Interview with Karen Harper, author of The Irish Princess + GIVEAWAY

Passages to the Past is pleased to have author Karen Harper here with us today, talking about her new novel, The Irish Princess!  Thank you Karen!  

She has also graciously given PTTP one copy to give away to a lucky reader, so be sure to enter the contest at the end of this post.

And now, the interview with Karen Harper....

What inspired you to tell the story of Elizabeth “Gera” Fitzgerald?

After a lovely trip to Ireland my husband and I took several years ago, I searched for an Irish heroine, preferably one who lived in my favorite Tudor period. I finally found her through research about the ladies-in-waiting of Queen Elizabeth I. I knew it was unusual that Elizabeth had an Irish friend—as the Irish were not England’s friends. Also Gera was a beautiful redhead, and the queen was jealous of pretty women. I figured there must be an interesting story in Gera’s life, and indeed there was, more than I could have hoped. Her past was tragic, her life triumphant and she had a wonderful love story. Since she married Edward Clinton, the Lord High Admiral of the English navy, it was kind of a “sleeping with the enemy” romance between them. The hero and heroine lend a swashbuckling aura to the story.

Can you describe the unique friendship between Gera and her royal cousin, Elizabeth I?

They were, indeed, distant cousins. And, if Gera’s family had not been ruined by the Tudors under Henry VIII, Gera would have been an Irish princess, as her father was considered “the uncrowned king of Ireland.” This too, must have made Elizabeth wary of Gera. However, despite all the odds against their friendship, it was long-lasting and weathered storms. One telling detail that speaks loudly about this was that the queen once sent Gera to the Tower “for plainspeaking to the queen,” yet Gera was almost immediately back in Elizabeth’s good graces.

Also, Elizabeth’s early years were difficult; her own father, King Henry, often turned against her. So the two women had that in common: Henry VIII is the villain of this story as the king had ruined Gera’s family. Despite their tensions and many differences, these two dynamic women obviously saw their similarities and it bonded them close for many years. I hope I did their edgy friendship justice; I love both of their characters, strong, prideful and argumentative.

Historical fiction is a blending of historical fact and fiction. How much of The Irish Princess is fact and how much fiction?

Yes, I always say I write faction, a blend of these two elements. Although I do create fictional scenes and dialogue and add some minor characters who did not exist, it is history, thoroughly researched, that is the backbone of my plots and characters. I do not change anything I can find—or if I do, it is minor and I “fess up” to the reader in my Author’s Note at the end of the novel. In Gera’s case, I moved one incident forward a few years to include it in the story. In the queen’s name, Gera at least once commanded a ship which took some pirates prisoner, and I could not pass that up.

The other thing is that Tudor-era research is often conflicting. In researching each of the thirteen Tudor novels I’ve written (this includes my nine-part Queen Elizabeth Mysteries) I’ve found discrepancies in dates and in “facts.” In each case, I try to go with the most logical information.

What can readers look forward to next from you? Will you stay with the Tudor period?

I would love to write in the Tudor period forever—however, I do go where a good character or story takes me. I have just completed a novel, tentative title MISTRESS OF MOURNING, set around 1500 in the bridge between the Medieval and Tudor periods. It feels more Medieval or Gothic than Tudor.

The two main characters are Queen Elizabeth of York, wife of Henry VII and mother of Henry VIII, and a fictional (but very real!) merchant class chandler who also carves wax death masks. This one is also a mystery as the main characters try to answer two huge questions: who killed ‘The Princes in the Tower’ and was Prince Arthur Tudor possibly poisoned? Arthur was then, of course, wed to Catherine of Aragon. If he would not have died, Henry VIII never would have been king, and history would have been so different.

Also, THE QUEEN’S GOVERNESS, about the life of Katherine (Kat) Ashley, “foster mother” to Elizabeth I, will be out in U.S. paperback in June. My British publisher, Random House UK (imprint Ebury,) will issue that book in July. MISTRESS SHAKESPEARE, renamed SHAKESPEARE’S MISTRESS, will appear from Ebury in October. It’s great fun to see how the covers change between the US and UK books.

In addition to your historical novels, you have also written an Amish trilogy, which is currently being re-released in new packaging. Does it require a change of mind set when you switch genres?

It surely does. Different narrative voice, different cultures, different vocabulary, even sentence length. But in each genre, I take the reader into a world he or she does not live in. I try to be true to the characters and their times; yet I continually find that people’s reactions to their loves, losses, triumphs and tragedies are universal. I should add that to bring both places and people alive, I try to visit each site I use. I’m currently balancing writing historicals with a new trilogy of Amish suspense novels, so I give myself a break between writing those very different settings. (The covers of the Amish novels are, of course, quite stark and plain compared to the Tudor historicals. To see all the covers, visit www.KarenHarperAuthor.com.)

If you could invite three historical figures to dinner, who would it be and why?

How about a really wild combination of three very different but charismatic figures, Jesus Christ, Elizabeth Tudor and George Washington? They would have a lot to say to each other, and I’d love to listen in and take notes. I am fascinated by leaders of nations, those who step forward for great accomplishments no matter the risks to themselves.

And lastly, a question near and dear to my heart...do you have any advice for aspiring writers?

I was both a college English instructor and a high school English teacher before leaving education to write full time, so I guess I never stop teaching, even through my novels. Entire books can be written on this question, but let me say one key thing. You have to be strong and believe in yourself. You are probably going to meet with rejection, and it is a lonely task—sometimes just you and your characters for months at a time. Talking about being a writer; attending conferences; reading author, agent, publishers websites is not writing. You must produce actual pages and then have the nerve to submit them. As Winston Churchill put it once, “Never give up. Never give up. NEVER give up!”

ABOUT THE BOOK

SYNOPSIS

Born into a first family of Ireland, with royal ties on both sides, Elizabeth Fitzgerald-known as Gera-finds her world overturned when Henry VIII imprisons her father, the Earl of Kildare, and brutally destroys her family. Torn from the home she loves, her remaining family scattered, Gera dares not deny the refuge offered her in England's glittering royal court. There she must navigate ever-shifting alliances even as she nurtures her secret desire for revenge. From County Kildare's lush green fields to London's rough-and-tumble streets and the royal court's luxurious pageantry, The Irish Princess follows the journey of a daring woman whose will cannot be tamed, and who won't be satisfied until she restores her family to its rightful place in Ireland. 

GIVEAWAY INFORMATION:

- To enter, please leave a comment below and include your email address.
- Giveaway is open to US ONLY.
- For +1 additional entry each, please help spread the word by blogging, posting on sidebar, tweeting or posting on Facebook.  You can use the SHARE buttons below and please include the info in the comment section below.
- Giveaway ends on February 23rd.

GOOD LUCK TO ALL!


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78 comments:

  1. Hi Amy
    Please enter me:
    I twittered and shared on Facebook..and also posted on sidebar on Blog O'The Irish.
    Thanks!!

    ReplyDelete
  2. I loved The Queen's Governess by Karen Harper so would love to give this book a try. I have had it on my Amazon wishlist for some time so winning a copy would help shrink that a little bit too!

    Candc320@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  3. I really enjoyed reading the interview. It sounds like even though this woman didn't really find a place in well-known history, she lived a fascinating life. I would love to read this book.
    twoofakind12@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  4. Interesting interview. I appreciate the fact that this is an author who follows the facts, and especially appreciate that she will 'fess up' when she doesn't. I love a HF novel with author's notes.
    lcbrower40(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  5. Greetings from Kildare, Ireland! Just wanted to say how much I'm looking forward to reading The Irish Princess.

    Kemberlee Shortland
    author of A Piece of My Heart
    set in the wild Irish west

    ReplyDelete
  6. Interesting interview and thanks for the great giveaway. Please enter me. Chris327@mac.com

    ReplyDelete
  7. Please enter me! I really want to read this book. Great interview!
    JDQ1175@aol.com ~ Let Them Read Books

    ReplyDelete
  8. Hi! I'd like to enter please :)
    kristy[at]dreamingbyday[dot]com

    ReplyDelete
  9. Hey Amy please enter me. Loved your interview like always!

    I twitted via share buttons.

    taylor_ward11@yahoo.com

    Taylor~ http://allthingshistoricalfiction.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  10. What a great giveaway! Thanks so much for the opportunity to win this fabulous book!

    tiger_fan_1997 AT yahoo DOT com

    ReplyDelete
  11. Oh I love her Tudor books. She is wonderful at writing faction and I love her author notes. As a history major I love authors who write like she does. Thanks Amy!

    Amanda
    libraryofmyown at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  12. I also shared on Facebook and tweeted under VegasBookGirl. Thanks!

    Amanda
    libraryofmyown at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  13. What a wonderful story! Elizabeth seems like such a strong woman that she could have been hard to get along with! But after her childhood, who could blame her for not trusting people.

    I'd love to read this book. Please enter me in the giveaway! You can reach me at allisonmharper@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  14. I really want to read this one!

    cmdaphne(at)tds(dot)net

    ReplyDelete
  15. I don't need to be entered, but just wanted to comment that marrying a navy man reminds me of Anne in Persuasion....

    ReplyDelete
  16. Thanks for the giveaway. I want to read this!

    +1 for blogging, http://bit.ly/hs5SDs

    lolahb at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  17. Do please enter my name in this fabulous giveaway. I would so much love to read this fascinating book.

    ReplyDelete
  18. Thanks for the great interview. I would love to read Gera's story.

    Please enter me in the drawing.

    cathy@kc.surewest.net

    ReplyDelete
  19. Shared on Twitter

    http://twitter.com/#!/BooksALoveStory

    kfehnel(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  20. Please enter me in the giveaway.

    justpeachy36@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  21. Poitical intrigue at its best, I would love to immerse myself in this time and place. Please enter me in this contest.

    I tweeted:
    http://www.passagestothepast.com/2011/02/interview-with-karen-harper-author-of.html?utm Giveaway of 'The Irish Princess'
    My Twitter name is Carolee888


    I also shared it on Facebook

    Carol Naomi Wong

    http://www.passagestothepast.com/2011/02/interview-with-karen-harper-author-of.html?utm Giveaway of 'The Irish Princess'


    CarolNWWong(at)aol(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  22. Oooh, please enter me.
    I shared on:
    facebook
    twitter
    google buzz
    thank you
    kaiminani at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  23. Please include me in your giveaway.
    Thanks
    debbie
    debdesk9(at)verizon.net

    ReplyDelete
  24. I would love to be entered for this. I enjoy reading about characters who are not your mainstream, frequently featured characters. Wonderful questions as always.

    I tweeted - http://twitter.com/#!/dolleygurl/status/35867680640737280.

    dolleygurl[at]hotmail[dot]com

    ReplyDelete
  25. I first read Karen's mysteries and had no idea she also wrote historicals. The English actions against the Irish has always been of interest to me. I look forward to reading this book.

    librarypat AT comcast DOT net

    ReplyDelete
  26. I posted this giveaway on Facebook via the share button as Patricia Barraclough.

    librarypat AT comcast DOT net

    ReplyDelete
  27. I tweeted this giveaway via the share button as pbbearclaw.

    librarypat AT comcast DOT net

    ReplyDelete
  28. Don't count me in but this sounds such a different story. I never knew about Gera at all - such a different perspective as well.

    ReplyDelete
  29. I'd love to win and reaad this one. Please enter me.

    follow on gfc

    mlawson17 at hotmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  30. Thank you for including me. =)
    tiredwkids at live dot com

    ReplyDelete
  31. I would LOVE to win this book! It looks like such a good read!
    I shared it on twitter! (twitter.com/kdaze10)

    kimbers10[at]yahoo[dot]com

    ReplyDelete
  32. I'd love to win this one!!

    LIS859@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  33. My SIL is Irish. I would love to give this book to her...after I read it of course :)



    taffy(dot)lovell@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  34. Great interview! I liked the discussion of blending fact and fiction the best, since I think it is very difficult to do, but so rewarding when done right! Thanks for coming out, Ms. Harper and thanks to Passages for having this!

    apereiraorama[at]gmail[dot]com

    ReplyDelete
  35. I would love to be entered! I tweeted http://twitter.com/bangersis/status/36186245843525632
    Thanks for the giveaway!
    bangersis(at)msn(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  36. Great Q&A! What an intriguing dinner that would be to sit in on. I have always included Elizabeth I in my historical dinner, but the other two always seem to be changing as, although Cleopatra pops in frequently.

    Thanks for the gieaway!
    DaSwee94(at)yahoo(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  37. Thanks for sharing this great interview! Gera's story sounds fascinating and The Irish Princess sounds like a wonderful read, so thank you for the giveaway opportunity too!

    jmartinez0415 [at] gmail [dot] com

    I tweeted about your post as well:
    http://twitter.com/#!/crazylilcuban/status/36271298359332864

    ReplyDelete
  38. Great interview! And good advice for new writers!

    meredithfl at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  39. I would love to read this book.

    choateorama(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  40. Good interview questions and I especially like your three people at dinner. Fab conversations indeed! Am now curious to read your book so thanks for the contest.
    jennygirl73[at]gmail[dot]com

    ReplyDelete
  41. I would love to win this book!!

    tweeted:
    http://twitter.com/#!/carriesymes/status/37254116921049089

    Facebook:
    http://www.facebook.com/#!/CarrieSymes/posts/190678400954489

    ReplyDelete
  42. Is this book the story of the Geraldine Conspiracy? If so I want to read it. (or if not, as well) As an irish descendant (and the childhood recpient of much 'blarney') I am starting to investgate Irish history. Up until the last few years, there has been a lack of a culture of Irish Pride after hundreds of years of poverty and discrimination. Finally, after the book "How the Irish Saved Civilization" we're starting to 'perk up'. Please enter me.
    annfesATyahooDOTcom

    ReplyDelete
  43. How wonderfully interesting! I'd love to give this a read.

    Tweeted: http://twitter.com/#!/afewmorepages/status/37369330312159232

    srfbluemama[at]gmail[dot]com

    ReplyDelete
  44. You always find the most wonderful books. Please count me in.

    I Tweeted:
    http://twitter.com/#!/LibbysLibrary/status/37592193837305856

    Posted on my FB wall:
    http://www.facebook.com/#!/permalink.php?story_fbid=130423933694332&id=1553088524

    libneas[at]aol[dot]com

    ReplyDelete
  45. I have loved all of Karen Harper's historicals - I am looking forward to reading this one. Please enter me.

    tmrtini at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  46. I am absolutely IN LOVE with this cover. And it sounds great, too!
    I tweeted. :)

    ~Misty
    mbradenwf AT gmail COM

    ReplyDelete
  47. I want to read Irish Princess, please enter me!

    ReplyDelete
  48. I'd love to read this - thanks!

    melydia@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  49. I'm back in town...we went to New Orleans for Valentines ;) Just catching up on all my blog reading and this was a wonderful interview. Haven't read anything historically about Ireland and England so this would be a wonderful start. Off to post on my sidebar...thanks Amy ;)
    Fondly, Roberta
    rlphilbr13@aol.com

    ReplyDelete
  50. Just posted this giveaway link to my sidebar: http://con-tain-it.typepad.com

    Roberta
    rlphilbr13@aol.com

    ReplyDelete
  51. Just tweeted and posted on facebook...love those share buttons ;)
    Roberta
    rlphilbr13@aol.com

    ReplyDelete
  52. Please enter me in this giveaway!
    - Shelli
    mljcwsu at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  53. Thanks for the giveaway! Looks like an interesting book!

    susanna dot pyatt at student dot rcsnc dot org

    ReplyDelete
  54. Very exciting giveaway! I like Karen Harper's books very much.

    ReplyDelete
  55. I would love to read this book! Thanks for the chance!

    ReplyDelete
  56. I would love to read this book - sounds great.

    clenna at aol dot com

    ReplyDelete
  57. I shared on my FB wall.
    http://www.facebook.com/clenna?ref=profile

    clenna at aol dot com

    ReplyDelete
  58. Looks like a good read! Love reading "faction>" lol
    aprilannbloom@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  59. I have not heard of this one. Would love to read it.

    lag110 at mchsi dot com

    ReplyDelete
  60. I have not heard of this one. Would love to read it.

    lag110 at mchsi dot com

    ReplyDelete
  61. Tweeted: http://twitter.com/lag32583/status/39479569895395328

    lag110 at mchsi dot com

    ReplyDelete
  62. Shared on FB: Lisa Holmes Garrett
    http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=625391422#!/permalink.php?story_fbid=199176750109281&id=625391422

    lag110 at mchsi dot com

    ReplyDelete
  63. I would love to win this book and give it to my mom. She LOVES Ireland!
    Thanks for the giveaway!
    Charlotte Kay
    charlovesmark at gmail dot com

    +1 I tweeted @CHAKASA58

    +1 I shared on FB: Charlotte Bushong Saltzman

    ReplyDelete
  64. I can't think of a subject that could interest me more! I'm proud of my Irish lineage and would love to read this book!
    Thanks for the chance to win a copy!

    Mzjohansen@Mac.com

    ReplyDelete
  65. I'd love to read this, as stories from all parts of the British Isles interest me!

    xdiandra_Rx@yahoo.com
    Diandra R.

    +1 for sharing on FB: Diandra Arr

    Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  66. I've never read a book centered on Irish royalty but the Lady's determination is familiar. Love to read this.

    nanze55(at)hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  67. Historical fiction is a new genre for me and I've liked what I've read so far. I haven't read anything by this author yet but by the looks of this cover and the synopsis I'm thinkin' that's about to change!

    BornajhawkATaolDOTcom

    ReplyDelete
  68. Tweeted giveaway: http://twitter.com/#!/MamaHendo3/status/40223733696167936

    BornajhawkATaolDOTcom

    ReplyDelete
  69. Posted giveaway on FB: http://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=181799225196691&id=1336711064

    BornajhawkATaolDOTcom

    ReplyDelete
  70. I would love to win!
    I shared on
    Facebook
    twitter
    google buzz

    It's on my sidebar at
    www.pricillaspeaks.blogspot.com
    www.brokenteepee.com

    Thanks so much
    kaiminani at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  71. I would love to read this!
    erunuevo@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  72. tweeted

    http://twitter.com/#!/erunuevo/status/40356626825216000

    ReplyDelete
  73. shared on facebook


    http://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=185220188182512&id=745243334

    ReplyDelete
  74. I would love to read The Irish Princess! Please enter me in this giveaway.

    bookloversarah1 at yahoo dot com

    Sarah E

    ReplyDelete
  75. Tweet:

    http://twitter.com/BookLoverSarah/status/40380788100829184

    bookloversarah1 at yahoo dot com

    Sarah E

    ReplyDelete
  76. Facebook:

    http://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=181549388555263&id=100002071774519

    bookloversarah1 at yahoo dot com

    Sarah E

    ReplyDelete
  77. Thank you for the great giveaway. This book sounds awesome Karen!

    StacieDM
    user1123 AT comcast DOT net
    I'm in the US

    ReplyDelete

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