Tudor History Lovers discussion
Introductions
I'm so pleased you like the sound of my book. I've never read a book from Henry's POV either, with the exception of the Autobiography of Henry VIII which I struggled to get through because it was a little too dry and longwinded for my taste. But I do intend to go back and try again. I definitely haven't read one where he's the victim with the exception of what I have written. Maybe he was in the Autobiography of Henry VIII. I haven't finished it yet so I can't vouch for that. Maybe some of the others in this group that have read it could tell you?It's part of the reason I felt compelled to write his story. We always hear the wive's perspectives and he's portrayed as a monster. I don't think of him as a monster at all. I think he had a lot of pressure on him and based on his background and his circumstances, I think he did the best he could. I wanted to unvillainize him (I made that word up. Yep, put little to no thought to it. Now you'll really question ever wanting to read my story I bet. :P). I wanted to show the human side of him with all his passions and his big heart. I think he was searching for love and acceptance and struggled to find it.
I've got another member of this group prereading my novel now. If you're interested in pre-reading it and giving me some feedback, let me know. I can always use more opinions and honest gut reactions. It's about 77K words, so it's not overly lengthy. Or at least not nearly as phone book length as the Autobiography of Henry VIII. If you're not interested, no big deal. We can still gush over all things Tudor. I'm always game to do that.
Crystal
p.s. Excited for all the newcomers. I know they'll love this group as much as I do. I've already made some terrific friends here!
Alex wrote: "Crystal wrote: "Hi, my name is Crystal and I'm a Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn addict. So much so that I've already written a historical fiction from Henry’s point of view, where he’s the victim (alon..."
Crystal wrote: "I'm so pleased you like the sound of my book. I've never read a book from Henry's POV either, with the exception of the Autobiography of Henry VIII which I struggled to get through because it was a..."To a degree he was in Margaret George's book. He also has a really disturbing period of madness, that was incredibly well written.
Margaret wrote: "Crystal wrote: "I'm so pleased you like the sound of my book. I've never read a book from Henry's POV either, with the exception of the Autobiography of Henry VIII which I struggled to get through ..."Well, now I'm definitely going to give it another chance. Thank you so much for sharing this!
Crystal wrote: "Margaret wrote: "Crystal wrote: "I'm so pleased you like the sound of my book. I've never read a book from Henry's POV either, with the exception of the Autobiography of Henry VIII which I struggle..."It is fantastically well done. To me it's one of the highlights of the book.
Margaret wrote: "Crystal wrote: "Margaret wrote: "Crystal wrote: "I'm so pleased you like the sound of my book. I've never read a book from Henry's POV either, with the exception of the Autobiography of Henry VIII ..."Sounds like it. I'll definitely be reading that part if nothing else, and probably give a review of it since I can't resist sharing my opinion on all things Tudorlicious. :D
Crystal wrote: "I'm so pleased you like the sound of my book. I've never read a book from Henry's POV either, with the exception of the Autobiography of Henry VIII which I struggled to get through because it was a..."Your book sounds great! If you want feedback I would be glad to read nd give you some!
Hi there, quick introduction. My name is Annie I have 2 daughters (1 who is a book worm like me). I am currently reading 'All the Queens Players' by Jane Feather. I love the Medieval whodunnits especially C.J. Sansom!Really looking forward to other peoples opinions of book and some recommendations!
Annie
Margaret wrote: "Allie wrote: "Hi everyone! I'm Allie, 27 & new to Goodreads. Looking for groups with my interests and found this one. I love the Tudor era but really anything that has to do with English history is..."Margaret ~ That seems to be the case with most people. They were rather interesting time periods!
Hello! I'm Mairead I love British history and really anything historical fiction. My pasion for reading history probably comes from my research and participation in historical re-enacting, which helps me understand the setting of a book even more. I read almost anything I can get my hands on, and am notorious for racking up library fines!
Allie wrote: "Margaret wrote: "Allie wrote: "Hi everyone! I'm Allie, 27 & new to Goodreads. Looking for groups with my interests and found this one. I love the Tudor era but really anything that has to do with E..."They were. And so many of the principals were real characters. Something the Georgian era. for example, lacks.
Hello, I'm a 23 yr old who has been in love with Tudor history since I first read Alison Weir's 'The Six Wives of Henry VIII' a few years back. Plus my major was English Literature and a lot of references would be made to that particular time period so it encouraged me to read more on them. From Shakespearean references to modern literature, I am an avid book collector of all things Tudor.
Margaret wrote: "They were. And so many of the principals were real characters. Something the Georgian era. for example, lacks." Probably because the Georgians were such an ugly, boring bunch!
Destiny wrote: "Crystal wrote: "I'm so pleased you like the sound of my book. I've never read a book from Henry's POV either, with the exception of the Autobiography of Henry VIII which I struggled to get through ..."I sent you a private message about this. If you're still interested, you can email me about it and we can set something up. Thanks for being willing to help out. :D
Crystal
Tamara wrote: "Hello, I'm a 23 yr old who has been in love with Tudor history since I first read Alison Weir's 'The Six Wives of Henry VIII' a few years back. Plus my major was English Literature and a lot of ref..."Welcome, Tamara. You've already been a great addition to the group. Glad to have you here!
Mairead wrote: "Hello! I'm Mairead I love British history and really anything historical fiction. My pasion for reading history probably comes from my research and participation in historical re-enacting, which h..."
I like your name, Mairead. Historical re-enacting? What kind? Care to share any pictures? I'm a visual person and very nosey.
And don't even get me started on library fines! Geesh! I checked out every book I could find for Anne and Henry when I was writing my historical novel and those fines are so scary I haven't even addressed them! I'm sure I'll be banned from checking out any more of them in the future. I'll be forced to pay for them and continue to cram books in my already overfull book shelves.
Allie wrote: "Hi everyone! I'm Allie, 27 & new to Goodreads. Looking for groups with my interests and found this one. I love the Tudor era but really anything that has to do with English history is fine by me. B..."I'm planning to read Wolf Hall very soon. Can't wait. I've heard good things about it, and now to know there's a sequel... Well, I'm just happy enough to consider dancing.
Annie wrote: "Hi there, quick introduction. My name is Annie I have 2 daughters (1 who is a book worm like me). I am currently reading 'All the Queens Players' by Jane Feather. I love the Medieval whodunnits ..."You've come to the right place. I've already gotten some really great recommendations and I only joined last month!
Welcome.
Rachel wrote: "Hi, my name is Rachel and I am 31, from Brooklyn, NY by way of Austin, Tx. I became interested in British History during college, through a book called London by Edward Rutherford. In my early 20's..."I saw Jean Plaidy's books a few months ago and it sounded like she was one of the first to really write volumes of historical fiction on the Tudors. Here's my question though--I think they were written in the 70's or early 80's, right?--are these books still relevant? What I mean is, we have more information on the Tudors now. Will her books be trite, or do they withstand the test of time? And if that's the case, which one of her books do you recommend I start with? I'm very curious about Plaidy.
Thanks for your help.
Crystal
Luke wrote: "Hello allI've been bitten by the renaissance bug... and now seeking all things sixteenth century. Just discovered Lymond Chronicles, bought them all and taking a week off to read them in the rai..."
Alright, Luke, I went through your list and added a bunch of these to my to-be-read list. Are you still reading the Lymond Chronicles? That series sounds fascinating. Let me know... Maybe we can read it before Wolf Hall and read at the same time and compare notes?
The Lymond Chronicles (as they are now called) by Dorothy Dunnett are wonderful books! I read the first one in 1969 and have never let any of the series out of my hands! Vivid, beautifully researched, enthralling....shall I go on? In a way, I envy a reader's first foray into that world!
Wow, I'm sold. Sounds like I need to get my hands on them very soon! Thanks for the feedback.I can hear your passion and it's infectious!
Hey!My name is Ashley Marie
I live in Kutztown, Pa
Loves reading, photography, blogging & camping!
My interests in history are Tudor Era, Elizabethan Era, Civil War Era, & World War II Era!
I mostly read Tudor Era related books but I started reading some Historical Western Romance books!
Welcome, AshleyMarie. This group has been my favorite out of any of the groups I've joined. There are pretty fabulous people in this group, and they are very welcoming. Not to mention they have great recs!
Hey Ashley Marie! I live in Nazareth Pa! Nice to meet someone so close to home.
Hello! My name is Marybeth and I can honestly say I read almost anything I can find about the Tudor era. That time period fascinates me like no other! I always tell my husband I was born at the wrong time!
Hello! It's really nice to see so many people interested in the Tudors! I just finished The Boleyn Inheritance by Phillipa Gregory and liked it, especially her characterizations of Katherine Howard (poor girl) and Anne of Cleves (poor woman). Did anyone have thoughts about how she uses first-person narrators? Does it break the fiction for you when a character is talking on her way to the scaffold?
I really liked The Boleyn Inheritance; better than The Other Boleyn Girl.I thought the multiple first-person narration was very effective.
Marybeth wrote: "Hello! My name is Marybeth and I can honestly say I read almost anything I can find about the Tudor era. That time period fascinates me like no other! I always tell my husband I was born at the wro..."Hi, Marybeth, I say that as well, only I say I was born in the wrong country too! I definitely should have been born anywhere in the UK. If Kilts are even mentioned, I'm fanning myself. And the accents about do me under.
And by that, I mean, WELCOME! Glad to have you here!
Thanks for the welcome Crystal & Destiny! =)
My mother always tells me I was born in the wrong time and place. She thinks I belong in Tudor Times!
Destiny wrote: "My mother always tells me I was born in the wrong time and place. She thinks I belong in Tudor Times!"I feel the same way!
Crystal wrote: "I'm so pleased you like the sound of my book. I've never read a book from Henry's POV either, with the exception of the Autobiography of Henry VIII which I struggled to get through because it was a..."I love the idea of this book! When do you expect it to come out? I just may be one of the first to buy it :)
Amber wrote: "Crystal wrote: "I'm so pleased you like the sound of my book. I've never read a book from Henry's POV either, with the exception of the Autobiography of Henry VIII which I struggled to get through ..."I've got it slated to be published in 2 years from now so I'd have time to write the rest of the series, but since I've already got 2 people pre-reading it right now in this group and have gotten very positive feedback from them, I may just have to push the release date way forward. How about this November? Would that be soon enough? I could probably have it ready by then, get it polished and formatted. Are you interested in perhaps being a pre-reader as well? The more feedback and opinions I can get the better.
Crystal wrote: "Amber wrote: "Crystal wrote: "I'm so pleased you like the sound of my book. I've never read a book from Henry's POV either, with the exception of the Autobiography of Henry VIII which I struggled t..."That sounds great! I would love to pre-read your book!
Crystal wrote: "Amber wrote: "Crystal wrote: "I'm so pleased you like the sound of my book. I've never read a book from Henry's POV either, with the exception of the Autobiography of Henry VIII which I struggled t..."If you're looking for pre-readers, I would be happy to be one! I've also got a first novel coming out next year, a mystery set in a convent under the Tudors. Can you just push your publication date around, though?? My publisher has to set that for me!
Sarah wrote: "Crystal wrote: "Amber wrote: "Crystal wrote: "I'm so pleased you like the sound of my book. I've never read a book from Henry's POV either, with the exception of the Autobiography of Henry VIII whi..."Ah, you can when you publish it yourself. But hopefully that won't scare you off. Email me and I'll send it to you. Let me know what format you want (epub, pdf, word document, etc). My email is crystalsgarden@hotmail.com.
Congrats on being published. That's wonderful!
Amber wrote: "Crystal wrote: "Amber wrote: "Crystal wrote: "I'm so pleased you like the sound of my book. I've never read a book from Henry's POV either, with the exception of the Autobiography of Henry VIII whi..."Thank you so much, Amber. Email me at crystalsgarden@hotmail.com and let me know what format you want (epub, pdf, mobi, word document, etc).
Thanks for being willing to lend an eye and an opinion. I always need both! :D
I would be happy to pre-read for you as well if you're looking for more.
Liz wrote: "I would be happy to pre-read for you as well if you're looking for more."Definitely, Liz. Email me at: crystalsgarden@hotmail.com
I'll send it to you over the weekend.
Thanks for offering to help!
Wow, I love this group. So many generous souls...
Crystal
Crystal wrote: "Liz wrote: "I would be happy to pre-read for you as well if you're looking for more."Definitely, Liz. Email me at: crystalsgarden@hotmail.com
I'll send it to you over the weekend.
Thanks for of..."
I can be a pre-reader too if you need more!
Marybeth wrote: "Crystal wrote: "Liz wrote: "I would be happy to pre-read for you as well if you're looking for more."Definitely, Liz. Email me at: crystalsgarden@hotmail.com
I'll send it to you over the weekend..."
You are all so amazing. I'm speechless and floored. Yes, Marybeth, please, email me at: crystalsgarden@hotmail and tell me what format you want for Hart Coursing. I'm about a third of the way through proofreading it. It should be ready by the end of this weekend and then I'll send it out to all of you gracious people. I'm really blown away with how helpful everyone has been. Thank you, thank you!
I haven't gotten this great of a reaction at all over on the scifi romance group I belong to with my scifi romance series. Maybe Tudor readers are more dedicated to helping people fall in love with this intriguing world? I don't know--but I do know you are all on my list of people I admire.
I appreciate your help and enthusiasm,
Crystal
Hi EveryoneIm from Tassie (AUS) & am a huge Tudor fan. Love anything to do with Henry VIII & his wives & children. Love that I have found a group of people with the same Tudor fascination as myself & no doubt will add to my ever expanding TBR list. I love to read & will read almost anything from Historical Fiction (of course) to True Crime & everything in between.
Welcome, Tassie! Glad to have you with us!
Yes, welcome, Tassie. This is by far the best Goodreads group I belong to and I'm involved in several.You'll love it here. My to-be-read list has swollen to incredible amounts, and it's a great thing!
Crystal
Zoey wrote: "Hi EveryoneIm from Tassie (AUS) & am a huge Tudor fan. Love anything to do with Henry VIII & his wives & children. Love that I have found a group of people with the same Tudor fascination as mysel..."
Whooo Hoooo. Another Aussie. Welcome Zoey.
Zoey wrote: "Hi EveryoneIm from Tassie (AUS) & am a huge Tudor fan. Love anything to do with Henry VIII & his wives & children. Love that I have found a group of people with the same Tudor fascination as mysel..."
Welcome! I am new to this group as well, and I have to say I love it! Everyone is great and I think you will enjoy it as well:)
Hii everyone. My name is Dani and i'm from Idaho. I live with my wonderful boyfriend and my cat and dog, and i'm immensely obsessed with Tudor history. It all started when i watch the HBO series The Tudors and i just knew deep down that what they were all showing on the show wasn't completely true, so i felt the need to get the accurate information and now my obsession has got me reading Tudor fiction books everyday. The only books waiting at the library right now are Tudor related. Well can't wait to talk about all the different books we've read. Im so happy i found a group where i can talk about my new obsession, no one really gets it normally.
Tudor History Lovers
Books mentioned in this topic
The King's Curse (other topics)The Virgin's Lover (other topics)
Inside the Wardrobe of Anne Boleyn (other topics)
The Writer's Guide to Everyday Life in the Middle Ages: The British Isles, 500 to 1500 (other topics)
Medieval Cuisine (other topics)
More...
Authors mentioned in this topic
Shenanchie O'Toole (other topics)Barbara Parker Bell (other topics)
Sherrilyn Kenyon (other topics)
Lesley Hale (other topics)
Karen Harper (other topics)
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Hi Allie, I love all English history up to Elizabeth 1st, then loose interest until Charles II, then loose interest again.