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Chat with Ingrid Paulson, author of VALKYRIE RISING
Posted by TeamEpicReads
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Hey Epic Readers! Come post questions for Ingrid Paulson, author of Valkyrie Rising. She'll be joining us next month to discuss her new book and answer your questions. Post a question below for a chance to win a copy of her new book!
About Valkyrie Rising: Nothing ever happens in Norway. But at least Ellie knows what to expect when she visits her grandmother: a tranquil fishing village and long, slow summer days. And maybe she'll finally get out from under the shadow of her way-too-perfect big brother, Graham, while she's there. What Ellie doesn't anticipate is Graham's infuriating best friend, Tuck, tagging along for the trip. Nor did she imagine boys going missing amid rumors of impossible kidnappings. Least of all does she expect that something powerful and ancient will awaken in her and that strange whispers will urge Ellie to claim her place among mythological warriors. Instead of peace and quiet, suddenly there's a lot for a girl from L.A. to handle on a summer sojourn in Norway! And when Graham vanishes, it's up to Ellie—and the ever-sarcastic, if undeniably alluring, Tuck—to uncover the truth about all the disappearances and thwart the nefarious plan behind them. Deadly legends, hidden identities, and tentative romance swirl together in one girl's unexpectedly epic coming-of-age. |
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Hi Dove'sFlight,
What a great question! I'm not sure I had specific expectations for what would happen after my book was published. I planned for the launch party and a blog tour, and they were both a blast. But I was fully unprepared for how amazing it was to see my book on a bookstore shelf. The poor clerk at the first bookstore I visited had to deal with my laughter, tears, and incoherent babbling. He was a very good sport about it. Thanks for posting 
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Hi Deadtossedwaves,
It's like you read my mind! I was just telling a friend how I never thought I could write from a boy's perspective but I've been experimenting with a new project that's totally boy point of view, and I LOVE it. So, my answer right now is--both! I actually cut a character from VALKYRIE RISING while revising an early draft with my agent. So yes, that definitely does happen. What's weird was it barely changed the story to remove that character, so clearly he wasn't needed. That was a great lesson for me .
Hmm, I don't think a specific character has frustrated me to write--they're pretty clear in my mind so I just let them loose. But characters often do things that I, Ingrid, wouldn't do and sometimes that hurts to write. Especially when you know it'll lead to nothing but trouble. Thanks for the excellent questions! |
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What kind of research did you do for the book? I hope it included lots of time in dreamy landscapes!
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Hi EpicLady and LilyATyler--
Actually, the answers to your questions sort of overlap! I went on a trip to Norway a few years ago with the Paulson women--my grandmother, cousin, and aunt. We were visiting family and just having fun together. While we traveled, I was revising a different book, but the idea for VALKYRIE RISING sort of hit me all at once. I love Norway, and as we traveled, I found myself describing the setting in my mind. The mountains, the gorgeous fjords, the fantastically cool cities. So, yes EpicLady, lots of dreamy landscapes . The story basically evolved out of them. Once I'd decided I wanted to write about Norway, the Valkyrie part hit me pretty quickly. Because who doesn't love Valkyries?
As far as other research to get my mythology facts straight--I did a lot of reading online and at the library. You can learn a lot just by browsing. |
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Hi peachandblue2,
I am a bit of a travel nut. I spend a lot of time daydreaming about trips I'd like to take and reading travel guides. Norway was my number 1 setting (and the one place I'd pack up and move on a moment's notice. No suitcases, no good-byes). But I'm working on a project set in the Galapagos Islands, so I'll say that's number 2. Thanks for the fun question
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Hi guys,
I'm going to start re-posting the questions since my replies sometimes are appearing a few entries after the question. Haley G asked: Is Valkyries Rising going to be a series? Cuz I really wanna know what happens next with Ellie and Tuck. And Loki and Oden... Hi Haley, Thanks for your question! There are no plans for a squel, but you never know what the future will hold . If you miss Ellie and Tuck, be sure to watch PitchDark today for something fun!
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