Interview with ‘Brand the Barbarian’

Did you read my first book, The Viking’s Stolen Princess? You may have been tempted to buy it thanks to the ‘Viking’ on the front cover. Well, readers, pour yourself a cuppa and settle down on the couch as you’re in for a treat, as I caught up with the man himself – Brand the Barbarian, aka Chris Wyllie, ahead of the new year, to find out his plans for Christmas and 2025. He’s a self-confessed ‘Barbarian by day, romantic by night’ and is about to begin filming as the leading man in a new feature movie…

Tell us a little about you, where you live and what you do
I’ve always been a very passionate guy with an incredible drive to learn, grow and be the best I can be. Growing up I suffered from mental health difficulties, namely anxiety and panic attacks. I got degrees in Neuroscience and Psychology to rewire and heal my brain.
I love physical fitness, training, being out in nature and expressing my inner barbarian. Ultimately, I love to inspire the kids! To help them discover and awaken their inner superhero.

How will you be spending Christmas this year?
I’ll be enjoying some delicious Christmas feasts with my family. My family is Northern European so we celebrate on Christmas Eve!

What are you hoping for this Christmas?
I hope people can remember the true value of the holidays – connecting with each other, loving each other and remembering what’s important in life!

What’s your favourite Christmas tradition?
I just love Christmas dinners – turkey, stuffing, red cabbage, dumplings, potatoes. Eating great food with my favourite people.

What’s the most memorable present you’ve ever received?
The love and support from my family year-round is by far the best gift I’ve been blessed to receive!

Would you rather spend the day in the snow or an evening by the fire?
Both! Have fun in the snow during the day, snuggle up by the fire in the evening. Barbarian by day, romantic by night.

What plans do you have for 2025?
Very exciting plans for 2025. I’m filming my first big feature film as the leading man starting January 2025. I’m excited for this next chapter in my life, taking on new challenges and climbing to the mountain-top!

What one thing are you most excited about for the year ahead?
The unknown and the magic that lies ahead. I can’t wait for it all – the struggles, the battles, the work, the triumphs, the successes – all of it!

How do you think Brand the Barbarian would spend Christmas and New Year?
Brand the Barbarian is still trying to get away and go on his honeymoon with his beloved Anne. He cannot wait to sail around the islands with his heart, his greatest gift, his beautiful princess. That and he still needs to teach Anne how to swim!
But winter is here now and like the good Chieftain Brand is, he needs to make sure the tribe has food, warmth and protection. Come spring Brand and Anne will surely enjoy their getaway.

Anything else you’d like to share?
I want to personally thank you, Sarah, for creating and writing such a beautiful story. It is a great honour to be on the cover of the novel. I hope Brand the Barbarian and Anne inspire all lovers and romantics that love can and does triumph in the end.

Thank you, Chris.

See Chris’ video message here

 

So, watch this space for more from Chris on our book covers and screens in 2025.

And if it’s on your TBR list, here’s a little bit about The Viking’s Stolen Princess – available on Amazon. After Brand Ivarsson of Kald abducts Anne of Termarth on the eve of her wedding, the Viking is consumed with only one thing: revenge against her loathsome betrothed. But confronted with the stunning princess, so foreign to his world, Brand’s captivated not only by her beauty, but by her spirit and her kindness. Is Anne his prisoner…or is she the one who’s captured his scarred heart?