Interview with Jenny Burr
JennyEBurr Writes—A blog featuring writing, teaching, life, and more.
Interview with Author Catherine Grove, November 2, 2020
Today I am welcoming Catherine Grove to JennyEBurr Writes to talk about her two historical novels, Never Forget which was published in 2019, and Never Far which was released in the summer of 2020. Catherine, describes herself as a “history buff” who loves researching her family’s roots, but also the lives of others. She not only writes about the past, but, when possible, she experiences it.
Tell us a bit about your first book, Never Forget and your second book, Never Far.
They are the story of a resourceful frontier-raised Canadian woman who defies family ambition schemes to pursue her independence in Regency England, post-war of 1812. Originally, they were one book. I separated the plot, at a coming-of-age choice, advised that I was not known enough to publish a fat book. Both books can stand alone and stir the reader for more.
What intrigued you about this time frame in Canadian, American and British history that piqued your interest in using this historical time frame in your novels?
Not much is recorded in Canadian history books of the period between the War of 1812 and building of the Rideau Canal. Yet there was immense upheaval caused by climate (the ‘Year Without Summer’) and within society (the early industrial revolution, Land Closures in Britain, Penal Laws in Ireland, etc). Slavery had yet to be abolished, migration, American opportunists poaching Crown lands of timber, steam replacing manpower—it was an exciting time with plenty of ‘shenanigans’.
How did you come up with the titles?
I like to keep things simple; in simplicity there are multiple meanings.
Which came first for your books, the history you wished to explore or the story line?
The character comes first, driving the plot of the books.
Let’s explore this comment further. With respect to your main character in Never Forget, explain how you decided on Jane Blythe as the main character and how her personality and character move the plot forward in Never Forget.
Throughout time women have surmounted to make the world a better place: Christian activist Josephine Butler (mid-1800’s) worked with street women and child prostitutes, feminist Mary Wollstonecraft (late 1700’s) argued for equality of women, theologian Julian of Norwich (1400’s) wrote the first English book (Revelations of Divine Love) by a woman, Loyalist Mary Hoople (late 1700’s) healed with traditional Indigenous practices acquired in her upbringing as a captive of the Delaware people.
Janet Blythe is inspired from real incidences and people. I first saw Janet, the year before Never Forget begins, living on the Niagara front lines of the bloody War of 1812. She opened her cabin door to wounded British soldiers from the nearby Battle of the Forty; out of necessity they slaughtered her milk cow to eat.
Then, in Never Far, how does your main character’s independence and spirit cause difficulties for her?
Impulsive and brusque, Janet won’t keep quiet to injustice and she doesn’t quit—even when seemingly defected. She lives with the consequences of her actions and judgements; just as we must. Loving deeply, she draws a loyal following of those who see beyond her prickly exterior, for they know she can be trusted.
How long have you been interested in history? Explain how you did your research for both of your books.
Grandparents passed on to me an oral history family tradition. Researching their tales revealed truth is stranger than fiction. With Never Forget/Never Far, the character’s world (culture, politics, legal status, clothes, faith, diet, world events, transportation, etc.) determines her choices. Historical accuracy directed my decision to Indie publish.
Explain how you research for historical accuracy? (ie examples of resources, first person accounts via journals or diaries, news clippings, etc.)
I have a broad approach. As an avid history buff, I’m a member of historical and archaeological societies, attend events, use their archives, and visit local museums (both here and overseas). Curators and historical re-enactors are invaluable for their understanding of daily life. I peruse blogs on clothing, culture, climate, toilets, tooth brushes, etc. and have sought legal advice (for Documents and Agreements referred to in story) to build an accurate portrayal of the time.
My ‘fun’ is walking the places of my stories. Last Sunday, my husband and I roamed a nearby town, reading Blue historical plaques, identifying buildings from an 1838 map, noting events eluded to on tombstones. I’ve stood at the base of the escarpment falls and climbed the path where Janet and James’ raced. I’ve walked through English estate houses, sat in an Irish immigrant ship, lit a candle and prayed in the chapel described in Janet’s world. (With present Covid restrictions on travel, Google Earth has been helpful.)
I recommend ‘The Timetables of History’ by Bernard Grun, as reference for worldwide events from 4500 BC onward. What is going on in the world is essential, for we do not live in isolation.
When you wrote your first book did you know that you might be writing others which might be either stand alones or as part of a series? No, it depended on where the character went. I’ve written other books (1800’s, 1940’s, 1960’s) I’ve yet to publish. Some may become series, spanning generations of the character.
Do you write full time or part time?
I’m a storyteller, compelled to create full time, and get grumpy if I don’t.
What do you love about writing historical fiction and what do you find challenging?
I love to travel back in time. Balancing creativity with research can be difficult.
Have you always wanted to write? Did you have anyone who influenced or encouraged you to write?
No. I have a vivid imagination, aided by growing up without a television and reading a lot of biographies and mysteries. My father-in-law is a self-taught published writer who encouraged me to put my stories to paper and “Write large—don’t hold back!”
Do you have a favorite author or authors? What do you enjoy about their writing?
John Buchan, a former Governor General of Canada. I enjoy the mystery, suspense and adventure he brings to his stories from his life experiences as an intelligence officer, journalist and politician.
Do you have anything which you would like to share with aspiring authors?
Don’t doubt yourself. A craftsman always improves.
Is there anything else you would like to share?
Knowing my stories have touched someone is rewarding. Please write a review.
Published by Jenny E Burr, the author of Living God’s Grace (2019,2020-available from Amazon). Jenny is an amateur cell phone picture hobbyist, a published writer, an avid reader, a teacher, a wife and mom, living in Ontario, who blogs at: jennyeburrwrites.wordpress.com.
