Tule Author Q&A: Leigh Ann Edwards’ Norse Explorer Exposed

Leigh Ann Edwards put her hero and heroine from The Norse Explorer to the test and asked both fictional characters about their lives and each other. Enjoy the witty banter between the interviewer, Asta – a mystical seer of spirits – and Hagen – an ambitious explorer.

Asta, what was the most difficult part of leaving Highgard?

ASTA: I suppose it was knowing I wouldn’t ever be able to go back to my world but also fearing I might not find my sisters in Midgard. Being separated from them was very difficult.”

Hagen, you were only a child and alone for some time when you first arrived in Iceland. How did you survive and cope with being alone?”

HAGEN: It may sound odd, but I think I was fated to spend that time alone. I’d been held prisoner by a terrible man and finally escaped, then suffered a storm at sea and was the only survivor. I never doubted I had the skills to survive. First, I made a simple shelter and created a bow so I could hunt for my food, make clothing and bedding. I spent the next moons healing. It wasn’t easy, but I think that time alone was necessary.

Asta, if you could have one of your sisters’ abilities, what would you choose?

ASTA: It would be wonderful to be a healer like my twin sister, Brenna, however, with my easily unsettled stomach that wouldn’t go well and I definitely wouldn’t want her empathic abilities. I’m fairly certain I wouldn’t care to accurately know the future so wouldn’t desire Eydis’s powers of perception. It would be useful to have Torunn’s great physical strength, but I do have a quick temper, therefore that might not be a good mix. I think I prefer my own ability of seeing and speaking with spirits.

Hagen, your birth title is Hagen the Explorer. If you could journey and explore somewhere new, where would it be?

HAGEN: I’d go to Highgard. I think it would be really interesting to go back to my home realm and explore since I left when I was too young to remember anything about it.

Hagen, what do you find the most challenging about Asta?

HAGEN: That might take some time to answer. Probably her sarcasm and trying to determine if she’s being serious or joking. Admittedly, sometimes I still don’t know. Still, her humor and wit are amongst her greatest gifts even if they aren’t always appreciated by everyone.

Asta, what is your most favorite thing about Hagen?

ASTA: Why does he get to say what’s difficult about me and I have to tell you my most favorite thing about him?

Asta, have you ever regretted cutting your Highgardian length hair?

ASTA: Never. I like this length; it’s much easier to manage.

Hagen, what is the most important thing you’ve learned from Asta?

Asta’s taught me many things, but perhaps most importantly not to focus on the future so much, but to live for each moment…or each raven’s call as she would say.

Asta, what is the most important thing you have learned from Hagen?

I’ll try not to roll my eyes at that question. He is the master achiever of endless accomplishments! What haven’t I learned from him? I suppose the most important thing I’ve learned from Hagen is that one person can truly be that good, kind and generous, to give so much of themselves yet remain humble and likable.

About the Author

Since she was a child, Leigh Ann Edwards has always had a vivid imagination and lots of stories to tell. An enthusiastic traveler and author for over twenty years, her adventures in Massachusetts, Ireland, and the UK inspired The Farrier’s Daughter and its sequel novels in the Irish Witch series. Edwards adores animals, history, genealogy, and magical places—and Ireland is filled with many magical places. She lives with her husband and two cats in the lovely city of Edmonton, Alberta.