Cyrano
asked
C.W. Gortner:
Hello! Actually, I do not have a question but I would like to seize this opportunity to thank you for your work. Writing acurate and well researched historical fiction requires a lot of time and work. But what a pleasure for the readers!! P.S.: I am adding a question mark to this message as I am asked to :-) "?"
C.W. Gortner
Thank you so much. I really appreciate this; it's very kind of you to take the time to let me know.
Writers try very hard to give our readers good books; none of us sets out to write a bad one. We spend a lot of time writing, and we have to then deal with our editor's input and a number of other concerns that are often not within our control. The market and our publishers dictate how our books enter the world in printed form, and trust me, it's not always easy. But we write because we love it, and just as a critical / negative review can hurt us deeply, a nice one is always a thrill. So, thank you for giving me a thrill today!
Writers try very hard to give our readers good books; none of us sets out to write a bad one. We spend a lot of time writing, and we have to then deal with our editor's input and a number of other concerns that are often not within our control. The market and our publishers dictate how our books enter the world in printed form, and trust me, it's not always easy. But we write because we love it, and just as a critical / negative review can hurt us deeply, a nice one is always a thrill. So, thank you for giving me a thrill today!
More Answered Questions
Martin Turnbull
asked
C.W. Gortner:
Hi CW, I have a question that relates more to the craft of writing. Do you approach these sorts of biographical novels the way most novels are constructed? i.e. with a definitive character arc taking the protagonist from start to finish and have them overcome a problem and/or flaw while battling an antagonist? Or is your goal to simply follow the life of your heroine and let that be the story?
Donna
asked
C.W. Gortner:
Just finished Mademoiselle Chanel. I so loved it! While the sexual encounters were a tad bit too descriptive for me, I still rated it 5 out of 5 stars. Your writing is perfect. Easy too read yet captivating. Thank you. I find it so hard to find books that make me want to read them every moment, but this book did just that. I want to learn more about her now. How much time did you spend on researching & writing it?
Inés
asked
C.W. Gortner:
I'm reading your book about Isabella of Castile (and loving it so far!) and I was thinking "there is no way the author isn't spanish, this world is too well known". I am spanish and I'm glad to read in your bio that you hold such love for Spain and its history. I was wondering how do you do the research process. And do you watch the tv show "Isabel"? I think you'd love it! Lots of love from Murcia :).
About Goodreads Q&A
Ask and answer questions about books!
You can pose questions to the Goodreads community with Reader Q&A, or ask your favorite author a question with Ask the Author.
See Featured Authors Answering Questions
Learn more