Victoria Lamb's Blog: Victoria Lamb on Goodreads, page 18
June 10, 2012
Why did Mary I keep her sister alive after the Wyatt Rebellion?
It was Mary's plans to marry Philip of Spain that sparked open rebellion in England in 1554.
This weekend, I've blogged at the English Historical Fiction Authors' blog about the young Elizabeth's imprisonment at Woodstock Palace.
The princess's imprisonment famously came in the aftermath of the so-called "Wyatt Rebellion" of 1554. Mary I was clearly convinced of her sister's involvement in
This weekend, I've blogged at the English Historical Fiction Authors' blog about the young Elizabeth's imprisonment at Woodstock Palace.
The princess's imprisonment famously came in the aftermath of the so-called "Wyatt Rebellion" of 1554. Mary I was clearly convinced of her sister's involvement in
May 29, 2012
From Sturdy Beggars to Famous Players
Hollar's view of London, 1647, showing the second 'Globe' theatre on Bankside
The Origins of English Theatre
Before the sixteenth century, most English drama was of a religious or didactic nature - albeit often comical and irreverent in places, to hold the audience's attention. Court masques of the early Tudor era may have retold great English historical events or classical stories, sometimes
The Origins of English Theatre
Before the sixteenth century, most English drama was of a religious or didactic nature - albeit often comical and irreverent in places, to hold the audience's attention. Court masques of the early Tudor era may have retold great English historical events or classical stories, sometimes
May 17, 2012
The Identity of Shakespeare's 'Dark Lady'
I'm very happy to say that I posted today on the English Historical Fiction Authors blog. It's normally about once a month that I post there, and today I wrote on the tricky subject of William Shakespeare and the identity of his 'Dark Lady' of the sonnets.
Was William Shakespeare in love with another woman behind his wife's back?
It's a problematic topic, of course, because no one knows for
Was William Shakespeare in love with another woman behind his wife's back?
It's a problematic topic, of course, because no one knows for
March 13, 2012
Page Turners: reinventing well-known historical figures
I have a blog post today on the Page Turners site, chatting about The Queen's Secret and how I approach the writing of historical fiction.
When reinventing a well-known historical figure or event, a tension develops between the dry historical facts and the storyteller's natural inclination to make those facts fit a more exciting vision. Writing becomes a compromise between what we know or
When reinventing a well-known historical figure or event, a tension develops between the dry historical facts and the storyteller's natural inclination to make those facts fit a more exciting vision. Writing becomes a compromise between what we know or
February 29, 2012
"Spies, Lies & Adultery" at Kenilworth Castle, Thursday 1st March
Kenilworth Castle, Warwickshire. Photograph: J.D. Forrester.
I shall be giving an author talk on "Spies, Lies and Adultery at Elizabeth I's court", plus a book signing, with refreshments at 'The Stables', Kenilworth Castle, Warwickshire, CV8 1NE, at 7pm on Thursday 1st March.
The talk is free, but if you wish to book a place, tickets are available from Warwick and Kenilworth Books or you
I shall be giving an author talk on "Spies, Lies and Adultery at Elizabeth I's court", plus a book signing, with refreshments at 'The Stables', Kenilworth Castle, Warwickshire, CV8 1NE, at 7pm on Thursday 1st March.
The talk is free, but if you wish to book a place, tickets are available from Warwick and Kenilworth Books or you
February 24, 2012
Guest Blogging at "Cathie Dunn Writes" today
I'm delighted to be guest blogging over at Cathie Dunn's website today. Cathie's romances and gripping historicals are marvellously well-crafted and delicious to read, so it makes it a double delight to be featured on her blog today.
I've chosen to chat on Cathie Dunn's blog about writing multiple viewpoints, for those who are writing or would like to write fiction themselves.
Please do drop by
I've chosen to chat on Cathie Dunn's blog about writing multiple viewpoints, for those who are writing or would like to write fiction themselves.
Please do drop by
Book Signing at Hunt's Bookshop, Rugby, Warwickshire
This is me at a book signing at Waterstones, Coventry, last week. This weekend I'll be at Hunt's Bookshop in Rugby, Warwickshire, signing copies of The Queen's Secret.
Saturday 25th February: book signing at Hunt's Bookshop, Chapel Street, Rugby (town centre, opp. McDonalds), 11am to 1pm. Please do drop in if you're in the Rugby area, and remember there will be signed copies of The Queen's
Saturday 25th February: book signing at Hunt's Bookshop, Chapel Street, Rugby (town centre, opp. McDonalds), 11am to 1pm. Please do drop in if you're in the Rugby area, and remember there will be signed copies of The Queen's
February 21, 2012
FREE Book Party Winners Announced!
I am absolutely delighted to announce that the three lucky ladies below who attended the cyber launch of my debut novel have been drawn out of the hat by my husband to receive a FREE hardback edition of The Queen's Secret.
Commiserations to those who didn't win, but I hope you'll eventually get to read my Tudor historical, and HOORAH to those who won. May you enjoy your free read!
Winners,
Commiserations to those who didn't win, but I hope you'll eventually get to read my Tudor historical, and HOORAH to those who won. May you enjoy your free read!
Winners,
February 17, 2012
Signings for The Queen's Secret: Coventry and Rugby
As you can from the lovely poster above, I'll be signing hardback copies of The Queen's Secret today (Saturday Feb 18th) in Waterstones, Coventry, from 11am to 1pm. It would be lovely to see you there.
I'll also be signing copies at Hunt's Bookshop, Chapel Street, Rugby town centre, next Saturday 25th February from 11am to 1pm.
Then going off for a well-deserved cup of coffee, I imagine!
I'll also be signing copies at Hunt's Bookshop, Chapel Street, Rugby town centre, next Saturday 25th February from 11am to 1pm.
Then going off for a well-deserved cup of coffee, I imagine!
The Compromise of Historical Fiction
I have a nice little piece over on the HistoryTellers site today, talking about writing historically and the various techniques required for turning 'real' historical figures into fictional characters:
When reinventing a well-known historical figure or event, a tension develops between the dry historical facts and the storyteller's natural inclination to make those facts fit a more exciting
When reinventing a well-known historical figure or event, a tension develops between the dry historical facts and the storyteller's natural inclination to make those facts fit a more exciting
