K.M. Guerin
asked
C.W. Gortner:
Hello, Mr. Gortner! I was just wondering if you've considered writing any book about other Spanish rulers, such as the earlier Trastámaran kings, or even stories set in the caliphates? I wish there were more English works set in medieval or Renaissance Spain, to help dispel the myth of the "dowdy/sneaky" Spaniards. I'd also love to know your favorite historical fiction books or authors, if you read the genre!
C.W. Gortner
Hi K.M.,
I have definitely considered writing about the earlier Trastamaras. Unfortunately, it's quite a tough market out there for books in general and historical fiction in particular. Publishers are often looking for "marquee" names, i.e., characters /subjects who are widely familiar to readers, and so more obscure subject matter, such as medieval Spain, which is not as well known, pose a challenge from a publishing stand point. As I make my living writing novels, I have to develop ideas for novels that my publishers want to pay me to write. Hopefully, I can write one of these subjects at a later date, but for the foreseeable future, it would be hard for me to sell.
I do read a lot of historical fiction. I like a lot of current hf novelists; one of my favorite recent reads was EMPRESS OF NIGHT by Eva Stachniak, about Catherine the Great. You can check out my reviews to see which books I loved; I don't have the time to review everything I read and like, but I do try to highlight books that I especially loved. Happy Holidays and happy reading!
I have definitely considered writing about the earlier Trastamaras. Unfortunately, it's quite a tough market out there for books in general and historical fiction in particular. Publishers are often looking for "marquee" names, i.e., characters /subjects who are widely familiar to readers, and so more obscure subject matter, such as medieval Spain, which is not as well known, pose a challenge from a publishing stand point. As I make my living writing novels, I have to develop ideas for novels that my publishers want to pay me to write. Hopefully, I can write one of these subjects at a later date, but for the foreseeable future, it would be hard for me to sell.
I do read a lot of historical fiction. I like a lot of current hf novelists; one of my favorite recent reads was EMPRESS OF NIGHT by Eva Stachniak, about Catherine the Great. You can check out my reviews to see which books I loved; I don't have the time to review everything I read and like, but I do try to highlight books that I especially loved. Happy Holidays and happy reading!
More Answered Questions
Cintia
asked
C.W. Gortner:
Hi, my name is Cintia and I'm from Argentina. Being a writer is what I want the most in this world, nothing makes me happier than writing, but I'm more and more frustrated with each passing day, because I've been blocked for 3 years. And it is not that I have an unfinished story. I have NOTHING AT ALL. A blank page in front of me, that only makes me sadder... Is there a way to overcome this? How do you handle it?
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Dec 18, 2015 03:25PM