If you have any questions for me, please mail them to info@gileskristian.com with the title Q&A, and I’ll post a selection of them on this page.
Good evening,
I've just finished your 2nd book and have a hankering to read the 3rd. There aren't enough good reads out at the moment that concentrate quite so well on the violence without being so graphic as to go over the top.
let me know how it goes and when it may be out.
cheers
Geoff.
Thanks for your mail. I'm thrilled to hear that you're eager to take to your sea-chest and ride the sea-road with Sigurd again! Book three, RAVEN Odin's Wolves, will hit the shelves next Feb, which I appreciate is a long time to wait, but that's the way my publisher does it. After that I'm wading straight in to another series, this one set during the English Civil War, which I'm hoping will be a real rip-snorter, too. After that I'm hoping Raven will ride again. I'll have to wait and see.
Hi
Just wanted to let you know how much I really enjoyed reading this book. I'm dashing out to buy Sons of Thunder now.
Sheer Brilliance.
Gee
Great to hear that you enjoyed Blood Eye and that it has made you want to join Sigurd and the Wolfpack on their next adventure. Good to have you aboard!
I hope you get a kick out of Sons of Thunder when you manage to plunder yourself a copy. Let me know! It was certainly great fun to write.
Hello mr Kristian, my name's james and i was wondering if you were going to continue writing the raven saga. I am half way through the first book but when i found out there was a second one i was bouncing off the ceiling, for an action adventure book it would make an excellent film i know a wee bit about vikings but usually that's because if i didnt understand it i'd read up on it, i would be gratefull if you would be able to get back to me thanks.
your faithfull fan.
james mccracken
Yes, book 2, RAVEN Sons of Thunder, is out now. After that there'll be another book, RAVEN Odin's Wolves, which I'm currently writing (and having a great time doing it!) After that I'm starting a new series set during the English Civil War, which will have action coming out of its ears! I'd quite like to write another RAVEN book at some point, but we'll have to wait and see how it goes. I hope the readers enjoy it so much that I simply have to write another one.
Dear Giles Kristian,
I have just had the best intensive three days reading ive had for a long time.
I live in Washington , Tyne&Wear , northeast England. I lived in norway on stord island in the late sixtys early seventys and had the prvelidge to travel the country and get to know the people , and some of them have stayed life long freinds.
By being from this part of the country I was christned in jarrow at BEDES saint Pauls, I know I still have a feeling deep inside when ever I visit Norway that i am returning home this has never left me since i first stepped off the ferry the LEDA that freezing january morning. The fyord was frozen at Bergen, I was 19 at the time and my love of vikings and NORWAY has only got stronger.
I hope to have many more adventures with Ravenbloodeye TUSSEN TACK
Yours sincerly
Derek Tindle
I know Stord! In fact, your mail just makes me want to get on a plane and go. We have a cottage on a small island called Brimsholmen near Os, about an hour from Bergen. It's my favourite place in all the world and I intend to go out there to finish writing book three of the RAVEN series, Odin's Wolves. I just feel it would be the right place in which to finish the series. I guess I'm an old romantic really (despite the blood and guts of my books ;-).
It must have been a cold one all those years ago to freeze the water. Sometimes we take our little boat from the cottage all the way into Bergen harbour and I must say it's an incredible feeling mooring up there when you think of all the history.
I'm thrilled that you enjoyed Blood Eye, or was it Sons of Thunder? Either way, it's very kind of you to take the time to let me know. Much appreciated.
When is the 3rd book due to be released? I can't wait, having just read the first 2. I hope you don't kill Sigurd off as I'm quite fond of him, and was reading the second with the hope he would make it to the end! from ZJones
So glad you enjoyed Blood Eye and Sons of Thunder. The third in the RAVEN series, Odin's Wolves, will be released next Feb, so a long wait I'm sorry to say. But I'll do my best to make sure it's worth it. It's certainly proving a great deal of fun to write and I'm going to make sure it has everything. As for Sigurd, I'm rather fond of him, too, so I hope he makes it. Raven still has much to learn and I suspect Sigurd is the man to learn from!
Hey Giles,
First off congrats on the success of your first book. I'm a huge fan, your book was just a great read, simply put. I know you have heard this question a lot and I tried to find the answer on the Q&A section but I have had no success. I know you said your book was set for release on Feb. 26th? I have been relentlessly hassling the people at the local bookstore and they still have no recollection of an order coming in. Is there a delay or anything, or will it take a while to be printed in the U.S. or anything like that? I have been looking forward to reading the second book so bad that I will start loosing sleep soon. Not really but... any who. Some info would be greatly appreciated. Keep up the good work!!!
As far as I know the books are not available in the USA, unless you go through Amazon.com.
The reason being that we haven't got a publisher over there. I wish we did, but no one has seen fit to sign it up yet, which is a shame. You could try ordering from Amazon.co.uk, but I have no idea what the delivery cost would be.
I do hope you manage to plunder yourself a copy of Sons of Thunder. If you do, I'd love to know what you think.
Hi Giles,first let me say how good it was to see you at Goldsboro Books last Thursday,and i left with my copy under my arm looking forward to the weekend back with the pack.I tried to think of what words i would use to review it, after all i thought the first was great and thought this would be up there with it,so here goes "GREAT,GREAT,GREAT" i just loved it ,more than the first and i did not think that would be possible.Frist I thought the Holmgang between Sigurd and Mauger was one of the best fight discriptions that i have read and i have read a few.Coming second was the diversion by Sigurd when Osric was escaping the Franks,did that happen in history? if it did Frantasic,if not Brilliant .I know you said there just one more to come before you move on to the English Civil War,but if you can you must revist later on if Osric survives the third book.So i will now just have to make do with Robert Low until Osric sails back in to port,not to long i hope.Just of to look for my Wolf Tatto
Best Regards Jim Eves
Thanks so much for coming along to the launch, it was very good to see you, though I'm sorry we didn't get much chance to chew the fat, but you know how those things are. I'm absolutely thrilled to hear how much you enjoyed the new one, and it was very kind of you to put a glowing review on Amazon. I have actually been quite nervous waiting to see how it will be received, but mails like yours honestly make my day. As for the diversion with the birds, one of the old sagas mentions such a thing and on further research I discovered that even then it was an old story, probably more of a myth really. But I thought it was too good to ignore and so I had to plunder it! Glad you liked it. As for the next book, Odin's Wolves, it's going to be brimming with action. The blood will be flying off the page! I'm just sorry you've now got so long to wait.
Thanks for taking this journey with me, Jim. It's great to have you aboard.
Just a quick line to ask if there are any plans to sell Raven as an audiobook/download? It would be fantastic to listen to on an i-pod or in the car.
Keep up the good work and I look forward to the next book. Thanks for your time,
Steve Franks
P.S. Any chance of a book signing in Lincoln?
I haven't heard of any plans yet to do an audio book version, but I've got my fingers crossed that it will happen. I remember listening to Bernard Cornwell's Arthur series a few years back whilst doing a lot of driving, and it was brilliant!
As it happens, I'll be doing the Lincoln Festival on May 14th. I'm doing a talk with a couple of other authors, followed by a signing.
Glad you enjoyed Blood Eye - hope you get a kick out of Sons of Thunder!
I have just finished Raven blood eye, i think we have a new Bernard Cornwell, am going to buy the sequel tomorow, one of the best historical fiction books i have read, and i am a real fan. more please, all the best, Kev.
As for being compared to the mighty BC, what an honour! I've enjoyed his books for years now, my favourite being his Arthur series, so you pay a high compliment indeed. I'm thrilled that you enjoyed Blood Eye and I hope you get a kick out of the next journey with Sigurd and the Wolfpack. I'm currently busy with the third adventure, RAVEN: Odin's Wolves, and It promises to be a real rip-snorter! Well, thanks for taking the time to drop me a line, I appreciate it.
Hi Giles,
I am just writing to express my love for your new book “Raven: blood eye” Being highly interested in Norse mythology, I found this book not only gripping to read but very informative (along the lines of the Gods and goddesses you mention throughout the story) I would like to ask one question about it which is confusing me, and that is how did Egfrith survive when raven seen Glum seemingly behead him in the forest? That’s the only question I have about the book and will gladly give it full marks on any book rating website once I understand that ending part. Aside from the book, do you have any suggestions on where I could go to find out more about the mythological stories of the Norse Gods and Godesses, any author suggestions etc? I would also like to commend you on your reasoning behind not using the work “Viking” in the whole book, in the historical section at the back. I also read online that this was a part of a trilogy, is this correct?
Thank you for your time in reading this and for any response I get from you regarding the questions above.
Craig (South Wales, UK)
Now then, about your query; I have found the passage you are referring to:
‘I like the sound of these Welshmen,’ Glum said, smiling at Thorleik. Then the Norseman stepped forward and cut through the rope binding the monk’s hands.
‘Thank the good Lord!’ Egfrith exclaimed, rubbing his chaffed wrists. Glum turned and looked into my eyes, then swung back round, slicing his sword into the monk’s head. Egfrith’s legs collapsed and he dropped like a stone. Cynethryth screamed and I saw that her face was spattered in his blood.
So you see that poor old Egfrith suffered a blow to the head, rather than having his head chopped off! I'm sure it still hurt like hell and knocked him unconscious for a while, but that little monk is tougher than he looks. Besides which, maybe his God was looking out for him. I am sorry if it wasn't clear though.
As for the myths side of things, for reference I use Cassell's Dictionary of Norse Myth & Legend. I also have:
Myths of the Norsemen by H.A. Guerber (first published in 1908!)
Viking & Norse Mythology by H.R.Ellis Davidson
Norse Mythology by Arthur Cotterell.
Hi again Giles,
thank you very much for the reply. I have noticed through your site and Facebook profile the effort you make to reply to your fans and it is really nice that you take the time to answer so many. I for one really appreciate it.
It looks like it took a lot of hardwork in getting Raven to us and I am glad you saw it through. With my book I struggle to find the time to write as I have a full time job, a wife and toddler and another baby due in May. I make time whenever I can but would love to be able to spend all day on it. However, I am still confident of suceeding. I will let you know when I have something exciting to report.
I was wodering what book to fill the gap with until Raven 2 was out and decided after your response to reread Bernard Cornwell's The Winter King. You are so right about Dervel being an excellent character. I last read them whenI was travelling a few years back and had forgotten exactly how good a character he is.
I am very much looking forward to Raven 2 - Feb 18th cannot wait. Will you be doing any book signings in Birmingham? Also is it true there is some interest from Hollywood?
Cheers
Scott
I hope you've managed to plunder yourself a copy of Sons of Thunder, and if so, I hope it floats your longship. I'm currently tearing into book 3, Odin's Wolves, and as the third (and possibly last) book in the series, I want to make sure it has it all. It's certainly proving enormous fun to write. As for Hollywood, there's so much BS from that end of things that I'm not even thinking about it. I'll concentrate on the books!
I hope you're getting some time to get the words down and I wish you all the best with it. Oh, and I'll let you know if I come to a signing in Birmingham.
I just finished reading Raven Blood Eye. I told Robert Low that I'd spent a small fortune getting my hands on a UK HC editionof your book, and that I hoped it was worth it. It was, in spades. With your cliff-hanger ending, I'll be anxiously awaiting the chance to get your next book, also in HC as soon as possible!! That was a damned good read, and you certainly are the equal if not the better of Low, and without question better than Cornwell. Please, feed my addiction for more well-written Norse books!! Thank you very much!
Terry D. Janes
Kansas City, Mo. USA
I'm thrilled to hear you enjoyed Blood Eye and I'm amazed that it has travelled so far! Sigurd would be proud. As for being compared so favourably with Robert Low and Bernard Cornwell - I couldn't hope for more than that. I admire those two writers enormously and am proud to say that Rob has taken me under his wing somewhat, even calling me his 'padwan' which is pretty funny. One day I hope to have a beard to match his! As for Bernard Cornwell, his books are among my very favourite, especially his Arthur series. I hope you enjoy RAVEN: Sons of Thunder (released here next Thor's Day) as much if not more. I'm currently working on book 3, Odin's Wolves, which is, so far, a real thunder-ripping yarn. I'm having so much fun writing it.
Hello Giles,
My boyfriend is currently serving his 5th month of a 7 month tour of Afghanistan. Before he left, he purchased a handful of books to take with him - not that he gets much chance to put his feet up and read! - and in amongst the collection of reading matter he chose, was your book. I actually picked it up on the strength of Bernard Cornwells praise for your talent on the front cover - he`s a big fan - and insisted he give it a go. He phoned this afternoon raving about how utterly fantastic the book was - he read it in 2 days, whilst travelling - and has insisted I purchase Sons Of Thunder immediately. Having scoured the internet for said book, it has come to my attention that the book isn`t actually due for release until the 18th february.
I appreciate what a busy man you must be but if I purchased the book, would it be atall possible for you to sign it if I posted it to you please? It would be a lovely surprise for my boyfriend and certainly make a change from the copy of Nuts that I usually send to him.
He's serving on the frontline with the 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards, and found he could indentify with the characters in the book - he said he feels like a modern day viking.
Congratulations with the book and best of luck with the next one!
Kind Regards,
Lisa Lambert.
Firstly I'd like to thank you for your amazing email. I must say that of all the mails I have received, yours has had the greatest impact on me. I have a tremendous respect for our armed forces and have no reservations when I say that I believe the British Army is still the best in the world. To think of your boyfriend out in Afghanistan (with all that that entails) reading and enjoying my book, is amazing to me and more than I could ever have hoped for. The 'band of brothers' theme is something I enjoy writing and if your boyfriend feels that he's a modern-day viking, that's good enough for me! In fact, the Vikings got around so much back in the day that there's every chance he does have Viking ancestors!
Hi Giles,
I absolutely loved reading Raven and cannot wait for the second book. I can hardly believe how gripped it kept me. I especially love the characters. Bernard Cornwell’s Uhtred is one of my favourite fictional characters and definitely my favourite character from historical fiction but now I am so excited at the prospect of following Raven’s adventures. Your characters seem full of life as soon as you introduce them. Sigurd is particularly fantastic. I am also very taken by your story of creating the novel and your utter refreshing joy at its success. I too have to stupid blind confidence that I will see my novel published and it too being an emphatic success. I look forward to the day I am in your position. Would you be able to tell me how long it took to write the first draft? How long you spent on the re-writes? And how long it took to then get an agent and then get it published?I am currently a quarter of the way through the first draft my first book (I have a trilogy planned). Also when will Raven’s third instalment be due out? I look forward to hearing Raven’s tales for a long time to come.
Uhtred is one of my favourites too, though I suspect I prefer Dervel from his Arthur books. They remain my favourite trilogy ever.
So you're determined to see your book published? Good for you! In my humble opinion, that's the only way to be if you want to get there. I actually wrote a 166,000 word book before RAVEN Blood Eye. It has never seen the light of day, but in writing those 166,000 words I learned a great deal. I think I learned how not to do it, so that by the time I began Blood Eye, I had got most (though not all) of the rubbish out of the way. As for Blood Eye, it was a work-in-progress for a couple of years. I was living in New York when I finished the book and it took me a little while to get a literary agent. Eventually, Writers House took me on and I thought I'd made it. But they were unable to secure the right publishing deal for the book and I began to wonder if it would ever happen. Apparently, the story was a bit too European for the US market. So I approached a literary agency in London, A.M.HEATH, and they took me on. Within a month or two we had an offer from Transworld Publishers, but it took another two years before Blood Eye hit the shelves.
In short:
I began writing RAVEN Blood Eye in the summer of 2004, signed the publishing deal with Transworld in October 2007, and saw it on the shelves in Feb 2009. The third RAVEN story will be out in Feb 2011.
Publishing moves at a glacial pace, it seems to me, and you need enormous reserves of patience, though as a writer you must already have these. Whatever you do, don't submit the book until you have done re-write after re-write. It's so tempting to 'show it' as soon as you've punched that last full-stop, but you must put it away for a while and come back to it with some objectivity. I wish you all the luck in the world with it and I hope to see your book on the shelf next to mine one day.
I'm not a fan of conn Iggulden, i find his books too formulaic. I much prefer Harry Sidebottom - now he's a REAL story teller with great knowledge and phenomenal scholarship. This book of yours was quite amazing - even though I'm some 15 years older than you I could feel and believe in Valholl and the Norse gods and can quite understand what it is like to fight to the death and feel that frenzy coursing through one's body, kill or be killed with honour! (I'm an ex soldier and felt exactly that a long way back)...looking forward to reading your next book!
best Peter de Loriol
I have to say your mail made my evening last night. It means a great deal to me to think that my stories connect with someone such as yourself, specially with you having been a soldier. One of the things that interests me is how fighting men will make such sacrifices for their brothers in arms. For me it's one of the most emotive things I can think of, and I try to get some of that camaraderie across in my stories. I know that the whole 'Death of Glory' ideal can stick in some people's throats, but frankly I don't care. When it comes down it, and you're staring at the void, how would you rather go? I know what I'd prefer, and fortunately most of my characters in RAVEN feel the same way. I'm absolutely thrilled that it comes through to you in the story.
Thanks for taking the time to write - I appreciate it. And I hope you enjoy Sons of Thunder as much as Blood Eye. There are fewer set-piece battles but there are some very tasty scraps none the less. One, between Sigurd and another warrior, is one of my favourite scenes which I've ever written.
Dear Mr Giles
Having brought your book Raven :blood eye , i am compelled to right to you and say thank you, what a great read, i was unable to put it down , so much so i missed my stop on the tube on Thursday !
my wife is currently in Oxford buying me sons of thunder , for my commute read next week .
Only 3 books planned in the trilogy ??? No way! must be more , we demand more !
I personally would love to hear about Jarl sigurd and Black Floki ‘s past (black Floki , is my favourite character )
As an ardent Bernard Cornwall fan and also Simon Scarrows series “the eagles “ , they have someone to rival them now ,In my opinion
Once again well done and thank you
best regards
wayneR
I'm sorry you missed your stop! (Actually, I think that's brilliant ;-) I'm afraid though, that you'll have to wait a little while longer to get your hands on Sons of Thunder, as it's not out until Thursday 18th Feb. We're launching it that night and you'd be very welcome to come along and get a signed copy, the more the merrier. I'll attach an invite to this mail, should you be interested. Anyway, I'm rather pleased you like Black Floki so much. I like him, too. You just feel that although some of the other characters are obviously great warriors, Black Floki wouldn't need to fear anyone. He's a real bad'un!
I'm enormously flattered by your comparisons to BC and SS. I think Bernard is incredible - the master of the genre. I just hope I can one day get close. I'll keep trying!
Kieron Ellis Hi Giles. I am a huge fan of ''Raven Blood Eye' and an re-reading it for the second time (3rd time in total) because I dont want it to end yet. This book is responsible for me staying up late at night, arriving at work late and not concentrating at work, but I dont care. I am so pleased to hear about 'Sons of Thunder' due imminently and I cannot wait to get my hands on it.
I am a aspiring writer but find it hard to really get the most out of my characters. Something that you do so well, I feel like I physically know Raven and Siguard. Is there any particular way in which you do this?
Thanks for getting in touch. I'm honoured that you've re-read Blood Eye, and thrilled that you enjoyed it so much. However, I do apologize that it seems to have weevilled into your brain and affected your concentration at work, (though I quite like that too!) I love it when a book gets me like that. The RAVEN books are so much fun to write and I'm currently busy with book 3 of the series, Odin's Wolves, which I suspect might be the best of the lot. As for getting the most out of my characters, I'm not sure what to say. Although I would say this: At the end of the first draft my characters were probably pretty flat. They were interchangeable. It's during the subsequent drafts (and books!) that you finally get to know them properly. You re-read a piece of dialogue and think to yourself, hang on, Black Floki wouldn't say it like that.
This is when you go through the book again and assign more character traits and distinguish between them. So don't worry at first. The re-writes are when the whole thing really starts to sing.
Good luck and keep writing!
Adam Davis Hi Giles, I read Raven: Blood Eye and from the moment I picked it up I fell in love with it, I was just wondering how many more books there are in this series and when they will be relased to the public. I can't wait for them, they'll keep me glued for hours I am sure.
Thank you, hope to hear from you soon.
The next RAVEN adventure, Sons of Thunder, is out in Feb. I'm currently working on the third, called Odin's Wolves. After that who knows? If people are enjoying it and the books are selling then I'd love to write more. So fingers crossed that young Raven's sword-fame spreads and we can get more folk into the series. It can be tough being the new boy in the genre, specially with so many other great historical authors out there. But I'll do my best! Thanks for getting in touch.
Jim Eves Hi Giles, great news that Sons of Thunder is coming in Feb, we need Raven to be back,what with Robert Low Orm oathsworn coming to a end in March. We need Raven to take on the mantle, and i know that we will not be disappointed and i am more then happy to take the oathsworn and sail with you and Raven on great tales. Good to hear that you have started the 3rd book, do you have a number in mind of how many there will be in the series, and will you be doing any book signings for Sons of Thunder in the London area? the bookshop that i use and regard as the best is Goldboro Books in Cecil Court London, i know you launched Raven there, it would be great if you had a signing there again. Just to finish with a few recommendations of books that i think you might enjoy.
The Library of Shadows by Mikkel Birkegaard, Martyr by Rory Clements, Forgotten Legion by Ben Kane, Best of Men by Claire Letemendia and The Gladiator by Simon Scarrow. Until Feb
I received a mail from Rob this morning and he's delving into his new series now, which I'm sure will be amazing. We often discuss what we're up to and I appreciate having him to chat to about this lonely old art of ours. Although I am slightly envious of his beard! I actually launched RAVEN in Nordic Bar W1, which was great fun (and a heavy night ;-). We hired some scantily clad models and dressed them as Viking wenches! Well someone has to hand out the drinks. We even had a huge raven to greet people on the door - a beautiful, intelligent bird. But I did sign some books for Goldsboro. They were fantastic and very supportive when Blood Eye came out. They sold over 200 copies, which is impressive for one shop, and I was very grateful to them. They're also lovely people. It's a great bookshop, a real gem, and I'm sure I'll do something with them for book 2. As for how many RAVEN books there'll be, I'd quite like to keep it going. We'll have to see if people continue to buy them! If they do, I might keep writing them. After all, Raven is still a young man and has very far to go. Thanks for getting in touch and thanks for the recommendations. Much appreciated. I've just bought Outlaw by Angus Donald. Haven't started it yet.
Giles,
I just completed Raven (purchased it thru Amazon UK) and did enjoy it very much! When do you anticipate the release of "Sons of Thunder"? Will you please update your website as information is available.
Congratulations on your success, looking forward to many more enjoyable reads of pillage and plunder!
Tod
So you hunted it down, good work! Very glad you enjoyed it and am only sorry you couldn't find it a little closer to home. Sons of Thunder is due to be unleashed on 26th Feb 2010, with the mass market paperback of Blood Eye out the month before. Seems a long while to wait, specially when it's all done and I'm now onto book 3. But that's the business for you - glacial. I'll keep you informed.
Thanks for coming along for the ride - there's a rising tide and the glint of silver at the far end of the sea road!
Hi Giles,
Raven: Blood Eye was an incredible read. You have a particular gift for building tension. Such a tightly written story too - a saga that never sagged! Sigurd was a fantastic character. He was everything I can imagine a viking leader would have been: charismatic and generous yet violent and often ruthless when needed.
I was looking for an insight into how you write, particularly in terms of the writing / editing ratio. Do you wait until you've finished a chapter before going back and editing / rewriting or do you wait until you've completed a few or even the whole story? Also what kind of pre-writing work do you do e.g. character profiling etc?
I've harboured hist-fic novelling ambitions for a wee while now but working in the evening and having a toddler running around during the day makes this tricky! Craig
Sigurd is my favourite, too! In the next book, RAVEN Sons of Thunder, Sigurd gets into a scrap that even made me wince as I was writing it. It's probably the most gruesome thing I've written, but I hope you like it! A good question about the writing/editing ratio. Actually, I like to write through for a day without editing. Then before I begin the next day I'll read through what I wrote the day before and just tidy it up. It also helps remind me where I am. Mind you, this is perhaps easier for me than for some writers, as I don't tend to write that much in a day, unfortunately. If I get 1000 words written in a session I'm satisfied. Strangely, I'll often get up and finish my writing day in the middle of a sentence. No idea why.
And I probably shouldn't admit this, but I don't write character profiles. Way too organised! I like to just write, then add all the flavour once I know where I'm going. If I had to plan everything in advance it would take much of the fun out of it for me. My advice is just write it. Then be prepared to do two or three re-writes, which is not as boring as it sounds, because with every tweak you can feel the story becoming richer and more taut. I appreciate it can be hard to find the time, but just get some words down and you'll soon find your story breathing for itself. Good luck!
Jackie
With all the fascinating periods in history to choose from, why did you go for the 9th century?
I am half Norwegian and spend as much time as I can at our family cottage in the Norwegian fjords about an hour from Bergen on Norway’s west coast. I have always been passionate about Viking history and thought that although there have been a few books about the Viking Age proper, there has not been much about the first time a bunch of adventurous friends (or Fellowship) boarded a longship and decided to see what they could find (or steal!) I am constantly awed by the bravery of men willing to cross the North Sea in open boats, at the mercy of the elements and lacking support or a safety net of any kind. Their wanderlust and seamanship took them as far as North America and the Caspian Sea. They crisscrossed half the world, dared everything there was to dare and left their mark wherever they went. I always knew I would write a story about these incredible people and to me it is fitting than my first published novel is the one I dreamt of writing for years.
P. Nicholson
Have you always wanted to write? How did you get into it?
I have always written, whether it be poetry, observational pieces for magazines, or advertising copy and slogans. Language turns me on. I also knew I would one day have a novel published. Of course, this was half-arrogance, half blind optimism, but something like that doesn’t just happen on a whim (unless you are either a literary genius or extraordinarily lucky). You have to want it more than anything. You have to refuse point blank to accept failure. At least, that is what I did. And I am thrilled that all that desperate hoping paid off. Holding a copy of your novel for the first time is a mind-blowing, deeply moving experience.
Lynne Milner
Do you have a routine when it comes to your work and if so, what is it?
I try to keep a routine but it can be hard for someone like me who can get distracted by a fly or a piece of music or a dripping tap or a daydream. Nevertheless, I try to be at my computer with a cup of tea by 9am. I write and reply to a few emails, do a bit of admin, and read through what I wrote the day before. Then, by about 10.15 I’m ready to begin writing, though with historical fiction this usually means ploughing through books in the name of research. At 1.00 I have some lunch and read the paper so that I feel part of the real world at least for a short time, then I get back to my desk. I write with music playing - sometimes Classic FM, sometimes movie soundtracks such as Brave Heart, Gladiator, and Lord of the Rings. I find these epic scores influence my writing, or at least I hope they do! Around 4.30 I go to the gym. Writing is not good for your posture or waistline. Sometimes I come back to the book, but mostly there are a million other things that need to be done. I fantasize about writing in a cabin in the middle of nowhere and I like to think I wouldn’t miss anything or anyone. I would grow a beard, hang out with a big dog (a proper dog – not one of those pointless fluffy yappy things), and hunt in the forest for my dinner, only venturing into the world of people to deliver my finished manuscript.
Tom
What advice would you give to someone who has an ambition to get published.
I’m assuming you have an idea about what it is you want to write. If so, write it. Then re-write it. Then leave it alone for a few weeks (this is very hard to do) and come back to it with a little objectivity. Inevitably you will read parts which you think are horrible. They probably are, so re-write, re-write and re-write again. It is so tempting to punch that full stop, write THE END, and send the manuscript to your agent or friend or family member. Don’t do it. Not yet. Especially not an agent - you might only get one chance to hook them. Wait until you’re sure you’re at the stage where you need someone else’s input. You might even consider getting your manuscript critiqued. This can be quite expensive but very helpful. Try www.literaryconsultancy.co.uk or www.writersworkshop.co.uk. Unfortunately, you’re going to need an agent before you can hope to secure interest from a publisher, but when they get you your deal you will love them dearly. You’ll continue to love them when they navigate and negotiate those mind-numbing contracts for you, leaving you free to write (which is, after all what you want to do). Buy a copy of the Writers’ & Artists’ Yearbook. It comes out every year and includes all the information you will need. Even if you never open it, you can slip it inside your jacket to stop bullets or strap a copy to each of your shoes to gain a valuable two inches in height. I suggest you do open it though. Choose a bunch of agents who represent the kind of thing you have written and write to them or call them to ask if they would be interested to see what you have. Write a brief letter describing what you have written and why. Be business-like but try to get your personality across in the letter. Hopefully, they will write back requesting sample chapters. If they don’t, choose another bunch of agents and do the same thing. Do not give up. Ever.
P.S.
Ever.
R. Tsung
What next? How is the next book going?
I am currently working on book two of the RAVEN Series. In it Raven delves deeper into the Norsemen’s world, fully immersing himself in their customs and culture. He has proven himself a worthy young wolf, but now he will need a jarl’s cunning as well as bravery if he is to survive and prosper. Having journeyed to the great Frankish kingdom of the Emperor Charlemagne, the Fellowship finds itself in the greatest danger yet, for this emperor is the Lord of all Christendom and the scourge of heathens. Nevertheless, Raven and the Wolfpack venture on, their ambition still burning fiercely, for they know that only the greatest of deeds will make a good saga-tale and see them remembered around the hearths of the north.
JAYNE BRADSHAW
Hi Giles, out of everything you have achieved, what are you most proud of?
Easy! Having my novel published is the most exciting and wonderful thing to ever happen to me (other than being born, which was also quite an eventful day). You sit for hours, days and years writing away with the almost riduculous hope of someone wanting to publish your story at the end of it all. The odds of it happening are not good. I've read many times that only half a percent of those who write books actually see them published. I was stubborn enough to believe I would make those odds. I was also very lucky that my book ended up in the hands of the right person at the right time.
Lee George Firstly let me say well done! I really enjoyed your book it was fast paced and un-put-down-able. Just keen to know when the next one is planned for release? Can you recommend any other Viking era books to read? I read the trilogy ‘Viking’ by Tim Severin but it still didn’t have the blood lust and love off war that should be in all Viking books. Any help on this would be greatly appreciated as I’m stuck with the Roman era and not so enjoyable.
Thanks George, I'm so glad you enjoyed it and found it brutal enough! I love Robert Low's Oathsworn series. He weaves a tremendous saga tale. Bernard Cornwell's Arthur trilogy is not a Viking story but it is my favourite ever trilogy and if you haven't read it allready, it should give you what you're looking for. As for the second in the RAVEN series, I have all but finished it , but I'm afraid it won't be released until next year.
John Eldridge Hi Giles,
I have just read Raven and couldn't put it down, the first with a book for a long time. Its a fantastic read - thanks ! I've got to ask, when is the sequel due out ?
Thanks.
Thank you very much, you're very kind. I'm so glad you enjoyed tearing it up with Sigurd and the Fellowship and I appreciate you letting me know. I've just delivered book 2, at the moment titled RAVEN: Sons of Thunder, and I hope you enjoy that as much if not more. It won't be out until Feb next year though. Meanwhile, in June WATERSTONE'S will be releasing an exclusive version of the first one with some added bits, then we have the paperback sometime after that. So it feels like a long time to wait, for me too!
James Eaves I have just finished Raven and i must say how much i enjoyed being engrossed with the Fellowship and long to be part of Sigurd's Wolfpack.I now can not wait for the next adventure and i now rate Raven along side Robert Low's Oathsworn series, so come on Giles, get scribeing away and thank you again for the enjoyment you brought to me with Raven.Other authors that i also enjoy are Simon Scarrow,Tim Severin,Conn Iggulden,Robert Low,Allan Mallinson,Bernard Cornwell, Andrew Pepper and Mary Stewart Merlin`s series starting with The Crystal Cave. So untill the next Raven.
Cheers, James, I'm scribbling! Actually, I'm just beginning the research for book 3, so I expect I'll be taking a pile of books on holiday in a couple of weeks. If only my historical library came in e-book format! As for pleasure reading, I'm just reading Conn Iggulden's Bones of The Hills, having left Genghis alone for a while.
Joe Fagan I would just like to thank you for such a fantastic cracking read and cant wait for the next instalment of Raven I could not put it down brilliant, with some luck there is a film maker out there with the brains to make it into a movie.
Hey Joe, RAVEN the movie would be amazing. I think the actors would have to be unknowns, as I can't think who would play the different characters. Any ideas, let me know. I have an agent in LA looking to sell the movie rights as we speak, but realistically, the chances are very slim. It's nice to daydream though. In terms of reference, I see the movie having the honour of Rob Roy, the camaraderie of Band of Brothers, and the heart of Gladiator. As I said, nice to daydream. ;-)
Duncan Crombie Congratulations on your first book, a fabulous read, can't wait for the sequels.
You have inherited the proud storytelling skills of your Skald ancestors.
More power to your pen (or word processor).
Well that's a compliment I'll grab with both hands. My agent just told me there was one thing in book two that stretched his credulity just a little, and I had to remind him that it's not me, but Raven recounting the tall tales of his long life. In the best traditions of the sagas, he's almost obliged to stretch things just a little bit. And thank Odin I don't have to use a pen! My hand aches these days after writing a birthday card.
Ian Rugheimer
Hello Giles, just finished Raven blood eye and enjoyed it hugely. Looking forward to further tales. Somewhere in the latter part of the book I came across a typo. The word “covert” was used instead of “covet”. I did not mark it so cannot remember the page, but a word search will find it.
Looking forward to the next one. Am half Swedish as you may gather from e-mail address. Keep writing.
Thanks Ian. Talking of further tales, although I conceived RAVEN as a trilogy, I might be tempted to carry on and give the Fellowship some more adventures. So you can expect to find another typo or two over the next few years if you join them! I think it's almost impossible to pick up on every little thing, especially for me as the writer, as I see it how it is in my mind, not how it is on the page. Dreamers, eh. What can you do with 'em?
Peter Jones
I just wanted to say how much I thoroughly enjoyed your novel, and I will certainly 'come back the next night' to hear more of the saga of Raven and Jarl Sigurd. I most certainly think that along with Robert Low the Oathsworn series, and Bernard Cornwell's the Saxon stories, yours is one of the best historically set novels I have read. May your inspiration never falter.
I'm absolutely thrilled you enjoyed the first in the RAVEN series and I appreciate your letting me know. I am just finishing off the second, which I'm very excited about. Meanwhile, Waterstone's are releasing an exclusive Trade Paperback of Blood Eye in June that will have added material, so it's all going on at the moment. I'm very flattered to be compared to Robert Low, with whom I'm good friends (though I think I need to work on my beard before I can join him in the re-enacting!) and Bernard Cornwell. I think those guys are amazing.
Peter Ronning
Hello, first I want to say I love the book ''raven blood eye''
just wanted to ask if there are any plans of a next book?
really hope so. cant seem to find any info on the internet.
Actually, I've just delivered book 2, currently titled RAVEN: Sons of Thunder, and I'm about to launch into book 3. After that who knows? Though I doubt we'll see the end of young Raven and the Fellowship for quite some time. It's just too much fun to write it!
If you go to 'interviews' on this site you'll find links to quite a few sites, some of which may provide answers to any other questions you might have.
TNL
**WOW!!**
I'm sure there are many mails saying the same thing, Fantastic stuff!!
I picked it up & read it straight through in a day, I literally couldn't put it down, and then even had it in my dreams that night haha. I love the Viking era, and the characters & settings described so well in this,I felt I could step through the page to them. The Norsemen, the powerful ruthless fire & spirit of them, I can almost believe Sigurd & the others to have existed as real people
Thankyou for bringing them to life, I am looking forward to the next installment with great delight! :)
Thank you, I'm thrilled that you connected so solidly with the book. It always amazes me when people read it in one day - after it took me years to write and see published! In a way that's the best compliment I could receive. As for Sigurd and the others, perhaps they did exist or others very like them, men of the misty fjords with fire in their eyes and steel in their hands. I like to think so anyway.
Bullwolfe 'Forkbeard' Eadred
(Tim Whitley)
Dear Sir,
I have just finished reading your first book and just wanted to comment how much I enjoyed it. I have been a member of Norse re-enactment for over 15 years and have apeared as an extra in films such as '13th Warrior', 'Pathfinder', 'King Arthur' and 'Beowolf and Grendal'. I enjoy reading such novels and found your book to be excellent and very well written. I cannot wait to read the next in (I hope) the series.
Dear Bullwolfe,
Thank you so much for your kind words. I'm thrilled you enjoyed the book and I appreciate you dropping me a line to say so. With a debut you never know how it's going to be received, but I've been overwhelmed by the response and have decided that I prefer book people to music people (my last profession). It especially means a great deal coming from someone such as yourself, who obviously knows the period and the subject and is very passionate about it. I would imagine you'd be my harshest critic (other than my mother, who incidentally, read the book and called me a 'filthy heathen savage,' and she being Norwegian, too! The cheek! Book two, RAVEN Sons of Thunder is on my editor's desk now and I'm about to wade into book 3, sword in hand, so all is good.
Sounds like you've had a great time going a-viking and on some big movies! I loved 13th Warrior particularly and enjoyed Beowulf and Grendal, too (both in my DVD collection). Pathfinder's depiction of Vikings was more than a little disturbing. You'll have to send me a photo of you in action so I can look out for you next time I watch them.
Tod
(Indiana, U.S.)
I found out about Raven thru the Bernard Cornwell fan club on facebook give-away. Has it or will it be published in the U.S. or only in the U.K.? I am really looking forward to reading it. From your website it looks like we share many of the same favorite authors.
Great to hear from you. I'm sorry to say that at this moment in time RAVEN Blood Eye does not have a publisher in the U.S. From what I can gather, even the mighty Mr Cornwell had to wait a while for his stuff to really sell over there, so maybe I'll have to be patient for a while yet. The closest we can get at the moment is Canada! Though it's also coming out in Russia, Spain, Australia and South Africa I think. I'm so glad you're looking forward to reading it, but I guess you might have to try Amazon.