Ask the Author: Bruce MacBain
Answered Questions (6)
Bruce MacBain
The main sources are the Icelandic sagas, both the family sagas like "Njal's Saga" and the historical ones like "King Olaf's Saga". These are available in many English translations both in print and online, where you can read them for free. Of the many secondary works I consulted, I recommend most highly "Viking Age Iceland" by Jesse Byock.
I'm glad you're enjoying the book; I look forward to your review.
Bruce
I'm glad you're enjoying the book; I look forward to your review.
Bruce
Bruce MacBain
"Odin's Child" is set in 11th century Scandinavia and concerns the adventures of a young Icelander, Odd Tangle-Hair. The inspiration for much of it comes right out of the Icelandic sagas and the Eddas.
Bruce MacBain
I am a historical novelist and what inspires me is history; I read a lot of it, not necessarily confined to the periods I write about.
Bruce MacBain
I'm in the midst of my Viking trilogy, "Odd Tangle-Hair's Saga". Book one, "Odin's Child" is about to be published. Book two, "The Ice Queen" needs it's final editing and polishing to be ready for a November, 2015 release date. Book three, "The Guardsman" has gone through one version but needs a lot more work.
Bruce MacBain
Three things: read, read, and read. By this I mean read actively. Constantly ask yourself, "Why does this passage work?" "Why do I care about this character?" "How is the author grabbing me, or, if not, why not?"
Bruce MacBain
You set your own hours. You answer to no one but yourself. You work darned hard but, at the end, you've created something you can be proud of; there's no better feeling.
About Goodreads Q&A
Ask and answer questions about books!
You can pose questions to the Goodreads community with Reader Q&A, or ask your favorite author a question with Ask the Author.
See Featured Authors Answering Questions
Learn more