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