Guest Post ~ Introducing Lettice Knollys, Countess of Leicester, by Nicola Tallis

Available on Amazon UK and Amazon US

The first biography of Lettice Knollys, one of the most prominent women of the Elizabethan era

Cousin to Elizabeth I - and very likely also Henry VIII's illegitimate granddaughter - Lettice Knollys had a life of dizzying highs and pitiful lows. Darling of the court, entangled in a love triangle with Robert Dudley and Elizabeth I, banished from court, plagued by scandals of affairs and murder, embroiled in treason, Lettice would go on to lose a husband and beloved son to the executioner's axe. 

Once described as ‘a favourite’ of her kinswoman, Elizabeth I, the Queen later raged that Lettice Knollys was a ‘she-wolf’ following the discovery of Lettice’s marriage to Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester. It was an unforgivable betrayal in Elizabeth’s eyes, and never again was Lettice welcomed to her court. But who was Lettice, and more importantly, why did I decide to tell her story? 

My interest in Lettice stems back to 2015, when I was putting the finishing touches to my first book, Crown of Blood: The Deadly Inheritance of Lady Jane Grey. Whilst exploring the magnificent church of St Mary’s, Warwick, I stopped to admire the double tomb Lettice shares with her second husband, Robert Dudley.

I was so struck by it that it prompted me to find out more about her, and I was astonished by what I found … for more than a year I’ve travelled across the country looking for clues and delving deeper into Lettice’s life – I’ve transcribed her letters, visited her former homes, and admired her surviving portraits in order to build up a picture of her life. I believe that what I’ve written – the first ever full-scale biography of Lettice – comes as close as is possible to knowing the real her. More than that, I’d like to think that it adds a further intriguing piece to the complex puzzle of Tudor England that many people – including myself – are so fascinated by.

What can readers expect to find in my book? Lettice’s is a story that couldn’t be imagined: it’s full of intrigue, drama, ambition, tragedy and heartbreak. In order to whet your appetite, here’s five things you may not have known about the woman who became Elizabeth’s rival.

1. Lettice’s unusual choice of Christian name was chosen as a compliment to her paternal grandmother, Lettice Peniston. It is a shortened form of Laetitia, the Latin word for happiness.

2. Lettice’s bloodline continues to this day – many people are unaware of the fact that she is the ancestor of the present queen, Elizabeth II, through her mother.

3. Lettice was the dedicatee of a prayer book by Roger Edwardes: A Boke of Very Godly Psalmes and Prayers was produced in 1570. Edwardes admitted that he’d never met Lettice, but was hopeful that she’d recommend him to her first husband, Walter Devereux.

4. Lettice married three times: her epitaph relates that she ‘Matched with two great English peers’, but makes no reference to her third husband, Sir Christopher Blount. Blount was a Catholic who worked as a double agent for Sir Francis Walsingham in the plot to secure Mary, Queen of Scots downfall.

5. Lettice lived to the extraordinary age of ninety-one and was the last of the great Elizabethan survivors. For most of her life she seems to have enjoyed good health, and two years before her death it was reported that she was still able to walk a mile a day. 

Nicola Tallis

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About the Author

British Historian Nicola Tallis graduated from Bath Spa University with a first class BA Hons. degree in History in 2011, and from Royal Holloway College, University of London in 2013 with an MA in Public History. Since 2013 she has been studying for her PhD at the University of Winchester, where she teaches History. Nicola also worked as a historical researcher, most notably for Sir Ranulph Fiennes whilst he was working on his 2014 book, Agincourt: My Family, the Battle and the Fight for France. and is the resident historian for Alison Weir Tours. Find out more at Nicola's website http://nicolatallis.com/ and find her on Facebook and Twitter @NicolaTallis

Guest Post by Dave Chesson ~ A writer’s education is never finished

Like any creative discipline, writing requires the ongoing accumulation of skill and technique coupled with an exposure to inspiring events and people.

Ever since writing became a skill accessible to non-elites, the handing down of writing knowledge and practice has been held in high regard by society.

The history of education in the United Kingdom shows that writing knowledge was a scarce commodity, taught to the lucky few through the tiny number of early universities and later by the grammar schools introduced by Edward VI.

Nowadays, writing education is abundant. The range of options when it comes to learning about writing is truly astonishing. In today’s article, I will share with you three of my favorite ways to learn about writing along with some thoughts on each.

Writing Classes

The range of writing classes on offer in the modern era is truly astonishing. No matter your level of ability as a writer, your previous experience, or the area of writing you wish to focus on, there is almost certainly a class suited to your needs.

Some of the types of classes you may wish to consider include -

●      Evening classes taught in person, such as those held at universities or adult colleges

●      Intensive classes, sometimes residential, held for a focused period of time

●      One on one tuition with a writing tutor

●      Online classes, either taught in the form of live sessions or pre-recorded courses

●      One off workshops or taster sessions

●      Formal qualifications, such as diplomas or degrees resulting in a recognized qualification

The benefits of a writing class as a source of ongoing education are many. Sometimes, if left to our own devices, we find excuses and reasons not to write. By committing to a class, and often paying money to do so, it becomes a lot easier to justify spending time working on and improving our writing.

Writing classes also offer a social dimension which isn’t always present in other forms of writing education. For some people, the enjoyment of learning and practicing alongside a group of likeminded souls is far more enjoyable than a solitary writing practice.

If you’re the kind of writer who enjoys a structured approach to learning, and the company of others, a writing class might be the perfect solution to your ongoing educational needs.

Podcasts For Writers

While many people never consider making podcasts one of their primary forms of ongoing education, those who do often become devotees to the format.

There are many advantages to using podcasts as a way of increasing your writing knowledge. Podcasts allow you to -

●    Learn about writing no matter where you are. A mundane commute becomes an educational masterclass with the right podcast.

●    Hear directly from writers you admire and wish to emulate. Having a writer share their ideas and experiences directly in your ear is often the next best thing to listening to them in person.

●    Be entertained as well as educated. The best podcasts not only offer information but do so in a way which is enjoyable, just like the best teachers.

A good reason to use podcasts as a way of learning about writing is that, unlike many other forms of education, podcasts are ongoing and regularly updated. Whereas you might read a book about writing once or twice, podcasts allow you to refresh your writing education each and every week.

Many people find the small, focused lessons learned from podcasts over a long period of time to be a better way to learn than more comprehensive and in-depth blocks of information absorbed over a shorter period.

The best writing podcast you can choose is one which focuses on information directly relevant to your own writing that you also enjoy listening to. If you find your writing education to be both useful and enjoyable you are more likely to stick with it, thus reaping rewards in the long run.

Books About Writing

For some people, there is nothing better than a book as a way to learn. Books offer a number of advantages over both podcasts and writing classes.

●      Books are almost always cheaper than writing classes

●      Books often contain an incredible depth of information

●      A book can be pursued at the learner’s own pace, unlike a writing class

●      Books require no commitment or travel and are therefore great options for busy writers with hectic calendars

There are a number of books which are considered all time classic resources for writers and those interested in the craft of writing. In no particular order, three books I feel to be particularly valuable are -

1)  Eats, Shoots & Leaves by Lynne Truss.  This is probably the most technical book of the three but also one of the most enjoyable. Widely regarded as one of the best books about punctuation on the market, Eats, Shoots & Leaves teaches an essential but mundane aspect of the English language in an engaging and enjoyable way. Eats, Shoots & Leaves is a prime example of education being more effective when it is also entertaining.

2)   On Writing by Stephen King. Stephen King is widely regarded as one of the best popular storytellers of the modern era. On Writing explores King’s own journey as a writer, which is inspiring in and of itself, as well as the process by which he writes and edits his work.

3)   The War of Art by Stephen Pressfield. In The War of Art, Pressfield delves deep into the creative process and the frustrations and struggles we all face as writers. Focusing not on the technical craft of writing, but instead on the inner drive needed to create, this book covers a valuable but often overlooked part of the writing process.

When you find the right book to assist you on your journey as a writer, it becomes almost like an old friend that you can turn to for advice and reassurance when you need it most.

Ongoing Education For Writers Recap

Long gone are the days where education was a scarce resource available to the privileged few. Nowadays, we are spoiled for choice when it comes to the variety of ways to gain a deeper understanding of the writing craft.

Be sure to enjoy your ongoing education as a writer, and please feel free to share any other sources of writing education you’ve found personally helpful in the comments.

Dave Chesson

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About the Author

Dave Chesson is a master Jedi at book marketing and the author of Kindlepreneur.  To succeed in today’s competitive kindle business, you need to be part  writer and part marketer.  His website on self-publishing is devoted to  helping you with the latter. Find out more at Kindlepreneur.com and find Dave on Facebook and Twitter @DaveChesson.

Book Review: Heroines of the Medieval World, by Sharon Bennett Connolly

New on Amazon UK and Amazon US

What makes a woman a 'heroine'? Sharon Bennett Connolly's new book Heroines of the Medieval World is organised by theme, so it's perfect for 'dipping in' at a random page or section - and you can be fairly sure of learning something interesting.

As well as more obvious medieval heroines, such as Joan of Arc and Eleanor of Aquitaine, I was pleased to see women like Jacquline of Hainault finally having the attention they deserve. It also passes the test of inspiring you to find our more about the lives of some of the less well known women, (which I have already started doing.)

This book is also full of fascinating and sometimes gruesome details, such as how Matilda de Braose (whose heroic achievements include having sixteen children) was imprisoned in a dungeon by King John with her son and left to starve to death. 

Some of Sharon's themes were a surprise, like the section on captive heroines or the idea of medieval mistresses being heroic. (I'd recently been reading about HenryVIII's 'Bessie' Blount and fell into the trap of not considering events from her point of view.)

This brings me to my main problem with this entertaining and highly readable book. Sharon Connolly admits these amazing women represent just the 'tip of the iceberg' of those she could have chosen to write about. It should have the subtitle 'Part 1' as there are so many more heroines, particularly from the Tudor period, I'd like to see included. I'm looking forward to the sequel: 'More Heroines of the Medieval World.'

Tony Riches 

Disclosure: A review copy of this book was kindly provided by Amberley Publishing

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About the Author

Sharon Bennett Connolly was born in Yorkshire and studied at University in Northampton before working at Disneyland in Paris and Eurostar in London. She has been fascinated by history for over thirty years and has worked as a tour guide at historical sites, including Conisbrough Castle. Best known for her fascinating blog History ... the Interesting Bits she began focusing on medieval women and in 2016 her first non-fiction book, Heroines of the Medieval World was published by Amberley Publishing. Sharon is now writing her second non-fiction book, Silk and the Sword: The Women of the Norman Conquest, which will be published by Amberley in late 2018. Follow Sharon on Facebook and Twitter @Thehistorybits

Writing Conquest: The Drowned Court, by Tracey Warr

New on Amazon UK and Amazon US

1107. Henry I finally reigns over England, Normandy and Wales, but his rule is far from secure. He faces a series of treacherous assassination attempts, and rebellion in Normandy is scuppering his plans to secure a marriage for his son and heir. With the King torn between his kingdoms, and Nest settled with her Norman husband, can she evade Henry’s notice or will she fall under his control once more? As her brother Gruffudd garners support in an effort to reclaim his kingdom, Nest finds she cannot escape the pull of her Welsh heritage. While the dissent grows and a secret passion is revealed, the future of Nest and her Norman sons is placed in dire peril. In this sequel to Daughter of the Last King, Nest must decide to whom her heart and loyalty belongs.

I’m enjoying writing a trilogy where some of the characters carry forward across the books and it’s possible to explore their motivations and experiences over time. I approach writing all my novels by asking questions that I have, after researching the historical evidence.

A key question to ask for The Drowned Court was whether Nest’s colourful sexual career (mistress of the king, abducted by a Welsh prince, and a series of marriages to Norman and Flemish lords) could be explained by her being lascivious, as some commentators have suggested. Or is there another way to look at the events of her life? 

I wondered about how she coped with loyalties torn between a Norman husband and children, and the struggle of her brother Gruffudd ap Rhys to regain his kingdom from the invaders? I was also intrigued to think about why Amaury de Montfort was such a stubborn opponent to King Henry in Normandy. 

Was Amaury simply ambitious, pugnacious, or did he have a sense of entitlement from his own kinship to the Dukes of Normandy or the status of his sister, Bertrade, former queen of France? And what would it have been like to meet King Henry? 

He holds the record for the highest number of mistresses and illegitimate children of any English king and he forced his Norman lords to acknowledge his daughter as his heir, enabling her to be the first woman to claim the English throne in her own right.

In particular, I had to make a decision about how to portray Nest’s kidnap by the Welsh prince, Owain ap Cadwgan. Was she a willing hostage (as some Welsh historians would like to believe) or was she raped? And what was the impact of this event on her marriage to the Norman, Gerald FitzWalter? Most of the action surrounding Nest takes place at the castles of Pembroke, Carew and Cilgerran, and she also spends some time in Dublin in this novel.

King Henry’s control of Normandy was ably supported by his sister, Countess Adela of Blois, and her network of spies. The nun, Benedicta, who played a small role in the first book, becomes a central character in The Drowned Court. What would it have been like to be a spy in the pay of the Countess of Blois at the great abbey of Fontevraud, which was ruled by women, and housed many illustrious, repudiated wives, including Bertrade de Montfort?

Tracey Warr

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About the Author

Tracey Warr was born in London, lived for several years in Pembrokeshire, Wales and currently divides her time between the UK and France. She studied English Literature at Oxford University and holds a PhD in Art History. She worked as an art curator and university lecturer in art history and theory before starting to write fiction. She undertook an MA in Creative Writing at University of Wales Trinity St Davids in Carmarthen. Her first historical novel Almodis (Impress, 2011) was set in early medieval France and Spain. It was shortlisted for the Impress Prize, presented in the Rome Film Festival Book Initiative and won a Santander Research Award. Her second novel The Viking Hostage (Impress, 2014) topped the Amazon Australia Kindle bestseller lists. She was awarded a Literature Wales Writer’s Bursary for work on her Conquest trilogy about Princess Nest and King Henry I. She also received
an Author’s Foundation Award from the
Society of Authors for a biography she is working on about three French noblewomen, three sisters, who held power in 11th century Toulouse, Carcassonne, Barcelona and the Pyrenees. Tracey reviews books for Historical Novels Review and Times Higher Education. She is a tutor for residential writing courses in France with A Chapter Away (www.achapteraway.com). Find our more at: http://traceywarrwriting.com and find Tracey on Facebook and Twitter @TraceyWarr1

Elizabeth's Rival: The Tumultuous Tale of Lettice Knollys, Countess of Leicester by Nicola Tallis

Pre-Order on Amazon UK and Amazon US

The first biography of Lettice Knollys, one of the most prominent women of the Elizabethan era

Cousin to Elizabeth I - and very likely also Henry VIII's illegitimate granddaughter - Lettice Knollys had a life of dizzying highs and pitiful lows. Darling of the court, entangled in a love triangle with Robert Dudley and Elizabeth I, banished from court, plagued by scandals of affairs and murder, embroiled in treason, Lettice would go on to lose a husband and beloved son to the executioner's axe. 

Living to the astonishing age of ninety-one, Lettice's tale gives us a remarkable, personal lens on to the grand sweep of the Tudor Age, with those closest to her often at the heart of the events that defined it.

In the first ever biography of this extraordinary woman, Nicola Tallis's dramatic narrative takes us through those events, including the religious turmoil, plots and intrigues of Mary, Queen of Scots, attempted coups, and bloody Irish conflicts, among others. Surviving well into the reign of Charles I, Lettice truly was the last of the great Elizabethans.

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About the Author

British Historian Nicola Tallis graduated from Bath Spa University with a first class BA Hons. degree in History in 2011, and from Royal Holloway College, University of London in 2013 with an MA in Public History. Since 2013 she has been studying for her PhD at the University of Winchester, where she teaches History. Nicola also worked as a historical researcher, most notably for Sir Ranulph Fiennes whilst he was working on his 2014 book, Agincourt: My Family, the Battle and the Fight for France. and is the resident historian for Alison Weir Tours. Find out more at Nicola's website http://nicolatallis.com/ and find her on Facebook and Twitter @MissNicolaTal

Book Review: Wolf's Head (The Forest Lord Book 1) by Steven A. McKay

Available on Amazon UK and Amazon US

After viciously assaulting a corrupt but powerful clergyman Robin Hood flees the only home he has ever known in Wakefield, Yorkshire. Becoming a member of a notorious band of outlaws, Hood and his new companions – including John Little and Will Scaflock – hide out in the great forests of Barnsdale, fighting for their very existence as the law hunts them down like animals. When they are betrayed, and their harsh lives become even more unbearable, the band of friends

 seeks bloody vengeance.

I’d been intrigued by the success of Steven A. McKay’s Forest Lord series so decided it was time to take a look. The ‘Forest Lord’ in question is Robin Hood, and the story has been told countless times since medieval ballads. I was amazed to see the list of TV and film versions has more than I can be bothered to count, and ranges from a Disney cartoon version to a squeaky-clean Kevin Costner in ‘Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves’ and a more earthy Russell Crowe as ‘Robin Longstride’ (complete with Australian accent.)

I’m pleased to say Steven McKay’s series is a masterclass of how to breathe new life into well explored stories. He handles the multiple characters with the skill of a forest archer, picking his moment to surprise the reader. I liked the historical references to the Lancastrian revolt that provide a backdrop to the narrative and found his reading style engaging.

There must be something we can all identify with in the story of Robin Hood, a universal battle for fair treatment in the face of overwhelming odds. Steven A. McKay doesn’t flinch from the darker side of the tale and this is a series I’m happy to recommend. 

Tony Riches

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About the Author

Steven A. McKay was born in Scotland in 1977. His first book, Wolf's Head, came out in 2013 and was an Amazon UK top 20 bestseller. Blood of the Wolf is the fourth and final book in the Forest Lord series. Steven is currently researching and writing a brand new tale - tentatively titled "The Druid" set in post-Roman Britain. He plays lead guitar and sings in a heavy metal band when they can find the time to meet up. Find out more at his website
https://stevenamckay.com/ and find him on Twitter @SA_McKay. 

Blog Tour and Giveaway: Pleasing Mr. Pepys, by Deborah Swift

Available on Amazon UK and Amazon US

London 1667. Set in a London rising from the ruins of the Great Fire, Pleasing Mr Pepys is a vivid re-imagining of the events in Samuel Pepys's Diary. Desperate to escape her domineering aunt, Deb Willet thinks the post of companion to well-respected Elisabeth Pepys is the answer to her prayers. 

But Samuel Pepys's house is not as safe as it seems. An intelligent girl in Deb's position has access to his government papers, and soon she becomes a target of flamboyant actress Abigail Williams, a spy for England's enemies, the Dutch. Abigail is getting old and needs a younger accomplice. 

She blackmails Deb into stealing Pepys's documents. Soon, the respectable life Deb longs for slides out of her grasp. Mr Pepys's obsessive lust for his new maid increases precisely as Abigail and her sinister Dutch spymaster become more demanding. 

When Deb falls for handsome Jem Wells, a curate-in-training, she thinks things cannot possibly get worse. Until ñ not content with a few stolen papers ñ the Dutch want Mr Pepys's Diary.

"Swift brought Deborah Willet, the Pepyses, and the London of the 1660s to life in an exciting and sometimes touching way...I didn't want to put it down, and found myself thinking about the story when I went about my day." - Andrea Zuvich, Author of His Last Mistress

"Deb Willet, Elizabeth Pepys's maid and the object of Samuel Pepys's attentions, is finally given centre-stage after 350 years, and her tale was worth waiting for. This is exceptional story-telling." - L. C. Tyler

"Laced with emotional intensity and drama, Pleasing Mr Pepys... (has) an intricate plot that features red herrings, unexpected twists, and surprises that will take readers on a very delightful ride." - Arya Fomonyuy, Readers' Favorite

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About the Author

Deborah Swift lives in North Lancashire on the edge of the Lake District and worked as a set and costume designer for theatre and TV. After gaining an MA in Creative Writing in 2007 Deborah now teach classes and courses in writing and provides editorial advice to writers and authors. Find out more at Deborah's website www.deborahswift.com and follow her on Facebook and Twitter @swiftstory.


Blog Tour Schedule

Thursday, September 28 Review at The Maiden's Court Guest Post at Books of All Kinds Friday, September 29 Guest Post at Let Them Read Books Spotlight at What Is That Book About Monday, October 2 Review at History From a Woman's Perspective Tuesday, October 3 Review at The Lit Bitch Feature at Myths, Legends, Books & Coffee Pots Wednesday, October 4 Feature at A Holland Reads Thursday, October 5 Review at CelticLady's Reviews Friday, October 6 Feature at Passages to the Past Monday, October 9 Review at 100 Pages a Day Tuesday, October 10 Review at Locks, Hooks and Books Wednesday, October 11 Review at Book Nerd Friday, October 13 Review at Poppy Coburn Monday, October 16 Review at Just One More Chapter Review at Encouraging Words from the Tea Queen Tuesday, October 17 Review at Laura's Interests Interview at Suzy Approved Books Wednesday, October 18 Review at Jo's Book Blog Thursday, October 19 Feature at T's Stuff Friday, October 20 Review at A Literary Vacation Guest Post at The Writing Desk

Giveaway

During the Blog Tour we will be giving away a signed copy of Pleasing Mr. Pepys to one lucky winner! To enter, please enter via the Gleam form below. Giveaway Rules ñ Giveaway ends at 11:59pm EST on October 20th. You must be 18 or older to enter. ñ Giveaway is open INTERNATIONALLY. ñ Only one entry per household. ñ All giveaway entrants agree to be honest and not cheat the systems; any suspect of fraud is decided upon by blog/site owner and the sponsor, and entrants may be disqualified at our discretion. ñ Winner has 48 hours to claim prize or new winner is chosen. Pleasing Mr. Pepys