I’d like to start with an Alert Message. I am hoping that most of the people who e-mail me via my website also read my blogs, for I had a computer meltdown recently, and all of the e-mails in my In Box since August of 2007 were instantly erased. Fortunately I do back up onto my flash drive, but I’d been lazy and so I lost at least two weeks of e-mails, including a number from readers. I get so much mail that I cannot respond to every one, but I do try to answer specific questions or requests, and some of these were among the vaporized e-mails. I renamed my computer Expletive-Deleted after this little episode, but a computer savvy friend said it is really the fault of Outlook Express; apparently the program will take it upon itself to dump e-mails at random when it “decides” the In Box is getting too full. So I suppose I’ll have to curse Bill Gates instead of my computer, although that is not as much fun since he started giving his billions away to worthwhile charities. Anyway, for all readers who e-mailed me during the month of April with questions, I would ask you to e-mail me again since your e-mails may have ended up in a black hole of cyberspace.
I have some surprising news. Ballantine Books is planning to send me out on a brief book tour at the time they publish Devil’s Brood and re-issue Time and Chance and When Christ and His Saints Slept in late July. I’ve done numerous book tours over the years, but this is the first time a paperback house is arranging one for me, so I am very grateful to Ballantine for resurrecting my canceled tour from last October. The trip itinerary will be posted by week’s end in the Press Room section of my website, but basically I am going to the same stores I’d planned to visit before my unexpected hospital stay wreaked havoc with our plans and will be visiting Bailey’s Crossroads, VA, West Chester, PA, Dayton, Ohio, and Ann Arbor, MI. I will also be in the Chicago suburbs for the Historical Novel Society Conference on June 12th through the 14th, but unfortunately that is not open to the general public, only to conference participants. I ought to have some interesting stories for you guys, though, when I get back!
I am updating my Research Recommendations section, and have added a heartfelt Mea Culpa to my Medieval Mishaps page, having discovering a monumental error in The Reckoning. I am repeating my apology here because I want to publicize it as widely as possible. On p. 229, Edward is discussing weaponry with Roger de Mortimer, and Roger says that longbows are more easily mastered than the crossbow. This could not be further from the truth. A man could learn to use a crossbow fairly quickly, whereas it took years of training and considerable physical strength to shoot a longbow. I am baffled by the mistake, for I am obsessive-compulsive about my research, one reason why it takes me so long to write one of my historical novels. But since The Reckoning was published eighteen years ago, I will never be able to solve this bizarre mystery. I can only seek to spread the word about the error—and grovel a bit. BTW, Bernard Cornwell’s new novel Agincourt is the book to read if you want to know more about the use of longbows. And there is an interesting story about Richard I and crossbows. Upon Richard’s arrival in Acre, he was struck down by a mysterious ailment that also infected the French king. Richard was seriously ill, but as soon as he was on the mend, he insisted upon being taken by litter to the siege site, and lying within a shelter from the extreme heat, he spent hours firing a crossbow at the defenders up on the city walls.
There is a new biography of Eleanor, written by the British historian Ralph Turner. I have not had time to read it from cover to cover yet, have just been skimming so far, but I’ve read enough to recommend it. He has an excellent account of Eleanor’s time on crusade and a perceptive analysis of the reasons why she has been such a lighting rod for controversy over the centuries. I did find one startling error; he says that Henry’s father Geoffrey drowned in the River Loire, whereas Geoffrey actually died of a fever after swimming in the Loire to cool off on a hot day. But even the best historians are not infallible and I’d be the last person to quibble at an occasional error. (See longbow lunacy above.)
Dr. Turner and I do not always interpret known facts in the same way, but his conclusions are always defensible. For example, he believes that Henry did seduce Alys, the unhappy French princess. Based upon what we know, I think that is a legitimate point of view. I concluded otherwise, but after reading his argument, I confess that I felt a pang or two of regret that I’d been convinced by Henry’s biographers and my own understanding of Henry’s very pragmatic character. As I admitted in my AN for Devil’s Brood, I felt cheated that I hadn’t been able to take the Lion in Winter route, for writers instinctively yearn for scenes of high drama. Whatever the arguments pro and con about Henry and Alys, the film is very much out of date in its depiction of a love affair between Richard and Philippe, the French king. But it is still great fun to watch and I continue to recommend it highly to one and all. Peter O’Toole and Katharine Hepburn were perfection itself as Henry and Eleanor, probably even better than the originals themselves!
Now back to Lionheart. I am happy to report that Eleanor and Berengaria have safely arrived in Italy. Because we know which alpine pass they took, I was able to figure out the route they must have followed, which was great fun. As I’ve always been fascinated by travel in bygone times, I have gone into considerable details about Eleanor’s journey. I just hope my editors will let me keep all these details in! Eleanor took the Montgenevre Pass over the Alps, which is now a ski resort. I wonder what she would have thought of that? If you’d like to see some photos of Montgenevre today, google “Montgenevre photos” and prepare to be amazed by all that comes up.
Because I had so much to communicate this time, I’m afraid I will have to limit my favorite part of each blog—responding to your comments and questions. I’ll try to make up for it next time. Cindy, welcome aboard! (We’ve met at the Poisoned Pen, as Cindy is lucky enough to live near Scottsdale.) Your news about Legacy is fantastic. This is, by far, my favorite book about Elizabeth Tudor. I haven’t read it in years, am delighted that it will be reprinted. I have often wondered if Susan Kay wrote any other books or if this was her only child, a la Harper Lee and To Kill a Mockingbird. But for anyone interested in the Tudors and first-rate writing, this is the book to buy. On the same subject, I think the best novel I’ve read about Anne Boleyn is Norah Lofts’ The Concubine. Anyone else read it?
Cindy, your comment about the need for a genealogy planted the seed for another question. Do you as readers prefer a straight genealogical chart or a cast of characters for historical novels like mine? Michele, I’m sorry I couldn’t take part in your book club discussion. I’ve done a few by phone and they are great fun. In fact, Ballantine is going to set up some phone chats with their Reading Clubs when their edition of Devil’s Brood comes out. Gabriele, you have to write about Arminius! He sounded so intriguing that I did a bit of on-line research and there is no doubt he deserves a book of his own. Did you know his campaign was mentioned in Robert Graves’ classic, I, Claudius, under the name Hermann? I’m not sure why ancient Rome casts such a potent spell as I doubt that any of us would have liked to live under the Empire or even the Republic, but novels about Rome are irresistible. (Another hint, Gabriele, hang in there!) I have just started Michelle Moran’s new novel, Cleopatra’s Daughter (her child by Marc Antony) and it looks like another winner for her.
Ken, it sounds as if you might have to reconsider your game plan. Would you feel as if you had more control of your material if you focused on only three of your main characters instead of four? Or you might want to think about writing two books, as I did with Falls the Shadow and The Reckoning. Is there a natural breaking point in the story line? I was fortunate in that Shadow had an obvious ending with Simon’s death. And when I decided that I wanted to do a trilogy about Henry, it was easy to break his life into three segments. That is not always the case, though. Would it work to use Evesham as a natural breaking point for Othon’s story? Based on my own experience, I would suggest you think about splitting it into two or maybe even three books. The alternative is to leave a lot on the cutting room floor and that can be painful.
I loved Elizabeth’s description of Henry as a blazing fire that eventually burned out. Henry will always be my personal favorite among the English kings, for he seems like the epitome of a Shakespearean tragic hero, one brought down by his own flaws. I’ve discovered that he casts a long shadow and his memory remains very much alive in Lionheart. Susan, I’ll see if I can find out from St Martins when The Reckoning will be available in Kindle format. Lastly, you posed such a wonderful question, Carrie—how much historical interpretation or inaccuracies will readers accept? I have a low tolerance level myself, but I have friends who are willing to overlook anachronisms if they are swept along by a strong story line. So…here’s our question for the next blog. Can powerful writing compensate for faulty research?
May 20, 2009
Hello Sharon!
I’ve read your books since early 90’s and look in to your site now and then. Rather then because of illness – so happily I’m abord again reading your blog and all the coments (almost as good as the books ;)!!!!).
“Here Be Dragons” was the first of your books I read and it got me to travel to Wales and visit many of the castles.
I would like to respond to this last entry:
about genealogical charts or cast of caracters – I like either or or both depending on the book. Is the story historcal accurat it’s good with a genealogical chart to see how people are related. Is the story more of descibing the times it’s good with a list of caracters.
Are you doing any apperances in Great Britain?
Best regards,
Monica.
Hi Sharon.
Many thanks for the advice. I posted a similar query on the Historical Fiction online site and received many excellent suggestions. I have decided to make Othon ‘own’ the book and Master James will only have a minor role, during and after the 1282 Welsh war.
I think that Othon’s story will need at least two books and, if I can make them ‘stand-alone’, it will not matter (too much) if they are not in chronological order.
As an ex-archer, I did pick up the mistake in ‘The Reckoning’, but wasn’t overly concerned! If I really wanted to be pedantic though, you will never hear an archer say that he ‘fired’ an arrow! One ‘shoots’ an arrow – there is no fire or explosion, as with a gun!
I’ll have a think about your final question about powerful writing making up for faulty research and post again later.
Hope you are keeping well and, as Monica says, ever think of coming over here?
Ken
Oh yeah, I hadn’t heard that Legacy was going to be re-published. I’ve been lusting after this one for years!
I hope you have fun on your book tour – I just wish you were coming to Atlanta!
And I ‘m glad to hear that you liked Lofts’ Concubine…I just picked it up at the store yesterday!
Thanks again for sharing with us your amazing talent!
Amy
Passages to the Past
Ah, sorry about your computer, Sharon. Tech issues are completely furstrating to me. Nothing except maybe wind makes me cranky quite as fast as computer problems. :p
YAY book tour! That’s great the publisher is setting that up for you. Do you suppose you will be able to come to AZ and The Poisoned Pen soon? I’d love to meet you in person, and PP is right up the road from my work!
That’s a fascinating story about Richard shooting from inside his litter. I would think that he’d make a good target himself if they were just sitting there!
I’m glad you asked about the genaeological tree or cast list. I love the family trees, but it would be great if a cast list was included, too. I don’t know about everyone else, but I get the people confused all the time just because I can’t remember which Richard is who, or lord of what, or married to whom, etc. Seeing it written out in a list form makes it easier for me to remember. 🙂
Your question about powerful writing compensating for poor research is difficult. I suppose for me, it depends. If I don’t know much about the real historical events, I find that I don’t mind as much because I don’t know any better anyway. But in that case, I do like it if there is an author’s note indicating that they took creative license for the sake of story telling. That way I *know* I need to read more about a topic if it interests me. I tend to read more on a topic anyway, but it seems more responsible of the author if they tell the reader that there were inaccuracies because they chose to write the story rather than the facts. Actually, I think there should just always be ANs anyway with historical fiction. I’m funny that way. With your books, even though I’m not as familiar with the topics as I am of other medieval events, I know you’re meticulous with research and I can trust the events that take place–it gives me a great starting point for further reading.
As always, thanks for your update! It is always great to read your new posts. Have a great day!
Oh! SORRY–I don’t mean to spam your blog. But I wanted to ask–Do you think any of your new books or books that are reissued could include a brief bibliography? I’m a total geek and love to pick up books from biblios that are used as research for books I enjoy. *sheepish*
I love “Legacy” as well, so it is great to hear that it will be reprinted! Susan Kay did write at least one other book titled “Phantom” which is her telling of the “Phantom of the Opera” story. It has been a long time since I read it, but I recall it being quite heart-rending.
Always great to get an update from you!
Hi Sharon,
I definitely prefer a genealogical chart to a cast of characters — I often find myself flipping back to it while reading, whereas I would rarely do that w/ a cast of characters. I guess the disadvantage of the chart is that it only includes people who are related to the main characters, but that’s ok — it’s the relationships that I generally need external help to keep track of anyway.
BTW, I also find myself regularly flipping back to the maps to trace routes or figure out what is near what, and it irritates me when sites described in the text are not on the map. Your maps are generally pretty good about including all the relevant castles, towns, etc., but I just thought I’d mention it.
The problem w/ historical innacuracies is that often a seminal novel will “become” the event it describes in the minds of its readers, who then assume they now know just how it all went down (and it’s even worse w/ movies, because of the visuals and the larger audience). I know I’m guilty of thinking I know all about something just because I read a novel about it. It’s one thing if you’re writing about a subject for which there are already a gazillion other novels (say King Arthur) — you want to bring a fresh perspective, so by all means go w/ your compelling story line even if it doesn’t match all the facts. But if you are writing *the* novel on a character or event (and what author doesn’t hope for that?), I think you have more of a responsibility to either get the facts straight, or to state outright that you’re playing fast and loose w/ them. OTOH, different authors have different strengths, and someone who has a gift for powerful writing and not so much interest in research should still be able to write about what they’re interested in, it’s just a different kind of book.
Suzanne
I wish you were coming to the West Coast.
Eleanor, where are you in Phoenix? Im in Chandler. We should meet at Poison Pen next time Sharon’s in town!
Sharon, I much prefer charts over lists. Like Suzanne, I am always going back to the charts; they help me understand connections between people and help me keep track of dates. Plus lists are just lists of names to me, and sometimes are overwhelming to readers.
I haven’t read Concubine (I tired of Ann Bolyn a long time ago) but did read Lofts recently rereleased The Kings Pleasre, about katherine of Aragon. I just love her writing, and in this one, she makes Katherine into a complex human being, not the caricature that often is portrayed. Its apparent why she just couldn’t let go of Henry, and I felt much more empathy with her in this book (also helped me understand why Mary I turned out the way she did)
I’m back again!
I like having both the family tree(s) and the list of historical characters. The first gives you dates of birth/death and relationships, whereas the second provides ‘thumbnail’ sketches of who they are and what they are.
This is particularly necessary when you have so many ‘Eleanor’s’ and ‘Maud’s’, Hal’s’ and ‘Henry’s’!! It can get very confusing and often, I need to quickly check which one is in the current scene!
I am a bit of a geek for historical accuracy, so would prefer stories based on historical fact, but with a licence to play about a bit! ‘Powerful Writing’ based on faulty research would not be sufficient for me.
Keep Well
Ken
Hi Sharon!
I’m so excited that you’re coming to Virginia! Will you let us know as soon as you know the date? You are one of my favorite authors and I would love to meet you!
I prefer a genealogical chart, and like Suzanne, I flip to them often for reference, and I love having maps, too. I’m a little put off when I open a book and the first thing I see is a cast of characters. Number one, I don’t like to have all of the characters spelled out for me before I’ve read the book. I like to discover them as I go along and then if I need help remembering who is related to who, that’s where the genealogical chart comes in handy. Number two, a cast of characters makes me feel like the author doesn’t think I’m capable of figuring it out on my own. Plus, whenever I see a cast of characters, I have to do a double take and make sure I didn’t pick up a play by mistake! However, I see Ken’s point about having both. I guess I would prefer to find the cast of characters at the end of the book, so it’s more like a reference than at the beginning as a prelude to the story. Does that make sense?
I can’t wait for Lionheart. I just picked up a beautiful book, it’s an illustrated history of the crusades. I’d like to start reading more about the crusades and I thought it would come in handy as a reference.
Thanks for sharing your gift of writing with us! Keep up the good work!
Sorry to Hi-jack Sharon’s blog!
Hi Jenny, Can you tell me the name of your illustrated book of the Crusades? I’m particularly interested in the Lord Edward’s crusade of 1271 and the fall of Acre in 1291, but have an interest in all of them!
Thanks
Ken
Hi Ken,
The book is called “An Illustrated History of the Crusades and the Crusader Kinghts”, by Charles Phillips. It’s really more of a glossy coffe-table book, but it is beautifully illustrated. There are only four pages covering Edward and the fall of Acre, 184-187.
Ta very much!
Hi Sharon – sorry to hear about your computer troubles – most frustrating!!
Personally, I prefer a geneological chart, especially if the facts are sound – I love to see the interconnectivity. On occasion a cast of characters is nice – but only when it’s a piece of pure fiction.
As to whether powerful writing can compensate for historical inaccuracies- I agree with one of the above posts – if it’s tale that has been told 1,000 times and the author is seeking a fresh perspective – it’s fine and I can get swept into the story. But I don’t want that as my regular historical fiction diet. I need a fairly high degree of accuracy – mostly because I often like to go back and research the time period – find out other facts and answer questions that come up for me when I read a book. And I have found that one of the worst things is when I rely on an author’s facts as being relatively accurate and then have a discussion with someone who is a little better read than I am and discover I am soooo wrong!!
Anyway looking forward to Lionheart…and still reading new info about him – which I love!!! Wish we could have done an author’s call for Time and Chance with my book club – it’s always fun when we can! Maybe I’ll get them to read another SKP book in the fall!!!
Computer troubles are the worst! I recently confined my aging and disgruntled laptop to the computer gods, and picked up a snazzy pink netbook that I adore.
Like a few other people have said, I prefer genealogical charts a I get really confused about who is married to whose sister, yet also lusting after their 2nd cousin (it seems like such an incestuous age for the nobility!).
Possibly the most fabulous thing about getting married (it was sunny the whole day, good old Wales!) was that some people gave us book vouchers as gifts: hurrah! I’m keeping my eyes open for recommendations.
Research vs. powerful prose: I think everyone who researches a topic thoroughly is bound to come up with a few conflicting views on the subject/s they’re interested in, so from the first it’s the job of the writer to make educated guesses on which way they are going to go. Whose research does a person give more credence to? Also, as years pass, there’s always new research coming forward, new translations of previously over-looked letters, family trees tucked into bibles that are more genuine than first believed, etc. So a book that, at time of publishing might have seemed to have great research might not stand the test of time in its’ views. Conversely, a novel slated for its lack of historical accuracy might prove to be correct in time!
When it comes down to it, I think I want both. I want to be swept up in a beautiful narrative and be thrilled to realise it’s ever so close to what really happened. It makes my day to have accurat escapism!
Sharon,
I’ve been a huge fan ever since my mom lent me a copy of Here be Dragons back in 2001 when I was living in London. I couldn’t put it down & have been seeking out your books ever since. Your writing has that rare quality that draws me in & I don’t want to stop reading :). Luckily a thoughtful friend stocked my bookshelf with all your books that he could find last Christmas. I’ve been reading them back to back since. I just stumbled upon this website last month, so I’m happy to be able to keep up with you and your projects.
I think any one of your books would make an excellent movie, any chance you would consider a movie deal in the future?
Congrats on the book tour. I live in Guam now, but I highly doubt we’re on your list! Would love to meet you someday and get a book autographed.
I think a family tree is an important way to tie characters in together. Sometimes it does get confusing trying to remember how the people are related & who is who. I would like that to reference back to as I read. Also, I find that a map showing locations helps me out as I’m reading, to get a visual image of where the White ship sunk, how far of a journey it was for Maude to cross from Arundel to Bristol castle, basically to be able to visually follow the characters on their travels would be a nice touch, but that’s just my opinion. I feel lucky that while I was in England I visited many of the places that I now read about in your writings.
History is one of my passions – thank you for bringing it to life!
Sharon,
the name Hermann for Arminius dates back to the 16th century where a development started that would culminate in the 19th and early 20th century, to make Arminius some sort of German Braveheart. Tacitus’ quote that he was liberator Germaniae was taken a bit too verbatim, considering the fact that the Germans back then were a bunch of tribes and clans being at each others throat more often than not. Keeping enough of seem together for years, so that Rome finally decided Germania wasn’t worth the hassle, is one of Arminius’ astonishing feats. He then kept the ‘alliance’ and conquered his rival Marbod of the Marcomanni (who seeked shelter with the Romans) but after that the tribes went back to their old feuds, and Arminius was killed by members of his own family, or clan.
His name is not Hermann, of course, a possible translation of the Roman name might be *IrmanameR (the R is a sound you produce by pronouncing a trilled r and a z at the same time 😀 ).
Yes, I’ve read I Claudius. In fact, I’m filching one idea from him: the presence of Cassius Chaerea at the Teutorburg battle – he’s the guy who in the novel leads a group of survivors through the German lines, but who in the sources is only mentioned in the later campaigns of Germanicus (14-16 AD). I need some characters who will be present all through the book, and that battle really changes the cast of characters. 😉
Despite Arminius’ attempts to steal A LAND UNCONQUERED, it will still be part of a loosely connected series of three novels connected by a feud between two Roman families that spans several generations (the others take place during the Battle of Mons Graupius and the Chatti wars, and during Hadrian’s visit in Britain).
I also have ideas for more books with Romans (the recent find of a battlefield at my backdoor that dates to the early third century sprouted a few plotbunnies 🙂 ) But that one and the novel about the Dalriatan chief who is enslaved, makes a career as charioteer in Rome, escapes and returns to find he has to wrestle the rule of his tribe from a rival, will have to wait until the trilogy and the Fantasy monster KINGS AND REBELS are finished.
Woops!! I meant our Book Club read Devil’s Brood – I’m re-reading Time and Chance right now – because I can’t put this stuff down. Clearly not working on all cyliders!! Anyway – it was a fabulous discussion – almost 3 hours (2.5 at least) which was so fun!!!
I also prefer the genealogical chart to the dramatis personae. Whilst the dramatis personae is set out in a clear way and a chart, especially with a lot of crossed lines as there seem to have been in Medieval royal families, can get confusing. However, if I just read them in a list, I always feel compelled to grab a pen and paper and map out my own chart, just to make sure I’ve got it all straight in my head about who’s related to who. If the book comes with a chart it’s handier because then I can flip back if I need to to take a second glance at the familial relationships involved. As Ken said, this becomes an even greater habit when there are lots of different characters with the same first name involved!
I would have to say I prefer accurate research to faulty research and a dramatic story. I happened to read Christian Jacq’s trilogy about Queen Aahotep and the overthrow of the Hyksos, and whilst the storyline was clearly meant to be powerful and dramatic, the string of bad historical errors ruined the entire series for me. I later read Pauline Gedge’s trilogy on the same time period and events, which was very heavily researched, and the two were incomparable. Gedge’s series was so far and above that of Jacq.
You know, the Angevins have always reminded me of supernovae, personally. The brightest stars in the sky, but violently self-destructing.
Sorry to hear about your computer, but great news for the book tour! I actually hadn’t heard of either book on Anne Boleyn and Elizabeth I, but I will try to check those out now! Anne and Elizabeth are two of my favourite historical figures, as is the Tudor period, ever since I picked up a book on the dynasty when I was 5 years old! 🙂
Hi Sharon,
I see that someone has already mentioned Susan Kay’s book
Phantom to you. As soon as I saw her name in your post my
ears perked up (so to speak). I loved Phantom when I read it
and still have my own copy tucked safely in my library downstairs.
I should get it out and read it again sometime. It’s a nice surprise
to hear that she did write another book and that it’ll be re-issued
soon. Phantom is still available for purchase (at least here in
Canada it is) so you should be able to find a copy fairly easily I
would think.
Wish your book tour would bring you to Toronto. Would be the
highlight of my summer if I could meet you and get my books
signed. Ah well. Perhaps someday.
Hope the computer demons are leaving you be and things are
ticking along nicely in your world. Have a wonderful summer.
Cheers!
Hi Sharon,
I would say that the best novels combine powerful writing AND strong historical research. No writer can ever get it all right and we are creaturs of our own century, but that shouldn’t stop an author striving to be the best they can. Powerful writing can never compensate for historical inaccuracy IMO, just as spot on historical accuracy is no good on its own if the reader then falls asleep over the pages. The two should go hand in hand – which is what the best novels are about – and why you have so many fans! 🙂
Quite frankly, faulty research just ruins a book for me. I don’t think there can be powerful enough writing to overcome blatant, painful historical inaccuracies. (I’m probably done *forever* with one author who couldn’t be bothered with historical fact throughout several books set in the Tudor years.)
Certainly this standard doesn’t apply to well-reasoned historical assumptions. You make my point above re: Henry & Alys: yes? or no? I thought your position (Devil’s Brood AN) was very logical and well-founded; but, apparently Dr. Turner makes a sound case in support of the affair. So, in instances such as this one, it’s up to the reader to decide her own preference.
And, playing a bit with minor details is not a deal-breaker for me, either – as long as significant deviations are explained in an author’s note. If we need someone at a battle and we don’t really know whether for sure he was there or not, I think a writer is certainly within her purview to err on the side of the storyline.
In summary: It’s beyond the pale to read something in a book, only to go research sources and find that the book was riddled with inaccuracies. Frankly, it insults my intelligence. If an author doesn’t want to go to the trouble of accurate historical research, then make all characters & all events fictional!
Regarding your book tour: I’m so excited that you will be in Virginia! My daughter lives in the DC area & if schedules all match up, she should be able to get to Bailey’s Crossroads! She is a devoted fan; however, I did get in some trouble because I didn’t ‘prepare’ her for the buckets of tears she was going to shed over Falls the Shadow! (My thinking was that why should her experience be any less than mine ??)
Kelly
I have to admit, I am a new convert to your books. I wrote an earlier comment regarding Phillipia Gregory’s books and I still stand firm in my beliefs that her books are entertaining. However, after reading Sunne In Splendor, I have to rethink how important character development is to a book. I have to say the Sunne In Splendor was fantastic and I wish with all my heart you would go back and start from Edward III and work your way down, however I understand the need “to branch out.” I have a question after reading your earlier blog about works on Eleanor. Have you read or do you have an opinion on Alison Weir’s book?
The earlier question about a straight genealogical chart or a cast of characters is a kunumdrum for me. I wouldn’t have been able to get through Sunne In Splendor had it not been for the chart you included in the front of the book. However, it would have been nice to know where some of the other characters fit in (like the Duke of Buckingham). Would both be too much work or too confusing?
I really enjoy most of Norah Lofts’s books (like a lot of prolific authors, the books are not always even in quality), but “The Concubine” was one of my favorites. Another good historical fiction book about Anne Boleyn is “Brief, Gaudy Hour” by Margaret Campbell Barnes. She’s had several of her books reissued, including that one.
I also want to join the chorus of how much I enjoy your books!
Cindyash, you are in Chandler, you say? I live in Maricopa, but work in Tempe. The Poisoned Pen is pretty much just a straight shot up the road from my work. We, and any other AZ readers, should totally meet up at the PP next time Sharon comes to town! How fun would that be? 😀
Wow, I’m so flattered my question became a topic in this blog!
Personally, I also have difficulty accepting obvious or sloppy
historical inaccuracies and/or interpretations, especially if the writer knowingly mixes accuracy with anachronisms. A good example of this was Ariana Franklin’s “Mistress of the Art of the Death.” The writing was good, the research on the Jews in Medieval England very good – but I just could not get over King Henry II saying “It ain’t a game of billiards.”
However, I’m much more forgiving of small mistakes, especially if they do not jar the reader out of the story. Elizabeth Chadwick said it very well — we are all creatures of our century, so we can never truly be 100% accurate, but that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t try.
I also believe that historical fiction is held to a higher standard of accuracy than historical mysteries. Is it because of the type of readers each genre draws, or the genre its self? Perhaps it is a bit of both.
The funny thing is, the more I study the Middle Ages, the more I discover factual accounts of men and women that I wouldn’t have necessarily accepted as accurate, even in historical fiction! Sharon and Elizabeth, do you two ever feel that you have to follow an even narrower line of historical accuracy in order to maintain a reader’s believability in your stories?
I much prefer a geneological chart. I would, however, appreciate small charts for more minor, and even fictional, characters in addition. I like being able to form my own opinion of a character so a “cast of characters” feels heavy handed to me. As an appendix in the back to jog memory wouldn’t bother me though.
I think that poorly researched HF makes me mistrust an editor and publisher as much as the author. HR is my favorite genre as it can pair powerful narrative with non-fiction facts. When either part of that connection is missing I might as well switch genres and read fantasy or biography. It misses the point IMO.
I have no quibble with the introduction of likely fictional characters as the center of a book (I SO love Ranulf) as long as they are placed in a realistic setting and conform to the period.
I am a fan of the Author’s Note. I have found that I frequently can not read the AN immediately after finishing the book though. It’s like getting up to pee too soon after really great sex – it’s better to just savor the feeling for a bit before coming back to reality. If there is a series (and I’m not having to wait for the next one) I will sometimes refrain from reading the ANs until after I’ve finished them all. It may burst my bubble to know some of the details and I don’t want to ruin it. Like with the sex analogy though – it only matters if you trust your partner (or author). If I was betrayed by innacuracies in a text I would react much like a jilted lover, with anger and frustration (and not buy any more books).
I trust Sharon. (and Elizabeth Chadwick too) ;0)
Sharon: As a genealogist myself, I much prefer the genealogical charts to a cast of characters. I also heartily second the suggestion for a bibliography. I usually like to read more on the subject of a book when it really catches my interest (all of your books catch my interest I must say!). Speaking of which, I just finished reading your mysteries and now I am in love with Justin de Quincy and chagrined that there are no more books in the series planned. How will I ever find out about Claudine and Justin’s baby? Boo hoo. I’ve said before (but I think it got posted to the wrong blog) that I think it is so refreshing to see the respect between you and Elizabeth Chadwick (two of my favorite authors). Good luck on your book tour – I wish you were going to Chicago. I live three hours away, but I would definitely get there to meet you and hear you speak.
I like having both genealogical charts and the cast list of characters. I refer to both quite a lot. I don’t mind if they are at the front or the back of the book. I feel a bit let down if a book has neither one.
I don’t think powerful writing can compensate for faulty research. Poor research normally leads to poor writing. I was thinking along the same lines as Carrie but I couldn’t remember any specific examples. The use of modern expressions and analogies really jars and tends to put me off reading the whole book. Research doesn’t just tell you who did what, where and when, it is also telling you about forms of speech, dress and behaviour. It tells you about how things looked and smelled, what people ate and so much more. Powerful writing conveys all those things and could only come from detailed research.
I am more forgiving of historical mistakes with television shows. I have read with interest the previous comments regarding the Tudors. Another show that is still entertaining but historically questionable is the BBC show Robin Hood. The frequency of display of uncovered hair and bare shoulders and cleavage on the female characters makes me cringe. And their King Richard looked like he was in his mid 40’s when he was on crusade. It concerns me a little that young viewers would get the wrong idea about medieval history. It is still quite a watchable show though. I just tell myself that it is set in a fantasy world.
Sharon, one thing I really enjoy about your books is the wonderful descriptions of food and meals. What is eaten, how it is cooked, how it is served and consumed. Fascinating!
Hello Sharon,
This doesn’t have anything to do with your books, but I was watching an old episode of Dr. Who lately and came across an episode about Jeanne-Antoinette Poisson(Madame de Pompadour). Though I’m sure you’ve got many other historical subjects to write about, especially Owain Glyn Dwr, at my request, Madame de Pompadour might make a great read.
She was of course Mistress to Louis XV, and was reguarded as the most powerful woman in France for twenty years. Has anyone else heard about her, or seen the episode of Dr. Who that I’m referring to?
Good Health,
Dave
Carrie wrote:
The funny thing is, the more I study the Middle Ages, the more I discover factual accounts of men and women that I wouldn’t have necessarily accepted as accurate, even in historical fiction! Sharon and Elizabeth, do you two ever feel that you have to follow an even narrower line of historical accuracy in order to maintain a reader’s believability in your stories?
I don’t know what Sharon feels. I would say yes. I feel that I have to be as true to a character as I can get and to the world in which they lived. Sometimes that may mean swimming against the tide. If I come across something that is likely to do that, I would explain it in the author’s note – thank goodness for author’s notes! I think the more research one does, the more one realises how little one actually knows!
Megan, thanks so much for the laugh about the sex and the pee. Good job I wasn’t drinking coffee – LOL!
I agree with EC, Megan that was a really good line – brings images to mind that I maybe ought to avoid!!
For those of Sharon’s fans that loved the Welsh theme of her trilogy, starting with ‘Here Be Dragons’, try out the BBC Wales ‘Bryn Terfel’s Snowdonia’. It will be available on the BBC I pod site for another 6 days.
The scenery and stories of the people who still live (and speak Welsh) in the land of the eagles of Snowdonia, is just marvellous, and It’s not hard to imagine Llewelyn Fawr and Joanna, as well as llewelyn ap Gruffudd and Eleanor de Montfort, admiring much the same vistas that we see today!
Give it a go!
Ken
Hello Sharon,
Re: historical accuracy! Very important! I cannot judge the accuracy of events except by comparison with previous readings, etc. However, the accuracy of behavior or dress can certainly enhance or detract from the story itself. I am watching “The Tudors” and it is driving me crazy!
I can list them:
Royalty was never alone! Princesses were always attended. The nobility had no privacy!
Women’s hair was always covered in public and always “up” not flowing down the back and loose in public.
What is most irritating about the costuming is that we have paintings of the people (Henry VIII, Anne Boleyn, Catherine of Aragon) so everybody can know how they dressed! And it wasn’t Henry VIII that was the clothes horse, it was his father Henry VII!
There are many scenes in “The Tudors” that would have been impossible had they been historically accurate. So I guess if enough nudity and sex scenes are thrown in the series is a hit. If one is looking for historical accuracy, this isn’t the place!
I am re-reading When Christ and His Saints Slept and I am just as fascinated as I was the first time I read it. What a story! Poor England, fought over like a bone between two dogs! I also love Ranulf. I really like the way he grew up and matured through the events in his life I thought it was funny when he was wondering how it would be to “make love” to a woman one hated (as Geoffrey d’Anjou with Maud).
That is another thing I really like about SKP and EC. There is really no silliness about being “in love” in order to be married. “Love” just wasn’t part of the equation for nobility and most people. Alliances, blood bonds and honor were the paramount considerations at that time. SKP and EC both make it clear in their novels that the couples who actually do love each other within the marriage bond are very lucky!
For another view of the time of Henry VIII, I can recommend “The Queen’s Grace” by Jan Westcott.
i had a question regarding legacy. it sounds like a wonderful read, and i was hoping to purchase a copy. does anyone know when when it will be republished? i have looked at amazon and amazon.uk, but i can not find the issue date. i was also wondering if anyone knows of a good book about anne of cleves? i love to read about minor historical characters and i have always been interested in anne. i think she is the most overlooked of henry’s wives. please excuse my lack of capitals. i am writing on my new kindle and am still learning to use the keyboard.
Sharon,
just finished Sunne a second time – stopping myself from starting over immediately yet again ‘-) (Could that be another sex analogy in the making ala Megan S.?)
I definitely like the geneology and maps and Author’s notes – the more the better. And a bibliography would be splendid.
As you recommended, I was looking for Norwich’s Other Norman Conquest in our local used books store and came upon P.M. Kendall’s biography of Richard III; originally published in 1955, very well written, brings the whole era into perspective. I als found a book about William the Conqueror, whom I became interested in because he is mentioned in all your books – one thing just keeps leading to another. Had I not read your books in the first place, I’d never be picking up these books and learn about these fascinating people.
Dave,
I’ve seen the Dr. Who episode you are refering to. It was an interesting twist. Her name is fairly well known in Germany.
Megan,
thanx for the sex analogy – made me laugh and I DID have coffee when I read the comment ‘-) Since I devour the AN’s right after reading the whole book – I wonder what that says about my other habits.
Helen in Guam,
I am working with the local race track in Guam to get the Greyhounds off the island – are you involved in that/heard about it? Love to chat w/you. brittabetzin@msn.com
Eagerly awaiting Lionheart, knowing it will be an excellent book,
bb
I’m brand new to your web site & blog, but have long been a fan. I’ve read all your historical novels & just finished Devil’s Brood. As I was nearing the end, I kept remembering that this was a trilogy & wondered if you were going to leave Richard & Eleanor at such an interesting time. I’m so glad to know I have Lionheart to look forward to.
I LOVE Aurhor’s Notes at the end of historical fiction. I would feel cheated without one & actually don’t think I’ve ever read one I thought was too long.
My one complaint with your books, Sharon, is that they present such a dilemma. I’m so fascinated by them, that I don’t want to put them down. Yes, I know “how they end”, as historical events, but they’re still “page turners”. On the other hand, I want to make them last, because I feel rather bereft when I finish!
Thank you for being so meticulous with your research.
I am eager to read Michelle Moran’s book about Cleopatra’s daughter but it isn’t coming out until 9/15/09. How did you get it?
Another interesting article from your blog 🙂 When will it stop….hopefully never
Hi Sharon!
I read Norah Lofts’ book on Anne Boleyn, The Concubine, when I was a teenager, and it remains my favorite work on her as well. Lofts’ compelling portrayal of the young girl who used charm and style to make up for her lack of money and beauty really resonated with me at the time. Ever since then I have remained an admirer of this most unfortunate Queen.
Спорно, но как вариант имеет право на существование
Пока еще до конца непонятно, что там происходит, но точно могу сказать, что не в лучшую сторону!
Автору памятник нужно поставить за такое!:)
Чёрт возьми! Круто! Вы Сами ответили. Беру в цитник! Смысл жизни и всё остальное. Решено. Без шуток.
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Что касается меня, то я лучше останусь при своём мнении, так как это не подлежит комментариям
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