Today as a part of HFVirtualbooktours I have the extreme pleasure of welcoming Sandra Byrd to Tinasbookreviews as we chat about To Die For, Sandra's new historical novel.
Hi Sandra, its so great to have you on the blog today. So first things first, I must ask, what inspired you to dabble into the world of the Tudors?
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| tudorplace.com |
My research journey took me to Meg Wyatt, narrator of my novel, To Die For. It began, as all treasure hunts do, with one solitary clue, an offhand comment in a Tudorplace.com.ar link that said that Anne Wyatt attended Anne Boleyn till her death, and that, at the end, Anne Boleyn had given her friend her prayer book, a very personal gift indeed, and just before her execution whispered something in her friend's ear.
Because we women are wired for friendship from a young age, when I began to write novels set in the Tudor period I wondered, who were these Queens' real friends, those who would remain true in a treacherous court? Ovid wrote, "While you are fortunate you will number many friends, when the skies grow dark you will be alone." I began with Anne Boleyn, but each of the three novels in the series will be told from the point of view of the queen's close friend.
There are some pretty rough and abusive men in To Die For, did you have any trouble writing from this view point?
It was absolutely difficult. And I'll be honest, there's a bit of that in the next book, too. The entire period was violent; consider how many beheadings and burnings went on compared with the eras that preceded and followed. As my historical research assistant says, this period was not a Regency stroll in the garden. Mainly, though, I wanted to show that in spite of the many trials and difficulties these women endured — remember, they were legal chattel, property — they were able to prevail, overcome, and in many cases, triumph, all while retaining their dignity, intelligence and grace. To ignore what many women went through seemed like it would be disrespectful and belittling of the suffering they overcame.
Did you have to do any traveling or major research for this book?
I loved the friendship angle this book offers, whats your favorite thing to do with your bffs....(that doesn't include death or anything like that.....lol....)
Hahaha. I did have to think, though, when I was writing and rewriting that scene, what if it WERE my BFF up there on the scaffold? That was the only way I could "put myself in Meg's shoes."
Back here in the relatively tranquil twenty-first century, I love to have girls' weekends with my friends in place with fun shopping, art, and dining. I love to see movies and go to lunch and walk the nature trails nearby for talk and exercise. I love to host parties.
Do you plan to continue writing historical novels?
There will be two more books in the Ladies in Waiting series. The second book, The Secret Keeper, takes place during the queenship of Kateryn Parr. She was a strong woman, given to the reformation, and a best-selling author. But she had a soft spot for a bad boy and it led her, and those under her care, into trouble and distress. I hope readers will find a deep, witty, and nuanced Parr in this book with perhaps a surprise ending.
The third book in the series will take place in the court of Elizabeth, and will be told from the point of view of one of her ladies. We often hear about Gloriana, her power and amazing intellect, but not as often about Elizabeth's softer side as it intersected with her friends and her loves. Elizabeth was loyal but could also be a tempestuous friend, which made being her lady in waiting a bit of a balance walk and dangerous in its own right.
What are you reading right now?
I just finished reading Christy English's To Be Queen, I have Juliet Grey's book, Becoming Marie Antoinette, close at hand, and I'm about ready to embark on a few historicals that take place in Japan.
Ohhh- I loved Becoming Marie Antoinette as well, I love the whole time of that book and that which was in TDF.......That being said what do you want readers to take away after reading To Die For?
Mainly, I just want them to really enjoy the read. I read for pleasure, for comfort, to be emotionally engaged, to see a new perspective or add shading to a period I already love. If I can provide any of that to readers, I'll be thrilled.
So when TDF gets picked up for a movie...who could you see playing Anne and Meg's roles?
From your lips to God's ear, LOL! How about Jordana Brewster as Anne and Alexis Bledel as Meg?
Oh yes...those are great choices!!! Thanks so much Sandra, for stopping by and chatting with me today. I loved To Die For and cant wait to read the sequels!!! Check back tomorrow, the last stop on the tour for my review of To Die For. And PS- that cover is gorgeous...I want that red and cream dress.....(please note:giveaway is for book not the dress....lol...)
Giveaway
Today I have one copy of To Die For to giveaway to one of my readers. Open to .US, CAN, UK, AUS & NZ Residents. To enter please leave a comment. Following is not necessary but always appreciated. Winner will be drawn 9/16/11. Good-Luck!!
To Die For: A Novel of Anne Boleyn
(Ladies in Waiting, Book One) by Sandra Byrd
What would you sacrifice for your best friend? Would you die for her?
Meg Wyatt has been Anne Boleyn's closest friend ever since they grew up together on neighboring manors in Kent. So when twenty-five-year-old Anne's star begins to ascend, of course she takes Meg along for the ride.
Life in the court of Henry VIII is thrilling...at first. Meg is made mistress of Anne's wardrobe, and she enjoys the spoils of this privileged orbit and uses her influence for good. She is young and beautiful and in favor; everyone at court assumes that being close to her is being close to Anne.
But favor is fickle and envy is often laced with venom. As Anne falls, so does Meg, and it becomes nearly impossible for her to discern ally from enemy.
Suddenly life's unwelcome surprises rub against court's sheen to reveal the tarnished brass of false affections and the bona fide gold of those are true. Both Anne and Meg may lose everything. When your best friend is married to fearsome Henry VIII, you may soon find yourself not only friendless but headless as well.
A rich alchemy of fact and fiction, To Die For chronicles the glittering court life, the sweeping romance, and the heartbreaking fall from grace of a forsaken queen and Meg, her closest companion, who was forgotten by the ages but who is destined to live on in our hearts forever.
When I visited The Tower of London, an epic shudder went right through me! Yes, I agree, the violence of that time was utterly horrific, but to ignore it would have been a disservice.
ReplyDeleteAwesome interview and the book sounds quite fascinating. Perfect casting too! Now I'm so curious as to what Anne whispered in Meg's ear.
I cannot wait to read this book! I love the angle of seeing Anne Boleyn through the eyes of a little known friend. Thanks for the giveaway!
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FAB actress choices!
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I can't even begin to imagine what it must have been like to live as a woman during the time of the Tudors. I'm not sure I would have had the mettle to make it through! I love reading about that time period though, thanks so much for the giveaway!
ReplyDeletesupernaturalsnark(at)gmail(dot)com
I saw this book in the store and can't wait to read it, even better if it was free! Both dresses are amazing and I would love to see Alexis in another movie.
ReplyDeleteI love the sound of this book. I'm in the middle of the first season of The Tudors and I loved The Other Boleyn Girl...kind of obsessed with Anne. I love this new viewpoint of that era and what went down with Anne, very juicy. Plus, I loved that the author wrote as if it was her bff on the scaffold.
ReplyDeleteThis book looks very good. Can't wait to read. Thanks for the giveaway!
ReplyDeletesuch a great sounding read! thanks for the FuN interview & generous gvwy
ReplyDeleteblstef1 at mts dot net
luving the relational connxns in this take...
Hey Tina,
ReplyDeleteThanks for interviewing me and hosting me on your site. Love being here!
FYI, thelibrarian reads. Believe it or not, her bff really WAS on the scaffold with her. Truth is stranger than fiction ...
Thanks to all who will check out the book!
I love all things Tudor! I really want this book! Thanks!
ReplyDeleteMargaret
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The Tudor period is such an awesome time to read about and learning about it through minor characters is really cool.
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like a great historical read. Great interview. Def adding it my my goodreads list.
ReplyDeletethanks for the giveaway.
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Oh my goodness!! I remember this book! Jenny B. Jones gave away a copy of this book (I obviously didn't win, haha). It looked really, really interesting! It's right up my alley genre-wise.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the oppurunity, Miss Tina! :)And great interview!! The research sounds so cool!
Count me in!
ReplyDelete-Britt T.
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Oh I love the cover and the description of the story. I know my best friend would love this book, She'd probably steal it from me if I won! haha. tlabunski **((gmail)**
ReplyDeleteThis sounds fabulous! The Tudor period is one of my guilty pleasures so I'm always on the lookout for new books! Thanks for a great post!
ReplyDeleteefender1(at)gmail(dot)com
Wow, this is the first I've read in detail about this story (this post and today's post). This book has a beautiful cover and looks like it would be a wonderful story. I can't say that I have spent much time with this genre, but you may have convinced me... :)
ReplyDelete~Asheley
Book sounds great. Wonderful interview.
ReplyDeleteThis book looks fantastic. I'm a huge fan of anything to do with the Tudors. Thanks so much for the giveaway!
ReplyDeletemarcie(dot)turner@yahoo(dot)com
I love the fact that Sandra was only going to write a novel in the Tudor era if she could offer a new angle. While I love the Tudor era, I like reading about new people, and new perspectives.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the giveaway!
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thanks for the chance to read wonderful story :)
ReplyDeletekarenk
kmkuka at yahoo dot com
would love to read this.
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I would love to read this and it looks really good...
ReplyDeleteI am a GFC : cwyant3497
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I'd love to read this! Please count me in. I've had this and Becoming Marie Antoinette on my wish-list!
ReplyDeletemeredithfl at gmail dot com
Terrific interview! I've had this book on my Wish List for a bit. Thanks for the chance to win a copy. And, PS, I love those choices of actresses to play the leads!
ReplyDeletegeebee.reads AT gmail DOT com