Interview with Author, Kris Tualla

Hello everyone, I would like to introduce you to a fellow Celtic Hearts member and talented author, KRIS TUALLA.
If you are looking for mouth watering heros, look no further than her books!


A Norseman in Missouri!

When I decided to try my hand at writing a novel, I knew that general wisdom states that we should write what we know. And I had already decided not to write about kilted warriors, or dukes and duchesses - overabundant staples of the historical romance market.

But when my badly battered heroine first appeared, it was clear she had her own multitude of problems to deal with. The first was to figure out what happened to her. She didn't know where she came from, where she was, or where she belonged. It was up to me to figure that out.

I thought through places that I was familiar with… I spent my childhood from ages 3 through 12 in Kansas City, Missouri - about a quarter mile from the border of Kansas. (To paraphrase Sarah Palin: "I could see Kansas from my house!") So I decided to place my story in Missouri.

I began the story in 1819 - before statehood when things were a little rougher. Back then, I didn't realize it would become a trilogy and cross that time line! I incorporated the hot, humid summers, the cold, snowy winters, and - of course - tornadoes. The green hills north of the Ozarks. The mighty Mississippi River which forms the eastern border of the state; St. Louis County. I was set.

Now I needed a hero. A non-Scottish, non-English hero.

Into the room walked Nicolas Reidar Hansen: six-four and two-fifty of solid muscle. When he looked at me I saw his beauty. Classic Nordic features, long hair the color of sunlit straw, and intense navy blue eyes. When he spoke, it felt like thunder on a bright autumn day.

I may be blonde but I'm not stupid; he would do.

So now I had my sexy brooding hero. In fact, I decided that the common thread through all of my books would be the Hansen men of Arendal, Norway. Different generations, different centuries, different continents - but the same Viking blood. And all of these men are unique and fascinating. Strong. Stunning. Smart.

Spectacular.

And before I completed the manuscript, Nicolas informed me he had royal blood; his mother was a princess. And that his story was going to take them to Norway. If I was ever committed to my "outside-the-box" hero and locations, his revelation certainly put my resolve on the line!

But I stuck it out: an American historical set in Missouri. A Norwegian hero. A Scots-Irish heroine. They travel to Christiania (Oslo) and back. And then, after the Missouri Compromise makes the territory a state, my anti-slavery hero runs for state legislator. And he is changed into the man he was meant to be.

Speaking of change, is it time you found a new brand of hero? Please allow me to help.

For every 10 people who comment here, I will give away one free e-copy of A Woman of Choice - the beginning of the trilogy. And, yes. Commenter #11 warrants 2 copies! Comment #21? I'll give away three.

BUT WAIT! THERE'S MORE!

In February at the end of my blog tour, I'll give away one SIGNED PAPERBACK SET of the trilogy. Here's how you can get in on that deal:
1. Go to http://www.kristualla.com/. and find the "Secret Word" on my home page.
2. Send an email to ktualla@cox.net. with "Signed Trilogy Giveaway" in the subject line. Put the secret word in the body.
3. Comment on any blog at any time in the tour to activate your entry. Each day's blog location is listed at http://kristualla.wordpress.com/. blog-tour-dates-locations/

A Woman of Choice, A Prince of Norway, and A Matter of Principle are all available at http://www.goodnightpublishing.com/. - and they are only $3.49 each as an eBook!

A Woman of Choice - Missouri Territory, 1819
A woman is viciously betrayed and abandoned by her unfaithful husband. She is rescued by a widower uninterested in love. In desperation, she becomes engaged to his best friend. One woman, three very different men. Life is about choices.

A Prince of Norway - Christiania, Norway, 1820
American-born Nicolas Hansen has been asked to candidate for his great-grandfather's throne. His new wife Sydney isn't about to let him go to Norway and face that possibility alone. The moment they arrive at Akershus Castle, the political intrigue and maneuvering begin. Can Sydney trust anyone? Will Nicolas resist the seduction of power? Or will he claim the throne for himself? Most importantly: will their young marriage survive the malicious mischief of the ambitious royal family?

A Matter of Principle - St. Louis, State of Missouri, 1821
Nicolas Hansen has returned from Norway determined to change the world. But when he runs for State Legislator in the brand-new state of Missouri, the enemies he made over the past two years aren't about to step quietly aside. Sydney has made enemies of her own, both by marrying Nicolas and by practicing midwifery. When a newspaper reporter makes it his goal to destroy them, Nicolas must rethink his path once again. But this time, it's a matter of principle.


Please don't forget to leave comments for your chance to win copies of Kris's books. I will then email the winners and show them how they can obtain their prize. Good luck!!!!

I want to thank Kris for allowing me to interview her here at Heart of Romance and I want to wish her success in the future.

Thank you to everyone for stopping by, I appreciate your support.