much.”
What
she really wanted were assurances for her future. She wanted him to vow he
would care for her life as loyally as he would his own kinswoman’s. If he
wouldn’t make her his wife, he should choose someone else. She needed a husband
to protect her interests now. Even an inexperienced adolescent or an old man
would do. As long as he had a pulse and a respectable name, she’d accept it.
This was the only bargaining chip she had left.
About
the Author
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, 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. 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 her stories.
Connect
With Violetta:
Website:
http://www.violettarand.com/
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/violetta.rand
Thank you for hosting
ReplyDeleteAgree that mastering the marketing is daunting. Love the idea of being able to give back to new writers.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteHello CD Hersh ... here's my favorite writing team. Thanks for stopping by.
DeleteIt's good that you have such a great goal in mind! I hope your five year plan comes true!
ReplyDeleteandralynn7 AT gmail DOT com
Thanks Ingeborg.
ReplyDeleteGood day Andra. Thanks for visiting.
ReplyDeleteThanks for hosting me today.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing the excerpt and the giveaway. This book sounds like a great book. evamillien at gmail dot com
ReplyDeleteHello Eva. Good luck on the giveaway. Glad you enjoyed the excerpt.
DeleteI hadn't read about a Viking in years, it'll be a nice change. DebP
ReplyDeleter.d1@myfairpoint.net
I hope you enjoy the book Renald. Thanks so much.
ReplyDeleteThe excerpt sounds really exciting.
ReplyDeleteGreetings Mom Jane, thanks for visiting today.
ReplyDeleteInteresting interview today. The more I read about your book, the more I believe it will be a book I would like. The time period is a hard one for me though but I guess I should get over myself and not let that stop me.
ReplyDeletekareninnc at gmail dot com
A lot can happen in five years!! The publishing industry is evolving so fast.
ReplyDeletemarypres(AT)gmail(DOT)com
What a great giveaway! Thanks
ReplyDeletehense1kk (at) cmich (dot) edu