Godwine Kingmaker: Part One of The Last Great Saxon Earls By Mercedes Rochelle

11/24/2018

Multi-volume author, Mercedes Rochelle, introduces us to the first volume in her series about ancient English kings more than a millennia ago:
Harold Godwineson, the Last Anglo-Saxon King, owed everything to his father. Who was this Godwine, first Earl of Wessex and known as the Kingmaker? Was he an unscrupulous schemer, using King and Witan to gain power? Or was he the greatest of all Saxon Earls, protector of the English against the hated Normans? The answer depends on who you ask. He was befriended by the Danes, raised up by Canute the Great, given an Earldom and a wife from the highest Danish ranks. He sired nine children, among them four Earls, a Queen and a future King. Along with his power came a struggle to keep his enemies at bay, and Godwine's best efforts were brought down by the misdeeds of his eldest son Swegn. Although he became father-in-law to a reluctant Edward the Confessor, his fortunes dwindled as the Normans gained prominence at court. Driven into exile, Godwine regathered his forces and came back even stronger, only to discover that his second son Harold was destined to surpass him in renown and glory.

A good portion of my ancestry is found in the United Kingdom. The Magna Carta came out of England. The history of England and the UK is pretty important to me as a citizen of the US of A. I approached this book with high hopes of a relevant and exciting story.
I am not in the least bit disappointed! The writing is quite good. Mercedes’ scene setting is wonderful, I felt like I was right beside Godwine all the way. There were so many pivotal events in his life as pictured in this exciting historical fiction. There is dialogue and action aplenty! The complex characters stayed quite true to their roots in so many of the instances. The court intrigues in and out of the castles, the battles on land and sea. The brutal warfare and strategizing all contributed so much to an exciting piece of literature.
Mercedes’ research complements her fiction so well. I have no doubt the moves by major characters are very accurate.
I give Godwine Kingmaker a score of 4.7 stars.

You can buy this book:
https://www.amazon.com/Godwine-Kingmaker-Great-Saxon-Earls-ebook
https://www.goodreads.com/book/-godwine-kingmaker
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/godwine-kingmaker-mercedes-rochelle
You can follow the author:
http://www.twitter.com/AuthorRochelle
http://www.mercedesrochelle.com
http://www.mercedesrochelle.net
http://www.historicalbritainblog.com
Tags: Medieval, European, historical, history, King, Queen, royalty

I have reviewed other books by this author:
https://www.wordrefiner.com/book-reviews/the-sons-of-godwine
https://www.wordrefiner.com/book-reviews/fatal-rivalry-by-mercedes-rochelle
https://www.wordrefiner.com/book-reviews/heir-to-a-prophecy-by-mercedes-rochelle-narrated-by-kevin-e-green
https://www.wordrefiner.com/book-reviews/a-king-under-siege-book-one-of-the-plantagenet-legacy-by-mercedes-rochelle
https://www.wordrefiner.com/book-reviews/the-kings-retribution
https://www.wordrefiner.com/book-reviews/the-usurper-king
Copyright © 2018 Mark L Schultz except for the author's introduction

48 Comments

Mercedes Rochelle link

11/25/2018 10:20:29 am

I find 11th century Britain to be one of the most exciting eras in the Middle Ages. You have the first successful Danish Conquest of England, the end of the Anglo-Saxon period, and the Norman Conquest. That's a lot of major events stuffed into one century.

Mark

11/25/2018 11:19:58 am

I didn’t realize how much was going on in that time period.
Could you tell me a little about yourself?

11/25/2018 05:03:00 pm

Thanks for asking, Mark. Ironically, I wasn't interested in history until my college days. I joined a reenactment group (SCA - Society for Creative Anachronism) and learned about living history by "doing". I was hooked, and suddenly saw an application for my love of writing. Shakespeare has always been my inspiration, and my favorite play Macbeth was about a real king who lived in the 11th century. My first novel HEIR TO A PROPHECY follows the story of Banquo and Fleance and the witches' prophecy. One thing led to another and my trilogy about Godwine and his sons (and the Battle of Hastings) was born. So far I've written four novels about the period.

11/25/2018 06:03:59 pm

The Society For Creative Anachronism is full of people who are involved in keeping certain ancient skills and knowledge from being lost. I have a great deal of respect for such creative people!
I am guessing you have a lot more material to draw upon.
Would you share a little bit more about your two other books in this series?
Can you tell us anything about future projects?

11/26/2018 11:22:07 am

Gladly! Godwine of Wessex, a self-made man and the most powerful earl in England, raised a passel of children. Five of his sons were destined to be earls themselves—and one would become king. His daughter Editha would become the queen of England. What could go wrong? Much, as it turns out! I decided that the best way to discover the reasons why this promising family faded away after only two generations was to tell the story in their own words. In THE SONS OF GODWINE, we see the rise to power of Harold, the future king, and Tostig, the next in line, as well as the atrocious behavior of the eldest, Swegn, whose violent actions nearly bring them all to ruin. This is not a happy family. The next volume, FATAL RIVALRY brings the conflict between Harold and Tostig to a crisis, paving the way to the Norman Conquest. Neither brother is blameless, though in the context of the times, I tried to demonstrate that Tostig was not entirely villainous, either.

11/26/2018 11:42:30 am

Swegn comes across as a tragic character, having been bent a certain way from birth. Harold and Tostig seem almost normal by comparison.
New questions.
Is there more to tell of this family's story or is it time for them to shuffle off the stage? What is coming next for you to write about?

11/26/2018 11:42:43 am

After the exploits of Godwine and family, I decided to jump forward 300 years to the reign of Richard II. Like my earlier works, I was inspired by Shakespeare's play about this unfortunate king. I first saw the play on television in 1978—a BBC production with Derek Jacobi. I knew nothing about Richard, but I was so impressed I carried this play around with me for almost forty years. I was amazed to discover that Shakespeare only covered the last year of the king's life. There was so much more concerning what led up to his usurpation that it will take two books for me to cover his reign. The first book, A KING UNDER SIEGE will be released Jan. 5, 2019. A fourteen year-old Richard must face the first major crisis of his reign: the Peasants' Revolt of 1381. He distinguishes himself very well, but his early promise is buried under a vicious attack by the great magnates—the Lords Appellant—who eliminate his advisors and friends through Parliamentary murder. In the following book, THE KING'S RETRIBUTION, Richard takes a delayed revenge on his persecutors which goes too far, leading to his abdication and eventual murder. I'm already making plans to follow this up with books about Henry IV and Henry V, the guilty Lancastrians whose reigns are tarnished by the disgraceful murder of Richard II.

11/26/2018 12:15:26 pm

That all sounds very interesting. So much drama. I am very curious about the written sources available to you besides Shakespeare's plays for research. Can you talk a little bit about that? I am not looking for an exhaustive list, just wondering if there is much out there besides old Will's words.

11/26/2018 01:21:08 pm

Great question! Actually, there is a tremendous amount of research done on the fourteenth century—not so much on the 11th century. The only contemporary source we have for the Anglo-Saxon period is the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle, assumed to have been ordered by Alfred the Great and written by monks in various parts of England up until the Norman Conquest. Almost everyone used the Bayeux Tapestry as the definitive source for the Battle of Hastings. Imagine that! It's possible that most contemporary source of the battle (the Carmen de Hastingae Proelio) was written within the year; after that, many of the chroniclers came hundreds of years later. No wonder there is little agreement on the actual events! It's the job of the historical novelist to sort out the details that make the most sense.

11/26/2018 01:33:56 pm

That boggles the mind. I would guess that there are not many copies of the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle in existence. If nothing else, the Normans would have wanted to destroy it, if they knew about it. I have heard that tapestry is quite large. It must have taken a long time to weave it.
A historical novelist sure has their work cut out for them. It's easy to imagine having to choose between two or even multiple accounts of a particular event, knowing no matter which version you utilize the opponent will take you to task, given the opportunity. I suppose the only thing you can do is tell them to write their own book.
New questions.
Why did you choose this genre, or do you feel the genre chose you?
Who designed the cover of your book?
What do the elements on the cover represent?

11/26/2018 02:25:42 pm

Did the genre choose me? You know, I was reading and enjoying historical fiction before I even knew it was a genre. It all started when I specialized in the 19th century novel during my college years. I think the first time I had an inkling about historical fiction was while reading "The Hunchback of Notre Dame". Medieval France came to life. Then I read "The Three Musketeers" and I was truly smitten. I still am. By the time I started writing my first novel, I still wasn't aware I was writing in any kind of genre; I don't remember referring to historical fiction as such in college. I still don't know when it sunk in!

The cover of GODWINE KINGMAKER came about because I think he related to himself more as Danish than English—at least during his early years. The small press I worked with gave their authors free reign to suggest a photo for the cover (taken from a stock photo site) and their in-house artists enhanced it. When I saw this photo of a Viking rune stone I knew at once this depicted the man who was loyal to Canute, the Danish king.

11/26/2018 02:39:17 pm

Very nice. It sounds like a mutual thing. I think hist-fic loves you too.
Nice choice on the cover. It's unusual and it fits so well.
New questions.
How do you think your book compares to a book published by a major publisher?
There are many unethical practices in publishing, which one is the most unbearable in your mind?

11/26/2018 08:20:02 pm

I'm not sure whether this is a good thing or not, but for the last couple of years I haven't bought more than a book or two from the "big five" and I feel out of touch. Since I am an indie now and support my fellow indies, I suppose that speaks volumes, doesn't it? I think that for the most part, the best seller types are either out of my league (bless your hearts, Margaret George and Bernard Cornwell for keeping historical fiction in the limelight) or their subjects are waaayyy too contemporary for me. Naturally I'd love to be published by a major house, but I'm not expecting it; the odds are just not in my favor.

As for ethics, I'm too uninformed to give a good opinion, but as far as distribution goes, I'm quite disturbed that the perceived value of books has gone down literally to almost nothing. Gone are the days when as a matter of course we expect to pay $17.95, $19.95 or even more for a paperback fresh off the shelf of a major bookstore. Now, if the paperback is more than half that price, it is a hard sell. More often than not, readers want their book for free, or maybe $.99 and will by an ebook to save money. The worst of it is that I find myself falling into that trap, too! How does an industry reverse that bad habit?

11/26/2018 09:07:09 pm

Every indie author thanks you for your support. I understand that about the odds also. I have reviewed major publisher books in the past and received not one response to the mistakes I found in the books.
Books are really cheaper now. That is the nature of the free market. Competition drives the price down. I don't think it's possible to bring the price back up, unless there is only one publisher. Then they could charge what they want for their books. But that could never happen, could it?
New questions.
Is it important for writers to tap into the emotions of the characters?
Does writing have a spiritual or healing component for you, does it energize you or make you feel tired?

11/27/2018 03:40:45 pm

Tapping into the emotions of characters is vital, I think, but also difficult for me unless the scene itself is emotional. Some emotions are easy: greed, anger, and fear are at the end of the spectrum, so to speak, and drive the action. More subtle emotions such as loss, satisfaction, and ambivalence are challenging. On one occasion, when my character was being abandoned (again) and felt sorry for himself, I was in tears as I was writing. That is an accomplishment! Alas, it only happened to me once but it was sublime. I assumed this emotion came across; at least I hope so.

Overall, no, I can't say I feel a spiritual component in my writing; perhaps it's the genre. But I will say that early on, when I had a bitter disappointment and abandoned my writing for twenty years, I felt terribly unfulfilled—even though I tried to make up for the loss of creativity by starting my own business. It didn't work. When I finally went back to my vocation—because that's what it is—I felt better about myself overall and energized creatively. I'm not a fast writer and I seem only able to compose in short bursts, but the work gets done and books get finished.

11/27/2018 04:41:13 pm

We are emotional creatures and we lead emotional lives. Abandonment is experienced by almost everyone at one time or another. I think it's quite difficult to avoid that emotion because it is tied so closely to love most of the time.
Such a sublime moment for you. Since, you identified so closely with that character's experience, I have no doubt, your readers felt the same thing.
What a devastating experience you must have suffered. For you to swear off writing for so long, you must have felt like a fish out of water. The rest of us are very glad you returned to writing.
New questions.
Have you ever used yourself as a character for the starting point of a story?
Have you ever used other acquaintances as the basis for a character, to the point they have recognized themselves in your book?

11/27/2018 05:15:27 pm

Interesting. I have to admit that I saw myself in Tostig, in THE SONS OF GODWINE. When they were boys, Tostig admired and tried to emulate his older brother Harold but was rebuffed too many times, leading to resentment and eventually rivalry. I could "feel his pain", because I adored my older brother who always saw me as a pest. I could relate to Tostig, though I never took my hurt feelings as far as he did!

Although I'm sure they would never recognize themselves, I once worked for a family-owned company whose patriarch reminded me of Earl Godwine and whose two sons were perfect models for Harold and Tostig. The elder son was handsome and debonair and the younger son was cocky and annoying. I worked for them several years and had plenty of opportunity for observation, though at the time I didn't know what use I would put them to!

11/27/2018 05:42:16 pm

Great stories, Mercedes! I love hearing about the inside scoop! I am very glad you were and are so observant. Writers must be chroniclers of the human experiment and condition. Our emotions are a big part of what binds us together one moment and drives us apart the next. One big "happy/not happy" family.
New questions.
What is your writing routine when you sit down to write?
Did your writing process change much from your early books to your current book or did it stay the same?

11/27/2018 09:11:45 pm

I'm embarrassed to say I don't write every day. My writing habits ebb and flow depending on my work load (I sell Real Estate). During the summer, it's weather driven! When it's raining outside, I get lots of work done. During the Spring, I spend a lot of time in the garden (as long as it's warm). During the winter I get most of my writing done. So I guess you could say I'm not a slave to my art! I don't do a word count when I'm writing. But the one habit I try to follow is the wisdom I picked up from Ernest Hemingway: Stop while you're on a roll so that the next day you know right where to pick up. It works.

While writing my first book, I took some time off and wrote full time; that is, I wrote every day like a real job. But since I didn't have an income, I couldn't go anywhere. I stayed home and wrote. And you know, I felt like I was in prison! I got a dog so I could take walks, but that didn't help. I hated it. I was bored and miserable, so I swore off "full time" writing and never looked back.

11/27/2018 09:49:53 pm

I will never say you are doing it wrong! Because, if it works for you then it works well! I have never heard that piece of advice from EH. I think it's brilliant. Your writing to the season is pretty darn good also. It allows balance in your life and that is very important.
Happily, you found a get-out-of-jail card. I guess full-time writing isn't what it's cracked up to be.
New questions.
Are you a plotter, a pantster, or a hybrid?
How long does the research process take before you start to write a book or do you do the research as you write the book?

11/28/2018 11:22:54 am

Funny you should ask! Just last night I was reading Stephen King's "On Writing", and here's what he said about plotting: "I distrust plot for two reasons: first, because our lives are largely plotless...and second, because I believe plotting and the spontaneity of real creation aren't compatible." Spot on! If I had to rely on plots and outlines, I'd never get a story off the ground. I see writing as a bit of a miracle; there are times I am in a real pickle, so to speak, and I must rely on my characters to solve their own difficulties. Often, I don't know what is going to happen until I write it. You know, it almost always works for me.

Of course, the kind of historical fiction I write dictates what is going to happen; it's history, after all. I just have to fill in the details; the farther back the history, the more details I have to uncover. The research is vital. By the time I am ready to start writing I know the history in detail (in my current project, I read books daily for a year before I started writing). And yes, the daily research continues. During the year it took to write the book (year two), I kept learning more stuff. I have learned the value of footnotes; they lead me deeper into the rabbit hole. There are some things my protagonist did that I have a hard time understanding; but sometimes I stumble across a single sentence in an academic journal that sets off the inspiration bells. I have to be ready to absorb that single sentence; if I read it too early in the process, I'll miss the point—which means that many of my books get a second reading. As you might guess, I won't choose a project unless I'm really interested in it.

11/28/2018 12:49:44 pm

That's a great answer! There is no wrong answer about that subject. Every author is different. Your process makes a great deal of sense to me. If I was writing hist-fic, I believe my process would be very similar to yours. As you say, the major plot points are already defined.
Reading every day for a year is a real love of the process. I have no doubt that reading scholarly journals can get very boring, until you find the nugget of inspiration!
New questions.
I hear there is a controversy regarding historical fiction. Can you help me to understand what it's about and what is your opinion?
You have written several books about real people and their place in history. Would you ever write stories about completely fictional characters in a historical setting and why?

11/28/2018 02:19:53 pm

Well, controversy might be too strong of a word; could we say discourse? There are a couple of views concerning Historical Fiction. Some people think that the setting is sufficient to make a book qualify for the genre; the story has to somewhat fit into the period, but the plot itself might just as well work in a different century (especially romances). Many Historical Fiction writers create totally fictionally characters and place them into historical events; they often mix with real-life personages. I think that can work very well. Then there are the writers like myself, who prefer to explore the lives of famous people; our books are almost fictional biographies. I've been criticized about this; someone told me I was writing fictionalized history rather than historical fiction (which should have a story arc). It's a fine distinction but there isn't a fictionalized history genre that I know of—though I have seen it referred to as "historical faction". I kind of like that! Personally, I just happen to prefer learning about real people, since most of us don't read straight histories—at least to start with. I think of historical fiction as sugar-coating the history—making it easier to swallow. As a reader, I'll try a novel first, then if I want to know more, I'll go to the non-fiction history. I admit that I usually don't enjoy totally made-up characters and made-up stories, because they are not practical. It's just the way I am wired!

11/28/2018 03:27:04 pm

That helps me to understand better about this. Thank you for shedding some light. For most people it may seem obscure, but for writers in the genre it is important, I am sure.
I like both concepts, for different reasons. I think both are equally valid.
New questions.
What are some challenges to writing Historical Fiction?
What happens when your historical sources don’t agree?

11/28/2018 06:25:55 pm

As you may have guessed, it's all in the research. Twenty years ago and more, I was limited to the books I could find in the library, which is one of the reasons I moved to New York. I remember my book-buying trip to England in the late '80s. It was heavenly but incredibly difficult to carry (no wheels on suitcases back then). With the internet, most—though not all—of those troubles are in the past.

Then we get to the interesting stuff—especially when researching events 900+ years ago. As I mentioned earlier, most of the primary sources were written hundreds after the Battle of Hastings. Not only were they in Latin, probably (hence most of us are using translations which puts it another generation away from the original), but the chroniclers were reliant on hearsay for the most part. Then we have to deal with prejudices, agendas, and bias. Norman chroniclers censured the sinful Harold Godwineson. English chroniclers berated William the Bastard. As we move forward through the centuries, however, it doesn't get much better. A king who was usurped (like Richard II and Richard III) was given plenty of bad press by the king who was left standing. Not only do contemporaries need to follow the "party line", so to speak, much evidence to the contrary was destroyed or altered—even Parliament rolls. We may never get the straight story. In my Richard II research, the main contemporary sources favorable to him were from the French; the English chroniclers had to answer to Henry IV.

Even modern historians don't agree. When you think about it, no historian wants to "reinvent the wheel", so every book is written with a slightly different agenda. This is especially true from generation to generation. The Victorians tended to write from the Whig point of view—celebrating the superior British political wisdom—which is out of favor now. I noticed that the historians of the 1920s and '30s were hugely interested in gathering factual details about how society and royal administrations were structured. In the '60s and '70s they were interested in psychological factors. In the 1990s it seems that more material was coming to light that was undiscovered, and some current historians seem to be inclined to take unorthodox points of view about previously unchallenged circumstances (for example, I'm thinking about the alleged death of Edward II). Naturally, there is a lot of disagreeing going on as each new historian needs to prove his point.

This is where the historical novelist comes in. We have to weigh all the conflicting information and decide which narrative fits our story. Sometimes the discrepancies are small (the order or location of events) and sometimes they are huge. Did Earl Godwine kill his hostage Alfred Aetheling in cold blood, was he ordered to do so by the king, or did he merely turn over his hostage to royal thugs who did the dirty deed? No one knows, but he was held responsible for the rest of his life. I find the whole process fascinating, and of course frustrating, but that's the challenge. If we put the puzzle together convincingly, the reader will accept our story without question. If we do it awkwardly... well, it will show.

11/28/2018 07:26:59 pm

All of that research! You must have a lot of books! What is the oldest book you have?
You make such a good point, all the prejudices and slanted points of view make it really hard for the rest of us to be sure about what really happened.
The changing focus is fascinating also. I actually feel sorry for modern scholars, in some ways, because of the publish or perish imperative they are desperate to find something special, unique that they can hang a hat on. Like, did King Richard prefer cow butter or goat butter? I am being silly of course.
New questions.
When you are researching, do you write notes by hand or on the computer?
What is the most valuable piece of advice you have ever received from another writer?

11/28/2018 07:54:39 pm

Actually, I sold my oldest book which was from about 1675 (Philippe de Comines); I just couldn't get through the old typeface! The set I am most proud of is my 6 volume "History of the Norman Conquest of England" by Edward A. Freeman. This is the source I relied on for my Godwine series, even if he was a Victorian. His research was exhaustive, and this set is almost impossible to find any more. Luckily, you can reference it online.

I still prefer my history books to be printed (rather than eBooks) because I favor old-fashioned bookmarks (and yes, I admit it. I use a yellow highlighter). I don't write notes; I actually surround myself with the books when writing and go from one to the other during each scene. Sometimes it takes me a long time to decide which version to use and I often end up combining them. I also print many academic articles which I keep in a three-ring binder.

Advice? Never give up.

11/28/2018 09:16:16 pm

Six volumes! I love it! I knew you had a large library. As long as your table is big enough that is a good system. I like it. That's how I used to study for high school and college, because the internet didn't exist.
New questions.
You have published a number of books. You are writing more. Are you writing anything strictly for your own pleasure, not necessarily planning to publish it?
Do you write or read poetry? If so, what kind?

11/29/2018 03:11:54 pm

Believe it or not, I find writing so difficult that I wouldn't do it for my own pleasure. I'd rather work in my garden! Especially today, when self-publishing is so easy to accomplish, there are few impediments to "putting it out there". Naturally this creates a lot of competition, but with a good social media following, we can probably reach a few readers! Alas, I never took to poetry.

11/29/2018 03:30:32 pm

I understand about the garden part. My wife loves puttering in the garden. There is always something that needs puttering about.
You are so correct about competition and social media. I have heard of publishers who won't talk to you for long if you don't have a solid social media presence. I suppose it's one more factor that helps to support good sales. The publisher has to make a profit also. From their point of view, every book is a gamble, big or small.
New questions.
Did you have a favorite book as a child?
Do you have a favorite book by another author or authors?
Do you ever read a book more than once?

Frank Watson link

11/28/2018 10:08:38 pm

Most historical fiction writers I have read do reasonably good research in their attempt to get the history right. Seems to me, however, that for most the history is just part of the setting. I feel, however, that in this series Rochelle has managed to make the history palpable, as if it is a character as important - or more important - than the human players. I wonder if any others have also found this to be true?

11/28/2018 10:15:15 pm

Hi Frank, thanks for dropping in. I really felt a connection with Earl Godwine in this series, many of the characters were quite relatable for me. That was one of the important parts of the story for me. It wasn't dry or boring in the least. Are you a writer yourself?

11/29/2018 03:53:56 pm

As a kid I was a huge fan of Walter Farley and his Black Stallion series, as well as the Lad A Dog books by Terhune. I read all the Little House on the Prairie books as well. I remember that when I read "Black Beauty" I told my mother I wanted to be a writer. She pooh-poohed me, which set me back a bit! But I got over it, in time.

The fiction books I keep on my library shelves are the ones I intend to read again. It usually takes be about ten years or so to get around to them. I've only reread a few of them more than once (Tolkein comes to mind!)

11/29/2018 05:32:56 pm

Nice walk down memory lane. Those are good choices, I have no doubt. Tolkien's LOTR is a series I have read more than any other. I remember reading a series called The Happy Hollisters, a large family of five or six kids, the kids solved mysteries. There were a number of relatives who fed my hunger for books at birthday and Christmas time.
New questions.
What first got you interested in the Saxon-Norman conflict era of English history?
How much time passes from when you get the idea to write your book, to actually starting the book and finishing the first draft?
How many drafts do you go through to have a ready-to-publish manuscript?

11/29/2018 06:12:01 pm

My interest in Anglo-Saxon history directly stemmed from my research for my first book (the Macbeth sequel, which I like to call it). I knew nothing about the period, but my protagonist in real life actually bumped into (or was related to) most of the historical characters in this book (Malcolm III, Gruffydd ap Llewelyn, Prince of Wales, Aelfgar, Earl of Mercia, and Alain le Rouge, later first Earl of Richmond). His adventures brought the period alive for me.

So far, it has taken me years to go from inspiration to "activation". As it is, I'm already considering the subject for my fifth book down the line; I probably won't get to it for at least five years. I've developed a routine that helps make the most of my research: the ubiquitous series! The major research, which takes a year or so, will carry me through two or three—even possibly four sequels, though the research does continue. So the first book will be delayed, but I can start on the next volume almost right away.

I like to do four drafts. I think of the first draft as the skeleton of the book, the second draft as the muscles and ligaments, the third draft as the flesh and the fourth draft as the polish. My intent on the first draft is just to get it down on paper; if I get stuck I make a note and skip the passage. The second draft forces me to confront the skipped passages and tie some of the parts forever. The third draft addresses the problems which I haven't confronted yet (there are many, like characterization and imagery) and the fourth draft is my "quick once-over". After that, I'm pretty sick of the whole thing!

11/29/2018 06:46:34 pm

That sounds like a pretty decent routine for you. I know many authors do more drafts and some do less. If you can do four drafts and have a great book, then more power to you! I have no doubt that you get sick of seeing it. I have heard that from more than one author.
New questions.
Do you have other writers you connect with, as in a critique group or support group?
Do you have alpha-readers and/or beta-readers to help you smooth out a lot of wrinkles before publishing? If you don’t, why?

11/30/2018 10:38:05 am

You know, I always say "I should" but I can't seem to connect. Whenever I try to commune with other authors, I run into the same problem. We do different stuff! It sounds like an excuse—and it probably is—but like the general population, most authors have no point of reference to my studies. And vice versa. Since authors as a breed tend to be anti-social, it kind of makes sense to me. Luckily, social media is out there to find those needles in a haystack, and I peripherally "hang out" with other historical novelists.

It wasn't until recently that I started using beta readers—mostly because I didn't know how to find one (or didn't have the courage to ask). Like editing and proofreading, being a beta reader is an art and all are not created equal. The good ones are invaluable and have saved me from making some big mistakes.

11/30/2018 07:22:52 pm

I can introduce you to another person who writes hist-fic. Her book is quite different from yours. Look for my review of "Face Of A Monster: America's Frankenstein by Patricia Earnest Suter. We had a lovely interview and I loved her book. I bet you two will hit it off. You might already be following her.
You are so correct, being a beta reader is an art and just as important as editing and proofreading. I have a list of beta readers on my Twitter home page.
New questions.
Do you ask your beta readers questions about their reading experience or just accept their feedback?
Can you describe your ideal reader? Who is the core audience you are seeking to find?

12/1/2018 01:02:37 pm

Thanks, Mark. I'll take a look.
I find beta readers most helpful when they point out where too many assumptions are made, or when things don't connect properly. That kind of feedback is universal. When their own personal preferences come into play, I do try to explain myself. But I think we all understand that everyone is different and the author "rules". That's what makes the whole process so interesting!

My ideal reader is looking to be educated and entertained at the same time. If they are looking for romance, they probably won't enjoy my books. If they love history and are looking tor enhanced understanding of events, that's the reader for me. I am exploring the history as I am trying to figure it all out, and I hope my reader finds it to be an interesting journey by my side.

12/1/2018 07:06:35 pm

Absolutely, the writer has the last word, alpha and beta readers are a step towards a polished and presentable book.
I think you have your reader nailed down. That's important because the book has not been written that will appeal equally to all people.
I have figured out that I am an omega reader, because that is the last letter in the Greek alphabet. I wish it was zeta, that sounds cooler. ;-)
New questions.
Do you have anything you consider to be your writing lucky charm?
What is the biggest obstacle you face in writing?

12/2/2018 11:10:56 am

I do have a series of talismans posted on my writing wall. A little brass rubbing of St. George overlooks my monitor. I have a tiny marquee wood Viking ship picture at my right and a Sutton Hoo king bronze wall plaque given to me by my favorite reader. That should cover it!

For me, personally, my biggest obstacle is getting the details right. There are so many ways to screw up, and guaranteed there is at least one critic out there who can't wait to jump on inaccuracies. For instance, I was "called on the carpet" because I had Canute and Godwine eating a rabbit while camping in the woods. The reviewer stated scornfully that the Normans brought rabbits to England. Imagine that! Now, as an author it's bad form to respond to reviews, and frankly I didn't know whether he was right or wrong. Luckily, a trip to Google told me there was record of a Roman menu mentioning rabbit, so they might have brought them over. Whew. Did I know that ahead of time? No. I admit it. It never occurred to me. An error like that can kill the story for a reader. The devil is in the details!

12/2/2018 04:18:21 pm

Those must be mementos of past trips. If not, they are certainly wonderful reminders of the era you are writing about. Very fascinating, the Sutton Hoo wall plaque.
I am a detail guy, but mostly for spelling. Knowing whether or not rabbits had been introduce at a certain time qualifies as serious historical trivia, in my mind. Maybe that was the thesis for that reader when in grad school. Why else would anyone even know that kind of information?
New questions.
Do you think reading, watching movies or listening to music help you be a better writer?
Do you read books for entertainment or just research homework?
What type of book is your favorite guilty pleasure to read for fun?

12/2/2018 04:44:59 pm

There's no doubt in my mind that reading is an essential ingredient of writing. With luck, I hope to absorb the concept of effective imagery and great characterization, and at the same time I learn what Not to do (though I usually don't finish a disagreeable novel). Personally, I get a tremendous value from movies. Many of my characters are modeled after an actor in a movie—not necessarily the actor per se, but his own character. Here's a secret: I modeled Canute after Pierce Brosnan in Noble House—NOT James Bond, mind you. This mini-series was made back in 1988, which shows you how long I was thinking about him. There was something so sharp—so unscrupulous in those deep blue eyes that he totally captured my imagination. An actor in a movie gives us so many subtleties that translate well to paper. I don't choose them; they choose me. Some of my favorite actors haven't found their way into my books (yet).

I have a little routine that works for me in my reading. I read novels before bed, and non-fiction every morning with my coffee (my research, mostly). I'm always sharper in the morning! As for pleasure reading, I am so very boring. I love historical fiction and rarely read anything else. There's plenty to choose from.

12/2/2018 08:59:30 pm

I understand what you mean about Brosnan's eyes, unscrupulous is an interesting adjective for his eyes. I think your observation of actors is pretty smart. They are acting out scenes that someone wrote, so it's a great source of inspiration. Every actor brings a different perspective to a role, just as an author does with a book. There are only a handful of stories to be told, but each person brings a unique perspective to the story.
I think hist-fic is pretty darn exciting, especially when it's written well. There is nothing boring there, except for boring writing.
New questions.
What was a hurdle you faced inwriting this book and how did you overcome it?
Have you ever read a book that changed the way you look at writing?

12/2/2018 10:54:41 pm

Interesting question. Yes, I actually had two challenges in this book that dovetailed nicely. Both had to do with not wanting to fall into that old predictable trap concerning characters. First of all, it was obvious that Godwine had a happy marriage (or at least a productive one). But usually, there needs to be some kind of stress in the romance before it comes to fruition. I didn't want that same old theme: disliking each other first, then falling in love (and all the variations thereof). I was really intrigued by the discrepancy of their social status. Godwine was a commoner, and Gytha was a noble (or the Danish equivalent). At the same time, I had a hard time figuring out why Swegn, the firstborn, turned into such a bad egg. I don't believe a character should be all good or all bad. People just aren't like that. Even wicked characters act that way for a reason; sometimes they have good qualities that get buried under their more powerful bad qualities. Finally I had an inspiration: if Godwine's marriage started out in anger, or stress (Gytha was given to him in marriage, but she didn't have to go willingly), perhaps the firstborn would be neglected and unloved. That would explain his subsequent behavior. It took some doing to make that work, but I'm happy with the result.

To answer your second question: no! I've read books that changed my approach to reading, but not writing. The book that inspired me the most was The Three Musketeers. I wasn't writing then. I was so excited about that book that I learned French so I could read it in its original language. And I learned how to fence, too! The characters were so real to me, I guess you could say it set the standard for perfect characterization. I haven't achieved it yet, but I've got something to work toward.

12/3/2018 12:55:19 pm

I think your sleuthing and rationalizing of the facts turned out so very well. I felt you solved those two issues so well. They formed an extensive sub-plot and blended perfectly into the main plot.
Learning French and fencing show some serious dedication to your craft. Is there ever going to be a book about that period?
Last questions, our time is drawing to a close.
What was the best money you ever spent as a writer to enhance your career?
Do you subscribe to any magazines, newsletters, blogs or podcasts that enhance your writing career?
What are your favorite reference books for grammar and writing?

12/3/2018 01:45:50 pm

You know, I fancied I would venture into medieval France, but my heart keeps bringing me back to England. You never know about the future, but I have years and years of English history ahead of me!

I have to say, Mark, that our dialogue has been great fun; you brought out some insightful questions and made me really think.

As for money spent, most of my fellow writers won't agree with me, but my first book was published with a hybrid press and I'm not sorry I did it. There are small publishers out there who ask a budding writer to participate in the expense of their taking a chance on us. The investment wasn't huge: a little less than $1500 for a book of 100K words. No, it's not a vanity press. They edited the book and provided some marketing. A hybrid publisher will pay a commission after the initial expenses are covered, provided you sell enough books. No, they wouldn't take just anybody, so I still had the self-justification that my stuff was good enough to be considered. And when my second book came along, they waived my financial participation (in other words, they did it for "free"). So I would advise against the traditional knee-jerk reaction that an author shouldn't put a penny into publishing their first novel. It's a new world out there, in case those nay-sayers are too stubborn to notice. If I hadn't gone with the hybrid publisher, I wouldn't have gone through the whole process (of which I was a part) and known what to do once I ventured off onto my own. I may not have gotten the book published at all.

I have been self-taught all the way through my writing career. I didn't take classes in school, I don't subscribe to newsletters, etc., and I don't think I ever read a writing book all the way to the end. It's just too subjective. I do admit that 7th grade Grammar was the only class I ever got an A+ in, so perhaps I was just cocky about my abilities. In the early part of my writing career, I did pay attention to "Writer's Digest" and I think I picked up a few pointers there, but it was decades ago and I don't remember much! Trust yourself; that's my mantra.

12/3/2018 04:59:58 pm

That makes sense, all that research would keep me planted on the islands most likely.
You never know, perhaps a short story or two set in France or Normandy could provide a welcome change of scenery.
It's good to hear a positive experience with a hybrid publishing house. It makes a great deal of sense, the way you described it. Actually being involved in editing and promoting your book make for positive signs.
"Trust yourself". I like that and have said pretty much the same thing to any authors.
In construction, safety is emphasized on a daily basis. There are many rules mandated by government agencies, insurance companies and ultimately lawyers. The only person who is really going to look out for your safety is yourself. You have to take responsibility for your own safety. The same thing in writing and publishing, especially for the independent author. Nobody will care for your book like you will.
This has been most interesting conversation. I have really enjoyed this time we have had together. I will be seeing you around the twitter neighborhood.

Godwine Kingmaker: Part One of The Last Great Saxon Earls By Mercedes Rochelle

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