Had the Queen Lived: King Henry IX
Welcome back to On the Tudor Trail Raven and congratulations on the release of Had the Queen Lived: King Henry IX! Could you tell us a little about the book?
This is the sequel to my first book “Had the Queen Lived: An Alternative History of Anne Boleyn” which tells the entirely fictional story of the son Anne might have had, if she were not executed in May 1536 and had gone on to bear Henry a son. That son would go on to succeed his father to the throne as King Henry IX and not his famous sister Elizabeth, who marries the Grand Duke of Tuscany. It tells the history of this alternate reign and how Henry IX may have handled events during his monarchy.
Was King Henry IX’s character, inspired by any modern day and/or historical ruler?
King Henry IX is a completely fictional character. The inspiration came from the real life miscarriage Anne Boleyn suffered in January 1536 after King Henry VIII fell and was badly injured during a jousting match. This, I believe, greatly worried the Queen, causing her to miscarry. If Anne had not miscarried this son he would have gone on to succeed his father as King Henry IX and thus is the focus of my book.
How do you go about researching an alternate history?
For the past several years I have been interested in British history and in particular the Tudor monarchy. I spent countless hours and many months looking into original sources, visiting original locations, evaluating other historians views and perceptions of events at the time and what little contemporary accounts are still remaining today. Once I felt I had truly established a solid base of fact, only then did it feel appropriate for me to begin changing events.
What traits did Henry IX inherit from his mother, Anne Boleyn?
Devotion to faith, a general belief in enhancing quality of life for the people, a deep of love learning and once angered her unyielding temper and rage.
Finish this sentence: One of the most satisfying things about writing an alternate history is…
You allow the characters you love to evolve in ways you had hoped they would have in their own lives if only they had been given the chance.
What challenges did you face along the way?
The major challenge I found was trying to match up the shifting of the vast intellectual, religious and artistic challenges that were spreading throughout Europe and how to sync that with England while keeping the characters true to their own motives, characteristics and personalities.
Name two things that you learnt about yourself while writing Had the Queen Lived?
How much I truly love what I’m doing and how very thankful I am to have taken the chance on sharing my work with the world.
What does your typical writing day look like?
Unlike most authors, I don’t have a typical writing schedule. There was literally a period of four months on my first book that I didn’t write a single sentence. The plots come to me through the strangest ways. I’ll be out shopping and see an object or out with friends and hear of friends and it will strike something that I can use to put in my story and I just take it from there. I never force myself to write for the sake of, it’s probably the worst thing any writer can do. When you write from your core – it doesn’t run on a 9-5 schedule.
Are you currently working on any books?
Yes. I’m currently working on a non-fiction book entitled ‘A Legal Battle: The War Over Laws During World War II’ which examines major U.S. legislation that was passed during WWII and its impact both domestically and abroad on both civilians and the war itself.
The other project is also set in WWII although it is a fictional piece with no title as of yet. The premise is evolving but I will divulge more details over the coming months as they arise.
Name three things that inspire you.
Those who overcome adversity, knowing the pen is mightier than the sword and knowing the future relies on what we leave behind today…
Thanks Raven!
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