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Thursday, June 23, 2022

Read an interview with Craig R. Hipkins, author of Clement: The Templar’s Treasure (Clement, Book 3) #HistoricalFiction #YoungAdult #Medieval #BlogTour #CoffeePotBookClub @CraigHipkins @maryanneyarde



Clement: The Templar’s Treasure
(Clement, Book 3)
By Craig R. Hipkins


Clement & Dagena return for another action packed adventure. From the cold and dreary shores of Greenland to the fabled land of Vinland. The legendary treasure of the Knights Templar awaits.

Publication Date: 4th May 2022
Publisher: Hipkins Twins
Page Length: 233 Pages
Genre: Young Adult Historical Fiction

Grab a copy HERE!
This novel is free to read with #KindleUnlimited subscription.

INTERVIEW

Writing Interview questions.

Why did you choose to write your book in this era?

I have been fascinated by medieval times since I was a child, so it was natural for me to write about life in the 12th century. I try to bring the era to life by the characters in my stories. We know quite a lot about this time period in Europe but not a whole lot about what was going on in North America. A good portion of my book, Clement: The Templar’s Treasure takes place in New England, five centuries before the Mayflower. I attempted to compensate for this lack of knowledge by studying the about the indigenous cultures of this region in the 17th century. I then surmised what it might have been like for those same cultures in the 12th century. I found this challenging but fun at the same time.

What is the most surprising thing you discovered while you were researching this era?

Probably one of the most surprising things that I learned while researching this book was the number of Algonquin words that have made their way into the lexicon of the English language. Squash, hickory, and toboggan are just three words that I can think of off the top of my head.

Can you share something about the book that isn't covered in the blurb?

One of the things that the blurb does not cover is what the Templar’s Treasure is. I am not going to give the answer, as it would be a spoiler, but I will give the reader of this blog a hint. It is a relic from biblical times and something that the Knights Templar would have treasured.

If you had to describe your protagonist, in three words, what would those three words be?

Loyal, Intelligent, and brave.

What are you currently working on?

I am currently working on another YA novel called Bandy. It takes place in the months preceding the US Civil War and the attack on Fort Sumter. It is about a lonely young boy named Isaac Barker whose only friend is a passenger pigeon named Bandy. He is orphaned after his family dies in a tragic house fire and he goes to live with his elderly uncle in Boston. His uncle is an ardent abolitionist. He sends young Isaac to Virginia to bring back a young slave girl named Joy, who is dying of a brain tumor. However, when he arrives in Virginia, Isaac realizes that his uncle has been duped. Isaac and Joy escape from the plantation and the rest of the novel is filled with excitement and adventure as the two unlikely friends attempt to avoid their evil pursuers. I am currently attempting to find an agent and publisher for this book. 


Personal Interview questions.

What do you like to do when you are not writing?

When I am not writing I would like to be reading and drinking coffee.

What did you want to be when you grew up?

A botanist.

What’s for dinner tonight? What would you rather be eating?

Dinner tonight is a grilled cheese sandwich and tomato soup and this is what I would also rather be eating!


Either or!

Tea or coffee: Coffee

Hot or cold: Hot

Movie or book: Book

Morning Person or Night owl: Morning person

City or country: Country

Social Media or book: Book

Paperback or ebook: Paperback



Craig R. Hipkins grew up in Hubbardston Massachusetts. He is the author of medieval and gothic fiction. His novel, Adalbert is the sequel to Astrolabe written by his late twin brother Jay S. Hipkins (1968-2018) He is an avid long-distance runner and enjoys astronomy in his spare time.


Follow the tour HERE!



1 comment:

  1. Thank you so much for hosting the blog tour for Clement: The Templar’s Treasure.
    All the best,
    Mary Anne
    The Coffee Pot Book Club

    ReplyDelete