Books-n-Kisses is pleased to welcome 1st time guest Elizabeth Chadwick to the blog
Elizabeth, can you please share with us a little about yourself
I was born in the north of England in the county of Lancashire. The family moved to Scotland when I was 3 years old and I lived there until I was 11, when we returned to England, to Nottinghamshire. I now live with my husband and three fun-loving terriers in a lovely beamed cottage in the country. On a clear day, we can just about see the turrets of Belvoir Castle (pronounced Beevor) from the landing window!
Have you always wanted to be an author?
From the age of 15, yes. As a very small child I wanted to be a farmer, or marry one – neither of which happened, although my husband does grown all our own fruit and vegetables! Serious careers I hadn’t thought about and then when I wrote my first novel as a teen, I realised that this was the job I wanted to do. I worked in shops to earn money, but it was always a job and just a way of supporting myself until eventually I was published.
Who are some of your favorite writers?
Historically speaking they would be Sharon Penman, Dorothy Dunnett, C.J. Sansom and Diana Gabaldon. I always enjoy Peter James for his modern police procedural novels. I love Nora Roberts’ romantic suspense novels. Charlaine Harris is a favourite. Terry Pratchett, Neil Gaiman. I tend to like books that take me somewhere different than my own doorstep.
Who do you feel has influenced your writing?
My inspirations and influences before I was published include Mary Stewart (I wanted to write as well as she did in The Crystal Cave – no chance!), Roberta Gellis, Sharon Kay Penman and the late, great Dorothy Dunnett. I loved their writing and just reading it taught me a lot.
How did you get into writing in this specific genre? Have you ever thought about writing in a different genre?
I wasn’t interested in historical things as a child beyond a general interest that any curious person has. That changed when I saw a TV programme called Desert Crusader. It was a costume drama about a gorgeous knight having adventures in the Holy Land. I fell for him and started writing what I guess was a fan fiction piece, but it gradually changed into a work of fiction of its own kind. It ended up a full 500 page novel, and I realized that this was what I wanted to do for a living. I had to research the Middle Ages because I didn’t know anything about them, and the more I researched the more interested I became, and the more I wanted to write stories set in that era. And here I am! If I wrote in a different genre, it would probably be either fantasy or horror.
What are some of your writing rituals?
Before I begin writing I always pop into my Facebook page and update that for my readers; the same with Twitter. I will usually have a mug of tea or coffee at my side and a tub of spearmint chewing gum. I tend to write better in the evening and at night than first thing in the morning, so you’ll quite often find me at my desk after midnight. It’s getting on that way now. Other than that I don’t really have any rituals.
Can you please tell us about your latest book(s)?
THE OUTLAW KNIGHT is the story of an English knight called Fulke FitzWarin, who lived on the Welsh borders in the 12th century, and who quarrelled with King John who declared him an outlaw with a price on his head. It’s also the story of his turbulent marriage to Maud Walter, whom King John wanted to make his mistress (against her wishes). Much of the story is true. Indeed, some historians think that the origins of the famous Robin Hood legends began with Fulke FitzWarin.
How did you come with the idea for this story?
THE OUTLAW KNIGHT grew out of my research. I was looking up something in a book for an earlier work in progress when I came across a 13th century chronicle detailing Fulke’s life story. It was so fascinating and exciting that I knew it would make a great subject for a future novel.
Can you share with us your current work(s) in progress?
THE SUMMER QUEEN has recently been published in the UK and will be coming to the USA next year – it’s the first part of a trilogy about Eleanor of Aquitaine. (Called Alienor in my novels because it’s the original medieval spelling). I am currently writing the middle book in the trilogy, titled THE WINTER CROWN, and that too will be coming Stateside in due course.
Open your book to a random page and tell us what’s happening.
Since I don’t yet have my USA copies of THE OUTLAW KNIGHT, I’ll do it in the UK paperback version. Page 218.
Fulke has just been warned that his lands have been given away to someone else in the King’s court, and Fulke is preparing to go and have it out with the King.
What would you be if you were not an author?
I’ve always rather fancied being an archaeologist!
What is in your To Read Pile that you are dying to start or upcoming release you can’t wait for?
I’m very eager to read King’s Ransom by Sharon Kay Penman. I’m also looking forward to Knights of the Hawk, the new release from James Aitcheson. I would have said Dead Man’s Time by Peter James, but I’ve just read and loved it!
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Thank you for inviting me onto your blog of course! I would also like to add just in case anyone becomes confused, that THE OUTLAW KNIGHT appears in the UK as LORDS OF THE WHITE CASTLE. The reason for the change of title is a cultural one. I understand that The White Castle is a hamburger chain in the USA and my publisher felt that THE OUTLAW KNIGHT was a more appropriate title and fitted the bill perfectly.
Learn more about Elizabeth and her books here
Email: elizabethchadwick@live.co.uk
Twitter: twitter.com/ChadwickAuthor
Facebook: www.facebook.com/elizabeth.chadwick.90
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/ECAPBCJFM
Blogger: http://livingthehistoryelizabethchadwick.blogspot.com
He should have known better than to fight with the future King John. Ruthless and feared, John is not one to forget or forgive. But Fulke FitzWarin couldn’t help himself, and now the vindictive John has insured that Fulke will never become lord of the castle he loves. Instead of accepting his fate, Fulke rebels. He begins an affair with Maude Walter, the wealthy widow desired by John himself. Negotiating a maze of deceit, treachery, and shifting alliances, Fulke’s route to success is blocked at every turn. And when the turmoil of the Magna Carta rebellion combines with a shocking tragedy, everything Fulke has fought for is thrown into the path of destruction.
Historical romance my favorite. This looks like a great book!
I look forward to reading Fulke’s book.
I love Historical fiction. I know that time period was a gruesome one but I love the action and intrigue anyway. The thoughts of knights fighting for the hand of a maiden or for a damsel in distress is such a romantic and exciting thought.
Sounds like and great read .Hope you have a fantastic day.