Anne Easter Smith's Blog, page 4
May 9, 2013
"Royal Mistress" makes her entrance!
Rather than me blathering on about Jane Shore, I thought she ought to speak for herself on this 7th day of May when the world will read her story in "Royal Mistress" perhaps for the first time. We chatted recently and here is some of that conversation.
AES: How would you describe yourself?
JANE: Much too short, unfortunately. I wish I had some of your inches! I’m told I am pretty, and I know my sister envied my blonde hair, but I think my breasts are too big (can I talk about that or is it impolite--not that I particularly care about that sort of thing) and my neck isn’t long enough for the gorgeous necklaces Edward used to hang on it. I do like the color of my eyes, though. It is very changeable and it gives men a really hard time when they are asked to describe it. They are sea-green--and you know how many different colors the sea can turn.
AES: Do you hear that you are supposed to be Edward’s merriest of mistresses?
JANE: Ha! Is that what they say? Well, then, let me see if I can make you laugh. Do you want to hear about my most embarrassing moment? Yes? It happened when Edward took me to Windsor for the first time and the queen was there, too. One morning, while I was dabbling my feet in the river, a little dog bounded up to me, and I picked her up and cuddled her. Suddenly, I heard a woman calling “Ficelle,” and I guessed it was the dog’s mistress. Addle-pate that I am, I jumped up to return the creature when I realized it was the queen. Have you ever gone as red as kermes dye? Well, I did right then when Elizabeth recognized me. She was not very nice, I remember. But then she wasn’t often nice to anyone except Edward.
AES: Weren’t you awestruck when you were summoned to the the palace and met King Edward alone for the first time?
JANE: By all that is holy, I was terrified. He ended up laughing at me when I demanded to go home and was not to be so easily taken. He was so charming and, honestly, so disarming, I could not resist him, I’m sorry to say. Nay, I’m not sorry--I had a wonderful eight years with him.
AES: But then you lost him unexpectedly.
JANE: Aye, sadly he died -- we don’t know of what -- and I realized how alone I was in the world. You see, my family had disowned me when I had my marriage to that bore William Shore--oh, I’m a poet and I didn’t know it--annulled and became the king’s concubine. You are fortunate in the 21st century, because a woman can support herself without the need of a man. I was expected to obey my father, marry whomever he chose for me, and then obey my husband. I chafed at that, let me tell you! But back to Edward’s death. I’m immodest to admit this but Edward’s good friend and chamberlain had been in love with me all through my time with Edward, and when he offered me his protection, I’m afraid I took it.
AES: As you say, you really had no choice. But Will Hastings was good to you, was he not?
JANE: He was the best friend anyone could ever have. I loved him dearly, but we were not destined to be together for long.
AES: I don’t want to give away the story too much or my readers won’t read the book. I think your story is fascinating, although I wouldn’t have liked to be you when Richard III turned his attention on you. But then Richard was on a mission to avenge what he saw as your and Will’s bad influence on his brother. He thought the two of you, with your dissolute lifestyles, dragged Edward down.
JANE: Pah! Richard was too serious for his own good. If he had laughed a little more and treated some of us better, perhaps he would not have ended up under a car park.
AES: Before you say anything too bad about Richard, I must tell you that he is my most favorite king and the reason I got into writing novels in the first place. I believe he was acting the only way he knew how--out of a sense of duty to his name, his family and his country, and from a rather high-moral standpoint. He was thrust into a position of power that he had not expected, and his character was such that by being strict and highly principled it allowed him a stable base from which to rule the chaos that he found in London. You are known for your kind heart; is there anything good you can say about him?
JANE: Certes, I can. He loved his wife and son truly, but (giggles) I also know he loved his mistress, Kate Haute. Do you know we encountered one another on the street one day and had a cup of ale together? I learned a lot about Richard from her, and it helped me forgive him for the penance he made me do. I believe that once he settled into his reign, he enacted some good laws that helped the common people. That is laudable. I don’t think Edward was as concerned with the well being of the yeomanry as Richard was, but it still does not excuse what he did to poor Will.
AES; Yes, but we won’t go into that. I must say, you seem very laid back for someone whose life had so many ups and downs.
JANE: “Laid back?” Is that a 21st century expression?
AES: It means not much bothers you. You seem to have a very sunny nature and considering what you have gone through, it is probably what buoyed you in the hard times.
JANE: (laughing) Aye, I think it was what brought me to the man I really loved.
AES: I am assuming that was not the man you expected it to be, right? We shan’t mention any names so we don’t spoil the end.
JANE: A good idea. Why don’t we finish now and leave your readers in suspense!
AES: Thank you so much for your time, Jane.
JANE: What is it you say today? You are welcome? Certes, then you are most welcome. Good luck with selling your book; I can’t wait to read
AES: How would you describe yourself?
JANE: Much too short, unfortunately. I wish I had some of your inches! I’m told I am pretty, and I know my sister envied my blonde hair, but I think my breasts are too big (can I talk about that or is it impolite--not that I particularly care about that sort of thing) and my neck isn’t long enough for the gorgeous necklaces Edward used to hang on it. I do like the color of my eyes, though. It is very changeable and it gives men a really hard time when they are asked to describe it. They are sea-green--and you know how many different colors the sea can turn.
AES: Do you hear that you are supposed to be Edward’s merriest of mistresses?
JANE: Ha! Is that what they say? Well, then, let me see if I can make you laugh. Do you want to hear about my most embarrassing moment? Yes? It happened when Edward took me to Windsor for the first time and the queen was there, too. One morning, while I was dabbling my feet in the river, a little dog bounded up to me, and I picked her up and cuddled her. Suddenly, I heard a woman calling “Ficelle,” and I guessed it was the dog’s mistress. Addle-pate that I am, I jumped up to return the creature when I realized it was the queen. Have you ever gone as red as kermes dye? Well, I did right then when Elizabeth recognized me. She was not very nice, I remember. But then she wasn’t often nice to anyone except Edward.
AES: Weren’t you awestruck when you were summoned to the the palace and met King Edward alone for the first time?
JANE: By all that is holy, I was terrified. He ended up laughing at me when I demanded to go home and was not to be so easily taken. He was so charming and, honestly, so disarming, I could not resist him, I’m sorry to say. Nay, I’m not sorry--I had a wonderful eight years with him.
AES: But then you lost him unexpectedly.
JANE: Aye, sadly he died -- we don’t know of what -- and I realized how alone I was in the world. You see, my family had disowned me when I had my marriage to that bore William Shore--oh, I’m a poet and I didn’t know it--annulled and became the king’s concubine. You are fortunate in the 21st century, because a woman can support herself without the need of a man. I was expected to obey my father, marry whomever he chose for me, and then obey my husband. I chafed at that, let me tell you! But back to Edward’s death. I’m immodest to admit this but Edward’s good friend and chamberlain had been in love with me all through my time with Edward, and when he offered me his protection, I’m afraid I took it.
AES: As you say, you really had no choice. But Will Hastings was good to you, was he not?
JANE: He was the best friend anyone could ever have. I loved him dearly, but we were not destined to be together for long.
AES: I don’t want to give away the story too much or my readers won’t read the book. I think your story is fascinating, although I wouldn’t have liked to be you when Richard III turned his attention on you. But then Richard was on a mission to avenge what he saw as your and Will’s bad influence on his brother. He thought the two of you, with your dissolute lifestyles, dragged Edward down.
JANE: Pah! Richard was too serious for his own good. If he had laughed a little more and treated some of us better, perhaps he would not have ended up under a car park.
AES: Before you say anything too bad about Richard, I must tell you that he is my most favorite king and the reason I got into writing novels in the first place. I believe he was acting the only way he knew how--out of a sense of duty to his name, his family and his country, and from a rather high-moral standpoint. He was thrust into a position of power that he had not expected, and his character was such that by being strict and highly principled it allowed him a stable base from which to rule the chaos that he found in London. You are known for your kind heart; is there anything good you can say about him?
JANE: Certes, I can. He loved his wife and son truly, but (giggles) I also know he loved his mistress, Kate Haute. Do you know we encountered one another on the street one day and had a cup of ale together? I learned a lot about Richard from her, and it helped me forgive him for the penance he made me do. I believe that once he settled into his reign, he enacted some good laws that helped the common people. That is laudable. I don’t think Edward was as concerned with the well being of the yeomanry as Richard was, but it still does not excuse what he did to poor Will.
AES; Yes, but we won’t go into that. I must say, you seem very laid back for someone whose life had so many ups and downs.
JANE: “Laid back?” Is that a 21st century expression?
AES: It means not much bothers you. You seem to have a very sunny nature and considering what you have gone through, it is probably what buoyed you in the hard times.
JANE: (laughing) Aye, I think it was what brought me to the man I really loved.
AES: I am assuming that was not the man you expected it to be, right? We shan’t mention any names so we don’t spoil the end.
JANE: A good idea. Why don’t we finish now and leave your readers in suspense!
AES: Thank you so much for your time, Jane.
JANE: What is it you say today? You are welcome? Certes, then you are most welcome. Good luck with selling your book; I can’t wait to read
May 7, 2013
"Royal Mistress" makes her entrance!
Rather than me blathering on about Jane Shore, I thought she ought to speak for herself on this 7th day of May when the world will read her story in "Royal Mistress" perhaps for the first time. We chatted recently and here is some of that conversation.
AES: How would you describe yourself?
JANE: Much too short, unfortunately. I wish I had some of your inches! I’m told I am pretty, and I know my sister envied my blonde hair, but I think my breasts are too big (can I talk about that or is it impolite--not that I particularly care about that sort of thing) and my neck isn’t long enough for the gorgeous necklaces Edward used to hang on it. I do like the color of my eyes, though. It is very changeable and it gives men a really hard time when they are asked to describe it. They are sea-green--and you know how many different colors the sea can turn.
AES: Do you hear that you are supposed to be Edward’s merriest of mistresses?
JANE: Ha! Is that what they say? Well, then, let me see if I can make you laugh. Do you want to hear about my most embarrassing moment? Yes? It happened when Edward took me to Windsor for the first time and the queen was there, too. One morning, while I was dabbling my feet in the river, a little dog bounded up to me, and I picked her up and cuddled her. Suddenly, I heard a woman calling “Ficelle,” and I guessed it was the dog’s mistress. Addle-pate that I am, I jumped up to return the creature when I realized it was the queen. Have you ever gone as red as kermes dye? Well, I did right then when Elizabeth recognized me. She was not very nice, I remember. But then she wasn’t often nice to anyone except Edward.
AES: Weren’t you awestruck when you were summoned to the the palace and met King Edward alone for the first time?
JANE: By all that is holy, I was terrified. He ended up laughing at me when I demanded to go home and was not to be so easily taken. He was so charming and, honestly, so disarming, I could not resist him, I’m sorry to say. Nay, I’m not sorry--I had a wonderful eight years with him.
AES: But then you lost him unexpectedly.
JANE: Aye, sadly he died -- we don’t know of what -- and I realized how alone I was in the world. You see, my family had disowned me when I had my marriage to that bore William Shore--oh, I’m a poet and I didn’t know it--annulled and became the king’s concubine. You are fortunate in the 21st century, because a woman can support herself without the need of a man. I was expected to obey my father, marry whomever he chose for me, and then obey my husband. I chafed at that, let me tell you! But back to Edward’s death. I’m immodest to admit this but Edward’s good friend and chamberlain had been in love with me all through my time with Edward, and when he offered me his protection, I’m afraid I took it.
AES: As you say, you really had no choice. But Will Hastings was good to you, was he not?
JANE: He was the best friend anyone could ever have. I loved him dearly, but we were not destined to be together for long.
AES: I don’t want to give away the story too much or my readers won’t read the book. I think your story is fascinating, although I wouldn’t have liked to be you when Richard III turned his attention on you. But then Richard was on a mission to avenge what he saw as your and Will’s bad influence on his brother. He thought the two of you, with your dissolute lifestyles, dragged Edward down.
JANE: Pah! Richard was too serious for his own good. If he had laughed a little more and treated some of us better, perhaps he would not have ended up under a car park.
AES: Before you say anything too bad about Richard, I must tell you that he is my most favorite king and the reason I got into writing novels in the first place. I believe he was acting the only way he knew how--out of a sense of duty to his name, his family and his country, and from a rather high-moral standpoint. He was thrust into a position of power that he had not expected, and his character was such that by being strict and highly principled it allowed him a stable base from which to rule the chaos that he found in London. You are known for your kind heart; is there anything good you can say about him?
JANE: Certes, I can. He loved his wife and son truly, but (giggles) I also know he loved his mistress, Kate Haute. Do you know we encountered one another on the street one day and had a cup of ale together? I learned a lot about Richard from her, and it helped me forgive him for the penance he made me do. I believe that once he settled into his reign, he enacted some good laws that helped the common people. That is laudable. I don’t think Edward was as concerned with the well being of the yeomanry as Richard was, but it still does not excuse what he did to poor Will.
AES; Yes, but we won’t go into that. I must say, you seem very laid back for someone whose life had so many ups and downs.
JANE: “Laid back?” Is that a 21st century expression?
AES: It means not much bothers you. You seem to have a very sunny nature and considering what you have gone through, it is probably what buoyed you in the hard times.
JANE: (laughing) Aye, I think it was what brought me to the man I really loved.
AES: I am assuming that was not the man you expected it to be, right? We shan’t mention any names so we don’t spoil the end.
JANE: A good idea. Why don’t we finish now and leave your readers in suspense!
AES: Thank you so much for your time, Jane.
JANE: What is it you say today? You are welcome? Certes, then you are most welcome. Good luck with selling your book; I can’t wait to read it!
AES: How would you describe yourself?
JANE: Much too short, unfortunately. I wish I had some of your inches! I’m told I am pretty, and I know my sister envied my blonde hair, but I think my breasts are too big (can I talk about that or is it impolite--not that I particularly care about that sort of thing) and my neck isn’t long enough for the gorgeous necklaces Edward used to hang on it. I do like the color of my eyes, though. It is very changeable and it gives men a really hard time when they are asked to describe it. They are sea-green--and you know how many different colors the sea can turn.
AES: Do you hear that you are supposed to be Edward’s merriest of mistresses?
JANE: Ha! Is that what they say? Well, then, let me see if I can make you laugh. Do you want to hear about my most embarrassing moment? Yes? It happened when Edward took me to Windsor for the first time and the queen was there, too. One morning, while I was dabbling my feet in the river, a little dog bounded up to me, and I picked her up and cuddled her. Suddenly, I heard a woman calling “Ficelle,” and I guessed it was the dog’s mistress. Addle-pate that I am, I jumped up to return the creature when I realized it was the queen. Have you ever gone as red as kermes dye? Well, I did right then when Elizabeth recognized me. She was not very nice, I remember. But then she wasn’t often nice to anyone except Edward.
AES: Weren’t you awestruck when you were summoned to the the palace and met King Edward alone for the first time?
JANE: By all that is holy, I was terrified. He ended up laughing at me when I demanded to go home and was not to be so easily taken. He was so charming and, honestly, so disarming, I could not resist him, I’m sorry to say. Nay, I’m not sorry--I had a wonderful eight years with him.
AES: But then you lost him unexpectedly.
JANE: Aye, sadly he died -- we don’t know of what -- and I realized how alone I was in the world. You see, my family had disowned me when I had my marriage to that bore William Shore--oh, I’m a poet and I didn’t know it--annulled and became the king’s concubine. You are fortunate in the 21st century, because a woman can support herself without the need of a man. I was expected to obey my father, marry whomever he chose for me, and then obey my husband. I chafed at that, let me tell you! But back to Edward’s death. I’m immodest to admit this but Edward’s good friend and chamberlain had been in love with me all through my time with Edward, and when he offered me his protection, I’m afraid I took it.
AES: As you say, you really had no choice. But Will Hastings was good to you, was he not?
JANE: He was the best friend anyone could ever have. I loved him dearly, but we were not destined to be together for long.
AES: I don’t want to give away the story too much or my readers won’t read the book. I think your story is fascinating, although I wouldn’t have liked to be you when Richard III turned his attention on you. But then Richard was on a mission to avenge what he saw as your and Will’s bad influence on his brother. He thought the two of you, with your dissolute lifestyles, dragged Edward down.
JANE: Pah! Richard was too serious for his own good. If he had laughed a little more and treated some of us better, perhaps he would not have ended up under a car park.
AES: Before you say anything too bad about Richard, I must tell you that he is my most favorite king and the reason I got into writing novels in the first place. I believe he was acting the only way he knew how--out of a sense of duty to his name, his family and his country, and from a rather high-moral standpoint. He was thrust into a position of power that he had not expected, and his character was such that by being strict and highly principled it allowed him a stable base from which to rule the chaos that he found in London. You are known for your kind heart; is there anything good you can say about him?
JANE: Certes, I can. He loved his wife and son truly, but (giggles) I also know he loved his mistress, Kate Haute. Do you know we encountered one another on the street one day and had a cup of ale together? I learned a lot about Richard from her, and it helped me forgive him for the penance he made me do. I believe that once he settled into his reign, he enacted some good laws that helped the common people. That is laudable. I don’t think Edward was as concerned with the well being of the yeomanry as Richard was, but it still does not excuse what he did to poor Will.
AES; Yes, but we won’t go into that. I must say, you seem very laid back for someone whose life had so many ups and downs.
JANE: “Laid back?” Is that a 21st century expression?
AES: It means not much bothers you. You seem to have a very sunny nature and considering what you have gone through, it is probably what buoyed you in the hard times.
JANE: (laughing) Aye, I think it was what brought me to the man I really loved.
AES: I am assuming that was not the man you expected it to be, right? We shan’t mention any names so we don’t spoil the end.
JANE: A good idea. Why don’t we finish now and leave your readers in suspense!
AES: Thank you so much for your time, Jane.
JANE: What is it you say today? You are welcome? Certes, then you are most welcome. Good luck with selling your book; I can’t wait to read it!
March 15, 2013
To err is human...
... (If I may quote a different Pope from the one in the news recently!)
Historical novelists who don't like to mess with history dread being caught out with a glaring error. So far, I've been pretty lucky that my books have passed muster for the most part. A musician friend pointed out that "base" was not the correct spelling for a string on a musical instrument in A ROSE FOR THE CROWN, and that as a former folksinger and guitarist, I should have known how to spell "bass." In the same book, a Richard III Society member (and they are a terrifyingly knowledgeable group to write for!) pointed out that I had the wrong bishopric for Lionel Woodville (I had it right the first time I mentioned him, I hastily add!). Happily, these were found early after publication and subsequent editions of the book were corrected.
But those slips were nothing compared with the one caught by the book reviewer in the latest edition of the US Richard III Society's magazine, Ricardian Register. The reviewer praised QUEEN BY RIGHT (published two years ago) for its retelling of Cecily of York's story, but was surprised that someone as meticulous with her research as I was had claimed Richard of Gloucester (Richard III) was born at Ludlow.
For crying out loud! EVERYONE knows that Richard was born at Fotheringhay--quite the other side of England. I cannot imagine how I came to write that, let alone read and re-read it in the editing process. It is as bad as saying Jesus of Nazareth was born in Jerusalem. Not that I am comparing Richard to Jesus--it's just a good example, because anyone as steeped in Ricardian history as I am knows the exact hour of his birth, what he ate for breakfast, what his favorite horse was called and most certainly where he was born and where he died.
So I am asking for readers' forgiveness as I try to piece together what my brain was doing on the day I wrote that sentence on Page 319. Please go right ahead and cross out Ludlow in the second paragraph of your book and write in Fotheringhay. Then I will feel better.
And I hope you will all be divine and forgive me!
Historical novelists who don't like to mess with history dread being caught out with a glaring error. So far, I've been pretty lucky that my books have passed muster for the most part. A musician friend pointed out that "base" was not the correct spelling for a string on a musical instrument in A ROSE FOR THE CROWN, and that as a former folksinger and guitarist, I should have known how to spell "bass." In the same book, a Richard III Society member (and they are a terrifyingly knowledgeable group to write for!) pointed out that I had the wrong bishopric for Lionel Woodville (I had it right the first time I mentioned him, I hastily add!). Happily, these were found early after publication and subsequent editions of the book were corrected.
But those slips were nothing compared with the one caught by the book reviewer in the latest edition of the US Richard III Society's magazine, Ricardian Register. The reviewer praised QUEEN BY RIGHT (published two years ago) for its retelling of Cecily of York's story, but was surprised that someone as meticulous with her research as I was had claimed Richard of Gloucester (Richard III) was born at Ludlow.
For crying out loud! EVERYONE knows that Richard was born at Fotheringhay--quite the other side of England. I cannot imagine how I came to write that, let alone read and re-read it in the editing process. It is as bad as saying Jesus of Nazareth was born in Jerusalem. Not that I am comparing Richard to Jesus--it's just a good example, because anyone as steeped in Ricardian history as I am knows the exact hour of his birth, what he ate for breakfast, what his favorite horse was called and most certainly where he was born and where he died.
So I am asking for readers' forgiveness as I try to piece together what my brain was doing on the day I wrote that sentence on Page 319. Please go right ahead and cross out Ludlow in the second paragraph of your book and write in Fotheringhay. Then I will feel better.
And I hope you will all be divine and forgive me!
February 7, 2013
A thrilling day
I have to confess I did not set my alarm for 4 a.m. Feb. 4th to listen to the actual broadcast of the DNA results for Richard's bones. I am on vacation in Mexico after a hectic two months of theater and "Royal Mistress" editing and needed my sleep!
But when I did get my lazy bones out of bed, it was to see a barrage of emails and Facebook postings telling me that yes, indeed, that skeleton found under the car park in Leicester was Richard's. I almost wept. To be honest, my fellow Richard III Society and I were convinced the results would be positive, but there was nothing like hearing it for real.
One of the emails was from a research assistant at BBC's The World distributed in the US by Public Radio International. She wanted me to call and chat about what finding out it was Richard meant to me as a RIII Society member and an historical novelist who writes about Richard and the Wars of the Roses. I have to admit I used to work at a PBS station in Northern New York, where, at the same time, Marco Werman, The World's anchor, was also working. We have stayed in touch over the years and he knew of my obsession with Richard!
Within the hour, I was doing an interview with Marco, and that afternoon I got to live-stream the program and listen to it in my adorable little casita in San Miguel de Allende. Suddenly, the number of hits to my website tripled! All very exciting, especially as "Royal Mistress" is coming out in May in which Richard is a major character. Marco kindly gave me a plug for the book at the end of our interview. It all helps ;-)
So what does hearing the news that we have found Richard's ill-treated body mean. For me personally, it means that when they decide where to re-inter his remains, there will be somewhere for me to go and pay my respects next time I am home in England. But more important, it means that this global news story may re-kindle interest in this much-maligned king, and others will realize that the history books have defamed Richard over the centuries and spread the word. And finally, perhaps the portrait painted by Shakespeare will be recognized and appreciated as a brilliant role for a male actor in a dramatic but fictional play.
But when I did get my lazy bones out of bed, it was to see a barrage of emails and Facebook postings telling me that yes, indeed, that skeleton found under the car park in Leicester was Richard's. I almost wept. To be honest, my fellow Richard III Society and I were convinced the results would be positive, but there was nothing like hearing it for real.
One of the emails was from a research assistant at BBC's The World distributed in the US by Public Radio International. She wanted me to call and chat about what finding out it was Richard meant to me as a RIII Society member and an historical novelist who writes about Richard and the Wars of the Roses. I have to admit I used to work at a PBS station in Northern New York, where, at the same time, Marco Werman, The World's anchor, was also working. We have stayed in touch over the years and he knew of my obsession with Richard!
Within the hour, I was doing an interview with Marco, and that afternoon I got to live-stream the program and listen to it in my adorable little casita in San Miguel de Allende. Suddenly, the number of hits to my website tripled! All very exciting, especially as "Royal Mistress" is coming out in May in which Richard is a major character. Marco kindly gave me a plug for the book at the end of our interview. It all helps ;-)
So what does hearing the news that we have found Richard's ill-treated body mean. For me personally, it means that when they decide where to re-inter his remains, there will be somewhere for me to go and pay my respects next time I am home in England. But more important, it means that this global news story may re-kindle interest in this much-maligned king, and others will realize that the history books have defamed Richard over the centuries and spread the word. And finally, perhaps the portrait painted by Shakespeare will be recognized and appreciated as a brilliant role for a male actor in a dramatic but fictional play.
January 13, 2013
Spending the weekend with a cold updating the website wit...
Spending the weekend with a cold updating the website with my trusty webmaster, Scott, by my side. Bear with me, I am just getting the hang of this blogging business!
Before too long, we should know if the skeleton found during an archeological dig in Leicester last summer is indeed that of King Richard III. DNA testing is being done as I write. I have created a separate page, "Richard III in the News," on my website for updates on this exciting development. I especially like the in-depth segment from a Canadian TV show that I have linked to.
Of course, even if the bones are Richard's, it still will not clear up that wretched mystery of what happened to the princes in the Tower. Until royal permission is received to study the bones inside the urn in Westminster Abbey again, we will know no more. In the more than 40 years that I have been studying Richard, nothing in his character, nor with regard to a motive, suggested to me that he would have coldheartedly disposed of his nephews.
But being able to lay him to rest with the dignity deserving of a king, after 500 years of being buried in obscurity, will make me feel a whole lot better! Leicester or York or even Westminster Abbey? Where do you think he should be honored?
Before too long, we should know if the skeleton found during an archeological dig in Leicester last summer is indeed that of King Richard III. DNA testing is being done as I write. I have created a separate page, "Richard III in the News," on my website for updates on this exciting development. I especially like the in-depth segment from a Canadian TV show that I have linked to.
Of course, even if the bones are Richard's, it still will not clear up that wretched mystery of what happened to the princes in the Tower. Until royal permission is received to study the bones inside the urn in Westminster Abbey again, we will know no more. In the more than 40 years that I have been studying Richard, nothing in his character, nor with regard to a motive, suggested to me that he would have coldheartedly disposed of his nephews.
But being able to lay him to rest with the dignity deserving of a king, after 500 years of being buried in obscurity, will make me feel a whole lot better! Leicester or York or even Westminster Abbey? Where do you think he should be honored?
August 12, 2012
Close to the Finish Line!
Spending the weekend with a cold updating the website with my trusty webmaster, Scott, by my side. Bear with me, I am just getting the hang of this blogging business!
Before too long, we should know if the skeleton found during an archeological dig in Leicester last summer is indeed that of King Richard III. DNA testing is being done as I write. I have created a separate page, "Richard III in the News," on my website for updates on this exciting development. I especially like the in-depth segment from a Canadian TV show that I have linked to.
Of course, even if the bones are Richard's, it still will not clear up that wretched mystery of what happened to the princes in the Tower. Until royal permission is received to study the bones inside the urn in Westminster Abbey again, we will know no more. In the more than 40 years that I have been studying Richard, nothing in his character, nor with regard to a motive, suggested to me that he would have coldheartedly disposed of his nephews.
But being able to lay him to rest with the dignity deserving of a king, after 500 years of being buried in obscurity, will make me feel a whole lot better! Leicester or York or even Westminster Abbey? Where do you think he should be honored?
Before too long, we should know if the skeleton found during an archeological dig in Leicester last summer is indeed that of King Richard III. DNA testing is being done as I write. I have created a separate page, "Richard III in the News," on my website for updates on this exciting development. I especially like the in-depth segment from a Canadian TV show that I have linked to.
Of course, even if the bones are Richard's, it still will not clear up that wretched mystery of what happened to the princes in the Tower. Until royal permission is received to study the bones inside the urn in Westminster Abbey again, we will know no more. In the more than 40 years that I have been studying Richard, nothing in his character, nor with regard to a motive, suggested to me that he would have coldheartedly disposed of his nephews.
But being able to lay him to rest with the dignity deserving of a king, after 500 years of being buried in obscurity, will make me feel a whole lot better! Leicester or York or even Westminster Abbey? Where do you think he should be honored?
November 18, 2008
Passion for Theater
Theater has always been part of my life. For the first half, I was a spectator, watching my talented mother go off to perform as leading lady in a company that toured the bases of the British Armed Forces in Germany after World War II, and hearing my father—Port Commandant of the port of Hamburg at the time—sing on the BAF radio. She had trained at London’s Central School of Speech and Drama, and my father ‘s voice earned him a spot at the Guildhall School of Music, although he never pursued a musical career. It was natural that my older sister, Jill, followed in my mother’s footsteps, getting accepted at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (or RADA) and going on to perform in repertory, on television and even in movies—although I have never been able to spot her in the chaotic chateau scene of “The Dirty Dozen”! So, it was no surprise to me when my younger daughter, Kate, fell in love with the stage and went to college to act.
When I was a teen and at boarding school, one of my favorite treats was being taken to a play every birthday by my godmother—yes, the same one who put me on the path to my early passion: Richard III. You see, my godmother had been my mum’s best friend at the Central School, so theater was also a big part of her life. I could not believe it when some of my schoolmates admitted they had never been to the theater—I’d go as far as to say I was shocked!
I left theater well alone with those two stars in the family, until in my late 30s, when landing in culturally starved Northern New York, I found myself trying out for parts in the local musicals and plays and loving every minute on stage. Apparently, I have some of my family acting genes too, and I’ve now turned to directing in the active Newburyport theater scene, as well as chairing the New Works Festival for Playwriting at the arts center. It gives me another focus besides writing, research and the 15th century!
Get more on Anne Easter Smith at SimonandSchuster.com
When I was a teen and at boarding school, one of my favorite treats was being taken to a play every birthday by my godmother—yes, the same one who put me on the path to my early passion: Richard III. You see, my godmother had been my mum’s best friend at the Central School, so theater was also a big part of her life. I could not believe it when some of my schoolmates admitted they had never been to the theater—I’d go as far as to say I was shocked!
I left theater well alone with those two stars in the family, until in my late 30s, when landing in culturally starved Northern New York, I found myself trying out for parts in the local musicals and plays and loving every minute on stage. Apparently, I have some of my family acting genes too, and I’ve now turned to directing in the active Newburyport theater scene, as well as chairing the New Works Festival for Playwriting at the arts center. It gives me another focus besides writing, research and the 15th century!
Get more on Anne Easter Smith at SimonandSchuster.com
February 24, 2008
On the road
Hi from sunny Ann Arbor MI -- although looks like snow tomorrow. Daughter of York is well and truly launched with a fun celebration at my own town bookstore The jabberwocky in Newburyport on February 15th. Then it was on to New York and Connecticut where I was escorted around to several readings/booksignings by my energetic publicist from Simon & Schuster, Kelly Bowen. It's so great to meet so many readers (or new readers. hopefully!) in person and thanks to those who braved the elements in Philadelphia to come out to hear me. Having your smiling faces in the audience made me less nervous.
Daughter of York is getting some good reviews and I am so grateful for all the support I've been getting from my publisher and my lovely agent, Kirsten.
Wish me well for the rest of the tour -- I'll be flying to Denver on Tuesday, 26th, if the weather gods are kind! And then on to my first time in Kansas City, where I plan to have a large steak! Home to Newburyport and back to writing book three on March 4th.
Spring can't be far away .... I hope!
Daughter of York is getting some good reviews and I am so grateful for all the support I've been getting from my publisher and my lovely agent, Kirsten.
Wish me well for the rest of the tour -- I'll be flying to Denver on Tuesday, 26th, if the weather gods are kind! And then on to my first time in Kansas City, where I plan to have a large steak! Home to Newburyport and back to writing book three on March 4th.
Spring can't be far away .... I hope!
February 9, 2008
Break out the champagne
Five days and counting to the launch of "Daughter of York"! It is such a thrill to walk into my local bookstore, where the celebration will be, and see copies of the book prominently displayed. Then I go on tour for two and a half weeks. Check out my website to check if I'll be visiting near you ... I would love to meet you!
November 25, 2007
Thanksgiving drop in
Stopped in at http://www.redfoxbookstore.com/NASApp/store/IndexJsp in Glens Falls, NY while visiting family over Thanksgiving. Great to see a thriving bookstore back in Glens Falls! Red Fox will be handling book sales when I give my talk at the Crandall Library next April. --
Anne
