In Lars Walker's new book, West Oversea, Erling Skjalgsson valiantly relinquishes his power and lands rather than be dishonorable to his evil brother. Supported by a well-drawn cast of characters, Skjalgsson sets sail for uncharted vistas with Greenland as the ultimate destination. The first leg of their voyage takes them to a newly settled Iceland. A dangerous storm blows the adventurers off-course where they encounter new peril with the wild lands and peoples of North America. Meanwhile, Erling’s Irish priest, Father Aillil, on a quest to rescue his enslaved sister, wrestles with a secret dark power that threatens to destroy them all. West Oversea is set against the historical and dramatic Eleventh century backdrop of a Norway in flux as pagan Norwegians are converted to Christianity—sometimes by force.
We interviewed Lars to find out more about his publishing enjoy. Enjoy!
Thank you for this interview, Lars. Can you tell us a little about yourself and how long you’ve been writing?
I’m a pretty dull, quiet fellow. I’ve been writing since I was in high school; I learned very slowly through many mistakes. I sold my first short story to Amazing Stories Magazine in 1984, and my first novel came out in 1987.
Can you tell us briefly what your book is about?
West Oversea is a historical fantasy, continuing the saga of Erling Skjalgsson, an actual historical figure who lived in Norway around the year 1000. Erling gives up his power and property for a time, in order to avoid doing a shameful deed. He and his friends and family set sail for Greenland, to trade with Leif Eriksson (whom he probably actually knew). But due to bad weather and supernatural forces, the voyage ends up being a lot longer—and more dangerous—than they planned. They stop off in Iceland, and even in the new land recently discovered by Leif.
Who is your intended audience? Have you been able to crossover into other audiences as well?
I like to think high fantasy fans, the kind of readers who like Tolkien and George R. R. Martin, will enjoy my books. I don’t do much world-building, though. I’ve always felt our own world allows plenty of scope for wonders. I’ve picked up some readers interested in straight historical fiction as well; I work hard to get my research right.
Why did you choose your particular genre?
I guess it was the influence of Robert E. Howard’s Conan stories. I already loved Tolkien when I discovered Howard, but reading Howard I felt as if this was the sort of thing I could do myself.
Do you ever experience self-doubts with your work?
Most of the time. If I let self-doubt stop me, I’d never get anything done, in any area of my life.
Where do you write? Do you have a favorite place?
I generally write in an easy chair in my living room, with my laptop on a lap desk. Bear in mind, I don’t particularly recommend this method. It’s just how it’s worked out for me.
What kind of research did you have to do during the writing process?
I became a Viking buff when I was about 10 years old, and have been researching pretty constantly ever since. I’ve also traveled to some of the places I write about; Norway several times, and I made the trip to the Leif Eriksson site at L’Anse Aux Meadows, Newfoundland once.
Who is your publisher and how did you get accepted by them? Did you pitch your book yourself or go through an agent?
I connected with Nordskog Publications after several books with another publisher. I was referred to Nordskog by another author who is a friend. I’ve had an agent in the past, but don’t have one at the present time.
How are you promoting your book thus far?
Mostly on the web. I’ve had a number of excellent online reviews, and I promote them myself through my blogging. I also hand-sell books at events where the Viking reenactment group I’m part of participates.
If you could give one book promotion tip to new authors, what would that be?
Networking, I think. I don’t network much myself, but it seems to work well for other people. Writers’ organizations, conferences, and conventions are recommended.
What’s next for you?
I’ve got a few unpublished novels waiting in the wings. Currently I’m working on a sort of historical fantasy/hard-boiled mystery fusion story, set in Viking York in England.
Thank you for this interview, Lars. Can you tell us where we can find you on the web?
My official web site is www.larswalker.com. I share a blog at www.brandywinebooks.net, and I also blog occasionally at http://merecomments.typepad.com/, and http://www.stkarnick.com.
You can pick up your copy of Lars Walker's West Oversea at Amazon or order through any of your local Virginia Beach bookstores.
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