I am delighted to share with you my interview with historian Amy Licence!
Be sure to leave a comment after our Q&A, for your chance to win a copy of Elizabeth of York: Forgotten Tudor Queen, kindly donated by Amberley Publishing.
Conditions of Entry
For your chance to win a copy of ‘Elizabeth of York’, 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 16 May 2014. Don’t forget to leave your name and a contact email.
This giveaway is open internationally.
One winner will be randomly selected and contacted by email shortly after 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 Amy Licence
1. When did you realise that you wanted to be an historian?
Being a writer came first. I decided I would be a writer when I was eight years old, but history was always part of my life, visiting castles and going on digs, so it’s not surprising that they came together eventually. I used to write stories and fictional histories about an imaginary world in my early teens then, when I was 16, I started writing historical biographies of real people.
2. What sparked your interest in fifteenth century England?
I think there are many fairy tales, with illustrations and details- the classic knight rescuing a princess from a castle tower type of story- that draw on a simulacra of medieval history, which we subtly absorb. I think my interest started there, very early, and was fuelled by visiting certain places. I was really drawn to the Tudors at first, then read about the fifteenth century and found that equally exciting. I was lucky to grow up with a number of historical places surviving around me, old churches, priories, halls, castles, which gave me a sense of the past. I used to walk round and imagine them coming to life.
3. Tell us about your latest book, Cecily Neville: Mother of Kings.
I really felt that Cecily’s story needed to be told. After the presentation of her in The White Queen, I wanted to look at her life from her perspective, rather than as a foil for another woman, or for a man. As the Yorkist matriarch, she was a key figure in so many important events and her life spanned most of the fifteenth century. She had been depicted in fiction and I felt it important that there was a book that dealt with the known facts, so people could go to that after having read the novels. Plus, I like a challenge.
4. Why is it important to study history?
For its own sake. Obviously there are lots of things we can learn from history and hopefully, not repeat the mistakes of the past, but I firmly believe that we should study it for the pure pleasure of finding out about the people and events for their intrinsic worth. I remember the absolute delight I felt as a child, reading about the details of domestic life in the past; that’s the primary reason, rather than any sense of duty or improvement.
5. What three new skills would you like to learn?
Patience. Perhaps a new foreign language. Can I have time travel?
6. What is your favourite holiday destination?
I am rather in love with Vienna; I spent a month there, a few years back, just sitting and writing in the Secession and Art Nouveau cafes frequented by some of my heroes, strolling in the parks and visiting museums and galleries. I would love to go back.
7. Name two items on your bucket list.
I’ve never actually thought about this; I’d like to visit the States and there are various historical places I want to see. I’d like to take my boys to Disney Land.
8. How do you balance writing and family life?
With help from my husband. I guess most of the decisions and problems we face are the same as any other working parents, although it is tricky working from home, as it means I’m always visible and interruptable. I wrote a piece about this for the New Statesman, inspired by Woolf’s “Room of One’s Own”, only I argued that these days, that room has to be virtual, or at least, inside your head. I asked a number of other working mums how they do it and it’s pretty much a juggling act for us all, but it’s worth it.
9. Describe a day in your life when you are writing. Do you follow any rituals?
The only ones I follow on an average day are the ones dictated by my boys, so I get them breakfast, then check my email etc while they’re busy. Otherwise it’s a question of seizing whatever opportunity I can and just writing. I don’t have any rituals or preliminaries, it’s a case of letting me get my fingers on the keyboard. Uninterrupted, I can write around 3-5,000 words a day but I rarely meet that target unless my husband takes them out for a stretch. When he’s at work, I might take the boys out or play with them in the afternoon, then try and get a bit more done once they’re asleep, if I’m still alert enough!
10. What does your writing space look like?
I write on our dining room table, so it has three big piles of books pushed to the right, overflowing from the book cases. I have a couple of glass paperweights on the mantelpiece beside me, plus a clock, scented candles, hand cream and lypsyl. Usually there are train tracks around me and toddlers rolling about on the floor.
11. Describe your perfect night out.
At the moment, I would just like some sleep.
12. What makes you smile?
My babies laughing.
13. What is something most people don’t know about you?
I’m equally as interested in Modernism as I am in the Medieval and Tudor era; my particular are Virginia Woolf and the Bloomsbury Group, Picasso and Cubism, and I have plans to write on both. I’ve also started a book called “Miss Modernist” about the lives of women at the vanguard of art 1864-1914, but it’s difficult to find the time to work on it, as I’m committed to my current project and switching back and forth between 1500 and 1900 makes me giddy.
14. What are a few of the books on your TBR list?
I’ve got a whole load of new books to read through at the moment; I’m currently reading Lacey Baldwin Smith’s book on Anne Boleyn and Nicola Shulman’s biography of Thomas Wyatt, as well as Chris Skidmore’s Bosworth. I’ve also got Mad Girl’s Love Song, a new biography of Sylvia Plath on my pile and Toby Clement’s new novel Kingmaker. Too many books, too little time.
15. Name five people you follow on Twitter.
@parisreview @whjm (Woman’s Hour’s Jenni Murray) @LeVostreGC (Chaucer doth tweet) @thewomensroomuk @HornimanWalrus (the stuffed walrus in the Horniman museum!)
16. What women in history do you most admire?
That’s tricky, as I can name women who I find interesting, but I’m not sure whether I have a full enough grasp of them to say they were admirable. Particularly in the fifteenth century, so little of their personality is evident to us, so while I may be fascinated by Cecily Neville or Anne Neville, it’s hard to interpret them in that way. Once we get into the sixteenth century though, it becomes easier. There are many things about Catherine of Aragon that I admire; she certainly was determined and focused, but I can also see that those qualities could be interpreted as stubbornness, or risking her daughter’s welfare. That’s probably a clash of modern versus Tudor values. I admire women who know what they want and strive to achieve it, without giving up.
17. Are you currently working on any new books?
At the moment, I’m working on Henry VIII’s women, the title is currently “In Bed with Henry VIII: The Women’s Stories.” I’m determined to tell this from the view of the wives and mistresses, focusing on the female experience, and not let it become a narrative of Henry’s life.
18. Do you have a favourite quote?
“If there’s a book you really want to read, but it hasn’t been written yet, then you must write it.” Toni Morrison.
19. What tips do you have for overcoming writer’s block?
I’m afraid I don’t believe in writer’s block. If writers are serious, they have to treat it as a job and get on with it. If there’s nothing down on the page, there’s nothing to work with, you just have to get something down, so you can go back and revise or adapt it later. It’s very easy to procrastinate but this is just a barrier that has to be worked through. I do believe in letting ideas mellow and develop though and that there are days when sometimes writing does come easier, but there are always things to do to help, researching or re-reading and editing existing work. Only the act of writing gets writing done, you just have to get on with it.
20. What is the best advice you’ve been given?
“The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step”.
Follow the rest of Amy’s virtual book tour:
Sunday 11 May, Tudor Book Blog will be hosting an extract from ‘Richard III: the Road to Leicester’.
Monday 12 May, http://tudorhistory.org/blog/ will host an extract from ‘Elizabeth of York’.
I read nearly every article & enter every book give-away but I never win. But just because I’m not a quitter….I will enter again! lol
Sleeping with the enemy takes on a new life form. Could you imagine having to marry a man who you thought had murdered most of your family? Or how about having Margaret as a mother in law? All I can say is Elizabeth must have had the patience of a saint……
I’m going through a lot of Tudor books from the library just now, would love to own this one,
I’ve read a couple of Amy’s books and always feel like I’m there, getting emotionally attached to the person I’m reading about. Another great author who has books in my every growing bookcase.
Adore her! Best Queen in my opinion.
I’ve read about most of the members of the Tudor dynasty, but sadly left out the one of the creators. I would love to read the true story of the White Princess!
Fingers Crossed 🙂
Tudor life had always fascinated me,not the fancy movies or shows but how they really lived
I would love to win this book!
Fascinating! I love Elizabeth of York and look forward to finding out more about her. I really admire AL’s discipline in writing daily and dealing with toddler and babies!
Hey, pick me’
Yes please
Love your articles
I love reading and learning, especially about the Tudor dynasty and that time period. Would love to win!
I am hooked on Tudor England. Thank you for the chance to win!
Even though I’ve read numerous books on Elizabeth, I’d love to read this one. With so little documented, there are so many “what if’s” Keeping my fingers crossed for the giveaway 🙂 Thank you for having one!
Eventhough I am Dutch you inspire me. And History remains interesting. I always want to know more about the women through the ages. Keep on going
Would love to have loving the history please include me for an entry
I am so fascinated by the tudor history. Have only been to england once and it was the best experience ever. I have red the white Queen but would absolutely love to read this version. 🙂
I love to read anything Tudor, but I have not read anything dealing with Elizabeth of York. I would love a chance to win this book.
I love the Tudor era, and I can’t wait to read about the forgotten queen.
I love Elizabeth of York and would love to read more about her.
Have been a British History reader for the past 50 years, and have followed The Anne Boleyn’s posts recently on Facebook, Would be happy to receive the book by Amy Licence….
May I win please? 😉
addicted to Tudor history, cannot get enough, would love to win this book 🙂
Would love to win the book. I recently watched a wonderful series all about the wars of the roses. Queen Elizabeth was featured in it.
thanks so much for hosting the giveaway. I would love to read and own a copy of Amy Licence’s Elizabeth of York: Forgotten Tudor Queen as I am keen to expand my own knowledge of this most important but elusive Tudor woman. Thanks.
A very informative interview. I enjoy discovering how much I have in common with authors. Since the airing of The White Queen, I’ve been re-discovering the people & events of the War of Roses era. What a dynamic & interesting time. Thank you & look forward to reading this book.
Fascinating interview! I can only imagine how hard it would be to try and immerse yourself in the 1500s with toddlers running around you! I can’t wait to read your book, I love the Tudor world.
Would love this !!! Thank you!!
I too started focusing on reading about the Tudors and it was a natural progression, or should I say re-gression to go backwards. With all of the discoveries regarding finding Richard III’s remains and The White Queen, my interest has really been piqued. I am excited about new books regarding this period and I sincerely hope that I am selected as one of the winners of this new book.
Thank you!
I so enjoy history. Currently I’m am going in depth on Anne Boleyn thanks to your books, which I have purchased. At times, you hear, read something horrid and think what is this world coming to….then turn the pages of life back and bam history shows us how brutal life was. Thank you for your site.
Wooww!!! it’s great!! Thank you for this opportunity! Saludos!
Love to read articles posted. Always interesting.
I love this website!
Living my passion vicariously through your beautiful website. I’m a Registered Nurse who missed her calling by not listening to my parent’s while growing up!! In my next life however……
I love reading about this time in history, I find it highly fascinating. Looking forward to this one because there are not a lot of books about this Elizabeth.
I became interested in history as a result of reading historical fiction by Norah Lofts and Jean Plaidy when I was a teenager. I think the Plantaganets and the Tudors are really interesting.
I really enjoyed your book on Cecily Neville and am looking forward to the one on Elizabeth of York.
History is my passion in life and I love to read about people who lived a long time ago, which means that I would really love to read this book.
Interesting stuff!
I want to win!
I hope to win – looks like a great read.
Can’t wait to read your new book!
I’d love to win this book! History is my passion, especially British history.
I’m a huge Tudor buff and an English teacher. I sneak the Tudor into my classroom all the time. I’d give this book a loving home!
I’m An Avid Reader And I Recently Finished Murder Most Royal, A Novel Of The Tudors. I’m Curious As To What Happened To The Prince’s In The Tower. After Henry Tudor Defeated Richard York In Battle He Married Elizabeth York To Unite And Stop The War Of The Roses, But Elizabeth Woodville Seemed To Fall Off The Radar. I’m Curious If This Book Is About Her Or Her Child Elizabeth York By Edward York.
How how exciting
Fantastic, another book about the Tudors!
I am fascinated by Elizabeth of York. Who wouldn’t want to be able to stop a king in his tracks with one look? I’d love to learn more about her and hope to read this book soon.