James Burns asked Sharon Kay Penman:

I have loves reading your books. I want to thank you for your latest comments on the life and character of Richard I. He is also my favorite English King. I am glad and am really look forward to the release of Outreamer. Could a man with Richards character and love of tournaments and the pursuit of adventure be a successful king during the American Revolution, do you think the outcome would have been different?

Sharon Kay Penman Hi, James. This is easily the most intriguing and original question I've ever been asked. It is also one that has me totally stumped. I cannot even begin to imagine Richard in George III's place, for he was the quintessential medieval king. It is impossible, therefore, to envision him courting public opinion or caring if the American colonists thought he was a tyrant. :-) I can say that he'd have been in the thick of the fighting, for he always led by example. Beyond that, I haven't a clue. Thinking about it, though, the only medieval king whom I can imagine making the transition from the MA to another time period is Edward IV. Edward was very good at PR; Richard I actually was, too, but his PR genius was directed toward expanding his fame as a warrior. Edward courted the favor of the Londoners and it paid off. Many felt that he was too approachable for a king, but he knew the power of his own charm. Still not sure how he'd have fared had he been confronted with a rebellion in the colonies, though!
PS Thank you for letting me know that you enjoyed my portrayal of the Lionheart, a complex man who remains controversial to this day.

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