Becca here. I'll never forget the first time I heard Kris Tualla's tagline. "Norway is the New Scotland." I thought, brilliant! I've got lots of Scots blood in me, and Norse as well. I love Norwegian literature and lore, and I adore me some Scottish historicals. But a Norwegian historical? This, I have got to see. So just by one little tagline, she had me buying her books. So when I heard she was doing a blog tour, I thought, I have to know how she came up with that tagline. This is her story:

Why is "Norway the New Scotland"?

To answer that question, I need to go back to Aug 1, 2006 - the day I sat down with my brand new laptop and began to type my first novel intended for publication.

What I DID know:

1. It would be a historical romance, because I love reading historical romances.
2. There are a gazillion kilted warrior stories and - though I, too, am a sucker for a man in a plaid - I didn't think the world needed another romance about one. The key was the man IN the kilt. He needs to be sexy hero material.
3. So who else is sexy? Vikings! Big, blond, buff, and beautiful, with oceanic eyes. But the Viking era was pretty harsh. And limited. And dirty. So my Norwegian hero's story takes place in the 1800s.
4. They say to write what you know, so I set him in my childhood home of Missouri, before statehood when it was a little rougher.

What I did NOT know:

1. The kilted warrior is a marketing machine.
2. Publishers like marketing machines because they are safe bets.
3. They think Norwegian heroes are risky.
4. Especially in Missouri. Or Norway.
5. In the 1800s.

Now what?

I was driving past IKEA when I heard a hyped-up commercial on the radio: H&M was coming soon! "Hmm," I thought. "These are both Scandinavian stores… I guess that's the next big thing."

And then it hit me. My hook. My brand. My big, blond, buff, beautiful heroes with oceanic eyes! Norwegian men are the next big thing.

"Norway is the new Scotland" was born.

Since that fateful day, I have been my own marketing machine. Not only that, but my first book became a trilogy - with my Nicolas Hansen candidating for the throne of Norway! As it turned out, there are a whole slew of Hansen men who want their stories told, from 1345 through the American Wild West.

And all of these men are unique and fascinating. Strong. Stunning. Smart. Spectacular.

So. Is it time you found a new brand of hero? Please allow me to help.

For every 10 people who comment here, I will give away one free e-copy of A Woman of Choice - the beginning of the trilogy. And, yes. Commenter #11 warrants 2 copies! Comment #21? I'll give away three.

BUT WAIT! THERE'S MORE!

In February at the end of my blog tour, I'll give away one SIGNED PAPERBACK SET of the trilogy. Here's how you can get in on that deal:

1. Go to my website and find the "Secret Word" on my home page.

2. Send an email to ktualla[at]cox[dot]net with "Signed Trilogy Giveaway" in the subject line. Put the secret word in the body.

3. Comment on any blog at any time in the tour to activate your entry. Each day's blog location is listed here.

A Woman of Choice - Missouri Territory, 1819
A woman is viciously betrayed and abandoned by her unfaithful husband. She is rescued by a widower uninterested in love. In desperation, she becomes engaged to his best friend. One woman, three very different men. Life is about choices.

A Prince of Norway - Christiania, Norway, 1820
American-born Nicolas Hansen has been asked to candidate for his great-grandfather's throne. His new wife Sydney isn't about to let him go to Norway and face that possibility alone. The moment they arrive at Akershus Castle, the political intrigue and maneuvering begin. Can Sydney trust anyone? Will Nicolas resist the seduction of power? Or will he claim the throne for himself? Most importantly: will their young marriage survive the malicious mischief of the ambitious royal family?

A Matter of Principle - St. Louis, State of Missouri, 1821
Nicolas Hansen has returned from Norway determined to change the world. But when he runs for State Legislator in the brand-new state of Missouri, the enemies he made over the past two years aren't about to step quietly aside. Sydney has made enemies of her own, both by marrying Nicolas and by practicing midwifery. When a newspaper reporter makes it his goal to destroy them, Nicolas must rethink his path once again. But this time, it's a matter of principle.

You can also find Kris Tualla's books at Goodnight Publishing.

Thanks, Kris, for guesting here at NKotWB. And all you readers, don't forget to comment here for a chance to win one of Kris's books. And don't forget, as well, that for every 10 commenters, she'll give away another book! If you know people who like Scottish heroes, introduce them to the new Scotland!

~ Rebecca Lynn