Women Writers over 50…Mary Ann Bernal
by Author Mary Ann Bernal
Fifty Odd is featuring women writers over 50 each week for 50 weeks. Each guest answers questions about her writing subjects, her writing inspiration, her purpose for writing, and her current books and upcoming writing projects.
Author Mary Ann Bernal is the featured guest this week.
Author Mary Ann Bernal
Women Writers over 50
Thank you for having me, Peggy.
About the Author
Mary Ann Bernal, author of The Briton and the Dane novels, is an avid history buff whose area of interest focuses on Ninth Century Anglo-Saxon Britain during the Viking Age. While pursuing a degree in business administration, she managed to fit creative writing classes and workshops into her busy schedule to learn the craft, but it would take decades before her “Erik the Viking” novel was ultimately published.
Mary Ann is also a passionate supporter of the United States military, having been involved with letter writing campaigns and other support programs since Operation Desert Storm. She has appeared on The Morning Blend television show hosted by KMTV, the CBS television affiliate in Omaha, and was interviewed by the Omaha World-Herald for her volunteer work. She has also been a featured author on Triangle Variety Radio, The Phil Naessens Show, and The Writers Showcase, and has been interviewed extensively by American and European bloggers.
Mary Ann is a New York “expat,” and currently resides in Omaha, Nebraska.
Women Writers over 50 … Mary Ann Bernal
When did you decide you wanted to be a writer?
Since grade school, after having impressed my teacher with one of my rhythmic poems
What or who inspired you to write?
The Hollywood Blockbusters of my youth was the inspiration behind my dream to write my Erik the Viking novel.
What do you hope to accomplish with your writing?
One of the themes running through The Briton and the Dane series is the plight of the warrior and his family. My stories shed light on the effect a warrior’s “career” has on the family, and the sacrifices made by loved ones. My subtle inferences are seen in today’s society, with our deployed men and women serving their county and preserving our freedom. Thank a service person and/or veteran for their service. Freedom is not free.
Excerpt from The Briton and the Dane: Concordia
This excerpt is from chapter one. The reader is introduced to Brantson, a gallant warrior serving in King Alfred’s army. Brantson is the perfect embodiment of honor, truth and justice, in a violent world.
” Brantson walked amongst the wounded as his able-bodied men made the necessary preparations to bury the dead. He spoke with every man, assessing their wounds while providing comfort, but his demeanor was somber as he silently counted the number of warriors he had lost. Brantson gestured to the stableboy who hurried towards him, and he smiled slightly when the lad removed his hat and bowed.
“How are you called?”
“Alden, my lord.”
“Alden, I would have you bring the wounded men to the holy brothers at the abbey, but return quickly for the dead.”
“We will need more wagons,” Alden replied while pointing at the heathen bodies.
“Nay, we will alight a funeral fire as is their custom…I would not deny them their beliefs.”
“As you wish,” Alden mumbled before taking his leave.
“The boy seemed surprised by your honorable treatment of the enemy,” the first officer said quietly as he approached his commander.
“It is only fitting,” Brantson murmured as he gazed upon the lifeless bodies. “But you already know my thoughts in this regard, so why are you troubled?” ”
What have you learned from writing?
One’s writing improves the more one writes.
What are you working on now…or what is your next writing project?
My next project is The Briton and the Dane: Timeline — since I’m not ready to leave the Anglo-Saxon Britain.
Following is a synopsis of Mary Ann’s Latest release, The Briton and the Dane: Concordia:
Travel back in time to late Ninth Century Anglo-Saxon Britain where Alfred the Great rules with a benevolent hand while the Danish King rules peacefully within the boundaries of the Danelaw. Trade flourishes, and scholars from throughout the civilized world flock to Britannia’s shores to study at the King’s Court School at Winchester.
Enter Concordia, a beautiful noble woman whose family is favored by the king. Vain, willful, and admired, but ambitious and cunning, Concordia is not willing to accept her fate. She is betrothed to the valiant warrior, Brantson, but sees herself as far too young to lay in the bedchamber of an older suitor. She wants to see the wonders of the world, embracing everything in it; preferably, but dangerously, at the side of Thayer, the exotic Saracen who charms King Alfred’s court and ignites her yearning passions.
Concordia manipulates her besotted husband into taking her to Rome, but her ship is captured by bloodthirsty pirates, and the seafarers protecting her are ruthlessly slain to a man. As she awaits her fate in the Moorish captain’s bed, by sheer chance, she discovers that salvation is at hand in the gilded court of a Saracen nobleman.
While awaiting rescue, Concordia finds herself at the center of intrigue, plots, blackmail, betrayal and the vain desires of two egotistical brothers, each willing to die for her favor. Using only feminine cunning, Concordia must defend her honor while plotting her escape as she awaits deliverance, somewhere inside steamy, unconquered Muslim Hispania.
The Briton and the Dane Concordia – Book Trailer:
http://youtu.be/yDPaiQqmaIs
The Briton and the Dane Concordia — Purchase Information
US http://
www.amazon.com/The-Briton-Dane-Mary-Bernal/dp/148188994X/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1358684323&sr=8-&keywords=The+Briton+and+the+Dane+Concordia
UK
http://www.amazon.co.uk/The-Briton-Dane-Mary-Bernal/dp/148188994X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1358684038&sr=8-1
