Storm Berger has never forgiven himself for his younger sister Madison's disappearance. Suspecting she's travelled back to the ninth century in the footsteps of other family members, Storm can only make sure she's safe by going after her.
I'm pleased to welcome author Christina Courtenay to The Writing Desk:
My latest book is called LEGACY OF THE RUNES and it is a time travel romance set during the Viking era. It is the sixth and final book in my Viking Runes series, and tells the story of Storm Berger who has never forgiven himself for his sister Madison's disappearance. Suspecting she's travelled back to the 9th century (like other family members have done),
Storm can only make sure she's safe by going after her. Meeting Viking woman Freydis was not part of the plan. Nor was rescuing her from marriage to a tyrant. But the only way to help is for Storm to marry her himself. How can he possibly refuse? But that would mean entwining lives that, until now, have been separated by centuries …
What is your preferred writing routine?
I’m fairly disorganised about my writing, although I do try to write every day. If I’m feeling really inspired and enthusiastic about a story, I can write all day (and sometimes late into the night), whereas other times I might not write anything at all. I’ve learned to just go with the flow and I don’t set myself daily word count targets or anything like that.
What advice do you have for new writers?
To join organisations like the Romantic Novelists’ Association, the Historical Novel Society or the Crime Writers Association in order to find other authors to socialise with. These groups often run workshops and events which can be really useful for learning your craft and networking.
It’s also important to have author friends because they understand the process so much better than for example family members. Their eyes won’t glaze over when you go on about plot, characterisation and settings. I would really recommend having a writing buddy/critique partner too – someone whose opinion you really trust and who you can exchange manuscript critiques with. And most of all – never ever give up!
What have you found to be the best way to raise awareness of your books?
Social media seems to work best – Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. I haven’t yet joined TikTok as it seems rather daunting. Publishers will help, of course, with things like advertising and Amazon deals, but I think authors have to do whatever they can to help: things like guest blogs, talks, library visits, and radio appearances if they are offered. It’s probably a combination of everything and just doing as much as possible.
Tell us something unexpected you discovered during your research
That sailing in a Viking longboat didn’t make me seasick (at least not in relatively calm waters) even though I normally turn green at the mere thought of going in a boat. I went on a short trip as part of a visit to the Roskilde Viking Ship Museum and it was a surprisingly smooth ride. Also, the rowing wasn’t as hard as I’d imagined because there were so many of us doing it at the same time.
What was the hardest scene you remember writing?
What was the hardest scene you remember writing?
I think the hardest scene I’ve ever written was one where someone’s beloved dog was deliberately hurt by the villain of the story. I love dogs and hated having to do that to him! He did recover though, thankfully 😊
What are you planning to write next?
I have just submitted my next book to my editor - it’s called SHADOWS IN THE SPRING and is a dual time story set in Britain during Roman times (AD 80). That will be published in April 2025. I’m now starting another Viking dual time story which will be out in November 2025 so I am yet again firmly stuck in the Viking world for the foreseeable future but I’m not complaining as it’s fascinating!
Christina Courtenay
Christina Courtenay
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About the Author
www.christinacourtenay.com and find her on Facebook and Twitter @PiaCCourtenay
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