For everyone who responds--and leaves a comment--your name will go into a hat for a drawing for a copy of Knight of Runes.
Now, let's meet Rebeka Tyler.
What is Knight of Runes about? It is about my quest to find my way back to the 21st century after being tossed 400 years back in time. I inherited Fayne Manor in Wiltshire, England from a relative I didn’t know existed. I went to the Manor to meet with the attorney and accept my inheritance. It came with an unknown private library. As an expert in renaissance studies, the thought of the potential things I would find excited me. Also, my parents are both gone and I have no information about either family. The thought of finding my roots was compelling. It all seemed like a dream.
After signing the papers I decided to go exploring and toured the standing stones in nearby Avebury. I walked through the standing stones and the next thing I knew I was careening down the side of a mountain and landed in the middle of a forest path in 1605. It took me awhile to realize I had fallen back in time but once I did I concentrated on finding my way back. I met Lord Arik who was trying to figure out what was attacking his land. As a conservationist, I thought I could help. It wasn’t until later we all realized that he was under attack from a dark druid. I found my skill in martial arts came in handy more than once.
It wasn’t easy keeping my time travel a secret but I knew this time period better than most and no matter how connected I felt to the people here I feared they would take me for a witch. I had to keep it from everyone. I found out later that Arik was the Druid Grand Master and told him my time travel secret. He revealed that I too was unique. Together we fought the dark druid. We make an awesome team.
What did you think the first time you saw Lord Arik?I thought he was an actor full of bravado. You see, I didn’t know I was back in time. I went to Avebury on May 1, Beltane. I thought he had some part in a re-enactment. They are rather prevalent during Beltane. Anyway, his ‘lord of the manor’ attitude didn’t impress me. There was a skirmish by the river. I have a black belt in karate and held my own. When he accused me of endangering his men I actually told him I saved is ass. Yes, I called his lordship an ass. That should give you a pretty good idea of how I felt about him.
What was your second thought? There’s much more to him than just a strong leader. He’s compassionate about his family, especially his orphaned nieces that live with him, and close to his brother. He is admired by his men and the villagers. There was more to this man than I originally thought.
Did you think it was love at first sight? Not at all. However, in retrospect I did notice those times when we touched I would tingle all over. Sometimes I would swear he felt it too.
What do you like most about him? He’s the most honorable person I know. There’s something very compelling about him. He’s a person used to command and control and he doesn’t take it for granted. He’s definitely an alpha male balanced with compassion. I found I wanted to him to acknowledge my abilities more than any other person.
How would you describe him? He’s tall, about 6’4” and has mesmerizing blue-green eyes. He has dark longish wavy hair that he rakes with his hands, a lot. He has magic runes, I thought they were warrior tattoos but they’re not, running from his back, over his shoulder, and down to his hip. He has a wicked sense of humor, a loving touch, and he’s mine.
How would he describe you? He calls me his warrior, witch and wife. He knows I will defend what is mine by any means.
What made you choose Renaissance Studies as a career? I guess you could say I followed in my father’s footsteps. My late father was a renowned authority on Celtic studies. Before I went to the university, Dad took me on all his trips and speaking tours. As a single parent, he didn’t have much choice. I began to read and study but found the renaissance period more exciting. After undergraduate school I worked on my advanced degree and taught.
What is your biggest fear? I fell back in time in the midst of a Druid struggle between Arik and Bran (the dark druid). While Bran was defeated he’s not dead. My biggest fear is what Bran will do next.
How do you relax? I like to walk in the woods or sit around the fire.
Who is your favorite fictional character and why? I admire strong women who take ownership on their own destiny. Jane Eyre and Scarlett O’Hara are classics. For the more contemporary heroines Amelia Peabody (Elizabeth Peters’ The Golden One) and Lady Emily (Tasha Alexander’s Tears of Pearl) come to mind.
What is the best piece of advice you ever received? You must look at things from every angle and not only from your own perspective.
Kat’s turn: This interview is particularly fascinating for me as time travels have always intrigued me. My hat’s off to any author who has the skill and imagination to create a believable story, as well as doing the research, while going back and forth between then and now. To that end, let’s chat a bit with Ruth.
What movies or books have had an impact on your writing? I’ve always read romance and enjoy Lynn Kurland, Julie Garwood, and Diana Gabaldon to name just a few.
Your publisher is Carina Press. How did you hear about them? I read about them in “Publisher’s Weekly” as well as on several blogs.
What made you submit to them? I’m a member of the Futuristic, Fantasy, and Paranormal special interest RWA chapter. FF&P sponsored an online pitch with Angela James. With my pitch ready for the NJRW Conference, I decided to submit it. When my critique partner got the conference the next day, she told me Angela James posted a request for my full manuscript.
Kat: Whoa, baby!! Is that karma or what? What can you tell me about the Carina Press’ submission process? Carina Press is a digital only publisher. The books have been chosen by Carina Press for printing. My experience with them has been wonderful. I have an editor who has worked closely with me on my book. The turnaround times are comparable to those of traditional publishers. I had input to the title (it really needed a better title), the back cover blurb, and the cover. For example:
I submitted my full manuscript on January 3.
Angela James called me with the offer on February 3.
My contract was signed and delivered by early April.
Editing began a few weeks later.
My release date is November 14.
Kat: that is less than twelve months! A much shorter time frame other publishers. Something for authors to consider when they are wondering about where to submit their work.
Let's read a blurb for Knight of Runes:
Rebeka is no ordinary seventeenth-century woman—she’s travelled back from the year 2011, and she desperately wants to return home. She poses as a scholar sent by the king to find out what’s killing Arik’s land. But as she works to decode the ancient runes that are the key to solving this mystery and sending her home, she finds herself drawn to the charismatic and powerful Arik.
As Arik and Rebeka fall in love, someone in Arik’s household schemes to keep them apart, and a dark druid with a grudge prepares his revenge. To defeat him, Arik and Rebeka must combine their skills. Soon Rebeka will have to decide whether to return to the future or trust Arik with the secret of her time travel and her heart.
Kat: At my request, Ruth kindly submitted the following information about Carina Press:
Harlequin Enterprises Limited launched a digital imprint called Carina Press on June 12, 2010. Carina Press operates independently of Harlequin's traditional publishing businesses. They will publish a broad range of fiction with an emphasis on romance and its subgenres. They also acquire voices in mystery, suspense and thrillers, science fiction, fantasy, erotica, gay/lesbian, and more! Whether you've never been published or are multi-published and are interested in exploring the potential of digital publishing Carina Press is interested. Their philosophy is: no great story should go untold!
To learn more about Knight of Runes and the stories Ruth creates go to: www.RuthACasie.com
To purchase Knight of Runes, go to www.CarinaPress.com
Knight of Runes will also be available at Audible.com in November, 2011.
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