Victoria Langfeld began working on her fantasy romance novel The Red Rose when she was 12 years-old. Now, at 20, and after many drafts and character changes, she says it has come together exactly how she dreamed.
“I’ve always wanted to write the kind of book that I would have loved to read,” Langfeld says. “I love reading so much and growing up you would never see me not holding a book. I want people to feel like they connect to the characters the way I have and I hope they are able to get into the story and world I have created.”
Langfeld has been writing short stories and other fairy tale-style pieces since she was just nine years-old, but she always returned to The Red Rose.
“Just the other day I was looking through all of the different drafts of my book and realized how many different plot twists I tried and how many characters have come and gone,” she says. “The book has grown alongside me and I would say the same about Arianna, the main character.”
When she was in grade 11, Langfeld’s teachers and friends suggested she submit the story to publishing companies. After two years she decided to try the self-publishing route. She worked with iUniverse for more than a year and a half to get The Red Rose ready for publication.
“When I first saw the cover I couldn’t stop crying because it hit me just how far my book as come. I was absolutely overwhelmed,” she says
Here’s how the publishing website describes The Red Rose:
“Princess Arianna has lived a privileged life as heir to the Oberian throne. But when Draxon, her father’s exiled brother, attacks the palace, holding her parents’ hostage, she finds herself caught in the midst of a sinister plot to take over Oberia. With her parents’ lives and her kingdom hanging in the balance, she embarks on a perilous journey to find a magical rose. Along the way, she befriends Gabriel, a charming thief, who wants to help her, and Darian, a mysterious crew member on a ship called the Maryanne. Arianna soon finds herself caught in a tug of war between the two boys, each trying to win her heart. As she faces a series of unexpected obstacles and uncovers secrets from Draxon’s dark past, she quickly realizes the only person she can truly trust is herself. Arianna must do whatever it takes to protect her parents, her kingdom, and above all, her heart.”
The book is currently available on iUniverse.com (softcover or ebook) and on Amazon.ca (softcover or Kindle ebook).
Within six to eight weeks The Red Rose will also be available at Walmart, Target, Chapters/Indigo, and other places books are sold, and Langfeld plans to approach local stores to see if they are willing to sell copies.
Although categorized as a teen book, Langfeld believes other ages would enjoy it.
“Because it’s been such a long process, I think back to little grade six Victoria and I wish she could see herself now,” says Langfeld. “There were so many times I wanted to rip the book up but I’m so glad I pushed through to see it through to the end. It took me years to write but it was so rewarding in the end. The book feels so complete and I just know it’s exactly how it was supposed to be all along.”
Langfeld, who is a student at Nipissing University with plans to become an elementary school teacher, is now working on a new fantasy trilogy. When the dust starts to settle from The Red Rose she plans to try to land a contract with a traditional publisher.
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Victoria, you are a shining example and role model of someone who is pursuing a passion. I concur with Caroline; it does indeed, take patience and perseverance – and risk-taking. Bravo! Continue to follow your dream and embrace the journey in whatever direction it takes you.
Congratulations, Victoria! What patience and perseverance you have with yourself. That, in itself, is a gift and you will go far with those traits. Thank you for sharing the gift of your book. I look forward to reading it.
All the best in your chosen career. Your students will benefit greatly from being in your class.