Check out our special guest post by Ingrid Paulson, author of Valkyrie Rising – and stay tuned for information on an exciting giveaway!

The Geography of Stories
by Ingrid Paulson

When I sat down to write the first chapter of what would become Valkyrie Rising, the setting had actually inspired the story. While traveling in Norway with family, I was so caught up in the scenery and the incredibly cool cities that I knew I had to at least attempt to capture its beauty. I’m a huge fan of girl power stories and of books that show a character growing and changing; add those elements together and writing about Norwegian goddesses of war and valor (Valkyries) seemed obvious.

The challenge in writing a book set in Norway was blending the fantasy elements with a setting I wasn’t as familiar with as I am with other places. I spent a lot of time looking at maps and photos to make sure my memory matched reality. I also worried that it would seem too convenient to readers that many people Ellie encountered in Norway spoke English — even though it’s the truth. Given the only words I know in Norwegian are “goat” and “car,” I would have starved otherwise.

Overall, writing a book set in a unique setting gave me the chance to write about a mythology many people aren’t as familiar with as Greek and other mythologies. And coming from a family of Norwegian descent, I got to share a mythology and a country that I love, and I hope that readers will love it too!

Powell’s Books Exclusive Giveaway:

Ingrid Paulson will be among seven fantastic young adult authors appearing together in an exciting event at Powell’s Books in Beaverton, Oregon on April 17. Hypable will be giving away three signed booklets exclusive to the event, featuring new content from Kody, as well as authors Mindee Arnett (The Nightmare Affair), Leigh Bardugo (Shadow and Bone), Lisa Desrochers (Personal Demons), Sarah Fine (Sanctum), Kristin Halbrook (Nobody But Us), and Kody Keplinger (The DUFF, A Midsummers Nighmare).

Enter right here for a chance to win one of the three signed booklets, and stay tuned for further guest posts from these exciting authors! This giveaway will close at 11:59 p.m. EST on April 17, and is open to readers in the U.S. and Canada.

No matter where you are in the world, check out our previous guest posts with Mindee Arnett, Kristin Halbrook, Leigh Bardugo, Sarah Fine, and Kody Keplinger!