In The Theft of The Silver Helmet, a man struggles to bring unity among clans in order to defeat an evil earl who is hellbent on destroying everyone and everything in his path. How did the idea for this second book in the series evolve?

The Godron and Calton clans were living in peace and harmony after settling their differences. Originally they were descended from a Viking clan and a new earl casts his eyes on their rich lands due to a drought that has destroyed his crops. The idea behind the story was the fact that we cannot take peace in the world today for granted as other forces still attempt to dominate weaker peace-loving peoples.

I find Stenfeld the Red to be a fascinating character. What was the inspiration for his traits and dialogue?

The inspiration for the character of Stenfeld the Red comes from the situation in the world in the past and right down to the present time. Through the years there has always been despots who have attempted to force their rule on an unwilling people. He is an example of this type of tyrant.

When you first sat down to write this story, did you know where you were going, or did the twists come as you were writing?

I started off by writing a ten-page outline of the events leading up to the theft of the silver helmet and the eventual battle. However, the story took its own pathway when I got into the nitty-gritty of writing the manuscript. Possibly, in common with a lot of authors, I try to visualise that I am watching a movie.

Can readers look forward to Book 3? If so, where does the story go?

Book 3 is at the initial re-writing stage and is the final part of the trilogy. It is entitled ‘The Silver Helmet The Final Battle’. It centres on the defeated Vikings returning to their homeland led by the wise advisor Magnus who desires to be the new earl in a more peaceful dispensation. There is seething anger amongst the younger element of this clan who feel that their clan is now a disgrace to the Viking race. An ambitious young warrior, who hero worshipped Stenfeld the Red, steps forward to plunge the known world into war armed with a new deadly weapon to match the power of the silver helmet. He snatches the earldom from Magnus and decrees that the wise man will need to be eradicated. However, with the help of close allies in the settlement Magnus escapes to find refuge and help from his former enemies namely the Godrons and Caltons.