Bridging the Viking Past: My Interview on Shieldmaidens: Women of the Norse World

What do you get when you mix far-travelling Viking Age women, buried truths, and the power of fiction? A deep, soul-stirring conversation — and I’m thrilled to share that I was recently interviewed on the Shieldmaidens: Women of the Norse World podcast to explore just that.

Hosted by historical fiction authors Johanna Wittenberg and K.S. Barton, this podcast is a must-listen for anyone interested in the often-overlooked stories of Norse women — from legendary shieldmaidens to the everyday women who shaped the Viking world. In this episode, we talked about my Viking Trading Lands series, the complexities of writing female protagonists in Viking Age Rus, and how historical fiction can serve as a bridge between the past and the present.

📍 Listen to the episode here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tTYtPNB8SPk

We also delved into how I blend archaeology, Old Norse sources, and Slavic history to create compelling, adventurous heroines who don’t just exist in the Viking Age — they reshape it. From marriage politics to pagan rites

, I share what inspires my work and how fiction can shine a light on truths history only hints at.

If you’re a reader who loves strong female leads, rich historical detail, and epic adventure, or a fellow writer looking to explore the Viking Age from a fresh perspective, I hope you’ll give the episode a listen.