Stop by on November 1st to read my review! I am loving it so far!
Hello Candace and welcome to Passages to the Past! Thanks so much for stopping by today to talk about The Riverwoman’s Dragon!
To begin, can you please tell us a little about yourself and your writing?
Since doing my graduate work in medieval history and literature, I’ve been engaged in bringing to life the rich culture of the late medieval period, from the arts to the politics. That’s the beginning of my standard bio. Quite accurate! My first published book was The Apothecary Rose, the beginning of the Owen Archer series. The Riverwoman’s Dragon is the 13th book in the series. I’ve also written the Margaret Kerr trilogy, beginning with A Trust Betrayed, which is set at the beginning of the Scottish Wars of Independence in the late 13th/early 14th centuries. Also set in York, with three books so far, is the Kate Clifford series, beginning with The Service of the Dead. Writing as Emma Campion I published two novels about women in the court of King Edward III, The King’s Mistress (about Alice Perrers) and A Triple Knot (about Joan of Kent).
The Riverwoman’s Dragon is the 13th book in your Owen Archer series, what inspired you to write the series?
My fiendishly clever scheme was to use what I’d learned and loved in studying late medieval literature and culture in graduate school to write about my favorite city, York. The city was the second most important in England in the 14th century with a thriving merchant trade and an archbishop who was the second most powerful Churchman in the realm as well as serving as Lord Chancellor of England for a time.
What research did you undertake when writing this series?
How many hours do you have? Seriously, the research began long before I conceived of The Apothecary Rose (book 1) and it continues. I’ve planted herb gardens, traveled not just to locations used in the books but places that I knew had the best surviving examples of various aspects of medieval culture. I’ve sung in a medieval choir. I’ve tried spinning, weaving (both badly), hawking (the falconer called me a natural). I’ve have read and continue to read original and secondary sources, keeping up with new research. I’ve befriended historians and archeologists who graciously answer my questions. The research is a joy.
What was your favorite scene to write?
My favorite scenes to write in The Riverwoman’s Dragon were those in Magda’s point of view, which comprise half the book. I enjoyed being her.
What was the most difficult scene to write?
Always the most difficult scene for me is the very first. It evolves over time, yet I bleed over it on each iteration as if it will then be set in stone.
When did you know you wanted to be a writer?
I caught the writing bug when American Girl published a short poem I wrote about ballet. I think I was 8. The poem was for a class project. I preferred storytelling—I entertained my mother while she was ironing or sewing by spinning elaborate fairy tales, always with tragic endings. But I didn’t write them down yet. I was already on to the next one.
What does your daily writing routine look like?
My routine is simple: I write every day if possible. I rarely find it impossible. No set time. My writing is slow at the beginning of a project, gaining speed as it takes on shape and the characters are fully engaged. I play with word count goals but don’t flog myself if I don’t reach them; I know that to be self-defeating. The truth is, I’m always writing in my head, reading background, arguing with characters, who often wake me at night to correct my course.
What has been your greatest challenge as a writer? Have you been able to overcome it?
Marketing myself. I make it bearable by finding a way to have fun with it, whether it’s building my own website (of which I’m quite proud) or diving into Twitter.
What was the first historical novel you read?
Heaven knows. I was a voracious reader the moment I learned to distinguish words and devoured everything in the library. I have vague memories of biographies of Marie Antoinette, Alfred the Great, Paul Revere, and Martha Washington. My first distinct memory of medieval fiction was An Innocent Wayfaring by Marchette Chute. I adored it.
What is the last historical novel you read?
By the Edge of the Sword by C B Hanley, which will be out in November, I believe. Just before that I read Lauren Groff’s Matrix.
What appeals to you most about your chosen genre?
The built-in structure.
What historical time period do you gravitate towards the most with your personal reading?
Of late I’ve been enjoying the retelling of Greek myths and the Trojan War from the point of view of the women. Other than that, my bedtime reading is wildly eclectic.
Lastly, what are you working on next?
Owen Archer 14!
Thank you so much for stopping by today! I love this series and look forward to the next one!
When the wise woman Magda Digby is suspected of murder, Owen Archer sets out to prove her innocence in this intricately plotted medieval mystery.
May, 1375. Owen Archer returns from London to find York in chaos. While the citizens are living in terror of the pestilence which is spreading throughout the land, a new physician has arrived, whipping up fear and suspicion against traditional healers and midwives. With the backing of the new archbishop, he is especially hostile towards Magda Digby, the wise woman who has helped and healed the people of York for many years. At the same time, Magda is uneasy about the arrival of two long-lost kinsfolk. Though they say they are seeking her help, she senses a hidden agenda.
Magda’s troubles deepen when she discovers a body in the river near her home – and finds herself under suspicion of murder. Days later, fire rips through a warehouse in the city. Amongst the charred debris lies the body of a man – not burned, but stabbed in the back. Could there be a connection to the corpse in the river?
Determined to prove Magda’s innocence, Owen sets out to find answers – but the more he uncovers, the deeper the mystery becomes...
I’m Candace Robb, a writer/historian engaged in creating fiction about the late middle ages with a large cast of characters with whom I enjoy spending my days. Two series, the Owen Archer mysteries and the Kate Clifford mysteries, are set in late medieval York. The Margaret Kerr trilogy is set in early 14th century Scotland, at the beginning of the Wars of Independence. Two standalone novels (published under pseudonym Emma Campion) expand on the lives of two women in the court of King Edward III who have fascinated me ever since I first encountered them in history and fiction.
I am a dreamer. Writing, gardening, walking, dancing, reading, being with friends—there’s always a dreaming element.
Guest Post at Novels Alive
Tuesday, October 19
Excerpt at Books, Ramblings, and Tea
Thursday, October 21
Interview at Passages to the Past
Friday, October 22
Excerpt at I'm All About Books
Tuesday, October 26
Excerpt at Books & Benches
Wednesday, October 27
Review at Bookfrolic
Excerpt at The Cozy Book Blog
Thursday, October 28
Interview at Chicks, Rogues, and Scandals
Friday, October 29
Review at Coffee and Ink
Monday, November 1
Review at Passages to the Past
The giveaway ends on November 1st. You must be 18 or older to enter.
The Riverwoman's Dragon
To begin, can you please tell us a little about yourself and your writing?
Since doing my graduate work in medieval history and literature, I’ve been engaged in bringing to life the rich culture of the late medieval period, from the arts to the politics. That’s the beginning of my standard bio. Quite accurate! My first published book was The Apothecary Rose, the beginning of the Owen Archer series. The Riverwoman’s Dragon is the 13th book in the series. I’ve also written the Margaret Kerr trilogy, beginning with A Trust Betrayed, which is set at the beginning of the Scottish Wars of Independence in the late 13th/early 14th centuries. Also set in York, with three books so far, is the Kate Clifford series, beginning with The Service of the Dead. Writing as Emma Campion I published two novels about women in the court of King Edward III, The King’s Mistress (about Alice Perrers) and A Triple Knot (about Joan of Kent).
The Riverwoman’s Dragon is the 13th book in your Owen Archer series, what inspired you to write the series?
My fiendishly clever scheme was to use what I’d learned and loved in studying late medieval literature and culture in graduate school to write about my favorite city, York. The city was the second most important in England in the 14th century with a thriving merchant trade and an archbishop who was the second most powerful Churchman in the realm as well as serving as Lord Chancellor of England for a time.
What research did you undertake when writing this series?
How many hours do you have? Seriously, the research began long before I conceived of The Apothecary Rose (book 1) and it continues. I’ve planted herb gardens, traveled not just to locations used in the books but places that I knew had the best surviving examples of various aspects of medieval culture. I’ve sung in a medieval choir. I’ve tried spinning, weaving (both badly), hawking (the falconer called me a natural). I’ve have read and continue to read original and secondary sources, keeping up with new research. I’ve befriended historians and archeologists who graciously answer my questions. The research is a joy.
What was your favorite scene to write?
My favorite scenes to write in The Riverwoman’s Dragon were those in Magda’s point of view, which comprise half the book. I enjoyed being her.
What was the most difficult scene to write?
Always the most difficult scene for me is the very first. It evolves over time, yet I bleed over it on each iteration as if it will then be set in stone.
When did you know you wanted to be a writer?
I caught the writing bug when American Girl published a short poem I wrote about ballet. I think I was 8. The poem was for a class project. I preferred storytelling—I entertained my mother while she was ironing or sewing by spinning elaborate fairy tales, always with tragic endings. But I didn’t write them down yet. I was already on to the next one.
What does your daily writing routine look like?
My routine is simple: I write every day if possible. I rarely find it impossible. No set time. My writing is slow at the beginning of a project, gaining speed as it takes on shape and the characters are fully engaged. I play with word count goals but don’t flog myself if I don’t reach them; I know that to be self-defeating. The truth is, I’m always writing in my head, reading background, arguing with characters, who often wake me at night to correct my course.
What has been your greatest challenge as a writer? Have you been able to overcome it?
Marketing myself. I make it bearable by finding a way to have fun with it, whether it’s building my own website (of which I’m quite proud) or diving into Twitter.
What was the first historical novel you read?
Heaven knows. I was a voracious reader the moment I learned to distinguish words and devoured everything in the library. I have vague memories of biographies of Marie Antoinette, Alfred the Great, Paul Revere, and Martha Washington. My first distinct memory of medieval fiction was An Innocent Wayfaring by Marchette Chute. I adored it.
What is the last historical novel you read?
By the Edge of the Sword by C B Hanley, which will be out in November, I believe. Just before that I read Lauren Groff’s Matrix.
What appeals to you most about your chosen genre?
The built-in structure.
What historical time period do you gravitate towards the most with your personal reading?
Of late I’ve been enjoying the retelling of Greek myths and the Trojan War from the point of view of the women. Other than that, my bedtime reading is wildly eclectic.
Lastly, what are you working on next?
Owen Archer 14!
Thank you so much for stopping by today! I love this series and look forward to the next one!
The Riverwoman's Dragon by Candace Robb
Publication Date: October 1, 2021
Severn House
Series: Book 13 in the Owen Archer series
Genre: Historical Mystery
When the wise woman Magda Digby is suspected of murder, Owen Archer sets out to prove her innocence in this intricately plotted medieval mystery.
May, 1375. Owen Archer returns from London to find York in chaos. While the citizens are living in terror of the pestilence which is spreading throughout the land, a new physician has arrived, whipping up fear and suspicion against traditional healers and midwives. With the backing of the new archbishop, he is especially hostile towards Magda Digby, the wise woman who has helped and healed the people of York for many years. At the same time, Magda is uneasy about the arrival of two long-lost kinsfolk. Though they say they are seeking her help, she senses a hidden agenda.
Magda’s troubles deepen when she discovers a body in the river near her home – and finds herself under suspicion of murder. Days later, fire rips through a warehouse in the city. Amongst the charred debris lies the body of a man – not burned, but stabbed in the back. Could there be a connection to the corpse in the river?
Determined to prove Magda’s innocence, Owen sets out to find answers – but the more he uncovers, the deeper the mystery becomes...
Amazon | Barnes and Noble | IndieBound
About the Author
I am a dreamer. Writing, gardening, walking, dancing, reading, being with friends—there’s always a dreaming element.
Website | Facebook | Twitter | BookBub
Blog Tour Schedule
Monday, October 18Guest Post at Novels Alive
Tuesday, October 19
Excerpt at Books, Ramblings, and Tea
Thursday, October 21
Interview at Passages to the Past
Friday, October 22
Excerpt at I'm All About Books
Tuesday, October 26
Excerpt at Books & Benches
Wednesday, October 27
Review at Bookfrolic
Excerpt at The Cozy Book Blog
Thursday, October 28
Interview at Chicks, Rogues, and Scandals
Friday, October 29
Review at Coffee and Ink
Monday, November 1
Review at Passages to the Past
Giveaway
Enter to win a copy of The Riverwoman's Dragon by Candace Robb! We have 1 copy available to the US and 1 to the UK.The giveaway ends on November 1st. You must be 18 or older to enter.
The Riverwoman's Dragon
Thank you, Amy!
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