Introducing Letitia Coyne… and Touchstone
I don't know how I first came across Letitia Coyne.
I knew of her, as one generally does in webfiction circles. I knew she wrote epic, character-driven historical romances. I knew she lived in Australia. That was about it.
Then we started working together on Ergofiction. I don't know if she approached me, or me her — all I know is that I was impressed by her hard work, dedication and persistence, all of which are essential qualities for a writer. So I set aside some time, and started reading Britannia… and an entire weekend disappeared lost in battlefields and romances.
And here we are, two years later. 1889′s first historical novel.
Introducing Letitia Coyne… and Touchstone.
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A little about you, first: what kind of a writer are you?
LC: Until recently I was a compulsive writer. I loved compositions at primary school, and when commuting was a common occurrence later in life, I would tell my friend unflattering stories about fellow train passengers to amuse us for 4 hrs. In terms of process, I read, edit, write. Every time the words stop flowing [after I make yet another cuppa] I go back 1000 words and read, edit, write. It's a constant process of writing and rewriting. I see stories unfolding like watching a movie. Once I know my characters well enough to feel what they are feeling, they take over the story and I try to keep up with the words. Once upon a time I chain-smoked, and nothing makes me miss my sweet sweet fags like writing.
You seem to have a passion for historical fiction. Where does this interest come from?
LC: I loved the TV series I, Claudius in the 70′s, and the fascination with history, especially Imperial Rome, grew from there. I studied religion for 6 yrs, [independently but obsessively] and that was mostly a study in ancient history, too. Then I had an inexplicable emotional blowout when I first saw Vindolanda – I wanted to lie in the mud and cry. Who knows why; I was simply overwhelmed by a sense of loss. Now, if I watch telly it seems always to be programs narrated by Tony Robinson, Terry Jones, Neil Oliver, or Griff Rhys-Jones as they traipse across the green and pleasant land. If I imagine the people who lived in the particular historical period described, their stories begin to unfold inside my head.
What is the most unusual fact you've ever researched for your novels?
LC: Unusual? I'm not sure. The most upsetting was to learn only recently that Celts did not [nor did any other warriors in history] carry their long, broad-bladed swords over their shoulder as widely shown in movies and TV, and indeed often incorrectly repeated in fiction. The length and weight of the blade would make it impossible to draw freely over the shoulder, and the action leaves the entire chest and stomach open to attack. My big bad.
The worst thing is I had once questioned, in my own mind, how they could pull the blade free, but having apparently seen it done in many reconstructions, I thought my doubt was unwarranted. Note to self: if it seems unlikely, it's worth double checking.
Moving on to your latest release, Touchstone — in one sentence, what is this novel ultimately about?
LC: Touchstone explores the tragedy of pursuing an imagined, idealised happiness at the risk of losing all that we already have.
Where did the title come from? Does it hold special meaning?
LC: A touchstone is a little piece of rock which is used to test the purity of gold. Figuratively, it allows you to see the value of something/someone. Stone, in its various forms, features strongly in the story, too. It represents certainty and stability, an unbending reality, unsympathetic exposure to the harshness of life, and, when it fails, the catastrophic collapse of everything built upon it.
How does Touchstone compare to your previous novels?
LC: This is the first time I have let go of some well established storyline expectations. With Touchstone, I wanted to express a vision closer to my own perception of life and love. Too often, in striving and struggling toward that which we think will make us happy, we ignore all the joy that is right at hand. I think life truly is about the journey, not the destination. Otherwise, when we get there, what then?
What kind of reader is likely to enjoy Touchstone?
LC: Touchstone is a short, light read with all the ingredients we enjoy in historical fiction: a bit of love, a bit of muscle, sweat, and swordplay, a bit of sex, and a bit of sadness. Anyone who enjoys character driven storylines should like this one. It is my hope, as with all of my stories, that it leaves the reader with a little bit more to think about than they'll find in the average novella.
How would you feel about being categorised as a romance author? Does the suit chafe?
LC: Not at all. At the end of the day, category romance is the single most popular and best selling genre on the stands, both digital and print. The only rub comes when romance writers begin to think they are writing Literature, or when the Literati judge romance writers as lesser creatures. There are two completely different sets of skills at work, like painting in watercolour or painting in oils. Not all art is the same and that is a good thing. If they satisfy their readers, any author has achieved a lofty goal.
Let's finish off with three pearls of wisdom from you, on writing. Go!
LC:
Watch people. Comedians are a great source of insight into humanity and the way we interact.
Write until your own voice emerges. Be careful which books you read while you are writing; the styles and word plays that you enjoy will filter through your subconscious and onto the page.
Write the first chapter last. [Awkward if you're writing web serials!]
Actually, let's finish off with your favourite paragraph from Touchstone.
LC: "The wind sucked at her hair and pushed up under her tunic, puffing and flapping it against her body. In a moment of inspiration she dropped to a squat. Her boots were soon unlaced, the breeches shoved down roughly and kicked off to the side. As she raised her bare foot to the rail, the wind wailed its encouragement and she pushed up, almost overbalancing, and stood, arms out in space against the wind.
Laughing, filling from her toes to her ears with bright joy, she caught the flapping tunic and lifted it up and over her head. Her blood had turned to quicksilver rushing through her, aching in nipples grown hard and greedy for the cold suck of the wind. Naked, laughing hard, laughing full into the moonlit void, she stepped out from the stone and flew."
Letitia Coyne is alive and well and living in Australia. She writes, paints, draws, sews, plays with old wooden furniture, revives jewellery and sings very loudly. When not doing any of the above, she watches endless movies, feeds multitudes of pets, wildlife freeloaders, and stray adolescents. Or sleeps.
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Do you have a passion for historical fiction? Leave a comment telling us what historical era most appeals to you. Personally, I'm a fan of those groovy Greeks!
(Pssst! Are you on Goodreads? You can WIN a print copy of Touchstone – check out our goodreads giveaway.)
