GIVEAWAY WINNER--ANGELA HOLLAND KIM CREE (winner has been emailed)
Thank you so much for having me!
Being a student of history, I can pretty much guess what originally inspired you to write historical fiction, but is there anything specific about the genre that made you want to write historical novels?
I feel history gives us anything we need—fascinating figures with lives rich in drama and conflict, perfect for storytelling, and events we can use to illustrate themes, thoughts, and ideas of the times.
Your books all involve the Tudors? What is it about that illustrious family that so captivates the world, even after all these years?
Their dysfunction. At times they seem larger than life, but when broken down, they’re not much different than any family. Okay, maybe the beheadings and world powers at their fingertips make them a little different . . .
Who is your favorite historical personage among the Tudors?
I have to say of the immediate family, probably Margaret, Henry VIII’s older sister. She was so tragically flawed, but there was something endearing about her open vulnerability.
Do you have a process when you're doing research for your books?
I try to find any materials I can that involve my subject matter—books, articles on the web (which are difficult at times to prove the legitimacy of, so I have to use caution there), original sources such as letters and records, and documentaries. After gathering as much as I can, I try to sift through and decide what is most important for what I want to convey and build from there.
For aspiring writers of historical fiction, what would be some key advice for them?
Write for yourself first. If you have an event or a figure that is your passion, delve into it as deeply as you can, then go for it. A wonderful author once told me that characters/stories summon us and I believe her. They want to be told. So follow your gut and tell them!
Are you currently reading any historical fiction? If so, which one(s)?
Unfortunately right now I’m not reading much fiction of any kind, as I’m back in school and am reading several texts at once. When at school or working on a project, I have to sever all pleasure-reading, otherwise I won’t want to do anything else!
What is your favorite historical fiction book and/or your favorite historical author?
There are so many! I’m not quite sure if this constitutes, but my favorite author is John Steinbeck and my favorite historical fiction novel would be East of Eden.
Do you have your next project in the works and can we get a hint?
I must play mysterious on this one. But I will tell you that though it is historical, it will not be what people expect from me.
Thanks again for stopping by and chatting today!
For more information on D.L. Bogdan and her novels, please visit her WEBSITE. You can also find her on FACEBOOK and TWITTER.
Publication Date: January 29, 2013 | Kensington Publishing | 384p
From her earliest days, Margaret Tudor knows she will not have the luxury of choosing a husband. Her duty is to gain alliances for England. Barely out of girlhood, Margaret is married by proxy to James IV and travels to Edinburgh to become Queen of Scotland.
Despite her doubts, Margaret falls under the spell of her adopted home. But while Jamie is an affectionate husband, he is not a faithful one. And nothing can guarantee Margaret’s safety when Jamie leads an army against her own brother, Henry VIII. In the wake of loss she falls prey to an ambitious earl and brings Scotland to the brink of anarchy. Beset by betrayal and secret alliances, Margaret has one aim—to preserve the crown of Scotland for her son, no matter what the cost…
Read my REVIEW!
Giveaway: One copy of The Forgotten Queen, open internationally! To enter, you must leave a comment on this post telling me who is your favorite Tudor. Don't forget to include your email address so I can contact the winner. Giveaway will end on Friday, February 15 at 11:59pm CST. Good luck!
Read my REVIEW!
Giveaway: One copy of The Forgotten Queen, open internationally! To enter, you must leave a comment on this post telling me who is your favorite Tudor. Don't forget to include your email address so I can contact the winner. Giveaway will end on Friday, February 15 at 11:59pm CST. Good luck!
This is a book tour with Historical Fiction Virtual Book Tours. To visit other stops on the tour, visit the schedule HERE. Twitter Hashtag: #ForgottenQueenVirtualTour