Today I’m thrilled to have Violetta Rand, author of Blind Allegiance, with me in the Blue Rose Writing Room.
Thank you so much for visiting today. Tell us, Violetta, do you use a pen name?
Yes. Considering the very intimate nature of romance, I think it’s important to use a pen name. It adds mystery to the personality behind the pages.
Oh, I like that, ‘mystery to the personality behind the pages.’ How long have you been writing?
Since childhood, I can’t remember a time when I didn’t write something.
Amazing, how many writers knew from a young age they wanted to be a writer. Not so much with me. I journaled and wrote horrid poetry, but nothing in the way of novels. So, is there a place you absolutely want to visit before you die?
New Zealand.
Me too, and Australia is at the top of the list as well. What historical figure do you wish you could have met?
Jesus of Nazareth.
Wouldn’t that be something, to walk the streets of Jerusalem or Bethlehem with him?
What’s one new thing you’d like to try?
Running for a political office.
Hmm, very intriguing. Now I’m wondering what type of political office. I’m the daughter of a politician, a state representative. It’s a very interesting arena. Other than running for political office, what is something you are determined to do?
To get my PhD.
Wow, that is ambitious. Tell us something unusual, quirky, or odd about yourself?
I raced motorcycles in the 1990s.
Okay, now for the quickie questions: Answer in three words or less. Ready? Go!
Favorite Disney Character? Sleeping Beauty (Aurora) and Lady and the Tramp
Favorite Fruit? Green grapes
Favorite Hero? Historical, Socrates
Favorite Eye Color? Green
Best Vacation destination? Israel
Food you can’t stand? Liver and brussel sprouts (Make that two of us. Ugh!)
What annoys you? Screaming
Coffee, tea, or something else? Lemonade
Nightgown or Jammies? Naked J
Prefer dogs or cats? Both
A bit about Violetta
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.
Enjoy an excerpt from Blind Allegiance
Days passed and Randvior spent his afternoons walking and talking with Noelle on deck.
Today, he formally introduced her to Odin and a myriad of deities he worshipped. He also prepared her for the reaction his people might have once they found out she was English. It seemed hatred thrived on both sides of the sea. Men most fear what they do not understand.
“Decades of derision lay between our countries. The first Norse ships landed in Lindisfarne over two hundred years ago. My ancestors swept the region, pillaging, and enslaving with such unprecedented success that no one seemed capable of stopping them. Their bloodthirstiness struck fear in the hearts of men. Norsemen have been demonized ever since.”
The only thing Noelle surmised his people feared was the expansion of what they considered an illegitimate faith, which had already cost thousands of people their lives across the continent.
“Last year,” Randvior continued, “a Christian convert named Olaf Haraldsson, returned to my country to claim the crown. He publicly professed his new faith and proclaimed the indisputable right to unite the country under the Pope’s banner. Most jarls rejected his idea.”
“Why?”
“My kinsmen are fiercely devoted to Odin. We would never abandon centuries of tradition because belief in a new god was carried across the sea by a zealot long absent from his homeland,” he said. “There is always increased risk when a man’s ambition is driven by religious fervor.”
Noelle didn’t know what to say. People should freely choose what god they want to worship, and if Christ’s blood united nations, well, she would secretly celebrate it.
“Your religion will sweep the world and your god’s holy soldiers will kill anyone who gets in the way. Tension is building across Western Europe as I speak, and I believe your Pope will eventually set his eyes on the Holy Land,” he said.
“Do you forbid me to practice my faith?”
“No,” he answered curtly. “But any open display of your vulgar traditions might draw unwanted attention, and may even prevent you from being accepted by the women. Women you will need on your side one day.”
“What traditions do you speak of?”
“Cannibalism,” he said plainly. “Eating the flesh and drinking the blood of your White Christ.”
Noelle looked at him incredulously. Had she heard him correctly? “You are greatly mistaken. We do not actually eat his flesh or drink his blood. Holy Communion is a sacrament, a symbolic gesture mandated by our Lord. Surely you don’t believe otherwise?”
Randvior smiled ruefully. “What I believe doesn’t matter. I’ve traveled the world and seen many things. My faith is unshakable. My tenants and thralls may not be so open-minded. Their worlds are much smaller than mine.”
“I made no such judgments concerning you.” Noelle knew she wasn’t going to be among her kinsmen or friends any longer, but this seemed ridiculous.
Here’s how you can contact Violetta:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/violetta.rand
