I am delighted to welcome back author Wendy J. Dunn, whose latest novel ‘The Light in the Labyrinth: The Last Days of Anne Boleyn’ was recently published by Metropolis Ink.
Be sure to leave a comment after our interview, for your chance to win a copy of ‘The Light in the Labyrinth’, kindly donated by the author.
Conditions of Entry
For your chance to win a copy of The Light in the Labyrinth: The Last Days of Anne Boleyn you must be subscribed to On the Tudor Trail’s newsletter (if you are not already, sign up on our homepage).
Then simply leave a comment after this post between now and 12 October 2014. Don’t forget to leave your name and a contact email.
This giveaway is open internationally.
A winner will be randomly selected and contacted by email once the competition closes. Please ensure you’ve added natalie@onthetudortrail.com to your address book to avoid missing my email.
Good luck!
20 Questions with Wendy J. Dunn
When did you realise that you wanted to become a writer?
I knew I wanted to be a writer at eight, Natalie. Two years later, I won, for a poem, my first writing contest, and only a few months before that, a friend had given me a child’s book of English history for my tenth birthday. Powerfully, I connected to one of its chapters, the chapter telling the story of Elizabeth Tudor. Only months after that, I watched Anne of The Thousand Days, a film that struck deeply into my psyche.
But claiming a writer’s mantle meant walking a hard, long and challenging road. My father and mother, both from working class backgrounds, did not encourage me to write – or even to complete High School. The best narrative offered for my future life was marriage and children.
My family moved to the country just after my thirteenth birthday. Country life nourished my imagination and allowed me time and internal space for daydreams. On my frequent, long walks as a teenager, I found myself stopping in my path to listen to the wind’s voice, kilometres away, as it whined its way through legions of trees to finally reach where I stood. On hills, I watched the fury of storms from afar – lightning cracking apart the sky before my eyes.
Treading upon dirt tracks marked by signs of wild life and the slithering passage of a snake, I paused in awe before deep valleys turned into pale oceans of dawn-kissed mists and became swept away by the beauty of the moment.
An important part to the development of my imagination was the fact the bus journey to my High School took about one hour. I always had a serial daydream to tap into during the morning ride, either constructing possible life scenarios for myself or building up fantasy worlds.
The summer I turned sixteen I disappeared in my bedroom and attempted my first novel. But at the end of Year 11, my English teacher shattered my confidence about pursuing a career in writing. I left school at seventeen and found work in a shoe shop. I met my husband during this time, married him at eighteen and had our first child ten months later. Not only a lack of confidence kept me from writing, but also a culturally imposed belief that I couldn’t write as a wife and mother. I was twenty-two when my second son’s traumatic birth awoke me from that half-life. I returned to writing, seizing on it as my preferred form of communication, my way to make sense of life.
But writing had to fit into my busy life, a life that saw me in vital roles as a wife and mother of four children, as well as working as a teacher. Like many women writers, I have struggled to find the time and energy to write. I also see my family as far more important than any writing I will ever do, so writing always plays second fiddle to my family. Still, I write because I have to; I have also found it very true that perseverance furthers.
What sparked your interest in Anne Boleyn?
My interest in Anne was first fired through my interest in her daughter, Elizabeth. As a child and teenage girl, Elizabeth’s story of survival helped me surmount and survive what I can only describe as my difficult early years. But once I became a wife and mother, I turned more and more to Anne’s story. Completing my PhD really brought home the reasons why her story speaks so deeply to my own experience as a woman. I believe Eric Ives was very right to describe Anne Boleyn as a feminist icon. She was a woman who seized her voice in a time when a virtuous woman meant a silent woman. I have always loved Anne’s spirit and sharp intelligence – as Henry VIII once said, just before he murdered her, she was a woman who possessed a stout heart.
Tell us about your book, The Light in the Labyrinth: The Last Days of Anne Boleyn.
The Light in the Labyrinth tells my imagined story of Katherine Carey, the teenage niece of Anne Boleyn, during the months leading up to Anne Boleyn’s execution. It was a story very much birthed from that vital question used by writers to birth their fiction: What if? The ‘What if” question that drove this work was: “What if Anne Boleyn’s execution was witnessed by her niece, Katherine Carey?”
Over the years of researching the Tudors, I had regularly come across the suggestion in history books that Katherine Carey had accompanied Anne Boleyn to the Tower. A few historians have also suggested that she remained with Anne Boleyn during the days of her imprisonment and was a witness to her death. For years, I had discounted this because most historians claim Katherine was born in 1524, which meant she was no more than twelve at the time of Anne Boleyn’s execution. I could not believe Anne Boleyn would have as one of her witnesses to her execution a girl of twelve. Even sixty-seven years in the future, a girl of thirteen was “held too young” to sit by the body of Elizabeth I during the nights and days of ‘Watching over the Dead’ (Cressy 1997, p. 428).
But then I read Varlow’s ‘Sir Francis Knollys’s Latin dictionary: new evidence for Katherine Carey’. This article increased the uncertainty of Katherine’s birth year, and I found myself considering the possibility Kate Carey was indeed fourteen at the time of Anne Boleyn’s execution. That was the point I could free my imagination to begin this novel in earnest.
The Light in the Labyrinth is also a work that came out of my desire to make sense of Anne Boleyn’s murder – why did Henry VIII kill a woman he had loved so much he turned his kingdom upside down in his efforts to marry her? My first Tudor novel, Dear Heart, How Like You This?, brought me to a belief that it was far too simple to say that it was purely because she failed to give him a son. I hoped revisiting the life and death of Anne Boleyn through the eyes of her teenage niece Katherine Carey in this novel would help deepen my understanding about this time. And it did…
Why did you decide to write a young adult novel?
In 2009 I received, from my then agent, the twelfth rejection for my second Tudor work, the first book of a planned trilogy on the life of Katherine of Aragon. My agent’s email made it clear that this was the last time she would be sending out this particular work to publishers. However, my agent also wrote that the themes of this novel had made her wonder if I should be writing for young adults. She encouraged me to target this age group because she had editors interested in young adult historical fiction. It was late 2010 before I took her advice. By then, I no longer had an agent, but had started on my PhD. I decided to work on a young adult historical for my Phd artefact.
What makes a great YA novel?
Smile, I think that is a question for young adults to answer! But as someone who has tried her best to write for this audience, I not only constructed a character of similar age to my target reader, but also constructed a story that engaged with many familiar, and timeless experiences of young adults, problems like mother issues, a broken home, an absent father, sexual awakening, et cetera. It was my hope that by doing so my young adult reader would empathise with my Kate.
What three new skills would you like to learn?
I’d love to direct a play one of these days, as well as be brave enough to act on stage. The third thing is to make a reasonably authentic Tudor gown!
What is something surprising that you learnt about the Tudors during your research?
When I discovered Katherine of Aragon was just as fascinating as Anne Boleyn. That really only came home to me during the time I researched my first novel, Dear Heart, How Like You This? Before that novel, I was so fixated on Anne Boleyn and her daughter Elizabeth I didn’t really see or care about Katherine of Aragon. Nowadays, you could say I love Anne and Katherine equally.
Name 5 people/accounts you follow on Twitter.
Of course I follow your twitter account, Natalie, @OntheTudorTrail, @QueenAnneBoleyn, @AnneBoleynFiles, @HNSAustralasia and @UNICEFEducation.
Describe a day in your life when you are writing. Do you follow any rituals?
Clean kitchen. Get washing sorted out for the day. Make coffee and settle down to write. Try not to mind interruptions. Many, many, many interruptions.
What women in history do you most admire?
Beatriz Galindo, Anne Boleyn, Katherine of Aragon, Elizabeth I, Saint Teresa of Avilla, Caroline Chisholm, Helen Keller – so many, really…
What does your writing space look like?
The way I like it: I’m surrounded by books!
What is your favourite film?
Smile, beside Anne of the Thousand Days? Hmmmm – in recent times, I really loved Agora – truly it is a film that presents a powerful story of history that speaks to our own times.
What is something most people don’t know about you?
I have a thing about the number 13. Silly, I know.
What are a few of the books on your TBR list?
OMG – completing a PhD has resulted in a tower of books on my TBR list! I really don’t know where to start…Hmmm…I am still waiting for my local bookshop to ring me and tell me that “Love Never Dies by Karina Machado” has finally arrived. I’m really looking forward to reading that! Then I have Neil Gaiman’s novel, The Ocean at the End of the Lane, which I received as a Christmas present and only now have put on my bedside table to read. I also reading The Last Knight Errant: Sir Edward Woodville and the Age of Chivalry by Christopher Wilkins.
Describe your perfect Friday night.
A candle lit dinner party with good friends! I’m very much a past-time with good company kind of woman!
What characteristic do you admire most in others?
The ability to stand up for your convictions, no matter what.
Are you currently working on any new books?
Yes. Kind of. I have two book projects in mind for my next major work, but I can’t make up my mind which one to commit to. I am also suffering burn out from completing a PhD. I’m thinking it might be best to catch my breath, catch up with my TBR list – and then start working in earnest on a new project in the new year.
What gives you hope?
Children. I was very blessed to have four of my own, and I am not yet an empty nester. Smile – my youngest has just turned eighteen and is now looking forward to 2015, when he finishes High School and considers his future options. I also feel very privileged to have worked as a primary teacher for over twenty-five years. All during my teaching career, children have given me great hope for the future.
What do you like to do outside of writing?
I love reading, learning about the Tudors, going to the movies, mentoring beginning writers, spending time with family and friends, and travelling to new places.
If you could swap places with a person from the past for one day, who would it be?
I’d swap places with Mary I on the day of Lady Jane Grey’s execution. As Mary, I would stop the execution, and live in hope that Mary returned to her own time, place and body would reconsider letting this terrible event go ahead. Mary had a very good heart and history provides evidence that she was fond of Jane. I believe Jane’s death was the final end of Mary’s hope of ever finding true happiness in her life. How could she find happiness with a man like Philip of Spain? Mary’s life became a wasteland of dead hopes for children of her own, and a man who truly loved her. She also died knowing she had failed England as its Queen.
And of course my heart breaks thinking about Jane, a girl of only sixteen, and her tragic life and death.
Visit Wendy J. Dunn’s official website: http://wendyjdunn.com/
Nice interview. I am so impressed that Wendy Dunn knew by the time she was only 8 years old that she wanted to be a writer! This sounds like a good book. It’s defintely going on my wishlist.
<3
Great interview with the author and am looking forward to reading her book.
Very nice of you to gift one of her books.
I would love to have a copy of this book!
Great interview! I would love to have a copy of this new book. Read Dear Heart…. a few years ago, and it is on the “keeper” shelf for sure!
Thank you, Amanda!
Good luck!
Wendy
I would love a copy of this book. I had the pleasure of visiting England (from South Africa)for the first time last year September and I simply fell in love with Tudor History and Anne’s story.
Sounds like a great read. Thanks for the chance to win a copy.
Definitely need to read this!
Interesting looking forward to reading other side of poor Anne’s demise
I am very much looking forward to reading this book! I always enjoy reading about Tudor history from the more minor characters’ point of view.
Your writing space made me smile. I’d be totally at home there.
marypres(AT)gmail(DOT)com
Smile – utterly love all my books, Mary. My ‘reading/writing with laptop chair’ faces my Tudor bookcase – and I find that very inspiring when I’m writing.
All the best,
Wendy
I’m always excited to hear of new books on Anne. Can’t wait to read it.
Every now and then a new book aboiut Ann Boleyn and the Tudors appear and it’s great to have the opportunity to read about those times; in my opinion Annwas full with fire and wit, she was compelling and can be defined a “feminist icon”. I suppose that this work steps off the well-trodden paths of the Tudors to expertly tease out the human being behind the myths.
This whole period of history is an obsession of mine!! I finally got to London and got to visit many of the places where history occurred..I have read almost every book but this one really intrigues me! I love Anne!!
I’ve always been fascinated by Anne Boleyn, even more so through the two times in the last 5 years that I’ve visited England from Canada – having visited the Tower both times, the memorial to Anne marking where she met her end always brings me to tears.. I look forward to reading this book!
I love the tudors and all history about them!! Please enter my details into the giveaway xx
I love the fact that it is for younger children, although I really want to read it also………..I love reading anything about Henry’s wives esp Anne Boylen…………….I think it’s great that she is writing it for the youth of today……would love to give it to my grand-daughter…………………….love her writing room also!
Karen
Great interview…I have also been interested in Anne and Elizabeth for as long as I can remember. I remember reading Norah Lofts books when I was in high school and that was a long time ago. I have read numerous historical fiction novels of both of them and it is refreshing to read novels with a different perspective of these two ladies.
Looks to be a great read!
I think that I will never get tired of books about Anne Boleyn or the Tudors! I am always excited when new novels are published! Thank you for the interview and the giveaway! 🙂
Would love a copy for our high school library.
I’d love to see you get a copy for your school library, Linda!!
Good luck!
Wendy
Great interview! Anne of Thousand Days is a great film. I watch it every few years. Raquel36m(at)gmail(dot)com
An American who is fascinated by the Tudors!
Smile – not American, but an Australian!
All the best,
Wendy
Looks like a very interesting read. The interview has opened me up to another author I would love to read more from.
I would be so excited if I won this book! It would make my year!
great interview. I love the tudors.
Who is the young lady on the book cover she is beautiful!
Well done you achieving your dream to write, even more so with a family to care for and career too, you are an inspiration.
I love Anne of a Thousand Days too, best portrayal of Anne to date, I was 14 when I saw it for the 1st time, and have watched many, many times since, (have it on DVD 🙂 ).
I’ve been promising to make myself a Tudor gown for years now also, I have actually got the pattern, which is as near as it gets to authentic I have seen, to buy any way (Simplicity 2589), it would be a great guide and would be easy enough to alter to suit. I have made a couple of wedding frocks before, but have never attempted to make a pattern from scratch…though I think I need to up-grade my sewing machine.
I am sure you will do it with your determination.
Will look forward to reading your book, will definitely buy it if I am not the lucky one that wins it.
G’day Dawn,
The young girl on the cover of The Light in the Labyrinth is from this painting:
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Head_of_a_tudor_girl.jpg
It is a painting I fell in love with over two years ago – so much so, I bought a copy for my study. The moment I first saw the girl, I knew I had found the right image for the cover of my new novel.
Anne of the Thousand Days is such a beautiful film! Smile – I’ve watched it many, many times in my life, too!
Good luck with your gown. I actually bought that pattern, too, but then decided I might as well take on the greater challenge by buying the Margo Anderson pattern:
http://www.margospatterns.com/Products/TudorLady.html
Waiting for a friend to find time to come over and help me trace out the pattern pieces so I can reuse them if I ever regain my waist! Once I have the pattern cut out, I can make a start!
Do hope you will enjoy reading The Light in the Labyrinth!
Warmly,
Wendy
I never get tired of reading good interpretations of the Anne Boleyn! I really hope to get the new book by Wendy Dunn. Our library is way behind on carrying all but the most widely available books on the Tudors.
I was given a copy of ‘Lqdy Jane Grey, Reluctant Queen’ for my 10th(?) birthday. In thr intervening years, I have read almost everything I can get my hands on about the Tudors. This looks delicious. Anne captured my imagination.
How interesting! I own Dunn’s first book, looking forward to reading this too!
great article! hope i win because i need a new tudor related book! you always keep my intrigued with your fb page!
I am a great fan of Wendy’s writing. “Dear Heart, How Like You This?” was one of the first books I read about Anne Boleyn. It made me fall in love with Anne Boleyn! I would love to own a copy of this book. Thank you for the opportunity.
Becky Bunsic
mandibunsic@aol.com
Thank you, Becky, for your lovely words!!
All the best and good luck!
Wendy
Going back to the book cover…because I love horticulture and gardening I looked up the meaning of the flower the young girl in that lovely portrait is holding a dianthus, or in this case ‘pinks’. The Tudors called them Gillyflowers and were popular in nosegays because of their clove-like perfume. The pink ones signify Betrothal. Holbein painted a portrait called The Merchant Georg Gisze, there were many objects around him showing his trade, but also a vase of Gillyflowers to show that he was betrothed too. A fascinating subject all the symbolic codes of portraiture of those times.
Yes – I agree, Dawn! This particular flower also symbolises a mother’s undying love – which is an important thread to the story told in The Light in the Labyrinth!
All the best,
Wendy
I had to smile when I saw your mention of Anne of a Thousand days ,that film triggered my interest when I was 9 yrs . My grandad took me to see it with my brother and I still have the programme .although I’m ashamed to say I used felt tips to colour bits in ,something I absolutely hate ,defacing books !!
I agree Katherine of Aragon is just as interesting as Anne . I always thought her the enemy and a stubborn woman who stood in the lovers way but those were my thoughts as a child . Katherine had some guts to stand by her convictions and beliefs it must have been incredibly difficult and heart breaking for her to go against her husband . Poor Henry he seems to have picked two of the most formidable women of his time !
There’s one story I absolutely adore about Henry, Katherine and Anne. There was a time, when the three of them lived together as if in some strange ménage à trios. One night, even though he was now determined to divorce her, Henry VIII decided to have supper with Katherine of Aragon. He was very surprised when Katherine of Aragon showed she was no longer prepared to be his companionable wife, a wife also concerned about his stomach and his well being. (That is, his physical well being – Katherine on her deathbed was still worrying about Henry’s spiritual well being). It wasn’t long into his visit that she started an argument with him. Henry then returned to Anne Boleyn, in hope of receiving some sympathy from his mistress, only to find Anne angry in turn. The way I remember it (now staring at my Tudor bookcase, wondering which historian told this story!) Anne told him he needed to think again if he expected win an argument with Katherine!
I love anything to do with Anne. Looks like a great read 🙂
Interesting. Love the book cover art.
I have always been fascinated with the history of the Royal family, and particularly with Anne Boleyn and her daughter, Elizabeth 1st. Good luck with the book, I am sure it will be wonderful.
I love anything to do with the tudors!! I love Anne Boleyn!!
Lovely interview! Sounds like a fantastic book – can’t wait to read it!
Would love to read this book as I am avid Tudor fan, and hope to one day write my own book about them!
Thank you for all your entries, ladies! Congratulations to Jessica, who has won herself a copy of Wendy J. Dunn’s wonderful novel. Please check your inbox for my email. 🙂