Interview with Sharon Kay Penman + Giveaway of Lionheart

Passages to the Past is tickled pink to welcome author Sharon Kay Penman, whose newest novel, Lionheart, is being released in stores tomorrow!  Sharon has graciously stopped by for an interview and thanks to the publisher we have an ARC of Lionheart to give away to one lucky reader!

And now, the Passages to the Past interview with Sharon Kay Penman...

During your research for Lionheart, did you come across anything about Richard I that people would be surprised to know? 

I think almost everything about the Richard in Lionheart will be a surprise to my readers. He certainly was a surprise to me. The Richard of legend is like a smoldering torch, glowering, dour, and dangerous. The Richard who appears in the crusader and Saracen chronicles is quite different—with a lively and sardonic sense of humor, unpredictable, playful, and shrewd. I found him to be very complex, a “walking contradiction” like that wonderful Johnny Cash song. He was almost insanely reckless with his own safety, but he was a cautious battle commander, careful with the lives of his soldiers. He was ruthless, but capable of magnanimity, too, hot-tempered but capable of compromise, very prideful—yes, arrogant—but still able to laugh at himself. Not at all the man I expected to find. 

What do you most admire about Richard? 

I think what I most admired about Richard was his unexpected rapport with his Saracen enemies. Because he’d been the first prince to take the cross, I suppose I was expecting a religious zealot. The real Richard turned out to be a pragmatist, unwilling to assault Jerusalem because he was convinced it could not be taken, that an attack would be sacrificing lives for no purpose. In this, he was utterly at odds with his French allies, who believed they would prevail because they had God on their side. But Richard opened talks with Saladin as soon as he arrived in the Holy Land, arguing that a negotiated settlement was the only way they could gain some of their objectives. I don’t mean to imply he shrank from shedding blood when need be; he was the ultimate warrior-king, after all, and according to military historians, one of the most brilliant battle commanders of the Middle Ages. But he was a realist and saw at once that the crusaders were facing insurmountable strategic and logistical dis-advantages. I also liked the fact that he was so interested in the Saracens and their culture, that he never demonized his enemies as so many of the crusaders did. He actually formed unlikely friendships with Saladin’s brother and some of his emirs, and even knighted several of them—in the midst of a Holy War! But while I find that admirable, his contemporaries did not, and he would pay a high price for it when the returning French spread the word that he’d betrayed Christendom by making a devil’s deal with Saladin. 

Did you conduct any research traveling for Lionheart and if so, what was the most inspiring location you visited and why? 

I usually do a lot of traveling for research, for I think it helps enormously to see the places I am writing about. Lionheart was the exception. Because I was under such a tight deadline, I was unable to follow in Richard’s footsteps. Fortunately in the Age of the Internet, so much more is available to writers. For example, I wanted to see what the cliffs of Arsuf looked like, and was able to find a video on YouTube which showed men kite-jumping from its heights. I can tell you which location inspired me the most, however, even if I did not see it for myself—Sicily. The 12th century was Sicily’s Golden Age; it was the richest kingdom in Europe at that time, and its rulers enjoyed a lavish and spectacular lifestyle. My research made me very eager to see the palaces of Palermo and the cathedral at Monreale for myself. 

Can you give us a tease as to what readers will be treated to in Lionheart’s sequel, A King’s Ransom

Poor Richard—he had no idea what he was sailing into when he left Acre on that October night in 1192. He’d find himself facing savage storms at sea, an encounter with pirates, and a shipwreck that left him stranded in the lands of his enemies, with only 20 men at his side. And the worst was still to come. 

Can you take us through a day in your life while you are writing a novel? 

I do not set regular hours for writing as some writers do. I work on a chapter at a time, and I do not put it aside until I am at least 90% satisfied with it; I do not do multiple drafts. When I am ready to begin a chapter, I try to keep the real world at bay until it is done. So for me, the best days are those when I have no distractions and can immerse myself in the Middle Ages; at such times, I wish I had a moat around my house. I might write late into the night if the chapter is going well; I surface from time to time to catch my breath and feed the dogs. Once it is finished, I resume my normal life—or as normal as any writer’s life is—and continue researching until I am ready to dive into the next chapter. 

When did you decide you wanted to be a writer? And why historical fiction? 

I cannot remember a time when I did not write; my first “story” at age 6 was about a horse named Queenie. In my teens, I even wrote two novels, both of which have mercifully disappeared from the face of the earth. I never expected to make a living as a writer, though; when we hear of starving artists in their garrets, they usually have writers as roommates. I stumbled onto the story of Richard III by chance, and soon realized I wanted to write about him. After spending 12 years with Richard—mainly because the only copy of the manuscript was stolen after I’d been working on it for over 4 years—I knew I’d found my muse: the medieval world. Only once have I considered straying; for a time I thought about writing a novel set during the American Revolution, an idea I reluctantly abandoned once I realized I’d need 9 lives like a cat to do all the research required. 

What authors inspire you? 

Christy Brown comes to mind, the Irish writer and poet who suffered from a severe case of cerebral palsy and learned to write and draw with his only non-paralyzed limb, his left foot. His autobiography by that name and subsequent Down all the Days made him a literary sensation. Another writer I admire is Christine de Pisan, a 14th century Venetian-born woman who used her pen to support her children and family when she was widowed at age 25; she is considered to be Europe’s first woman to write professionally. And then there is a playwright from Stratford-upon-Avon named Shakespeare—even if he did engage in character assassination in a play named after the last Yorkist king, Richard III! 

What book would you like to read again for the first time? 

What a fascinating question—the first time ever that I’ve been asked it. My two all-time favorite books are Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird and Larry McMurtry’s Lonesome Dove. I know, the Odd Couple, for they are totally unlike, aside from being extraordinarily well written. So I guess I’d choose them for the pleasure of discovering their riches all over again. 

Do you have any advice for aspiring writers? 

Never to forget that writing is subjective and no matter how brilliant a novel, short story, poem is, there will be people who do not appreciate its genius. Just as medieval knights needed armor to survive, writers need to be able to accept criticism and somehow not to take it personally. Otherwise the inevitable rejections that we all experience can be devastating rather than discouraging, and the editing process itself can be painful. I personally feel that there is not a writer, living or dead, who could not benefit from good editing. We are too close to our own work sometimes, need to have another perspective; of course, I am blessed to have had the same wonderful editor for thirty years! 

For more information, please visit Sharon Kay Penman's WEBSITE and BLOG.

About the book...

SYNOPSIS

From the New York Times-bestselling novelist, a stunning story of a great medieval warrior-king, the accomplished and controversial son of Henry II and Eleanor of Aquitaine: Richard, Coeur de Lion. 

They were called "The Devil's Brood," though never to their faces. They were the four surviving sons of Henry Plantagenet and Eleanor of Aquitaine. With two such extraordinary parents, much was expected of them. 

But the eldest-charming yet mercurial-would turn on his father and, like his brother Geoffrey, meet an early death. When Henry died, Richard would take the throne and, almost immediately, set off for the Holy Land. This was the Third Crusade, and it would be characterized by internecine warfare among the Christians and extraordinary campaigns against the Saracens. And, back in England, by the conniving of Richard's youngest brother, John, to steal his crown. 

In Lionheart, Sharon Kay Penman displays her remarkable mastery of historical detail and her acute understanding of human foibles. The result is a powerful story of intrigue, war, and- surprisingly-effective diplomacy, played out against the roiling conflicts of love and loyalty, passion and treachery, all set against the rich textures of the Holy Land. 

Giveaway Information...

- To enter, please leave a comment below and include your email address (only comments with email addresses will be entered in the giveaway).
- Giveaway is open to US and Canada ONLY.
- For +5 additional entries become a follower of Passages to the Past. If you are already a follower you will automatically receive the bonus entries. 
- For +3 additional entries join the Passages to the Past FB Page.
- For +1 additional entry each, please help spread the word by blogging, posting on sidebar, tweeting or posting this giveaway on Facebook.  You can use the SHARE buttons below.
- Giveaway ends on October 11th.

Good luck to all!

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53 comments:

  1. I'm excited to read Lionheart!
    Thanks for the giveaway
    +5, +3

    sidhekist at gmail (dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  2. I would love to read Lionheart! Thank you for hosting this fascinating interview -
    teabird17 atyahoodotcom

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  3. What a wonderful interview with Sharon. The way she described the book and Richard I and his multiple complexities simply drew me right in. I look forward to reading this terrific novel.

    Connie Fischer
    conniecape@aol.com

    ReplyDelete
  4. I don't yet own an ereader so I would need a hard copy, either paperback or hardcover. Thanks for letting us know about this book. I put it on my TBR.


    maynekitty [at] live [dot] com

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  5. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  6. email subscriber maynekitty [at] live [dot] com

    ReplyDelete
  7. I have heard really good things about this book and I always love finding new series to follow! Thanks for the giveaway!

    +5 Passages to the Past follower (Colleen Turner).
    +3. Joined Facebook page (Colleen Turner).

    candc320@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  8. joined FB page

    maynekitty [at] live [dot] com

    ReplyDelete
  9. tweeted
    https://twitter.com/#!/maynekitty/status/120847524490780673

    maynekitty [at] live [dot] com

    ReplyDelete
  10. I would love to read Lionheart. Please enter me in contest. I am a follower and email subscriber. Tore923@aol.com

    ReplyDelete
  11. My son and I would both enjoy reading this. But I am confused by the which copy would you like comment.

    seknobloch(at)gmail(dot)com

    +5 follower

    ReplyDelete
  12. Thanks for an insightful interview.
    valleau@suddenlink.net

    +5 as follower

    ReplyDelete
  13. I am so looking forward to reading this one. I have all of Sharon's other books and would love to add this one to my collection. I am a follower of your blog and on facebook.

    tmrtini at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  14. I love, love, love books about real historical figures! I have never read up on Richard the Lionheart's history, so I would really enjoy reading this book :)

    +5, +3 Julie Witt

    +1 Tweeted: http://twitter.com/#!/jwitt33/status/120864540605943808

    jwitt33 at live dot com

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  15. I am not entering...

    I LOVE this book. Just about finished...aaaaah, historical fiction heaven.

    ReplyDelete
  16. Thank you for the giveaway. I would like to win this book in print form.

    +1 for comment
    +5 Follow
    +3 Fb-mamabunny13
    mamabunny13 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  17. This is near the top of my reading list.


    jen@losingtheshadow.com

    ReplyDelete
  18. Great interview! I would love to win a copy of Lionheart!
    roseLZ18(at)yahoo(dot)com

    I am a follower of this blog and of your FB page!

    ReplyDelete
  19. One of my favorite times in history.

    +5 Follower
    +3 FB Page

    ReplyDelete
  20. Well crud....I forgot to put my email address on the last post.

    Sorry!!

    jasmyn9[at]hotmail[dot]com

    ReplyDelete
  21. Oh I'm so excited for this book. I love how when you think you know something about someone and you research further you find out they are totally different. I can't wait to read it.

    Please enter me!
    +5 Follower
    +3 Facebook Follower
    +1 tweeted -http://twitter.com/#!/dolleygurl/status/121017555639992320
    +1 Google plus? - https://plus.google.com/102228823929512891015/posts?hl=en

    dolleygurl[at]hotmail[dot]com

    ReplyDelete
  22. I'd love to read this one!

    +5 GFC Follower
    +3 FB page follower
    +1 Tweeted the giveaway
    +1 Shared to giveaway

    Thanks so much!
    Beth
    bharbin07[at]gmail[dot]com

    ReplyDelete
  23. I admit I had not heard of this author until now, but this novel sounds very good and I would love a chance to win it.

    fullmoonbites[at]gmail[dot]com

    ReplyDelete
  24. I would love to read this one!
    I'm a follower. Thanks!

    Margaret
    singitm@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  25. While I've read books where Richard played a part, I don't ever think I've read a book that's been his story. I'd love to win a copy of this. And I'm a follower

    Shoshanahinla(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  26. i love historical fictions!! definitely adding Lionheart to my TBR list!!!!

    thank you for the giveaway!!!

    +5 old follower
    +3 FB page liker
    +1 sharing on my FB wall: www.facebook.com/cyn209

    cyn209(AT)juno(DOT)com

    ReplyDelete
  27. Great giveaway, I love historical fiction
    +5 new follower
    +3 joined FB page
    +1 listed giveaway on my blogsite
    bookloversparadise.blogspot.com
    +1 tweeted about giveaway
    @ljldml
    posted on my FB page
    Donna Lawrence

    ljldml@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  28. Would love to win. Thank you for the give-away. mkbrow@sbcglobal.net

    ReplyDelete
  29. This sounds like a great book and I have always loved Penman's books.

    5678dancer(@)gmail(.)com

    ReplyDelete
  30. why did it take me so long to enter this great giveaway? I love the Middle Ages, and am very curious about this one.
    Thanks for this book that sounds really great.
    I am a follower, here and on FB, and tweeted and posted this on FB.
    Emma @ Words And Peace
    ehc16e at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  31. Sharon was the first historical author I ever read and to this day, still my #1 favorite. She opened a whole new world to me and I can't wait to read her new book!
    Christa
    coldsberg@comcast.net

    ReplyDelete
  32. Great interview. I'm intrigued with the evidence of Richard's "personality" that the author found through her research--those intangibles are often tricky to determine from research. I'm delighted to have joined this website (how did I miss it so far?) and your Facebook group. Thanks! Judith Starkston

    ReplyDelete
  33. I should be receiving my copy of Lionheart (pre-ordered from Amazon) soon but if I win your giveaway, I could give it to my granddaughter. I love Sharon Kay Penman's books.

    My e-mail address is: macullen1@murray-ky.net.

    Thanks,
    Marjorie Stewart Cullen

    I'm a Facebook Friend and a Passages To The Past Follower

    ReplyDelete
  34. I would love to win a copy of Lionheart. I am a great fan of Sharon Kay Penman and share her work and Passages with others. I forgot my email address.
    ecol904046@aol.com

    ReplyDelete
  35. I love her advice to authors! What she said is so true -- one does need a Teflon coating to weather the criticism that is sure to follow any new book. Having been skewered for even daring to write "The Jewel of Medina," I can attest to that.

    I'd love to win this book. I'm a follower and a Facebook fan, and I sure will post this interview on my FB AND Twitter pages. sherry@authorsherryjones.com

    ReplyDelete
  36. Oh man, I love SKP. She is my favorite type of historical fiction writer. I desperately need to read more of her stuff.

    Thanks for the giveaway!

    I follow your blog, Facebook, and I'll re-post this on Facebook and Twitter.

    Cheers!
    Amanda

    ReplyDelete
  37. Forgot my email, sorry!!

    Amanda
    libraryofmyown at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  38. Looks interesting! I'd love to have a copy to read. Please enter me.
    layrichelle[at}gmail[dot}com

    ReplyDelete
  39. Thanks so much for the interview! I just adore SKP!!! Can't wait to get my hands on this one!

    robinbird_79 AT hotmail DOT com

    I already follow your blog and your FB page. :)

    ReplyDelete
  40. I would like to read this book! The author is new and the premise sounds exciting.

    GFC follower
    Cambonified (at) yahoo (dot) com

    ReplyDelete
  41. SKP was my favorite author when I was a teenager. I even wrote her a fan letter and got a lovely 3-page response back!

    I am a follower +5 and asked to join the Facebook page +3. Thanks for a great giveaway!

    Katherine
    katherinegypson@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  42. I would love to read this book!

    slkenn79@gmail.com

    - +5 additional entries - I am a follower of Passages to the Past.
    - +3 additional - I belong to the Passages to the Past FB Page.
    - +1 for sharing on FB
    - +1 for sharing on Twitter

    Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  43. I love, Love, LOVE Sharon Kay Penman's books! And I've been eagerly awaiting the release of LIONHEART. Thanks for sharing this lovely interview and for the chance to win a copy of what sounds like another fabulous book!

    +5 Follower
    +3 Requested to join PTTP on FB
    +1 Posted on sidebar at http://aseaofbooks.blogspot.com/
    +1 Tweet: http://twitter.com/#!/ASeaOfBooks/status/122355809165389824
    +1 Shared on FB

    ReplyDelete
  44. Think I forgot my email!!

    geebee.reads AT gmail DOT com

    ReplyDelete
  45. I've read everything Sharon's written, at least once, many twice! Can't wait to read Lionheart :)

    deniseincoralsprings@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  46. I forgot to say that I am a facebook follower and receive the emails from Passages. What a great website.
    Ecol904046@aol.com

    ReplyDelete
  47. I'm always up for a new Sharon Kay Penman book. =)

    tiredwkids at live dot com

    +5 already a follower
    +1 https://twitter.com/#!/forever913/status/123197215358468096

    ReplyDelete
  48. Just want to thank you for a great post! Sharon Kay Penman is one of my favorite authors and I enjoyed this interview very much. No need to enter me in the giveaway, my husband gave me a copy this weekend. The first fifty pages were fabulous! Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  49. Please enter me in the draw, and thanks for the giveaway!

    darlenesbooknook at gmail dot com

    +5 GFC follower(Darlene)

    +3 FB follower (Darlene's Book Nook)

    +1 for tweeting:
    http://twitter.com/#!/DarleneBookNook/status/123803310145806336

    ReplyDelete
  50. So sorry to have missed the giveaway, but I'll definitely be reading this one. SKP's The Sunne in Splendour is one of my favorite books.

    ReplyDelete
  51. +5 for being a follower
    +3 for following your facebook page
    +1 for blogging
    +1 for tweeting
    +1 for posting on facebook

    Thank you for the chance to win.

    griperang at embarqmail dot com

    http://griperangsbookmarks.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  52. My daughter lives for these books, would like to win this for her. Thank you for hosting the giveaway.

    +1 for tweeting (http://twitter.com/#!/wfnren/status/124268417824985088)

    wfnren(at)aol(dot)com
    wrensthoughts.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  53. mosthappyreader@gmail.com
    A follower of Passages to the Past.
    I've joined the Passages to the Past FB Page.
    Shared on FB, Twitter, G+ and Pinterest

    ReplyDelete

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