What inspired you to write this book?
The idea for Rebekka and the Unwashed Child of Eve came to me after two notable events…
The first was that I visited Iceland and fell in love with the place.
And the second, was when I came across an article about the eerie photographs of Ariko Inaoka, a Japanese photographer who took the most amazing pictures of Erna and Hrefna Jónasdóttir. I loved the surreal quality, and the Icelandic backdrops and the images of several of her photographs fueled my muse. You can see the original article here: https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/gallery/2014/nov/23/ariko-inaokas-photographs-of-devoted-icelandic-sisters-in-pictures
In the first version of Rebekka’s story, Ísey and Fönn were twins, much like Erna and Hrefna, but as the story gradually formed into some semblance of order, they became one-in-the-same character. I won’t spoil the story by saying how that happens.
The first draft of this story, was not the story that reached publication. Although originally, this was Isey’s [and Fönn’s] story, the more I wrote, the more I realized that this story was actually an entirely different story altogether and it drifted away from being a pure fantasy book, and became an historical women’s fiction/metaphysical story about Rebekka. I think that I was heavily influenced by things going on in my life around the time that I wrote this, and in particular my daughter’s miscarriage was something that pushed Rebekka’s plight to the forefront.
The story truly has been a labor of love, and one thing I do know, is that despite all its flaws, this story is my best work, and I hope I have done it justice.
What can we expect from you in the future?
My primary focus with my writing are my romance books. Next year, I have a new sweet/clean set of books that are coming out. The series is called Shell Bay and is co-written with Sarah Gai, who writes amazing curvy girl romances. I will also be expanding my Romantic Suspense brand- Hell Bent, I have 5 books planned for a series within this series called Richmond Renegades
Do you have any “side stories” about the characters?
Unusually for me, no. Rebekka is my second standalone book and I have no intention of making this a series, when readers read it, they will probably see why. Rebekka’s story is fully wrapped up in the book and as interesting as Viktor and Isey’s characters are, I can’t imagine ever moving into their world.
Can you tell us a little bit about the characters in the book?
Rebekka and Finnur are crofters working on a rural farm in Iceland in 1870. We join them at a very low point in their lives. It is Christmas Eve, and they are both at church, and Rebekka has recently miscarried for the fifth time. Rebekka has reached desperation point, she wants a child so badly she is willing to endure anything to get one. Finnur is ten years older than Rebekka, hard-working, and down to earth. He loves his wife dearly and nothing pains him more than to see Rebekka so distraught. Their life in 1780 Iceland is governed by superstition. The Icelandic even today have this strong connection to the hidden people or Huldufólk. They fear them and are in awe of them at the same time. Iceland itself is a wonderful backdrop to the story, its harsh winter climate mirror’s Rebekka’s tough life and the beautiful landscape is a fantastic magical background to the story.
Bryndís represents the superstitious and cautious attitude of the time, and she is one of those women who can never see good in anything. She makes her own luck, and becomes a victim of karma.
Finnboga, is queen of the hidden people and through her own greed loses her only child. She realizes her mistake and toils for more than a hundred years to make amends. Together these two mothers–Rebekka and Finnboga who have lost their children, learn to love and share the same child.
Isey, although a main character, remains aloof throughout the book. She is only ever seen from the eyes of the other characters and as such the way they see her is the way her character is defined. To Bryndís she is pure evil, and bringer of bad luck, but to Rebekka, and those that treat her well she brings much joy and good fortune.
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