An Interview With Lindsay Townsend
Singletitles.com catches up with British historical romance author Lindsay Townsend
What made you want to become a writer?
I’ve always told stories, even at times to the extent of having an ongoing plot in my head to help me get to sleep! These days more of them turn into formal writing, and because I tend to think ‘long’, the stories tend to be novels.
What drew you to writing romantic fiction?
I love high stakes, passionate emotion and happy-ever-after endings. It’s all about the realisation of dreams.
What originally attracted you to writing historical romantic fiction?
I did my unversity degree in history, with an emphasis on the history of the Crusades, so I have a medieval cast of mind. I also enjoy exploring the ancient world, which explains books like ‘Flavia’s Secret’ and ‘Blue Gold’. The emotion between lovers is strong, subtle and pretty much the same regardless of the period, and I find it exciting to explore these feelings in a different historical context than the present day.
What are the challenges of writing historical romances?
Making the relationships immediate for a modern reader while pointing up the ‘differentness’ of the period in which the story is set. I think it’s important to acknowledge that the conventions of each period were perfectly natural to the people living then: the strongly religious flavour of the Middle Ages, for instance, the acceptance of slavery in ancient Rome, or marriage between siblings in the royal families of ancient Egypt – all strange to us now, but not to the people of the time. To a writer of historical romance, all these aspects are both problems and opportunities.
Tell us about your latest book, A Knight’s Captive?
It’s set in 1066, when William of Normandy invaded England and took the throne from the Anglo-Saxon kings. A Breton knight, Marc de Sens, is on pilgrimage in England as a penance because of an incident in his past, and has brought his young nieces with him. On the road to the shrine of St. Cuthbert in Durham – the main place of pilgrimage in England in those days – he meets Sunniva, the daughter of a rough Anglo-Saxon who exploits her beauty for his own ends while treating her with contempt. Events on the road bring Marc and Sunniva together, their relationship deepens and Marc has to examine his loyalties when the Normans invade and he has to choose sides. There’s a fair amount of by-play, excitement and derring-do before the climax, involving a set of throwing knives, a boat on the Fens and an arrogant Norman bishop.
What inspired this story?
The invasions of 1066 – the Viking one in the north and the Norman one in the south at Hastings – changed the course of history in England. The chance of using such a backdrop for an intimate romance was too good to pass up.
Your historical romances for Kensington are set in the Middle Ages. What drew you to writing books set during this particular era as opposed to eras like Regency or Victorian England, which are hugely popular with romance readers?
High drama and directness. I love the colour and theatricality of ancient and medieval settings.
What’s a typical day for Lindsay Townsend like?
I try to get my new writing done in the morning, to leave the rest of the day free, It doesn’t always work out like that, though. Sometimes I have a day when the writing flows and it seems silly to stop, so I carry on all day even if I need an aspirin afterwards! Part of the day is taken up with blogging, promotion, emails and so on.
As a British author writing for an American publisher, do you find it difficult to promote and market your books for your American readers?
I get plenty of feedback, though not being able to sit and talk with a reader or visit a bookshop with my Kensington titles in it is a pity. It’s also too easy to get obsessed with rankings on Amazon, Borders or Barnes and Noble, which are really only a part of the story. Another thing: in Britain I’m five hours ahead of the east coast and eight ahead of the west coast, so I’m off to bed just as many Americans are settling down to their evening’s internetting. When it comes to joining internet chat sessions I have to be an early bird and miss the peak times. Luckily my blog (http://lindsaysbookchat.blogspot.com) helps to spread the word.
Who are your favourite authors?
Whoever I’m reading at the moment. It can be any good writer: Jodi Picoult, Terry Pratchett, Dean Koontz, you name it. If it’s a good strong story well told, it’s up my street..
What’s next for Lindsay Townsend?
There’s another Kensington coming next spring – ‘A Knight’s Alchemy’, set in 1210 – and I’m about to start writing a fourth, set at the time of the Black Death.
Thank you for joining us, Lindsay! Lindsay’s latest novel, A Knight’s Captive is out now. Readers who want to find out more about Lindsay and her books should visit her website at www.lindsaytownsend.co.uk
Maggi Andersen said:
Very interesting interview, Lindsay. Your background – a history degree – explains how you can capture the era you’re writing in so vividly.
Hywela Lyn said:
I enjoyed your interview Lindsey, and your books sound fascinating, I must admit to loing historicals, as they have the ‘fantasy’ element which is in the foreground of my own work. As a fellow Brit, I can relate to the difficulty in joining chats, etc., too.
Lainey Bancroft said:
Great interview, Lindsay. I love how you challenge yourself with the unique settings and times.
And despite your time difference you do an awesome job of ’staying in the loop’ and have a terrific web presence.
Sandy James said:
Beautiful interview, Lindsay!! The history teacher in me loves your stories so much!
Jane Richardson said:
Fascinating interview. A number of Lindsay’s books are on my summer reading list, after reading so many wonderful excerpts ober the past few months. Her attention to detail seems to be handled so well, enough to give you flavour and confidence in her writing, but not so much that the reader is overwhelmed by historical ‘asides.’ I’m looking forward to it very much! Congrats on your successes fo far Lindsay, and I’m sure there’s much more to come.
Jane x
Lindsay Townsend said:
Hi Maggi, Lyn, Lainey, Sandy and Jane!
Thank you so much for your comments! I’m all of a glow!
Thank you, too, to Julie B and to wonderful SINGLE TITLES!