Special Guest Interview with Rebecca Lipkin, Author of Unto This Last, a biographical novel about the life of John Ruskin

New on Amazon UK and from all major booksellers

London, 1858. Passionate, contradictory, and fiercely loyal to his friends, John Ruskin is an eccentric genius, famed across Britain for his writings on art and philosophy. Haunted by a scandalous past and determined never to love again, the 39-year-old Ruskin becomes infatuated with his enigmatic young student, Rose La Touche, an obsession with profound consequences that will change the course of his life and work. 

I'm pleased to welcome author Rebecca Lipkin to The Writing Desk:

Tell us about the book

Unto This Last is a portrait of the complex personal life of John Ruskin, one of the most influential men of the past 200 years, and in particular his controversial relationship with his student, Rose La Touche, a girl twenty-nine years his junior.

Rose La Touche, 1861, by John Ruskin

What inspired you to write the novel?

I have had an interest in Ruskin for many years, having joined the Ruskin Society at the age of seventeen to learn about his life and work. Most accounts of Ruskin’s personal life focus on his brief marriage to Effie Gray, but his twenty-year relationship with Rose La Touche was of huge importance to the evolution of his thinking; it is a captivating and tragic story of two people whose loving friendship transcended boundaries and conventions to the very end.

How did you go about researching the novel?

Fortunately, Ruskin, Rose and many other characters featured in the novel were prolific diarists and letter writers, so I had a wealth of information from which I could piece together the intricacies of their relationship, in addition to the many academic sources about Ruskin's life.

How did you find your narrative voice?

I always felt that the novel should be written in the style of the period in which it is set, and as I have used many extracts from Ruskin and Rose's own letters and poems, among other original sources, it seemed right that the narrative voice was also of its time, albeit somewhat modernised for a contemporary audience. I tried to remain neutral throughout, as I wanted the reader to come to their own conclusions about the characters and their actions.

What is your writing process?

Unto This Last took five years to write, including several drafts. The story was originally written as a screenplay, and this proved an invaluable tool when writing what turned out to be an epic novel, for it provided me with an important framework and some of the dialogue. It was hugely liberating to tell Ruskin and Rose’s turbulent story in much greater depth, for arguably they are far more relatable and fascinating than fictional characters due to their faults, misunderstandings and emotional struggles.

What are you working on next?

Staying within the same genre of historical/biographical fiction - my next novel will be set in the colourful world of the Victorian theatre, with actors and actresses who led more theatrical lives than their characters on stage. There may even be some cameo characters you will recognise from Unto This Last, including Oscar Wilde!

Rebecca Lipkin

“This is an atmospheric and utterly convincing novel...tackling the subject with great empathy in prose that is both detailed and vivid. A considerable achievement.” Michael Crowley, writer and dramatist 

“Deeply researched and charmingly written, it resurrects not only John Ruskin, one of the most influential characters of the Victorian age, but his fascinating pupil Rose La Touche, who is portrayed so sensitively that you feel as though you know her.” Daisy Dunn, author of In the Shadow of Vesuvius: A Life of Pliny 

“Rebecca Lipkin’s thoughtful novel about this complicated man – and his often-confusing world – is a pleasure to read and a very welcome addition for all lovers of Pre-Raphaelitism.” Lucinda Hawksley, biographer 

# # # 

About the Author

Rebecca Lipkin has worked as a journalist, culture editor and theatre critic, and is now writing as a full-time historical fiction author. She has had a passion for nineteenth century art and literature from a young age, and her writing is inspired by the real-life stories of colourful characters whose narratives form the basis of her novels. Find out more at Rebecca's website www.rebeccalipkin.com and find her on Facebook and Twitter @rebecca_lipkin

Special Guest Post by Susanne Dunlap, Author of The Paris Affair, A Theresa Schurman Mystery

Available  from Amazon UK and Amazon US

Marie Antoinette is facing hostility from the populace, inflamed by rumors circulated in pamphlets throughout Paris. The rumors claim that she has dozens of lovers, drinks the blood of poor people, holds satanic masses at Versailles, and more, when nothing could be further from the truth. On the advice of the handsome, enigmatic Captain von Bauer, Joseph II—emperor of Austria and Marie Antoinette’s brother—decides that mystery-solving violinist Theresa Schurman is the ideal candidate for a spy to discover the source of these vile slanders.

Surprise! Research is important—even when you think you know it all.

When you’re writing a historical novel, the importance of research goes without saying. Quite apart from having to get details of the setting, dress, transportation, diet, and a host of other things right—or as near to right as you can depending on the sources available—it’s really important not to distract from a reader’s enjoyment by introducing unfortunate anachronisms.

Like all historical novelists, I start the process of writing a book by doing research. Sometimes I don’t have to do that much. At least, that’s what I believe if it’s a period that is familiar to me. For instance, The Paris Affair was set during a time period I knew a lot about, having done plenty of research for the previous two books in the series. And although it’s set in Paris rather than Theresa’s Vienna, I had also done a completed amount of research recently for another manuscript that takes place in Paris between the years of 1774 and 1794. Not to mention that I have a PhD in music history from Yale, and my period of expertise is the mid-eighteenth century.

Theresa’s story unfolds over about a month in 1783. Piece of cake, I thought, and happily began my light digging to explore more about the musical world in Paris at the time—since I was pretty confident about almost everything else that was going on.

Famous last words. 

It didn’t take long for me to realize my in-depth knowledge of music history didn’t include everything I needed to know. It especially didn’t include the man who was possibly the most famous figure in that world for a variety of reasons. I knew all about the Gluckistes and the Piccinistes at the Opéra. I knew about the queen’s chamber music. I knew about the Concert Spirituel, and had certainly heard of Gossec if not been well-versed in his history.

But I didn’t know about Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint-Georges. 

Not only was he the best fencer and violinist in Paris, but he also happened to be mixed race. His father, George, was a White Creole plantation owner in Guadeloupe, and his mother, Nanon, was a Black Creole enslaved maid to George’s wife.

It gets more and more interesting. The laws at the time made Joseph free when he was born, but his father went further and freed Nanon at some point. He also lavished great care and attention on Joseph, sending him to France to be educated when he was just eight years old. Joseph attended a famous academy where he learned to fence. And thanks to his father giving him an annuity of 6,000-8,000 Livres per year and an endowment of 100,000, Joseph was a rich young man, welcomed in society, quite the ladies’ man, and swiftly climbing the ranks in the Paris music world.

It didn’t last. When George died in 1774, his entire estate when to his lawful wife. She gave the 100,000 that had been Joseph’s to furnish her daughter Ernestine’s dowry. Ever resourceful and well liked, Joseph landed on his feet, adding the post of music director in the private theater of Madame de Montesson to his existing role as music director of the Concert des Amateurs—and being named Lieutenant of the Hunt by the duc d’Orléans for his country estate at Raincy.

I could go on and on about this fascinating man. But the important thing about all this is that discovering him changed the trajectory of the novel I thought I was going to write. Of course Theresa—a young violinist—would meet and be enthralled with such a person while she was in Paris trying to solve another mystery. It was a short step from there to having Joseph embroiled in the mystery as well.

The lesson learned: No matter what you think you know, take a second look. So many riches (pun intended, LOL!) are buried in the annals of history. We, as historical novelists, have the opportunity—and the pleasure—of bringing them to light in a way that makes them live once again.

Susanne Dunlap 

# # #

About the Author

Susanne Dunlap is the author of ten historical novels for adults and teens. Her young adult novel The Musician’s Daughter was a Junior Library Guild selection and a Bank Street Children’s Book of the Year, and it was nominated for the Missouri Gateway Readers Prize and the Utah Book Award. Her latest adult novels, Listen to the Wind and The Spirit of Fire are the first volumes of a medieval trilogy for adults, The Orphans of Tolosa. Listen to the Wind is a finalist for the Chaucer Awards for Pre-1750 Historical Fiction and a Distinguished Favorite in the NYC Big Book Awards. Susanne also published The Mozart Conspiracy, the second in the YA historical mystery series that began with The Musician’s Daughter, in 2019. Susanne has a PhD in music history from Yale University. Find out more at Susanne's website and follow her on Facebook and Twitter @Susanne_Dunlap

Music as Inspiration for #Writing

I sometimes need complete silence, particularly when dealing with a complex scene, but usually like to have music playing in the background when I'm writing or revising.

I hadn't thought about how the music influenced the tone of my writing until I upgraded to the new MacBook Pro 16 inch laptop, which has excellent immersive surround sound from a new six speaker system.

During the writing of Henry - Book Three of the Tudor Trilogy, about the life of King Henry VII, I often listened to Sam East playing the Game of Thrones theme, starring Hadrian's Wall in the snow and Henry VII's Tudor marital bed - what more could you ask for?

When I wrote Mary - Tudor Princess, about the life of Henry VIII's youngest sister, I often played Pastime With Good Company (which is thought to have been written by King Henry), to evoke the spirit of the Tudor Court, and included the lyrics in the book:

I discovered The Petersens while working on my current work in progress, the second book in my new Elizabethan series, and realised the words of a particular song, Finally Going Home, perfectly described the demeanour of my main character:

The music of The Petersens has become the 'soundtrack' of my book, and Katie Petersen, who wrote Finally Going Home, has kindly agreed I can add a verse as an epilogue. I find it intriguing to realise the sentiments of lyrics written in present day Missouri chime so perfectly with events in Elizabethan England over four hundred years ago.

Tony Riches

The International Dublin Writers' Festival

The International Dublin Writers' Festival 

has Gone Virtual! 

September 11th - 13th, 2020

Since 2015 the International Dublin Writers' Festival has welcomed writers to learn, network and improve their craft providing opportunities for writers to learn from industry professionals.

This event is an opportunity for all writers, everywhere, to connect with the literary culture of Dublin and to learn from experts and peers. All writers, both aspiring and experienced, are all welcome.

Featured speakers include UK leading literary agent Kate Nash, author Niamh Campbell, US industry expert Peter Miller, publisher Ivan O’Brien, and screenwriter Alexandra Sokoloff.

The speakers are renowned, highly-experienced, published authors, and world-class experts in writing craft, publishing and marketing. This conference provides practical support, valuable training and an opportunity to get to know fellow writers and industry professionals through our online communities.

The conference sessions are separated into five streams, as follows:

• What It Takes To Win As A Writer Now
• Get Ready for Success
• The Writers’ Journey
• Preparing for our Readers
• Finding Readers & Reviewers

There is also be a private online community for each of the streams, allowing attendees to comment, ask questions, and communicate with other attendees and the speakers online.

Join online from the comfort of your own digital device, and learn how to pitch your story to a literary agent and get published.

https://internationaldublinwritersfestival.com/ ==-

Book Launch Spotlight: Wolf Hall Companion, by Lauren Mackay

New from Amazon UK and Amazon US

An accessible and authoritative companion to the bestselling Wolf Hall trilogy by Hilary Mantel, published after the third and final book, The Mirror and the Light.

Wolf Hall Companion gives an historian's view of what we know about Thomas Cromwell, one of the most powerful men of the Tudor age and the central character in Mantel's Wolf Hall trilogy.

Covering the key court and political characters from the books, this companion guide also works as a concise Tudor history primer. Alongside Thomas Cromwell, the author explores characters including Anne Boleyn, Thomas Cranmer, Jane Seymour, Henry VIII, Thomas Howard, Cardinal Wolsey and Richard Fox. 

The important places in the court of Henry VIII are introduced and put into context, including Hampton Court, the Tower of London, Cromwell's home Austin Friars, and of course Wolf Hall. The author explores not only the real history of these people and places, but also Hilary Mantel's interpretation of them.

Included in the book are also incisive features on various aspects of Tudor life, from the court scene and the structure of government, to royal hunting and hawking, Renaissance influences and Tudor executions.

A beautiful and insightful book, Wolf Hall Companion will enrich the reading of the Mantel novels but also provides an incisive and concise understanding of the reign of Henry VIII, and the profound changes it brought to English life.

Illustrated throughout with woodcut portraits, maps and family trees and with a beautifully produced cover this companion guide is a must-have for any discerning Wolf Hall and Tudor fan.

# # #

About the Author

Dr Lauren Mackay is an historian whose focus of study goes beyond familiar historical figures and events to lesser known individuals, as well as beliefs, customs, and diplomacy of the 16th Century. Her debut book, Inside the Tudor Court: Henry VIII and his Six Wives through the eyes of the Spanish Ambassador, was the first and only biography of the so-called Spanish Ambassador, Eustace Chapuys, the most integral chronicler of the Tudor Court. She has written several articles for All About History Magazine and BBC History, and frequently contributes to their online content. Find out more at Lauren's website www.laurenmackay.co.uk and find her on Facebook and Twitter @Regina_Saba 

Historical Fiction Spotlight: His Castilian Hawk (The Castilian Saga Book 1) by Anna Belfrage

Available from Amazon UK and Amazon US

From Anna Belfrage comes a new release – a story of love and loyalty set against the backdrop of Edward I’s harsh conquest of Wales,

set in a medieval world brought vividly to life. 

Publication date is September 28, 2020, 

For bastard-born Robert FitzStephan, being given Eleanor d’Outremer in marriage is an honour. For Eleanor, this forced wedding is anything but a fairy tale.  Robert FitzStephan has served Edward Longshanks loyally since the age of twelve. Now he is riding with his king to once and for all bring Wales under English control.

Eleanor d’Outremer—Noor to family—lost her Castilian mother as a child and is left entirely alone when her father and brother are killed. When ordered to wed the unknown Robert FitzStephan, she has no choice but to comply.

Two strangers in a marriage bed is not easy. Things are further complicated by Noor’s blood-ties to the Welsh princes and by covetous Edith who has warmed Robert’s bed for years.

Robert’s new wife may be young and innocent, but he is soon to discover that not only is she spirited and proud, she is also brave. Because when Wales lies gasping and Edward I exacts terrible justice on the last prince and his children, Noor is determined to save at least one member of the House of Aberffraw from the English king.

Will years of ingrained service have Robert standing with his king or will he follow his heart and protect his wife, his beautiful and fierce Castilian hawk?

# # #

About the Author 

Had Anna been allowed to choose, she’d have become a time-traveller. As this was impossible, she became a financial professional with two absorbing interests: history and writing. Anna has authored the acclaimed time travelling series The Graham Saga, set in 17th century Scotland and Maryland, as well as the equally acclaimed medieval series The King’s Greatest Enemy which is set in 14th century England.
More recently, Anna has published The Wanderer, a fast-paced contemporary romantic suspense trilogy with paranormal and time-slip ingredients. While she loved stepping out of her comfort zone (and will likely do so again )  For more information visit Anna's website http://www.annabelfrage.com. You can also visit her blog and follow Anna on Twitter @abelfrageauthor.

Special Guest Interview with Author Suzy Henderson, Author of Spitfire

Available on Amazon UK and Amazon US

May 1940. The French and British armies are in retreat as Hitler's blitzkrieg storms through France. Finally, they are beaten back to the coast at Dunkirk, with nowhere left to flee. Churchill is determined to rescue as many men as possible, for without her army, Britain is sunk. A plan is hatched to evacuate the men from the beaches by sea, but it will take the combined strength of all the forces to ensure its success.

I'm pleased to welcome author Suzy Henderson to The Writing Desk:

Tell us about your latest book

My latest published book, Spitfire, is a short story featuring a character who is to be the main protagonist in my next WW2 novel. I have no idea where the story came from, but it was a lightning bolt moment as it paved the way forward to the new series. It features Sam, a fighter pilot caught up in the Dunkirk evacuation in May 1940 The French and British armies are in retreat as Hitler’s blitzkrieg storms through France. He flies multiple sorties day after day, hunting the Luftwaffe, enduring battle fatigue, and the loss of friends.

What is your preferred writing routine?

A great question. My preferred routine is to rise early morning and begin writing or editing over breakfast and beyond, at least until lunchtime. I do manage this sometimes, but alas my other work beckons and it’s impossible to maintain a rigid writing schedule right now. Generally, I find pockets of time where I can write or do some revisions even if it’s while cooking dinner! It’s flexible and it works for me.

I aim to write a minimum of 2000 words per day when writing a new book. As long as I have a complete draft, no matter how rough, then I can work with it and revise until I’m satisfied. When I first started out, I was definitely a panster, but that didn’t last. I’m a fan of plotting and of writing a synopsis as I find it helps in the long run. The framework keeps me on track.

What advice do you have for new writers?

Go for it. If it’s in your blood and your bones, then you’ll know because you won’t be able to resist. You might think you are the worst writer in history, ever! Know this—you will be in good company. You will get better, and if you are brilliant, then perhaps you will shine brighter than everyone in time. Tread the rocky road. Some days are great, some days are okay while others are dire—again, that’s a writer’s life and it’s okay. 

I think discipline is key. Make time in your routine to write most days if possible, and get used to showing up. For me, that often means having to make sacrifices in order to write. And join writing communities or tune in on Facebook. Twitter has a wonderful community—search #writingcommunity. Try to get some feedback on your writing too, especially before sending off to agents or publishers. It’s so helpful and helps you to revise your work so it’s the best you can possibly make it before you begin pitching your book.

What have you found to be the best way to raise awareness of your books?

I’m not so sure that I have. As an indie author, it’s tough going at the best of times, but in all honesty, I have found promoting on Twitter to be the best option. It keeps people in the know, provides some exposure for my work and aids sales. I tried NetGalley earlier this year and received a decent amount of reviews from readers and I think Instagram is a growing, viable platform for authors.

Tell us something unexpected you discovered during your research

One of the most gruesome was when I read that the guillotine was still being used in WW2. The Germans used it for some executions. I remember including this in a scene in a screenplay for a creative writing course years ago, and my tutor exclaiming that surely the guillotine was extinct by then. Sadly not. According to official records, the Nazis executed some 16,500 people while they were in power between 1933 and 1945. Many of them were resistance fighters.

What was the hardest scene you remember writing?

That was a love scene in my debut novel, The Beauty Shop. I hated writing that, and it made me cringe! Still, I did it the best I could after many revisions, and I think it turned out okay. Definitely not one of my strong points.

What are you planning to write next?

Well, as I mentioned above, I have a new WW2 series in the planning stage, but right now I am in the midst of edits/revisions on a women’s fiction novel, set in the present day. It revolves around the central character, Grace, a widow, and survivor of emotional abuse, who is learning to start again and build a new life for herself on the Isle of Mull. Typically, there’s a wee hint of WW2 in there when she uncovers some interesting information about her recently deceased grandmother. What can I say? The idea offered itself on a plate and I couldn’t resist.

Suzy Henderson

# # #

About the Author

Suzy Henderson lives with her husband and two sons in England, on the edge of the Lake District. Although she never set out to be a writer, she has always loved reading and experiencing the joy of escaping to another time and place.  While researching her family history, Suzy became fascinated with both World War periods and developed an obsession with military and aviation history partly due to her grandparents' war service. After obtaining her BA in English Literature and Creative Writing, she began to write until one day she had a novel. In a previous life she was a Midwife but now she runs a small business from home which fits in perfectly with being a novelist. Other interests include music, old movies, and photography—especially if WW2 aircraft are on the radar.  Suzy writes contemporary and historical fiction and is a member of the Alliance of Independent Authors. Her debut novel, The Beauty Shop, was awarded the B.R.A.G. Medallion. Find out more at Suzy's website https://www.suzyhenderson.com/

and find her on Facebook and Twitter  @Suzy_Henderson