An Interview with Sam Northman

Sam creates captivating stories that transport readers to enchanting realms inspired by Norse mythology, and explores the magic of urban fantasies. Enjoy an unforgettable journey filled with romance, mythical creatures, and thrilling adventures that touch readers’ hearts.

Sam identifies as non-binary and gender fluid, using a flexible combination of pronouns, and lives in London with their partner, two children, and two dogs. When not writing, Sam is never far from a book (or a glass of wine), enjoys commissioning art of their OCs, and the sound of plinky-plonk rain.

Who/what made you want to write? Was there a particular person, or particular writers/works/art forms that influenced you?

I never actually wanted to write. Never had that drive or lofty ambition to create a literary adventure. Instead, I was a voracious book dragon from a young age, devouring everything I could lay my hands on. I think the first major author whose works I admired was Stephen King, and then Tom Clancy, before drifting into urban fantasy with Charlaine Harris and Dan Brown.

So when I finally had an idea for a story, it took me quite by surprise. What isn’t a surprise, I suppose, is that the plot I have developed is a mix of all these authors. It has the thrill of suspense, the intensity of strong political intrigue, and a supernatural romance wrapped up in a fantastical setting. But what I think I am most proud of, is my emulation of the creative model Dan Brown uses when he takes an urban legend or mythological lore and cracks open the unknown and grey spaces. I thoroughly enjoyed the months I spent researching minor characters from Norse mythology, and then playing around with ‘what if’ scenarios.

What inspired you to start writing this book?

I’m not sure if I want to say that he inspired me, but I will absolutely admit that my partner challenged me to write it. It was lockdown, I was bored, and moaning about it (loudly). I admitted I’d read everything available in the niche I wanted to read (lgbt fantasy) and couldn’t find anything further that matched my requirements. After listing them off, he lowered his glasses, held my gaze, and uttered a phrase that would change the direction of my life: “So, write it then.”

As the saying goes—“Hold my beer.”

Tell us the story of your book’s title. Was it easy to find, or did it take forever?

Kingdom of Dreams, the title of the first book in the Viking Bloodlines Saga quadrilogy, is actually the translation in English of a term I made up studying Old Norse languages. Draum = dream, and heim = home/world/land. It’s significant to the story in many ways, not only as a realm frequented by dreamwalkers and seers, but as a reference to having achieved a lifelong dream/goal, and the lengths one would go to in order to protect it.

If your book had a soundtrack, what are some songs that would be on it?

During the editing phase, I listened to a lot of dark Nordic, multi-instrumental artists such as Danheim, Skald, A Tergo Lupi, and Wardruna. A lot of these producers and musicians are inspired by their folk heritage and the imagery their work conjures really enhances my ability to visualise the realms and people I am crafting.

What other professions have you worked in? What’s something about you that your readers wouldn’t know?

All of my academic qualifications and training are in the field of clinical psychology with a specific focus on the impact of trauma. The brain is often referred to as ‘the last great frontier,’ and its complex neurobiology has always been a source of endless fascination for me. My master’s thesis was on the presentation of Dissociative Identity Disorder, and I can’t help but psychologically code many of my characters. I’ve worked with survivors of trauma since I graduated, and five years ago (after adopting my own children), I switched from working primarily with adults to children.

What is one thing you hope readers take away from reading your book? How do you envision your perfect reader?

When I started this book, during the Covid lockdowns, it was a form of escapism for me. At the time, I didn’t intend to ever publish, I just needed to be able to have something deep to dive into and swim around in. So my heart fills with the warm and fuzzies whenever a reader reaches out to tell me that they, too, became lost in the story and enjoyed the short break from their reality. In my humble opinion, my story is perfect for anyone experiencing wanderlust, but who is also unable to act on it. When I wrote it, I metaphorically travelled not only continents, but also through time to cultures that have long been forgotten. There’s not a holiday destination available that can compete with that!

Are you a writer, too? Submit your manuscript to Atmosphere Press.