In this latest game of tag for historical fiction authors on
the blogosphere, we introduce the main character of our work in progress or
soon to be published novel. I’ve been tagged by Dianne Ascroft who talks about
the characters in her fascinating World War II work-in-progress. You can read her post
here. So time for me to rewind a further seven hundred-plus years to answer
some questions about my current main character.
As my soon-to-be-published novel is the sequel to The Fifth Knight, my hero is once again mercenary knight, Sir Benedict Palmer. It was his first outing (and mine!) in the world of published fiction. And while he is fictional, many other characters and events are not. The sequel is called The Blood of The Fifth Knight and will be published by Thomas & Mercer on December 09 2014 (find it here!). Again, I've used real events to inspire the story.
2)
When and where is the story set?
The story takes up exactly where The Fifth Knight ended. It's 1174 and King Henry II is doing his brutal penance on the streets of Canterbury for the murder of Thomas Becket. The King's throne is under threat from a rebellion, which puts Palmer and his family in danger too.
The story takes up exactly where The Fifth Knight ended. It's 1174 and King Henry II is doing his brutal penance on the streets of Canterbury for the murder of Thomas Becket. The King's throne is under threat from a rebellion, which puts Palmer and his family in danger too.
3)
What should we know about him/her?
Readers of The Fifth Knight will know Palmer has got to where he is in life by talent as well as his quick wits. As for physical description, he's now in his late twenties, well-built with dark hair and eyes. That was as far as I went with his physical description. It was fun hearing from readers who suggested their own take on him. I think my favourite suggestion is Aidan Turner. Check out his IMDb page at http://www.imdb.com/ (where this picture came from). You may be persuaded too!
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| Aidan Turner- Palmer Nominee! |
4)
What is the main conflict? What messes up his life?
Palmer fought for and won the love of his life, the anchoress Theodosia. He wants to stay by her side and with his children. But Henry calls him back for a new mission. Someone is trying to murder Henry's beautiful young mistress, Rosamund Clifford. (She was a real person- she's often referred to as the Fair Rosamund in popular culture.) The King only trusts Palmer to root out who is responsible.
5)
What is the personal goal of the character?
Palmer wants to solve the crime and get home to his family. But the attacks on Rosamund don't stop and things take a major turn for the worst for Palmer.
6)
Is there a working title for this novel, and can we read more about it?
As I've said, the book is called The Blood of The Fifth Knight. Some one asked me if it means 'blood' as in family or 'blood' as in the red stuff getting spilled. Same answer here: you'll have to read to find out, and you'll be able to do that late in 2014!
I'm now tagging three more great Historical Fiction authors who will post their answers to these questions on Monday 26 may 2014. They are:
Judith Arnopp is the author of several historical novels. In 2007 Judith Arnopp graduated from the University of
Wales, Lampeter with a BA in English Literature and a Masters in Medieval
Studies; she now combines those skills to write historical novels. She is
currently working on a third Tudor novel Intractable Heart, the tale of Henry’s
sixth and last wife, Katherine Parr.
Elizabeth Kales is the author of The Silk Weaver's daughter. She began her career by writing television and
radio advertising for the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. Later she worked
in the travel industry for many years and had numerous articles published in
newspapers and trade journals. After spending time in France and England, she
began to write her novels based loosely on the family history she had done for
over twenty years. She currently lives in Western Canada with her husband and
her cat.
As I've said, the book is called The Blood of The Fifth Knight. Some one asked me if it means 'blood' as in family or 'blood' as in the red stuff getting spilled. Same answer here: you'll have to read to find out, and you'll be able to do that late in 2014!
I'm now tagging three more great Historical Fiction authors who will post their answers to these questions on Monday 26 may 2014. They are:
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| Judith Arnopp |
Judith Arnopp is the author of several historical novels. In 2007 Judith Arnopp graduated from the University of
Wales, Lampeter with a BA in English Literature and a Masters in Medieval
Studies; she now combines those skills to write historical novels. She is
currently working on a third Tudor novel Intractable Heart, the tale of Henry’s
sixth and last wife, Katherine Parr.
Judith also blogs about the Tudor period, both on her own
blog-page and on the English Historical Fiction Author’s website. Her work
reaches a world-wide audience and her following is steadily increasing.
 |
| Elizabeth Kales |
Elizabeth Kales is the author of The Silk Weaver's daughter. She began her career by writing television and
radio advertising for the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. Later she worked
in the travel industry for many years and had numerous articles published in
newspapers and trade journals. After spending time in France and England, she
began to write her novels based loosely on the family history she had done for
over twenty years. She currently lives in Western Canada with her husband and
her cat.
Find her on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Elizabeth-Kales-Historical-Fiction-Author/162523173836376?ref=br_rs
She blogs at: http://albetkales.blogspot.ca/
 |
| Matthew Harffy |
Matthew Harffy is writing a series of novels set in seventh
century Northumbria. In his day job he is a manager of fifteen technical
writers, so spends all day writing and editing, just not the words he’s most
interested in! Prior to that he worked in Spain as an English teacher and
translator. He has co-authored seven published academic articles, ranging in
topic from the ecological impact of mining to the construction of a marble pipe
organ. When not writing, or spending time with his family, Matthew sings in a
rock band (http://www.rockdogband.co.uk).
Website: http://www.matthewharffy.com
The Fifth Knight is a #1 Bestselling Historical Thriller. Find it here on Amazon.com and here on Amazon.co.uk. The Blood of The Fifth Knight will be published by Thomas & Mercer on December 09 2014. Find it here!
