I’ve recently been spending a lot of time researching medieval and early Tudor times, and it’s perfect timing to invite Char Newcomb onto Author Chats. Her acclaimed series, Men of the Cross, is set in the 12th Century and is filled with intrigue, war, treason, revenge – and forbidden love. Today, learn more about how Char writes, what music she enjoys, and why she researches every day.
http://www.elizabethjstjohn.com/guest-authors/charlene-newcomb-medieval-tales-and-forbidden-love/
Author Chats | Nicola Cornick’s New Release | The Forgotten Sister
The fascinating story of Amy Robsart, first wife to Robert Dudley and rival to Elizabeth I for his affection is retold in Nicola Cornick’s brilliant new release, The Forgotten Sister. Join us as we chat about literary pilgrimages (Haworth, for one) the special inspiration of walking in Amy’s footsteps, and Nicola’s favourite books. http://www.elizabethjstjohn.com/guest-authors/nicola-cornick-new-release-the-forgotten-sister/
Richard Tearle | Melody Maker, Story Writer
A bit of change of tempo on Author Chats today, as I talk to the delightful Richard Tearle about his new collection of short stories, Melody Mayhem. A respected reviewer for Discovering Diamonds, Richard shares his greatest “unknown” novel, researching his short stories, and his love of Sharon Kay Penman.
New Release | Henry, the King’s Cavalier
Thrilled to release the latest COUNTERPOINT Novelette this weekend, a companion book to Written in Their Stars.
A man may think his life is only measured by battles fought for the king. Until he meets a woman worth fighting for. https://geni.us/MYBOOKCPTHENRY
Henry Wilmot. Cavalier. Seasoned soldier. Grieving widower. On the eve of battle he is sent by the king to requisition arms. What he did not expect was that the supplies were a gift from a feisty and attractive widow who was hiding her own Royalist beliefs in plain sight. Even more alarming was that his quest took him into the heart of an enemy Parliamentarian household. Will Henry survive the fight of his life? And will Nan remember him if he does?
A counterpoint is a melody played in conjunction with another, or an opposing viewpoint in an argument. Our lives are complex, and each one of us carries within us a counterpoint to another’s story.
Here is a counterpoint to Nan Wilmot, from Written in Their Stars.
Crusader’s Path | A journey with Mary Ann Bernal
Today on Author Chats, I’m delighted to welcome Mary Ann Bernal, whose work spans some of the more fascinating periods of history – from Vikings and the dark ages, to the knights templar and the crusades. Discover more about Mary Ann’s research, the kind of music she listens too (very atmospheric, I must say) and the writing of Crusader’s Path. http://www.elizabethjstjohn.com/guest-authors/mary-ann-bernal-a-journey-along-the-crusaders-path/
Eyewitness to History
“Engrossing. Reading the complete trilogy could likely prove irresistible to lovers of family sagas. Recommended.”
A recent review from The Historical Novel Society of Written in Their Stars prompted me to create “Eyewitness to History” banners. Lucy Hutchinson observed and wrote about so many life-changing events in 17th-Century England, and inspired my series “The Lydiard Chronicles.”http://www.elizabethjstjohn.com/books/
Meet Betsy Brand – 17th Century Actress and Sleuth
On Author Chats today I’m talking with John Pilkington, who has recently re-released his 17th Century series featuring Betsy Brand. A captivating actress and sometimes unwilling sleuth, Betsy comes to life through John’s scrupulous research and attention to detail. Come and join me to find out all the behind-the-scenes work that goes into writing historical fiction, and John’s inspiration for recreating the sights and sounds of Stuart England.
Profiling a Debut Historical Fiction Novel
That moment of truth, when you’ve finished your novel and now it’s out on a query journey around the world. Today, Emma Lombard shares why even though she suffers from acute seasickness, she was compelled to write a seafaring historical fiction adventure (with a dash of romance). She also explains why Africa is so important to her, and what it’s like to write with four boys in the house.
Author Chats goes Roman
Today on Author Chats, please enjoy meeting Brook Allen, award-winning author of The Antonius Trilogy, as she discusses music to write by, the challenges of keeping her character’s names straight, and why Margaret George’s Cleopatra is her favourite historical fiction novel.
Author Chats Honours WWII with The Road to Liberation Anthology
Today on Author Chats, I have the privilege of hosting four USA Today, international bestselling and award-winning authors who have collaborated on a collection filled with courage, betrayal, hardships and, ultimately, victory over some of the most oppressive rulers the world has ever encountered.
By 1944, the Axis powers are fiercely holding on to their quickly shrinking territories.
The stakes are high—on both sides:
Liberators and oppressors face off in the final battles between good and evil. Only personal bravery and self-sacrifice will tip the scales when the world needs it most.
Read about a small child finding unexpected friends amidst the cruelty of the concentration camps, an Auschwitz survivor working to capture a senior member of the SS, the revolt of a domestic servant hunted by the enemy, a young Jewish girl in a desperate plan to escape the Gestapo, the chaos that confused underground resistance fighters in the Soviet Union, and the difficult lives of a British family made up of displaced children..
2020 marks 75 years since the world celebrated the end of WWII. These books will transport you across countries and continents during the final days, revealing the high price of freedom—and why it is still so necessary to “never forget”.
Stolen Childhood by Marion Kummerow
The Aftermath by Ellie Midwood
When’s Mummy coming? by Rachel Wesson
Too Many Wolves in the Local Woods by Marina Osipova
Liberation Berlin by JJ Toner
Magda’s Mark by Chrystyna Lucyk-Berger
