War and Solace
by Edale Lane
Released: Sep 23, 2023
Genre: Historical Romance
Why this book and why now?
A short while ago I watched Star Trek Voyager for the first time. I was aware of the character of 7 of 9 and her appeal to lesbian viewers, but didn’t totally get it until I watched the series and all the subtext with Captain Janeway. When I started the Tales from Norvegr Series, I wanted to explore different tropes and had decided on nursed-back-to-health for my next one in the series, but studying 7 of 9 gave me the inspiration for one of the main characters. There was going to be a warrior and a healer, opposites to attract, and I pondered, “What if 7 of 9 met Dr. Beverly Crusher in 7th century Scandinavia?” Thus, the idea for War and Solace was born.
Do your character names have special significance or meaning?
Tyrdis’s name is derived from Tyr, the Norse god of war and courage. He sacrificed his hand to save both the worlds of the gods and men from the supernatural wolf, Fenris. Tyrdis is a warrior who is exceptionally brave and wouldn’t hesitate to give not only her hand, but her life to protect those she cares about.
What TV show would your main character(s) most likely binge watch and why?
I could picture Tyrdis and Adelle binge-watching “Vikings” so they could point out the historical inaccuracies as well as what the producers and writers got right, but they wouldn’t let Svanhild watch it. Adelle doesn’t approve of violence, and that show is way too violent to let her daughter even take a peek.
What 3 things would your main character want with them if they got stranded away from civilization, and why?
Tyrdis would want her ax, her primary weapon, which could also be used to cut trees to build a shelter, a raft, a fire, and any number of other necessities. She would want a blanket or cloak in case it got cold, which it frequently does in Norway. And she would want something of Adelle’s to hold and cherish and give her hope of making it back to civilization to see her again.
Publishing a book is a huge accomplishment and it’s time to party! Choose a celebratory beverage for one of your main characters to toast the release of your new book.
Mead for warrior Tyrdis, tea for health-conscious Adelle.
What song does your character put on to start your book launch party?
“When the Chaffinches Sing in the Trees.” Although it’s not Adelle’s favorite song, it is her daughter’s. She used to sing it to her as a lullaby and was enchanted when Tyrdis sang it for her. It brings back happy memories of budding love and a suitor who would go to any length to please Adelle.
