One of my readers sends me facinating questions. Here is the latest:
How are you going to deal with the fact that you wrote about most of these characters in your last book? Do they have the same personalities they did previously, as they would in a proper sequel, like Tales of Passion, Tales of Woe? Or do you look at this as a completely different novel, and, as such, a fresh break from the previous book’s tone, point of view and characterizations?
The Sun Court novels are “paraquels”: they take place roughly in the same place, at the same time, and involve many of the same characters. In some instances, they share the same scenes, although from different perspectives.
In some respects, they pose more of a challenge for me than the Josephine B. Trilogy. For the Trilogy, the cast of characters changed dramatically from one novel to the next, and the novels were sequential. The characters that remained the same throughout matured and changed.
For the novel I’m writing now, I’m already regretting a few of the sentences in Mistress of the Sun. (In fact, I may revise a scene or two when I bring Mistress out in ebook under Sandra Gulalnd Ink.)
I know more now about what happened, for one thing. That’s inevitable—but also, the story itself demands certain changes.
I decided early on to be true to the story, even if it contradicted some of the things that happened in Mistress. The problem scenes are brief—merely a sentence or two; I might award readers who are tenatious enough to discover the disconnect!
I’m not sure how I’d confront these questions if I were in your shoes, but I actually think it’s a great problem to have. Revisiting the same universe in different novels creates quite a rich tapestry from which an author can draw — not only because of the density of characters and stories that build up, but because of the possibility of added layers of meaning.
Thank you so much for this observation—so true.
Some of The Next Novel explores the world of 17th century theatre, a world away from the Court, so there is added perspective on that period, a layering on of perspectives: a rich tapestry, as you say.
On the work front, I’m just about finished changing The Next Novel from 3rd person to 1st. It has taken me three days! I’m looking forward to reading it through. In a week I’m going to be sending it to another of my very best readers, the wonderful editor and writer Fiona Foster.
In terms of Sandra Gulland Ink, my e-book publishing venture, I’ve found someone (though elance.com) in Romania to retype and format my Trilogy. I hope that that process will be finished this month.
I will then have to reread and proof the Trilogy files—which works out perfectly, as it turns out, because I’m going to France in September to be interviewed on film for a documentary about Josephine. (More on that to come.) I’ve been away from Josephine’s world for well over a decade; I’m looking forward to returning.
My holiday reading this wonderful summer long weekend is Brooklyn by Colm Toibin. What’s yours?
I read the article in your blog about Josephine being good luck for Napoleon. I looked up her astrological sign using Vedic astrology which goes more by a person’s Moon sign. It’s a little complicated but to make it simple, here is what I discovered: Her Moon sign is in Scorpio which means “The Star of Success” and Napoleon’s means “The Victory”. I’m not sure what his sign is yet. I got his information out of a book that I have. I can do more research on that later.
There’s a lot more to it and maybe I can share it as I learn more about it.
Interesting. I often study my characters’ horoscopes when getting to know them. (I use astro.com.) You clearly know a lot about astrology. Yes, please share!
Sandra: Very interesting that you said that about Erickson’s book. I was thinking the same thing. I’ll let you know how I feel when I finish this book and then I’d like to re-visit this when I finish your books.
One thing I learned in my short career as a writer for our local newspaper is that you have to be very careful with the facts and how you present them. People tend to believe every word from authors, true or false, stretched or skewed, or whatever. Being an author of someone’s life is a big responsibility, especially of those who are not here to defend themselves or send praise for jobs well done.
Thanks.
I couldn’t agree with you more!
Well, I’m still reading Josephine: A Life of the Empress by Carolly Erickson which I read years ago. I want to re-read your Collection so I can compare notes. It will be interesting to see the difference in the way she portrays Josephine compared to the way you did. It’s been so long since I read all these books that it’s like reading them for the first time. Maybe after reading all my Josephine novels, I’ll go back and re-read my books that take place prior to her life such as Madame Pompadour: A Life and your book Mistress of the Sun and then perhaps on to Marie Antoinette, the French Revolution I’m going backwards by starting with Josephine but, I’m exceptionally interested in her right now. I’d like to hear more about your visit to France and the documentary about Josephine. I would LOVE to visit the country and see all these places that are talked about in the books.
Happy Reading!
Thank you! You have quite a voyage ahead of you.
Let me know what you think of Erickson’s book. I personally felt she took the most gossipy stories and played them up. I did not feel that she cared very much for Josephine, and I couldn’t see why she had written about her, except to exploit her.
Another book you might consider is the one by Geraldine Bruce. As a diplomat’s wife herself, she understood Josephine’s role better than most. Also,
The Rose of Martinique by Andrea Stuart is also very good.
I differ in interpretation of Josephine with both these authors, but both treat Josephine with the respect she deserves.
Happy reading to you, as well!