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!

Hi Amy
ReplyDeletePlease enter me:
I twittered and shared on Facebook..and also posted on sidebar on Blog O'The Irish.
Thanks!!
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!
ReplyDeleteCandc320@gmail.com
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.
ReplyDeletetwoofakind12@yahoo.com
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.
ReplyDeletelcbrower40(at)gmail(dot)com
Greetings from Kildare, Ireland! Just wanted to say how much I'm looking forward to reading The Irish Princess.
ReplyDeleteKemberlee Shortland
author of A Piece of My Heart
set in the wild Irish west
Interesting interview and thanks for the great giveaway. Please enter me. Chris327@mac.com
ReplyDeletePlease enter me! I really want to read this book. Great interview!
ReplyDeleteJDQ1175@aol.com ~ Let Them Read Books
Hi! I'd like to enter please :)
ReplyDeletekristy[at]dreamingbyday[dot]com
Hey Amy please enter me. Loved your interview like always!
ReplyDeleteI twitted via share buttons.
taylor_ward11@yahoo.com
Taylor~ http://allthingshistoricalfiction.blogspot.com/
What a great giveaway! Thanks so much for the opportunity to win this fabulous book!
ReplyDeletetiger_fan_1997 AT yahoo DOT com
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!
ReplyDeleteAmanda
libraryofmyown at gmail dot com
Please enter me!
ReplyDeleteElisha
I also shared on Facebook and tweeted under VegasBookGirl. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteAmanda
libraryofmyown at gmail dot com
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.
ReplyDeleteI'd love to read this book. Please enter me in the giveaway! You can reach me at allisonmharper@hotmail.com
I really want to read this one!
ReplyDeletecmdaphne(at)tds(dot)net
I don't need to be entered, but just wanted to comment that marrying a navy man reminds me of Anne in Persuasion....
ReplyDeleteThanks for the giveaway. I want to read this!
ReplyDelete+1 for blogging, http://bit.ly/hs5SDs
lolahb at gmail dot com
Do please enter my name in this fabulous giveaway. I would so much love to read this fascinating book.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the great interview. I would love to read Gera's story.
ReplyDeletePlease enter me in the drawing.
cathy@kc.surewest.net
Shared on Twitter
ReplyDeletehttp://twitter.com/#!/BooksALoveStory
kfehnel(at)gmail(dot)com
Please enter me in the giveaway.
ReplyDeletejustpeachy36@yahoo.com
Poitical intrigue at its best, I would love to immerse myself in this time and place. Please enter me in this contest.
ReplyDeleteI 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
Oooh, please enter me.
ReplyDeleteI shared on:
facebook
twitter
google buzz
thank you
kaiminani at gmail dot com
Please include me in your giveaway.
ReplyDeleteThanks
debbie
debdesk9(at)verizon.net
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.
ReplyDeleteI tweeted - http://twitter.com/#!/dolleygurl/status/35867680640737280.
dolleygurl[at]hotmail[dot]com
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.
ReplyDeletelibrarypat AT comcast DOT net
I posted this giveaway on Facebook via the share button as Patricia Barraclough.
ReplyDeletelibrarypat AT comcast DOT net
I tweeted this giveaway via the share button as pbbearclaw.
ReplyDeletelibrarypat AT comcast DOT net
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.
ReplyDeleteI'd love to win and reaad this one. Please enter me.
ReplyDeletefollow on gfc
mlawson17 at hotmail dot com
Thank you for including me. =)
ReplyDeletetiredwkids at live dot com
I would LOVE to win this book! It looks like such a good read!
ReplyDeleteI shared it on twitter! (twitter.com/kdaze10)
kimbers10[at]yahoo[dot]com
I'd love to win this one!!
ReplyDeleteLIS859@gmail.com
My SIL is Irish. I would love to give this book to her...after I read it of course :)
ReplyDeletetaffy(dot)lovell@gmail.com
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!
ReplyDeleteapereiraorama[at]gmail[dot]com
I would love to be entered! I tweeted http://twitter.com/bangersis/status/36186245843525632
ReplyDeleteThanks for the giveaway!
bangersis(at)msn(dot)com
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.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the gieaway!
DaSwee94(at)yahoo(dot)com
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!
ReplyDeletejmartinez0415 [at] gmail [dot] com
I tweeted about your post as well:
http://twitter.com/#!/crazylilcuban/status/36271298359332864
Great interview! And good advice for new writers!
ReplyDeletemeredithfl at gmail dot com
I would love to read this book.
ReplyDeletechoateorama(at)gmail(dot)com
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.
ReplyDeletejennygirl73[at]gmail[dot]com
I would love to win this book!!
ReplyDeletetweeted:
http://twitter.com/#!/carriesymes/status/37254116921049089
Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/#!/CarrieSymes/posts/190678400954489
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.
ReplyDeleteannfesATyahooDOTcom
How wonderfully interesting! I'd love to give this a read.
ReplyDeleteTweeted: http://twitter.com/#!/afewmorepages/status/37369330312159232
srfbluemama[at]gmail[dot]com
You always find the most wonderful books. Please count me in.
ReplyDeleteI 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
I have loved all of Karen Harper's historicals - I am looking forward to reading this one. Please enter me.
ReplyDeletetmrtini at gmail dot com
I am absolutely IN LOVE with this cover. And it sounds great, too!
ReplyDeleteI tweeted. :)
~Misty
mbradenwf AT gmail COM
I want to read Irish Princess, please enter me!
ReplyDeleteI'd love to read this - thanks!
ReplyDeletemelydia@hotmail.com
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 ;)
ReplyDeleteFondly, Roberta
rlphilbr13@aol.com
Just posted this giveaway link to my sidebar: http://con-tain-it.typepad.com
ReplyDeleteRoberta
rlphilbr13@aol.com
Just tweeted and posted on facebook...love those share buttons ;)
ReplyDeleteRoberta
rlphilbr13@aol.com
Please enter me in this giveaway!
ReplyDelete- Shelli
mljcwsu at yahoo dot com
Thanks for the giveaway! Looks like an interesting book!
ReplyDeletesusanna dot pyatt at student dot rcsnc dot org
Very exciting giveaway! I like Karen Harper's books very much.
ReplyDeleteI would love to read this book! Thanks for the chance!
ReplyDeleteI would love to read this book - sounds great.
ReplyDeleteclenna at aol dot com
I shared on my FB wall.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.facebook.com/clenna?ref=profile
clenna at aol dot com
Looks like a good read! Love reading "faction>" lol
ReplyDeleteaprilannbloom@yahoo.com
I have not heard of this one. Would love to read it.
ReplyDeletelag110 at mchsi dot com
I have not heard of this one. Would love to read it.
ReplyDeletelag110 at mchsi dot com
Tweeted: http://twitter.com/lag32583/status/39479569895395328
ReplyDeletelag110 at mchsi dot com
Shared on FB: Lisa Holmes Garrett
ReplyDeletehttp://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=625391422#!/permalink.php?story_fbid=199176750109281&id=625391422
lag110 at mchsi dot com
I would love to win this book and give it to my mom. She LOVES Ireland!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the giveaway!
Charlotte Kay
charlovesmark at gmail dot com
+1 I tweeted @CHAKASA58
+1 I shared on FB: Charlotte Bushong Saltzman
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!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the chance to win a copy!
Mzjohansen@Mac.com
I'd love to read this, as stories from all parts of the British Isles interest me!
ReplyDeletexdiandra_Rx@yahoo.com
Diandra R.
+1 for sharing on FB: Diandra Arr
Thanks!
I've never read a book centered on Irish royalty but the Lady's determination is familiar. Love to read this.
ReplyDeletenanze55(at)hotmail.com
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!
ReplyDeleteBornajhawkATaolDOTcom
Tweeted giveaway: http://twitter.com/#!/MamaHendo3/status/40223733696167936
ReplyDeleteBornajhawkATaolDOTcom
Posted giveaway on FB: http://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=181799225196691&id=1336711064
ReplyDeleteBornajhawkATaolDOTcom
I would love to win!
ReplyDeleteI 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
I would love to read this!
ReplyDeleteerunuevo@hotmail.com
tweeted
ReplyDeletehttp://twitter.com/#!/erunuevo/status/40356626825216000
shared on facebook
ReplyDeletehttp://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=185220188182512&id=745243334
I would love to read The Irish Princess! Please enter me in this giveaway.
ReplyDeletebookloversarah1 at yahoo dot com
Sarah E
Tweet:
ReplyDeletehttp://twitter.com/BookLoverSarah/status/40380788100829184
bookloversarah1 at yahoo dot com
Sarah E
Facebook:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=181549388555263&id=100002071774519
bookloversarah1 at yahoo dot com
Sarah E
Thank you for the great giveaway. This book sounds awesome Karen!
ReplyDeleteStacieDM
user1123 AT comcast DOT net
I'm in the US