Today on the blog, we’re honored to have Virginie Marconato with us to celebrate the release of her newest book, Wooing the Devil. And for this special occasion, she’s procured for us an interview with Rune, the titular Devil, set at the very start of the book.
How do you feel being a Dane in East Anglia? How does it compare to your home?
Honestly? I feel like a fish out of water here. I look different, I sound different, I behave differently, and the people here make me feel it. Other than that, I think our two countries are not so different. There are idiots here as well as at home, and good people. It’s about choosing who you mix with.
Can you talk a bit about where you grew up? Do you have a favorite memory from that time?
I grew up by the sea in a small village in Denmark. I still live there. My memories of that time are not all rosy, far from it. I was embroiled in a groups of boys who terrorized the area. Fortunately, as I grew older, my interest shifted from angry boys to sweet women. (he winks) From then on, my life changed for the better.
Can you tell us a little about your family? And are you still in touch with them?
My family… Now that is a painful subject, one I would prefer not to talk about. I am still in touch with my parents, who live in the same village. (he hesitates, then decides to answer)I often think I would like to see less of them, and then I realize how heartless that make me appear. Yes, family is a subject I’d rather avoid.
What’s your occupation?
I’m a boat builder. The best in the country!
How did you come to do that?
(shakes his head) In truth, I don’t think I could have been anything else. The satisfaction of seeing something emerge between your hands, of building something from scratch, of seeing that you transformed a tree, which is already a wonder, into a work of art capable of taking you all the way across oceans is just magical.
Actually, that’s why I came here last year. I wanted to see how the latest boat I’d built fared in the high seas.
And? How did it go?
Splendidly. I told you, I’m the best.
What you see for the future? Is marriage or a family of your own something you see for yourself?
No. (his face hardens) I told you I would rather not talk about anything relating to family. I have lovers, and I take good care of them, but I am not looking for a wife.
Very well. What do you look for in a lover then? How do you feel about a woman of experience?
A woman of experience will always have my preference. She will know what she likes, and won’t be afraid to demand it of me. I met such a woman last year here in East Anglia, and I don’t mind telling you that I spent the most satisfying night of my life with her. I wouldn’t mind going to see her again while I’m here.
How did you come to have the nickname “Devil,” and how do you feel about it?
At home, no one calls me anything other than Rune, but you Saxons call me ‘Devil’, on account of my red hair. If I understand correctly, the Devil is an evil creature made of flames. I’m not sure that is how I would describe myself but…
And lastly, what are your favorite foods to have on the table?
I’m constantly hungry, so I will eat anything that is put in front of me. But if I can choose, I will have a chunk of crusty bread to dip into a rich stew, and then something sweet for dessert. It doesn’t have to be food, necessarily, and I don’t mind eating it straight off the table, as along as my woman agrees to lie down on it. (laughs and wiggles his brow) To be honest, I am rarely met with a refusal.
Meet Virginie Marconato:
I think I became a writer the day I decided to write a (very bad, shamefully close to the real story) version of White Fang when aged nine or ten! As for the Middle Ages I fell in love with it at school during a history lesson, then Kevin Costner’s Robin Hood put its final seal on it all. A girl of twelve then, I never recovered!
You can find her on her website, or follow her on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or Bookbub.
