Why do you think readers are insatiable when it comes to the Tudor period?
A great question. I think Henry VIII’s colorful, and certainly never dull world has played a hand in keeping at the forefront of people’s imaginations the entire Tudor era. But beyond that, I think it is two things. First, there are the intricate and entirely unique stories of so many different women- wives and mistresses, from the pious Spanish Katherine of Aragon, to the fiery, selfish Anne Boleyn, to my own next heroine, the subject of The Queen’s Rival, dutiful Bess Blount. Each of them with their own unique personalities, motivations, and their fates at the hands of a single, powerful man. Second, I think, is the perceived glamor of the era; the jewels the furs, the palaces and the amazing royal power. That potent combination drew people in then as it does now through literature and the imagination.
What inspired you to write, The Queen’s Mistake, a story about Catherine Howard?
Initially, I was struck by how poorly Catherine had previously been portrayed both fictionally and historically but as I began to research her story for myself, I found a far more complex, sincere woman than the one others had found. That then became a challenge for me, to show readers the likeable and more complicated woman I believe her to have been.
Do you think that Catherine Howard ever grew to love Henry?
In her way, yes I do. That being said, there are different types of love and while I believe Catherine’s passionate heart was given exclusively and fully to Thomas Culpeper, I found many examples of her genuine concern for Henry as well as the care she took of him while she was his wife, and I hope I showed those fully in my book.
What part do you think Lady Rochford played in Catherine’s downfall?
In my opinion, the unfortunate part she played was in knowing too much and trying to protect her friend. As time went on, I believe Lady Rochford became a third party to confirm the suspicions of those who wished to be rid of Catherine more than the calculating accomplice as which she is more often painted.
Was there more to Catherine Howard than just a silly, naïve, nobody as she is so often portrayed?
I came to believe there was indeed, and I attempted to portray her that way. Catherine was certainly young and emotionally naive when she first came to court, but by the end of her life I believe she understood very clearly the game she was playing and what was at stake. Still, she was absolutely driven by love and that I think trumped everything else including discretion and sometimes common sense. I found her far more tragic than silly.
The Secret Bride is a novel about Mary Tudor (Henry VIII’s sister). What ignited your interest in her?
The initial spark for me came with learning that Mary Tudor really was the only forthright, beautiful woman in Henry VIII’s life to have defied and deceived him and kept her head! I loved that about her and it certainly made her stand out as a character whom I wanted to learn more about and to bring to readers.
Could you share with us a little about the process you undertook when researching your books?
It’s a bit different each time, but usually once I read the initial storyline and when I feel strongly enough about it to spend a year with the characters, I begin by mapping out locations where the main characters lived or would have gone, with the intention of going there and seeing it all for myself. While current day England is obviously nothing like Tudor times, there has always been for me something undefinable yet essential about walking the same paths, seeing the trees, the types of flowers, the forests and the houses. My goal then is to weave those elements into my novel so that hopefully the period and the story will come just a little more alive for my readers. Then there is that year of investigating, searching, researching and writing, to connect all of the pieces I’ve collected. That’s definitely the most difficult but rewarding part for me, seeing the story slowly come together as a whole. I do very much enjoy the process.
In your research into the Tudor court have you come across any customs, rituals or traditions that you’ve found particularly interesting or peculiar?
The whole concept of the proxy marriage I found fascinating when I was researching The Secret Bride. Not just the symbolic first wedding, but the symbolic wedding night that needed to be performed by the bride and a virtual stranger, one of the male’s legs hanging off the bed for modesty, and all of it complete with an audience. I did find that particularly interesting, absolutely!
Are you currently writing any books?
Yes, thank you for asking. My 12th novel, The Queen’s Rival, the story of Bess Blount, mother of Henry VIII’s only acknowledged illegitimate child, comes out this March and I am just now beginning another Tudor novel which should keep me very busy until next fall.
Do you have a favourite Mary Tudor or Catherine Howard quote or moment?
There was a particular moment that struck me with each. First, I adored Mary Tudor’s extracting a dockside promise from her brother eager for the alliance with France, that if she married the aged King of France he would allow her to select her own second husband. Mary obtained the promise knowing that Henry was only agreeing to it out of desperation, quite likely not intending to fulfill his promise, and knowing that the love of her life, Charles Brandon, was already waiting in the wings. My second favorite moment was far more somber but was one that really struck me before I began writing The Queen’s Mistake. It was when Catherine Howard had the block on which she knew she would lose her head brought to her chamber so that she might grow accustomed to kneeling before it and subsequently show grace and not panic at the moment of her death. I could not help but be struck by that moment and I hope I was able to capture it for readers.
Thank you so much Diane!
Thank you! It has been a great pleasure.
To find out more about Diane visit her official website here.
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