20 Questions with Sandra Vasoli & Giveaway!

I am delighted to share with you an interview with Sandra Vasoli, author of Je Anne Boleyn: Struck With the Dart of Love.

Be sure to leave a comment after our interview, for your chance to win 1 of 2 copies of ‘Je Anne Boleyn: Struck With the Dart of Love‘, kindly donated by the author.

Conditions of Entry

For your chance to win a copy of Je Anne Boleyn: Struck With the Dart of Love 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 22 September 2014. Don’t forget to leave your name and a contact email.

This giveaway is open internationally.

Two winners will be randomly selected and contacted by email once I return from holiday on 30 September. Please ensure you’ve added natalie@onthetudortrail.com to your address book to avoid missing my email.

Good luck!

20 Questions with Sandra Vasoli

When did you realise that you wanted to become a writer?

I have always enjoyed writing…I think mostly because I have been an avid reader since I was able to hold a book. I remember writing a story in 4^th grade (about 8 years old) for a school assignment. It involved soldiers from the Revolutionary War, and I distinctly recall using the word ‘fortnight’ in the dialogue. My teacher, Mrs. B., asked me how I came up with the idea, and if I knew what the word fortnight meant – or how long a period of time it implied.  I didn’t know!  But it sounded like it would fit in the story, so in it went. I studied English Literature, along with Biology, at university, so that continued my love of writing and reading. But aside from short pieces, and lots of work-related business writing, this novel is my first significant creative writing project. And I decided to attempt it once I retired from my lifelong career in human resources and management development.

What sparked your interest in Anne Boleyn?

Oh my, I have been interested – or maybe we should say obsessed? – with Anne for many many years. I think I first learned of her, and the other wives of Henry VIII in high school, but most certainly in university. And therein the fascination was born. In the 1970’s there was a BBC program series titled “The Six Wives of Henry VIII”. It starred David Keith, with Charlotte Rampling as Anne. I was desperate to watch it every Sunday evening, on the only TV in my university dorm (see how long ago that was??) Then came the movie “Anne of the Thousand Days” with the stunning Genevieve Bujold doing a spectacular Anne. I can remember dragging my college roommate to see it with me in the cinema. The spark, then ignited, grew into a constant flame.  And I must say that I am now engrossed with the fact that so many people – the world over – are completely immersed with Anne and her story. I would very much like to do some sort of proper analysis of this phenomenon. I am not sure it doesn’t have elements of the supernatural about it…but that is a topic for another time!

Tell us about your book, Je Anne Boleyn: Struck with the Dart of Love?

The idea for this book – actually it will be two volumes – came when I felt that, although I have read mostly every book available about Anne Boleyn, I just wasn’t finding what I longed for. That is, something highly personal. I wanted to read about what she thought; how she made her decisions; how she decided what to wear; how she truly felt about Henry and her position in his court. I wanted to know what she was like as a young woman in her 20’s and early 30’s – just as I want to know my close friends. Looking for something like this, and not finding it, I decided to try my hand at writing it myself.  Let me add, however, there is no lack of beautifully crafted books about Anne – by marvelous authors.  I just felt a pull to undertake this project.

Therefore, Je Anne Boleyn is what I call a fictional memoir. I like to say that it is ‘Anne’s truth’ about her story. It begins in the tumultuous hunting field on a bleak November day in 1525, when, in an accidental close encounter, Anne and Henry share a pivotal moment. From that point on, neither of their lives are the same. Through exhaustive research, I have kept the narrative highly accurate, using interpretation only when necessary, and using the principle of emotions which are common to all women to fill in the gaps. I have strongly asserted my learnings about Anne – those which are now widely held by knowledgeable current historians – with regard to her looks, her accomplishments, her influence in the male dominated world of politics, and most importantly – my strong belief that she loved Henry passionately.

Why is it important to study history?

I wish I had asked myself this while in school! If so, I might have studied history as a major. It’s important because we are all products of what has gone before. Furthermore, we are all linked by being subject to the human condition. So, whether it is the cyclical nature of fashion, or the reactions to injustice, or the desire to break new ground – we can use the phrase ‘what goes around will come around’. And we can learn by knowing the advantages, the pitfalls, and the utter disasters from what has taken place in the past.

Plus – I don’t know about you, but I find that there are just some people who are inexplicably linked and connected to the past.  They usually love old houses, vintage items, old books, recipes from their families of origin.  There is a mystique there which is undeniable.  And Anne certainly exerts her influence in this arena!

What three new skills would you like to learn?

Well, I keep trying to master the Italian language, for one! I get just so far, then it seems to slip from my grasp. So that is certainly a skill I would love to attain (French as well – I would be happy to reach a conversational level in either!)

I would like to be able to move from being ‘a good cook’ to really being accomplished – at things like sauces, or baking.  Someday!

And I would love to be able to practice yoga like a true yogi – inverted poses, headstands, etc. Pretty sure that will never happen, but I will at least benefit by working away at it!

What are your favourite holiday destinations?

So many!  My saying is…”all it takes is time and money!”  I adore Italy, and my very favorite spot is the island of Ischia, near Capri and Naples – all of Italy, actually.  My husband and I had a fantastic visit to Corsica a couple of summers ago.  It was marvelous.  I love England and the British Isles and want to see so much more there than I have already been privileged to experience. I would love to visit Australia – so many spots – where  to start??  And then of course I am a huge beach bum, and the Caribbean is always a favorite destination: Turks and Caicos, St Lucia, the British Virgin Isles…

And on and on!

What is something surprising that you learnt about the Tudors during your research?

I am constantly amazed by how learned many of them were. Henry, of course – the man was a true Renaissance leader and it is amazing how accomplished he was in so many arenas.  Anne as well.  She was incredible in terms of her skills and base of knowledge.

But for me, the most incredible learnings came when I was so privileged to view the original love letters that Henry wrote to Anne, housed in the Vatican Archives. I was able to gain access, and spent the afternoon poring over them.  I think I held my breath for over 4 hours!  I learned so very very much from having these documents inches from my face, and being able to scrutinize them with a magnifying glass. And what I learned, without any shred of doubt, was that Henry loved Anne so completely, so fully, that it makes what happened even more incomprehensible. I learned also – and of this I am certain – that she loved him just as much. Even though her letters are long gone, there is something about how his actual handwriting progressed as they became a true couple that let me know he was happy and comfortable with her, and that she returned his passion.  It was a magical experience, never to be forgotten or equaled for me.

Do you use social media?

Yes indeed.  Mostly I enjoy it, though I find that it is so time consuming, and sometimes just a little frustrating!

My website is www.sandravasoli.com, and I am on Facebook (the Je Anne Boleyn Community), Twitter  (@queenannefan), Instagram (sandivasoli),  and Pinterest (Sandi Vasoli).  I am getting ready to do an interview and post it on YouTube as well.

Describe a day in your life when you are writing. Do you follow any rituals?

I really do.  I find that my best time to write creatively is in the afternoon. I am lucky to have a lovely office, with lots of Anne B and Tudor books surrounding me. I have, in my office, some other very old artifacts which I have collected on my travels.  I will almost always get my head into the 16thc. space by looking at some of my favorite books with pictures of Tudor artifacts and documents.  I might read a little of some favorite authors, and then I turn on the Tudor music I must have to accompany my writing. As soon as I hear the music, I am ‘there’.  And then, I typically pull the pieces of research together on my computer to enable my writing of the next scene or scenes, so I have it available, and can interpret it accurately.  It is wonderful how much is readily available online – Letters and Papers, Hall’s Chronicles, Privy Purse Expenses, etc.  And of course – EVERY WORD gets checked against the Oxford English Dictionary of language of the era! Can’t have Anne uttering a word like ‘online’, now can we??!

What women in history do you most admire?

I always admire and wonder about those who are not only highly accomplished in a given talent, but even more so, the ones who are multi-faceted. This whittles the number down considerably, but I am really fascinated by the women – famous or not – who are well-read, speak several languages or are renowned in their field, are avid sportswomen or athletes, and are beautiful to boot. I just can’t help being mesmerized by them and wonder how they accomplish so much!

This is obviously why I am so besotted with Anne – it appears by all counts, that she embodied this ideal: the girl could do everything!   Others through history who enthrall me include Cleopatra, Eleanor of Acquitaine, Elizabeth Woodville, Pocahontas, Katherine Hepburn, Charlotte Bronte, Joni Mitchell, Coco Chanel, Sophia Loren, Angelina Jolie, and the list could go on… all are awe-inspiring.

What does your writing space look like?

I have a lovely former bedroom which was converted to an office once my daughter and stepson both moved out permanently. It is furnished with antique pieces (I look for bargains!), and a sweet French painted desk. My husband gave me a wonderful chair which made all the difference when you sit at your desk for a stretch. On the walls I have a collection of art ranging from two brass rubbings from England, to a vintage lithograph of a forest scene in autumn, to a framed print of a Dutch master painting of a young girl.

For the longest time the walls were completely papered with sheets of flip chart paper, loaded with post-it notes.  Each post-it had a notation of a noteworthy event or occurrence in Anne’s life between 1525 and 1536. It was these points I used and am using as anchors to progress my writing. I recently removed the sheets representing the years 1525 through 1533, as they have already been written into Book One.  Remaining on the wall are 1534 – 1536: Book Two is a work in progress!

I have a table with a red marble top, and sitting on that a small bench.  I use both as a bookshelf, holding a good portion of my Tudor book collection.  I love my space, but right now I am spending writing time in a sunroom off the dining room.  Why? Because my two elderly greyhounds long to be near me during the day, and neither can come up the stairs anymore.  So instead of hearing them whimper and whine, I do lots of work with each one lying on the floor, on either side of my chair!

What motivates you?

I am someone who is interested in so many different things, that I sometimes become frustrated at the lack of time to pursue or learn about all that I would like. I am somewhat driven by a sense of accomplishment, but I would not characterize myself as a ‘driven’ person. I am greatly motivated by the world of possibilities, and what might be attempted and accomplished. In terms of the senses, I am always motivated and greatly inspired by beauty: in art, music, nature, architecture, fashion and also scent.

What is something most people don’t know about you?

This is a good question, and I am a little stumped! I tend to be chatty, so my friends and family probably know a lot.

A few tidbits:  clean house / messy drawers; will get dirty in the garden or with dogs or horses/ pretty girlie when it comes to makeup and style – a product addict; love antiques/hate to pay, so bargain hunt regularly – have a good eye for value; of Italian heritage / feel as if I may have had a past life in England ; very people-oriented / need some alone time regularly to watch silly, mindless TV at night and decompress.

What are a few of the books on your TBR list?

This is really sad, because there are SO MANY, yet so little time to do them justice! It is especially difficult while in a writing phase, I find. Time is a factor certainly, but also it becomes distracting when reading a particular author’s style that I admire – it makes me feel as if I should alter my style to match theirs; and of course, at the end of the day, that is impossible.

I have a long list of Tudor – related books to either read or complete: I am in the process of reading In The Footsteps of Anne Boleyn by Natalie Grueninger and Sarah Morris. I truly love this and admire the work that went into it: it will be a key reference guide as I complete Book Two of the Je Anne Boleyn series. I am reading George Boleyn by Claire Ridgeway and Clare Cherry, and also The Creation of Anne Boleyn by Susan Bordo – both are just great. I would like to reread Jean Plaidy’s Queen of This Realm, about Elizabeth I. It is written in the first person, like Je Anne Boleyn,  and will both inspire me and scare me – Plaidy’s work is just wonderful.

Beyond that, I am always delighted and comforted by the wonderful books written by Maeve Binchy; such a storyteller! And I love the series Children of the Earth by Jean Auel.  And many, many more…

Describe your perfect weekend.

I think it would be a weekend unscheduled.  Nothing, to me, is more relaxing than not having required timings or appointments. It would be a crisp autumn weekend, with the leaves at their peak of reds and golds, chilly enough for a jacket or sweater and boots, and I would spend part of it with my husband, alone together; some with good friends – probably out to dinner or at someone’s home for dinner and drinks; and some of it with my daughter and new son-in-law. We would have to be outside: maybe sightseeing in one of the old and historic towns near Philadelphia, or taking a walk or hike in the country, or by a crackling fireplace. There must always be one or two very icy cold martini’s involved, or some good wine, and some very yummy food.

Ahhhh, just writing about it felt like a little vacation!

What characteristic do you admire most in others?

The quality of being who you are. I dislike posturing, so I am very attracted to people who are completely comfortable in their own skin, no matter what they do. I also love someone who is truly, genuinely funny, without trying too hard.

Are you currently working on any new books?

Yes, working on Book Two of Je Anne Boleyn.  I’m not sure yet what the subtitle will be.

I’m nurturing some ideas for the book beyond that…either set in Renaissance Florence, or Newport Rhode Island during the Gilded Age (very Downton Abby, but set in America).

Share something great about your hometown.

My hometown is Plymouth Meeting, Pennsylvania, USA. Plymouth Meeting was a Quaker settlement, and one of the very earliest in the United States. The neighboring town is called Fort Washington. Practically in my backyard, George Washington, the first President of the United States, and the Commander of the Revolutionary Army, camped and strategized to march in battle against the English at a pivotal point in the war – at Valley Forge. There are historic houses and artifacts everywhere.  This definitely fueled my love of history and of old homes as I grew up.

What do you like to do outside of writing?

I love to be outdoors; I love a good visit to a museum; love to go to the movies or go antiquing; visit with friends and family; cook; travel and plan for travel; (sometimes) Tweet and be on FaceBook; read; do yoga; walk the hounds and hang out with my husband; and RELAX!

If you could swap places with a person from the past for one day, who would it be?

Without any doubt, it would be Anne Boleyn.

That is, depending on what that day would be… nothing from early May through May 19, 1536, if you please!