Please welcome author D.L. Bogdan, who is here at Passages to the Past today to answer a few questions and give away a copy of her latest novel, THE SUMERTON WOMEN, in honor of her virtual book tour!
The Sumerton Women is the story of three women whose lives are intertwined against the backdrop of the British Reformation, and how each woman deals with the consequences of their choices—some of them good, some extremely destructive. I have always been fascinated with human psychology and motivation, and am drawn to any era, event, or historical figure I can use to illustrate that in the most emotionally charged, fast paced, and relatable way I can. I feel the human condition is timeless, and finding ways to keep it fresh, moving, and interesting is one of the reasons historical fiction can be so compelling. I also have had a long standing interest in the Reformation and wanted to touch upon the elements I found would provide the most conflict for the human spirit.
Have you always wanted to be a writer? And did you always want to write historical fiction?
I have always wanted to be a writer. No matter what other career I was entertaining notions of at any given time in my life, writing was always there. It is my coping mechanism, my escape, and my passion. No matter if I continue to be fortunate enough to keep being published or not, writing will always be an extremely important element of my life. I have always enjoyed reading historical fiction and writing it was a very important goal to reach. I love bringing events and historical figures to life and endeavor to give original interpretations of them that I hope readers find captivating and entertaining. However, I do not want to limit myself to one particular genre. I hope to experiment with a few different styles and genres to keep challenging myself and hopefully show my readers that I can be eclectic and grow as a writer.
What is your favorite part of the writing process? What do you find the most difficult?
My favorite part is the escape to another world, getting lost in an era, and falling in love with my characters, whether they are of my own creation or are historical figures. I love being hot on the trail of good, fun research (which is a double edged sword, because at times it is extremely challenging cross-referencing and trying to figure out which source is the most reliable), and discovering the paths it takes me on, which often inspires much different—and better—plot twists than what was in my original vision for the novel. Difficult aspects of writing for me are finding the time to do it where I can focus wholly on the project, second guessing myself after publication and realizing I could have done something better, knowing all I can do is note it, learn from it, and apply that lesson to my next work. Then of course there is the fear of it not being well-received. During the creation phase itself there are times I get stuck on a scene, which stops the process for a time until I figure out what went wrong and how to fix it, and other times where an idea needs to be totally reworked, which can be discouraging when I’m more than half-way through a novel! Despite those pitfalls, however, it’s a compulsion I can’t deny myself. I may curse at my computer and lament at never finishing the work at hand (“I’ll never be able to write again!” is something my husband hears quite frequently). But at the end of the day, there I am again, plodding away, starry eyed and wrapped up in my favorite world. And that makes all those headaches worth it.
What advice do you have for aspiring authors?
Never, never give up! If you are writing expecting great financial gains you should pick a different career. Write for the sheer love and joy of it; write because it’s your passion. It is too difficult a career to do for any other reason than love of your characters, your story, and your readers. Discern between a “hater” and a constructive critic—disregard the former and learn from the latter (the former will make you stronger, the latter will make you better). Grow a thick skin and keep your mind open to learning new things—learn from your mistakes, don’t be ashamed of them, and keep plugging along. Submit, submit, submit to every agent receptive to your genre and follow their guidelines. Once the publication process begins, network with other authors and find a good mentor to guide you (you can of course start that before you are picked up by anyone)—that part of the ride can be rocky and it is made much easier when you have the compassionate ear of someone who knows what you are going through as it can be an isolating, at times lonely, career. Most of all, however, always believe in yourself and your work!
Can you tell us about your next project?
I can’t yet disclose the exact nature of my next work, but I can say it is another historical about a very fascinating person and I absolutely cannot wait to unveil her to the world.
If you could read any book again for the first time, what would it be and why?
Probably East of Eden. I love John Steinbeck; his writing and character development is hard to match. The emotion he evokes is priceless. His ironic humor mingled with the extreme poignancy of his work is a remarkable talent. I try to read that book (and a few other favorites) every 10 years or so, because at different stages of my life I gain new perspectives from it. So in a way, it is like reading it for the first time all over again.
What books have you currently read and enjoyed?
I have been so mired in research that I haven’t had as much time for pleasure-reading as I like. However one work that moved me tremendously was Alan Brennert’s MOLOKA’I. I cannot say enough about how powerful that book was, how touching and brave its heroine, and how beautiful the writing. It really is a treasure. I am trying to get in touch with the classics again and am reading Charles Dickens’ GREAT EXPECTATIONS after seeing the 1946 version of the movie as an adult and falling in love with it again, and my brother just lent me THE HUNGER GAMES so I’m eager to check that out as well. That and a long, long to-read list that keep growing!
What authors have inspired you?
The aforementioned John Steinbeck, Colleen McCullough, Margaret Mitchell, and Boris Pasternak to name a few. Their diverse styles and talents never fail to awe and motivate me. And several of my peers who are too many to mention but are all inspiring and great examples to learn from as well. I still believe the adage that the best way to learn to write is to keep reading!
About The Sumerton Women
Publication Date: April 24, 2012 | Kensington Publishing | 384p
{SYNOPSIS}
Orphaned at age eight, Lady Cecily Burkhart becomes the ward of Harold
Pierce, Earl of Sumerton. Lord Hal and his wife, Lady Grace, welcome
sweet-natured Cecily as one of their own. With Brey, their young son,
Cecily develops an easy friendship. But their daughter, Mirabella, is
consumed by her religious vocation - and by her devotion to Father Alec
Cahill, the family priest and tutor. As Henry VIII's obsession with Anne
Boleyn leads to violent religious upheaval, Mirabella is robbed of her
calling and the future Cecily dreamed of is ripped away in turn. Cecily
struggles to hold together the fractured household while she and Father
Alec grapple with a dangerous mutual attraction. Plagued with jealousy,
Mirabella unleashes a tumultuous chain of events that threatens to
destroy everyone around her, even as the kingdom is torn apart...
About D.L. Bogdan
D.L. Bogdan is an ongoing student of history, musician, and avid reader who enjoys travel, the outdoors, and time with her family and friends. She is a proud wife and mother who makes her home in central Wisconsin. She is the author of Secrets of the Tudor Court, Rivals in the Tudor Court and The Sumerton Women.
D.L. Bogdan is an ongoing student of history, musician, and avid reader who enjoys travel, the outdoors, and time with her family and friends. She is a proud wife and mother who makes her home in central Wisconsin. She is the author of Secrets of the Tudor Court, Rivals in the Tudor Court and The Sumerton Women.
Giveaway Information
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Interesting post. The book sounds so interesting, and I love the cover. Noted with interest the author's comment about Moloka'i -- it is one of my favorites also.
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This book has been recommended to me!
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I'm a new google follower
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New google follower with email address this time.
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I loved DL's Rivals in the Tudor Court. She is able to create real and believable drama that drips from the pages!
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allisonmharper@hotmail.com
Despite popular appeal of Henry VIII times I think we often forget what a tyrant he was. How he utterly destroyed lives. This novel seems a unique microcosm of one family's suffering. I would love to win it, if I may. I am a longtime follower of your blog. Please enter me!
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Please include me in the giveaway... I'm a follower through GFC.
ReplyDeleteI loved her answer about re-reading for the first time. I remember reading East of Eden for the first time...amazing!
Sounds like a great story, in a deliciously dark way.
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Enter me please! I'd love to read more historical fiction!
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Thanks!
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Ooohhhh, please enter me in the giveaway! I really enjoyed the first two Tudor Court books. Thanks so much for the awesome chance to win this book!
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Amy
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This book looks very interesting...please enter me in the drawing : ) Thanks ! Lynda
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Can't wait to read this book!!
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Thank you for the chance to win this book. I can't wait to read it.
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This book looks really good!
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I'm a follower- thanks for the giveaway!
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Sounds great, looks great, please count me in!
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This sounds like an interesting book to read.
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Please enter me in the giveaway. I am a follower. Thanks!
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TheSumertonWomen sounds like a book i would enjoy!!!!
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Looks like a great book, I loved her first.
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another great giveaway - and i really enjoy this author!
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I would love to read THE SUMERTON WOMEN thank you. It looks amazing.
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I've been hearing a lot about this one! Sounds like a good book.
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I've been wanting to read this one, and I'm a follower!
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Always enjoy a good historical novel.
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sounds great!
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I would love to read this awesome book. Thank you for the giveaway.
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The favorite part of your writing process happens to be a favorite reason for me to read. I love getting lost n a book and even different era.
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