Cheryl Mallon Webb
asked
Sharon Kay Penman:
I love your books. My favorite is Here be dragons. Reading your books caused me to develop an intense interest in European (especially British) history. I love history so much that it has become one of my hobbies, along with reading great novels. What got you interested in history and caused you to want to create such incredible books for us?
Sharon Kay Penman
Hi, Cheryl. I am so sorry it has taken me so long to respond to your query, but as I explained to other readers, I suffer from chronic back pain and in recent months, it got particularly nasty.
I am so pleased that my books helped to awaken your interest in history, which has always been one of my passions. I cannot remember a time when I was not fascinated by the past, going back to my childhood. I also began to write during those early years, for my own pleasure. As much as I enjoyed writing, I did not think I'd be able to make a living as a writer; when people talk about artists starving in their garrets, they usually have writers as roommates. So I did the practical thing and went to law school. But I'd stumbled onto the story of Richard III and felt a compulsion to write about him. Eventually the stars came into perfect alignment and I was able to do so, and then to find a publisher for that 1,200 page novel about a long-dead, controversial king. Looking back upon it, it seems downright miraculous to me!
I am so pleased that my books helped to awaken your interest in history, which has always been one of my passions. I cannot remember a time when I was not fascinated by the past, going back to my childhood. I also began to write during those early years, for my own pleasure. As much as I enjoyed writing, I did not think I'd be able to make a living as a writer; when people talk about artists starving in their garrets, they usually have writers as roommates. So I did the practical thing and went to law school. But I'd stumbled onto the story of Richard III and felt a compulsion to write about him. Eventually the stars came into perfect alignment and I was able to do so, and then to find a publisher for that 1,200 page novel about a long-dead, controversial king. Looking back upon it, it seems downright miraculous to me!
More Answered Questions
Caroline
asked
Sharon Kay Penman:
Who is your favourite historical figure that you know you'll never write about?
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