Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a Swedish author born in 1986, and I write erotic/romantic fantasy set in Scandinavian historical settings. My main female characters are always women over the age of 35. I feel there is a real lack of older female protagonists in the romantic/erotic fantasy genre, and I aim to change that by normalizing women of all ages as central characters in these stories.
Women my age read a lot of books, and I find it unfulfilling that most main characters are under the age of 20 or in their early twenties. I want to read about characters I can relate to, who are not young enough to be my daughters. While the new adult and young adult fantasy genres are really huge right now, I want to put the spotlight on more mature women who are grounded in their lives and have a lot of life experience.
Just because we grow out of our twenties does not mean that we want to stop going on adventures or experiencing new things. We still want to embark on fantasy quests and travel to other dimensions, even as we grow older. It is unfortunate that there is a stigma surrounding aging as a woman in today's society. No one should be ashamed of aging, and it is time to normalize women of all ages in the romantic/erotic fantasy genre.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Before I wrote Enchanted by the Skogsrå, my book Whispers of the Nordic Draugr was published. It is a romantic fantasy set in 16th century Scandinavia, about a woman named Katarina who is possessed by a mare that haunts her at night. She feels desperate and hopeless as this demon tries to claim her life and sanity.
Ulrik, the master of the estate where she works, has just returned from the war as a changed man. He has always been in love with Katarina and vows to protect her. However, Ulrik is haunted by his complicated past. It turns out that Ulrik had been turned into a draugr, a demonic creature, during the war and had escaped his cruel master. While Ulrik protects Katarina, the danger of his master draws closer, threatening them all.
This story incorporates many magical creatures from Scandinavian folklore. As always, my stories are inspired by love, folklore, mythology, fairy tales, nature, magical beings, and the journey of connecting with oneself and one's true essence.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Since I have two young children, I only have time to write at night. I love to eat licorice while writing. From what I understand, many countries find it peculiar that Scandinavians enjoy salty candy.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I grew up loving fairy tales. As a child, I used to read the fairy tales by Jan Lööf, Astrid Lindgren, and Tove Jansson. I loved the Moomins when I was a child, and today, I read the same stories to my own children. My daughter loves Pippi Longstocking, and my son loves the many stories by Jan Lööf.
I have vivid memories of the anthology of Swedish fairy tales, Among Gnomes and Trolls, illustrated by John Bauer. Even today, I strive to keep that dark and mysterious vibe in my stories. While I aim for a darker, more erotic/romantic tone than the artwork of John Bauer, I draw a lot of inspiration for new stories from his paintings.
When I was a teenager, I completely fell in love with the Harry Potter universe and the Lord of the Rings universe.
What are you working on now?
Certainly! Here is the corrected version of your interview answer:
I am working on several projects right now. Enchanted by the Skogsrå is part one of my series Lustful Legends. These are erotic short stories set in historical Scandinavia about women who encounter different kinds of magical beings.
Currently, I am working on a fantasy erotica about a woman in 15th century Denmark who is saved by an elver, a mist spirit in Scandinavian folklore. The mist spirit shows Rindr (the main character) his kingdom in the underworld, and they fall in love. However, associating with magical creatures is forbidden and comes with great risk. The villagers want Rindr to pay for her transgression, while the elverfolk are in a feud with the stallo, a type of mountain giant.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Certainly! Here is the corrected version of your interview answer:
I find that marketing is one of the most difficult aspects of being an author. I think many authors agree with me on this. What I would recommend is building a name for yourself on social media and cultivating loyal followers. The bookstagram community has meant a lot to me; their support is invaluable. There are several Instagram and TikTok book tours that bookstagrammers arrange. In this day and age, being visible on social media is essential. Submitting your book to book bloggers has also worked for me. Basically, you want to get as much exposure as possible for your books. Marketing sometimes feels like a full-time job and it can be exhausting. Finding a strategy that works for your brand is essential.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Make a lot of author friends. These people will provide invaluable support and help you when things feel rough. Having other author friends will greatly improve your literary journey.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Only follow advice from people you strive to be like
What are you reading now?
I am doing a lot of ARC reading and beta reading to help other authors with their work. Right now, I am reading I Drank from the Nile by Kateryna Duzhenko.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I will continue with the Lustful Legends series. Book two will come out later this fall. I am also working on a fantasy book about a female soldier who dresses up as a man to fight in the Carolean army under the Swedish King Charles XII. At the end of the 17th century, Sweden was one of the most powerful empires in Europe with one of the most feared armies. The Caroleans were known for not fearing death and being extremely loyal soldiers. King Carolus is one of the most controversial kings in Swedish history. He was known for sharing the life of his beloved army, spending his entire life in battle, never demanding anything from his soldiers that he himself would not do. He always wore the Carolean uniform without a crown and ranks, riding first into battle alongside his soldiers, sleeping out on the ground without a tent, and eating only what the soldiers were offered.
What is your favorite book of all time?
I have so many favorites, it's difficult to choose just one. But if I had to pick, I might say The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry or The Boy, The Mole, The Fox and The Horse by Charlie Mackesy. Both of these fairy tales are enchantingly beautiful and carry deep, profound meanings.
Author Websites and Profiles
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