The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Rosanne Licata

The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Rosanne Licata

Summary: Jill thought that Blood Bonds: The Caravan by Rosanne Licata was enchanting, romantic and a multi-faceted story. There was plenty to chat about when Rosanne popped into Bookbag Towers.

Date: 17 December 2012

Interviewer: Jill Murphy

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Jill thought that Blood Bonds: The Caravan by Rosanne Licata was enchanting, romantic and a multi-faceted story. There was plenty to chat about when Roseanne popped into Bookbag Towers.

• Bookbag: If you close your eyes and imagine your readers, who do you see?

Rosanne Licata: A lover of happily ever after. When I first started writing I saw my readers as adult women, but readers of all ages and both genders have read and responded positively to the story. I guess you could say Raj and Bjornolf have more universal appeal than I thought!

• BB: Raj is quick-tempered and strong-willed but she achieves success through giving rather than taking. We loved her as a strong female character who retains her feminitity despite her disguise. What advice do you think she would give to teenage girls in this modern world?

RL: You are here for a very good reason. Figure out what that reason is and go for it. HOLD OUT for the right partner, if that partner exists, to come along; don't settle for anything or anyone.

• BB: We loved that you wrote about Vikings doing something other than ravaging Britain's northern coasts. They were a fantastic people. What made you choose Bjornolf to be spirit twin to Raj?

RL: Years ago, I saw a film in which Vikings were portrayed in an enigmatic way. The character links were forged in my subconscious mind, I think. I honestly didn't consciously choose. The characters told me their stories, and I wrote them down.

• BB: What's next for Raj and Bjornolf?

RL: Their continuing adventures appear in a total of thirteen tenth-century stories. By the way, the second book in the series, Blood Bonds: The Castle is now out and available in hardcover, softcover, and ebook downloads.

• BB: What made you want to write books with an historical setting?

RL: The characters dictated it. It never even occurred to me to argue with them. In addition, the tenth century has some seriously creative advantages. Because it is considered the darkest of the Dark Ages, my imagination has a freer rein than if the characters dictated a more well-documented time period.

• BB: Where and how do you write?

RL: Usually, on a laptop computer at my desk, logged on to the Internet for research purposes, and with a mug of something hot to drink close to hand. In the morning, it's strong (my UK friend Rosalyn considers it too strong) black coffee, in the afternoon, it's some kind of tea, in the evening it can be either hot chocolate or herbal tea. I ALWAYS take a notebook and pen with me, though, wherever I go, even to the next room. I never know when my characters are going to say, 'Write this down and do not argue!'

• BB: What three books should every young adult read?

RL: REALLY tough question! I thought about my answer for hours. My bottom line is JUST READ!!!!! Read everything you can get your hands on. Whatever tickles your fancy, read it! I keep coming back to the Mark Twain saying 'The man who will not read has no advantage over the man who can't. And keep an open mind about what you read. Just because something is in writing or has been printed, doesn't make it true.

• BB: What would be your desert island book?

RL: Only one?!?!?!? OK. A dictionary. I'd also need a TON of blank paper and lots of pens (or pencils) so I can write.

• BB: You've got one wish. What's it to be?

RL: That all humans on earth are free to discover and pursue what they have been put on this earth to really accomplish. Every other good thing follows from that.

• BB: What's next for Rosanne Licata?

RL: More writing, of course! My characters have chosen me to tell their stories and I will not let them down. At the moment, they're vying for who gets to go next. Each book has a featured Spirit Twin couple that discovers the special bond between them. So far, it's shaping up this way:

Book II – Wulfgar and Ariana (published and now available)

Book III - Adlar and Raisa (currently being written)

Book IV – Charis and Hoenir

Book V – Helte and Romana (Raj's mother)

And on to Book XIII, which is still out there.

We'll see what happens, though. I have learned characters can – and do! – hijack a story. For example, in Book II, Wulfgar was originally going to be a walk-on. He ended up taking over the story. He is the one and only character I ever argued with. We were at a draw when Ariana barged in, nodding and telling me, 'yes, what Wulfgar says.' I didn't stand a chance. The result? Blood Bonds: The Castle.

• BB: We can't argue with that, either, Rosanne - it sounds as though there's some exciting reading there. Good luck!

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Rosalyn Morrow said:

As a ‘Reader’ for Rosanne and therefore privileged to see the stories before publication, I can tell you that there is much more to look forward to. More romance, more action and suspense, more engaging (and otherwise) characters, more enthralling, riveting stories which travel around Europe and beyond. I have never enjoyed myself so much!