Ask the Author: Sandra Gulland
Answered Questions (14)
Sandra Gulland
Absolutely, Jacqueline. I'm thrilled that you are reading the Trilogy. BTW, I recently did a podcast interview on Josephine:
https://theintercept.com/2023/11/19/d...
https://theintercept.com/2023/11/19/d...
Sandra Gulland
Dear Susan, Thank you so much! I love that era as well. It's possible that I might write another novel set in that time—there are several characters who intrigue me (several novels I had already planned to write)—but right now I'm immersed in Elizabethan England. Again, that you for your question! Cheers, Sandra
Sandra Gulland
Thank you so much, Karen! I'm pleased that you feel that way. To answer your question: travel research is essential for me, not so much from what I learn (although I invariably learn a great deal), as, rather, that it gives me a vivid sense of place that I can call upon when writing or revising a scene. Seeing the place where something actually happened makes it more real to me. First-hand ccounts written during the period can help, as well. Other than that, simply immersing myself in the character of Josephine and calling upon her senses of feel, taste, sound, etc., all help flesh out a scene.
Sandra Gulland
This has been a Louise Penny and Hilary Mantel summer for me. (I know: an unusual combo!) I got immediately addicted to Penny's Three Pine mystery series (on audible), and already I'm on #13. The next one will be the last for a year. (Oh no!) I'm also on repeat play of the excellent audible edition of Mantel's Wolf Hall, which I pair with the print and digital editions. That's immersion!
Sandra Gulland
Hi Liz,
I'm so pleased that you loved The Game of Hope! I absolutely adore when a reader finishes a book longing for more, but, alas, I'm not planning on writing a sequel. So sorry! Thank you for writing.
Cheers,
Sandra
I'm so pleased that you loved The Game of Hope! I absolutely adore when a reader finishes a book longing for more, but, alas, I'm not planning on writing a sequel. So sorry! Thank you for writing.
Cheers,
Sandra
Sandra Gulland
Working in PJs. ;-)
The best thing, in fact, is constantly being in a creative process, making something. Making a book! It can be frustrating, and dull even sometimes, but I'm always engaged. It's a long process, and I'd like to get better at it, but it's that very challenge that is so enticing.
The best thing, in fact, is constantly being in a creative process, making something. Making a book! It can be frustrating, and dull even sometimes, but I'm always engaged. It's a long process, and I'd like to get better at it, but it's that very challenge that is so enticing.
Sandra Gulland
About a week ago, I sent in the FINAL draft of The Game of Hope, my YA novel about Napoleon's step-daughter Hortense. In 7-10 days, I will get back "pages"—that is, the same manuscript, but with a title page and set into chapters and all the rest of it. I will begin to think that it might actually become a book.
Sandra Gulland
I would travel to the world I'm writing about, take it all in, wander about, and then have a good long chat with my characters.
Sandra Gulland
Never give up! Read, read, read. Write, revise, repeat. Don't write for fame or fortune; write because you have to. Perseverance is key.
Sandra Gulland
Hi Leah! I'm inspired by people. Something in a person's life story intrigues me ... I get curious, and before I know it I'm spending five years writing a novel about this person.
I am always stirred by Paris — there is so much history there — but last fall my husband and I stayed in a cave/hotel in the old city of Matera.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matera
I found that place quite inspiring. I'd love to go back.
Thanks for your questions!
I am always stirred by Paris — there is so much history there — but last fall my husband and I stayed in a cave/hotel in the old city of Matera.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matera
I found that place quite inspiring. I'd love to go back.
Thanks for your questions!
Sandra Gulland
Of course Elizabeth Bennet and Mr Fitzwilliam Darcy in Pride and Prejudice!
However, I have to say that my favourite couple in biographical (i.e. historically-based) historical fiction is, of course, Josephine and Napoleon. :-)
However, I have to say that my favourite couple in biographical (i.e. historically-based) historical fiction is, of course, Josephine and Napoleon. :-)
Sandra Gulland
Hi Breinne,
Thank you for your questions!
In fact, Josephine did not keep a journal. I think if she had, I would have had a hard time writing a fictional journal for her.
Most every biographer and historian portrays Josephine in a negative light. My own research -- and consultations with historians -- led me to different conclusions. I was delighted to discover last week that a new French biography of her concurs with my own view. Yay! Perhaps the tide is turning.
Malmaison is lovely, isn't it? It's time for me to go back. Right now I'm writing a YA novel about Josephine's daughter Hortense, and she spent many happy days there.
Sincerely,
Sandra
Thank you for your questions!
In fact, Josephine did not keep a journal. I think if she had, I would have had a hard time writing a fictional journal for her.
Most every biographer and historian portrays Josephine in a negative light. My own research -- and consultations with historians -- led me to different conclusions. I was delighted to discover last week that a new French biography of her concurs with my own view. Yay! Perhaps the tide is turning.
Malmaison is lovely, isn't it? It's time for me to go back. Right now I'm writing a YA novel about Josephine's daughter Hortense, and she spent many happy days there.
Sincerely,
Sandra
Sandra Gulland
Hi Payten, thanks for the question!
Curiosity is the culprit: I initially fell in love with writing about history as a way of exploring Josephine Bonaparte's life. I had read a biography about her and got hooked. I wanted to know more, and then more, and ultimately the only way to know enough was to put myself in her shoes. (For over a decade!)
In researching every novel I write, I discover someone I become curious about. This was the case for Petite, heroine of MISTRESS OF THE SUN, and Claudette, heroine of THE SHADOW QUEEN. Now I'm exploring what the life of a teenager (Josephine's daughter Hortense) would be like in post-Revolution France at the end of the 18th century. Fascinating!
Again, thank you for your question -- and I do hope you enjoy THE SHADOW QUEEN. Claudette's world was amazing to explore.
Cheers,
Sandra
Curiosity is the culprit: I initially fell in love with writing about history as a way of exploring Josephine Bonaparte's life. I had read a biography about her and got hooked. I wanted to know more, and then more, and ultimately the only way to know enough was to put myself in her shoes. (For over a decade!)
In researching every novel I write, I discover someone I become curious about. This was the case for Petite, heroine of MISTRESS OF THE SUN, and Claudette, heroine of THE SHADOW QUEEN. Now I'm exploring what the life of a teenager (Josephine's daughter Hortense) would be like in post-Revolution France at the end of the 18th century. Fascinating!
Again, thank you for your question -- and I do hope you enjoy THE SHADOW QUEEN. Claudette's world was amazing to explore.
Cheers,
Sandra
Sandra Gulland
Dear Bobbi,
Thank you! I'm in the final stages of writing a Young Adult novel about Josephine's daughter Hortense. I don't yet know when my publisher—Penguin—intends to publish. My guess is next fall, at the earliest. The book is the first of two about Hortense.
My last novel, The Shadow Queen, will be out in paperback in January.
Holiday cheer!
Sandra
Thank you! I'm in the final stages of writing a Young Adult novel about Josephine's daughter Hortense. I don't yet know when my publisher—Penguin—intends to publish. My guess is next fall, at the earliest. The book is the first of two about Hortense.
My last novel, The Shadow Queen, will be out in paperback in January.
Holiday cheer!
Sandra
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