Well, it’s another terrible day here in Yorkshire, but it’s January, so what can we expect? The sky is gloomy, there’s a misty drizzle and the temperature is cold to freezing. Once again I have the heating on full blast to try and acclimatise a guest from warmer lands. I also have a delicious plate of nachos, to welcome Andrea Cooper. (Can you guess where she hails from yet??)
Helena, Thank you for having me here today.
Lovely to meet you! Where do you live, Andrea? I live in Houston, Texas. I’m a third generation Texan, and was born and raised in Houston. It’s definitely not the weather that keeps me here (Hot & Humid 362 days a year), but family and the awesome Tex-Mex food. And cheese soup does not count as Queso (I won’t mention names, but another state served that in their Mexican restaurant).
The Tex-Mex food does sound awesome!
Where is your favourite place in the world? Hawaii-if we are talking about places I’ve actually been to. Place I would love to visit: The UK. And to touch the stones that made up the ancient and new McLauchlin castles which is part of my ancestry.
They sound fascinating – and I’d love to go to Hawaii
Being a writer is a great job. What’s the worst job you’ve ever had? Great question. My worst job was my first. It was a rundown grocery store. I went to high school from 7-3 and then had to be at work by 3:30. The owner yelled at me that I hadn’t memorized the sales’ add that went out in the mail that same day—and when did I have time to even see it? The store was hazardous with sparks flying when I pressed the footrest to make the conveyer belt move. The owner told us to let the elderly by rotten foods and not tell them or offer to replace it. Needless to say, I quit after a few weeks and am happy to say they shut down a year or so later.
Blimey! That’s awful, and I think has to be the worst job cited on this blog – and we’ve had a few!
What book do you wish you’d written? There are so many fabulous books, it’s hard to pick just one. I would have to say Bram Stoker’s Dracula – because he created a paranormal icon. Today, Dracula is still famous, feared and loved.
What’s your favourite song? Today it’s Radioactive by Imagine Dragons. Why? Because my 13-month old likes the song and will stop screaming when we are in the car (she hates to be in her carseat). And I like the title of their group :)
If you could meet anyone in the world, dead or alive, who would it be and what would you say to them? Emily Dickinson. I would ask her how she came up with such gripping, imaginative poems, and why her letters and correspondences were burned per her will when she died. What secrets did she want destroyed by making that request?
What’s your happiest childhood memory? My happiest childhood memory is when I was in Elementary school and the neighbourhood kids coming up to me asking what we were going to play. I created the plot and characters. Once we played ‘Space Vampires’ (yes I know it sounds silly now, but to a 2nd grader it was revolutionary) and so the kids didn’t bite each other, I told them their fangs were their first two fingers.
That’s very inventive!
If you had to marry a fictional character, from film, television, or books, who would it be? I would say Thor, because the actor Chris Hemsworth not only reminds me of my husband, but love his natural Australian accent too.
Thor is my husband’s favourite superhero!
What’s the most important lesson life has taught you? Never give up. It’s easier, sometimes, to walk (or run) from problems, but it takes more strength and courage to stay and fight. You have to know when to move on and when to not.
And finally, please tell us about your latest book, where we can find it, and where we can find your blog/website
Viking Fire is my latest release. It is a historical romance with a touch of magic. Here’s the blurb:
In 856 CE, Ireland is a land of myth, magic, and blood. Viking raiders have fought the Irish for over half a century. Rival Irish clans promise only betrayal and carnage.
Kaireen, daughter of Laird Liannon, is suddenly forced into an arranged marriage with her sworn enemy, a Viking. She refuses to submit. With no mention of love, only land and the protection of her clan, she endeavors to get her betrothed banished from her country. Will love find its way around her stubborn heart?
Bram, the Viking, finds himself without future or inheritance as a younger son in his family. A marriage to the Laird’s daughter would grant him land if he swears fidelity and if his men will fight along with the Liannons against any foe—Irish or Viking. However, the Laird’s feisty daughter only holds animosity for him and his kind. Is marriage worth the battle scars of such a relentless opponent?
With the blame for a rival laird’s death treacherously set against the Liannons, Kaireen and Bram must find a way to lay aside their differences as an unforeseen darkness sends death snapping at their heels.
For book trailers, excerpts, news and more, visit my website at: www.andreaRcooper.com
Blog: http://andrearcooperauthorblog.wordpress.com/
Viking Fire Amazon
Viking Fire B & N
Viking Fire iTunes: http://goo.gl/fQuKBd
Viking Fire is now a Kindle Daily Deal. Only 99 cents until Feb. 2, 201
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Thanks for your great answers, Andrea. And I love the idea of a fiery mix of Irish and Viking in your novel :) Have a great trip home to Texas!
If you have any questions or comments for Andrea, please let us know – we’d love to hear from you!
Helena Fairfax 
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