Interview with Jennette Green

Bio:

Writing has always been a passion of mine. I wrote my first story over thirty years ago. Since then, I’ve written numerous stories and have had several articles published. My first love, however, is writing romance novels. I've written seven. I'm blessed with a wonderful, supportive husband, and three terrific children who put up with my crazy writing hours. When I'm not writing, I love reading, photography, making videos, and creating and managing my websites.

Blurb:

Travel on a journey of romance into medieval Scotland...

Princess Elwytha wants revenge on the monster who murdered her brother. In a false exchange for peace, she offers herself in marriage to the enemy Prince. The plan? Kill the Prince’s battle-scarred Commander—the man who ended King Thor’s life with one filthy sword thrust through the back. To her horror, the Commander agrees to take Elwytha as his bride. Worse, the wedding date will be sooner than expected. Not all is lost, however. Now she has more opportunity to be alone with him--and exact justice.

But the deed is not so easy now. Fighting her innate sense of honor, she begins to see the ironclad integrity of the man behind the scars. And with this knowledge comes doubt. Did he slay her brother? What exactly is the new king's plan? Whom can she trust? Elwytha must decide well, for more than her life is at stake. Soon she must betray either allegiance to her kingdom--or the man who is quickly claiming her heart.

Book Excerpt:

“Give me your blades,” The Commander growled down at her.

Fear pounded in Elwytha's chest, and she licked her dry lips. “You found no blades when you pawed through my clothes. The maid found none on my person. Perhaps that is because I have none.”

“I don’t trust you.”

She smiled. As well you shouldn’t. However, she said, “How can we have a marriage with no trust?”

“Come with me.” He forced her toward the door. “You will not return to this room.”

“But my clothes!”

“You will have new clothes. Clothes with no holes for pockets. Clothes that provide no access to the blade at your thigh.”

“Nonsense.” Unthinking, she struggled and then, to her consternation, he picked her up and tossed her over his shoulder. She cried out in fear and horrified humiliation.

“Put me down!” She pounded on his broad back. “Put me down, you monstrous serf!” He strode, silent, through the halls. She squeezed her eyes shut, unwilling to see the others witnessing her humiliation. “Put me down. Put me down at once!” she gasped.

She bit her lip, trying to stop the weak tears of a woman, not a warrior. She sniffed and finally stopped struggling, and hung down his back. His belt about his jerkin was within reach. If only she could loose it, she could cinch it around his massive neck!

“Where are you taking me?” she demanded, voice muffled. Perhaps if she pretended submission he would return her to her feet. And if she found a dagger, she’d gladly plunge it through his heart.

“To my chambers.”

“Nay!” she gasped out, and struggled in earnest then. “I have decided you are unacceptable to me. You have none of the finer qualities I require in a husband!”

Here are links to Jennette's three websites:
www.jennettegreen.com
www.findagreatromance.blogspot.com
www.bestromancenovelstoday.com


Today I am interviewing fellow Wild Rose author and friend Jennette Green.

Welcome, Jennette, and thank you for agreeing to be interviewed. First I’d like to congratulate you on all your rave reviews for THE COMMANDER’S DESIRE. You chose medieval Scotland as the setting for this book. Is there a reason? Have you ever gone to Scotland? How did you find all your research for this intriguing novel?

Thank you, Sharon, for having me at your blog! I feel so honored to be here. To be honest, I chose Scotland for two reasons. I knew I wanted the book to take place in the early medieval ages, plus I wanted to set it in an area where there were actual kings reigning during that time period. The book takes place in Galwyddel (modern Galloway in southern Scotland). Although it was ruled by the giant power of Northumbria, to the east, a number of “petty” kings continued to rule their own lands in Galwyddel—however, they paid tribute to Northumbria. I wanted kings, princes and princesses to be a part of my story, because I hoped it would add a bit of a “fairy tale” feel to it. I wanted to weave that element into the nitty gritty fabric of wars, lies and intrigue that snarl through the book.

You mention in your bio that you have a strong passion for writing romance. Are you a hopeless romantic at heart? Let’s turn the tables. Women are often asked what the most romantic thing a man has ever done. What is the most romantic thing you have ever done for a man?

It’s funny. At heart, I’m a hopeless romantic, but in “real” life I’ve come to realize no one can be that perfect person for someone else. This is because we’re all basically flawed human beings! However, we can try to grow and be the best person we can be, which will only improve the quality of our relationships. Now…what is the most romantic thing I’ve ever done for a man? Hmm. That is hard!!! I guess it would have to be when I got take-out from our favorite restaurant, then put the kids to bed so when my husband got home I had low lighting, candles on the table, and a scrumptious meal to eat! He really liked that. :)

I couldn’t help but be drawn to the name Thor. It stood out to me because I love anything pertaining to myths and legends. Thor is sometimes referred to as the god of thunder. Did this have any bearing on choosing Thor for the name of your king?

Yes. I wanted Elwytha’s favorite brother to have a powerful name, because it denoted what a strong man he was. He was her childhood hero, and she basically hero-worshiped him. The Commander has the same wonderful character qualities her brother had, plus still more.

I have always been drawn to swordsmanship and the hand/eye coordination it takes to be a master. A lot of writers take workshops designed to give hands-on experience with the weapons in their novels. Have you ever held or used a sword or taken martial arts classes? Would this be something you might like to try your hand at?

I have never held a sword, although I would love to! I’ve read that some swords were very heavy, especially the claymores. I learned those were about 5.5 pounds. Imagine wielding them for hours at a time!

You’ve led an interesting life. You grew up in Alaska. What can you tell us about growing up in a state where such raw beauty exists? Some of the things that come to mind when I think of Alaska are the frozen tundra, glaciers and wildlife? Are there a lot of moose and caribou? Bald headed eagles? Six months without a glimpse of the sun?

I grew up in a tiny town called North Pole, Alaska, and later, moved to Moose Creek. LOL Both are near Fairbanks. It was an experience, growing up in Alaska. We’d play outside at recess until it was -20º. It was COLD, but we bundled up to go out (it took about five minutes to get the parka, boots, etc. on and off), so it didn’t seem too bad. I still remember those bright blue skies and the sun glittering off the white snow. It was so bright, it hurt my eyes. Alaska is a wild, beautiful state. I have so many stories. We’d go to school in the dark, and it would get light during the middle of the day. The sun would start to go down when we’d go home in the afternoon. In the summertime, my parents could read the newspaper outside at midnight! One time, in Moose Creek, my mother had to shoo off a moose with a broom so my sister and I could get on the bus to go to school. My parents used to be teachers, so we spent most of our summers camping all over the state. It’s so beautiful. I’d like to go back someday—but in the summer!

Let’s talk a bit about your hobbies. You love to read and write, design websites and blogs and dabble in photography. Where do you find time to do all these things? With your creative nature, have you ever tried your hand at book trailers?

Where do I find the time? LOL I don’t have enough time to do everything I’d like to do. I want to make a trailer for my book, but haven’t had the time to do it! I’ve got three kids and a husband, and I’ve been a Bible study table leader for our women’s group at church for the last three years. Sometimes I feel very overwhelmed! But I’m glad to be able to write, because that is what I love to do best.

Speaking of book trailers, the latest rage, do you think they have any affect on sales of a book?

I’m sure trailers help book sales. I’ve posted fan videos on YouTube, and thousands of people have watched at them. I’ve noticed authors often get lots of views for their book trailers, too. If you can put together a selling presentation, it can only help book sales, in my opinion.

One final question. Where can readers get in touch with you and buy your book
The Commander’s Desire?

Print versions of my book can be found at Amazon, and Barnes and Noble online. It can also be ordered from “bricks and mortar” stores. Ebooks can be found at www.thewildrosepress.com. I’d love for readers to stop by my website, www.jennettegreen.com, or become friends with me on MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/Jennettegreen I always love to make new friends!

Thank you so much for having me here today, Sharon! I’ve enjoyed chatting with you, and thank you for the thought provoking questions! God bless, Jennette

Thank you for the great interview, Jennette.