Publication Date: April 15, 2025
Publisher: Tirgearr Publishing
Pages: 308
Genre: historical mystery, historical fiction
INTERVIEW
Writing Interview Questions.
Why did you choose to write your book in this era?
My heritage on my father’s side is Norwegian and I grew up with stories of my grandfather’s adventures at sea. I was doing a write-off challenge with a fellow writer and we each had to gather a story idea from one of the books at hand. I chose a book on medieval history. A story came out of that, then a novel, and finally a series.
Did you find researching this era particularly difficult? What was the hardest thing to find out, and did you come across anything particularly surprising?
No, not difficult, though there is very little written about my protagonist, Harald Harefoot. That hole in the historical record gave me the freedom to be creative. I am constantly reading about the time period and learning new things. It’s all interesting and often surprising. Did you know the Vikings (the Norse) traded all over Europe and into Asia, using the rivers as highways? They could portage their longships from one waterway to the next. And did you know they made their sails from wool? Woolen sails are strong and they stretch before a strong wind. Who knew?
Can you share something about the book that isn’t covered in the blurb?
As in the other books in the series (The Atheling Chronicles), I enjoy creating colourful characters and playing with the names. Before the Norman Conquest, English folk often had bynames, not surnames, hence Harald was known as Harefoot because he was the Harald who could run fast (as opposed to Harald No-Knees whom everyone could beat in a race). In Ravens Hill I have a shifty steward named Ricmann Two-Beard, who is so vain he ties his beard into two pony-tails. And there is a healer or “cunning-woman” called Mildrythe Ship-Breast because of her ample bosom that defies gravity.
If you had to describe your protagonist(s), in three words, what would those three words be and why?
Loyal, relentless, devoted. Harald is loyal to his father the king even when his father’s directives go against his sense of what is right. He is relentless in pursuing and defeating his enemies and devoted to his wife, Selia. Even when they are apart, she is in his thoughts.
What was the most challenging part about writing your book?
Ravens Hill is the first murder mystery I have written and that was pleasantly challenging. I made the mystery one of the strands of the story of Harald and Selia trying to succeed as large landholders. Another strand involves someone trying to run them off their property. I also struggled with the issue of crime and punishment in the year 1030 CE. What we would consider cruel punishment was simply expedient at the time. There were no penitentiaries.
Was there anything that you edited out of this book that would have drastically affected the story, should it be left in?
No, I don’t think so. I am a “pantser,” which means I write “by the seat of my pants,” not doing detailed outlines ahead of time. This means the characters often lead me and I follow. I didn’t know who the murderer was until the middle (not a great way to write a mystery, as you can’t leave red herrings and false clues if you don’t know who the perpetrator is—you must put them in later. I could have chosen someone else, and that would have changed the story and perhaps made it easier for Harald.
What are you currently working on?
I am working on book #6 in the series, where Harald’s father, King Cnute is having health problems. Harald must decide, if his father should die, whether he will accept the crown if it is offered, or reject it and allow one of his conniving brothers to rule.
What would you tell an aspiring author who had some doubts about their writing abilities?
Three things:
Write for the enjoyment of writing, and don’t worry about quality (do not be led by your inner critic).
At the same time, learn the craft of writing—read articles on writing, read manuscript style guides, read books on writing (Thrill Me by Benjamin Percy, On Writing by Stephen King, The Writer’s Journey by Christopher Vogler)
Join a writers’ group that is a good fit for you, to get and give feedback on each other’s work.
Personal Interview Questions.
What do you like to do when you are not writing?
Reading novels of course, but I also enjoy working with horses. My wife and I board horses on our hobby farm and I still ride occasionally. There is always outdoor work to be done, which provides a nice balance to indoor, computer-work.
What did you want to be when you grew up?
I won a writing contest when I was eleven; I received lots of attention and decided I wanted to be a writer. In junior high I wanted to become a chemist. In high school, I started to lean toward teaching. I did become a teacher after working at a million other things—logging, construction, sales, etc. etc. At times I did write—articles in local papers, stories for university courses, etc. Only when I retired from teaching did I focus on learning the craft of writing.
What’s for dinner tonight? What would you rather be eating?
It looks like lamb chops with mint jelly. My wife, Barb, usually cooks and meals are always fabulous. We bought a smoker and her ribs are to die for.
What would be a perfect day?
Well, the sun has to be shining. I would need to feel I had accomplished something. My little granddaughters would be over for a visit and I’d play with them. I’d spend some time on a horse, maybe trail-riding. We would have friends and family for dinner and there would be lots of laughter and storytelling. Oh, and I’d fall asleep reading a great novel.
What is the best part of your day?
I’d say the end of the day, when I’ve proved myself worthy of taking up space and time. Then again, maybe I’m just at peace then because of the book that hits me in the face when I doze.
Either or!
Tea or coffee: both—depends on the time of day
Hot or cold: hot
Movie or book: book
Morning person or Night owl: night owl
City or country: country
Social Media or book: BOOK!
Paperback or ebook: Hardcover first edition signed, please.
Garth Pettersen is an award-winning Canadian writer living in the Fraser Valley near Vancouver, BC, Canada where he and his wife board horses.
Pettersen has a BA in History from the University of Victoria and is a retired teacher. His short stories have appeared in anthologies and in journals such as Blank Spaces, The Spadina Literary Review, and The Opening Line Literary 'Zine.
Garth Pettersen's historical fiction series, The Atheling Chronicles, is published by Tirgearr Publishing and is available through most online outlets. Book #4 in the series, The Sea’s Edge, received a first-place Incipere Award. Book #5, Ravens Hill, was released on April 15, 2025.
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