Peeking Between the Pages

...escape into the pages of a good book

Interview with Susan Higginbotham, author of Hugh and Bess & Giveaway

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I’m really pleased to welcome Susan Higginbotham, author of Hugh and Bess to Peeking Between the Pages today. Susan became one of my favorite authors after I read The Traitor’s Wife so of course I was really excited to read Hugh and Bess. I sure wasn’t dissapointed and if you’re at all inclined you can read my review here. I was lucky enough to be able to ask Susan a few questions about Hugh and Bess and just about some other things in general so without further delay read on to see what she had to say…

1. What was your inspiration for Hugh and Bess?

I was very fond of the character of Hugh from The Traitor’s Wife, and I was curious to see how his marriage with Bess turned out.

2. The Traitor’s Wife was very successful and very good – did this influence your decision to continue to write about the Despenser family?

Thanks! To some degree, yes, but I was also suffering from second-novel syndrome–knowing that I needed to write something but really not sure what. I kept tossing around other ideas in my head and rejecting them, and finally I decided to continue Hugh’s story from The Traitor’s Wife. I liked the way he had come out as a character there, and as I had left him single and still on his path to social rehabilitation at the end of that novel, I felt that the rest of his story deserved to be told. I was glad to get to spend some more time with him and the Despenser family.

3. I love the cover of Hugh and Bess – did you have any input on the design?

I love it too! I was asked early on to vet some possible cover images for costume suitability–that is, eliminating those that were from the wrong era–but I otherwise didn’t have any input, except to be shown the cover when it was in its final stages. I think Sourcebooks has a great cover design staff.

4. What books or authors have influenced your life and writing the most?

Probably Charles Dickens and Anne Tyler–I love the way they create characters and how they blend comedy and tragedy. On a more practical level, I learned a great deal of how to write historical fiction from reading Sharon Penman’s novels–she’s wonderful at bringing historical figures to life, with all of their good points and flaws.

5. Of course we are always curious what our favorite authors are reading so what is on your nightstand right now Susan?

I’m reading Marc Morris’s biography of Edward I, entitled A Great and Terrible King. I also have Jude Morgan’s historical novel The Taste of Sorrow, about the Bronte sisters. For the gym (I need a paperback to read on the treadmill) I’m re-reading Charles Dickens’s Barnaby Rudge for an article I’m working on.

6. And for all those curious about the writing process and getting published – do you have any advice for them?

Never give up, and don’t wait for that perfect moment to arrive to start writing–you’ll never get started if you do. Just write under the conditions facing you now, even if all you can manage for now is a paragraph between baby feedings or during your lunch hour. Sooner or later, it adds up.

7. To finish off our chat, can you tell us anything about your next novel and when it will be available?

It’s called The Stolen Crown, and should be available in the spring of 2010. It’s set during the Wars of the Roses and is narrated by Harry Stafford, Duke of Buckingham, and his wife, Katherine Woodville. Harry is best known for helping Richard III to power and then abruptly turning against him, and Katherine was the youngest sister of Elizabeth Woodville, queen to Edward IV. It’s a story of a marriage that began when the parties were children, and it’s also a story about the end of a dynasty and about the fate of the Princes in the Tower. Thanks so much!
~~~~~~~

Thank you for joining us today Susan! I wish you every success and I sure am looking forward to reading The Stolen Crown!

GIVEAWAY DETAILS

I’ve got 2 copies of Hugh and Bess to share with my readers! What do you need to do to enter…

  • For 1 entry leave me a comment with a way to contact you.
  • For 2 entries follow my blog. If you already do, thanks, and please let me know in the comments. You’re eligible for the extra entry as well.
  • For 3 entries blog or tweet this giveaway to spread the word.

This giveaway is open to all of my readers and I will draw for the winners on Sunday, August 30, 2009. Good luck to all!

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  2. Great interview Dar. I liked the part about writing now and trying to just fit it in. One of my aims for when the school year starts back in September.

    Can I be entered please. Already a follower.

  3. I agree with the author's idea about Anne Tyler. Tyler is one of my favourite writes. 😀 I would like to read Hugh and Bess. Please enter me.

    linna.hsu(at)gmail(dot)com

  5. I've read great things about this book. It sounds so good!

    I'm a follower too!

    melacan at hotmail dot com

  6. I loved THE TRAITOR'S WIFE – can't wait to read this one.

    I'd love to win a copy. My e-mail is on my blog. And I'm a follower!

  7. Scandal, Romance, War, Love and Sadness – it really does sound like a great mix! Please enter me too:)I am a follower!

  8. Dar,

    Great interview! Thank you and Susan for the question on writing and publishing, that one definitely stroke a chord with me!
    If this contest is international, count me in! And I'm still holding my fingers crossed for the Song of Renewal!

    xo,
    Ivy

  9. Another great giveaway! I haven't read a lot of historical fiction and I really like the sound of this book especially because there is humor woven throughout the story!

    Amy
    Aimala127@gmail.com

  12. I want to be entered, I have sure been eyeing this book.

    Great interview. I am very curious how they marriage turns out

    Follower, yup
    blodeuedd1 at gmail dot com

  13. Please enter my name in the drawing; I read and loved The Traitor's Wife. It's good to know the third Hugh Despenser achieved some happiness.
    I follow through Google Reader.
    lcbrower40(at)gmail(dot)com

  15. I loved the interview. She always has a great way of inspiring writers to keep plugging along. no need to enter me.

  18. Enter me, please! I'm a new follower. Martinack_75

    martinack_75 AT hotmail DOT com

  20. Hi Dar, I'd love to win a copy of this book! What a great comp! I'm a follower and I'll put it on my blog in the sidebar.

    alaineb at bigpond dot net dot au

  23. Awesome interview, Dar!

    No need to enter me (grr). I'm dropping in to say hi and thanks for the e-mail. I've got this posted at Win a Book.

  24. This looks like a great book and I just love the cover as well! Please enter me in this giveaway. I am a follower as well!

    zibilee(at)figearo(dot)net

  29. Thanks for the great interview, Dar! I'd love to read this book after reading so many great reviews on it.

    Please enter my name. I'm already a follower.

    melreadingcorner (AT) gmail (DOT) com

  30. I would love to enter. Great interview Dar.

    I am already a follower. Thanks

    clbstitch at yahoo dot com

  39. I've heard great things about this book and would love to read it! I'm a follower and will tweet about the giveaway as soon as Twitter is back up.

    skrishna [at] skrishnasbooks [dot] com

  42. count me in! I'm a follower too. bibliophile at bostonbibliophile dot com. great interview btw! 🙂

  46. Great interview.

    I would love to win this!

    I am also a follower.

    laarlt78 at hotmail dot com

  47. Great interview, Dar!

    No need to enter me for the giveaway. I just want to say hi to you and Susan Higginbotham! 😀

  52. please enter me, I follow you and loved the interview

    chocolateandcroissants at yahoo dot com

  53. I'm reading some fantastic historical fiction lately and I'd love, love, love to read Hugh and Bess.
    Really enjoyed your interview 🙂 and thanks for the opportunity to win this one!

    I'm a follower and I've posted this on the sidebar of my blog The Eclectic Reader

  54. Good morning! This looks wonderful please include me in the givaeway.

    And – I do follow you! 🙂

  55. I added this to my giveaway page – I have linked it here to this comment.

    Thanks!

  57. I want to join – I'm a follower too!

    If I win, you can reach me at dmj53(at)hotmail(dot)com

  59. Wow, this sounds like an awesome read!

    I'd love the chance to win a copy.

    mmmmmmcoffee(at)gmail.com

  61. I would like to read this book. Please add me to the drawing.

    +2 I am already a follower

    kkhaas AT bellsouth DOT net

  63. I would love to win this book- it sounds great.
    +2 I am a follower of your blog
    +3 blogged this giveaway on my sidebar under Love books? Here are some cool book giveaways to enter

    ejxd95@gmail.com

  66. love your blog. i love connecting with other reviewers, readers, and writers. i'm following you now. you should visit/follow mine. i have all things books…
    nice seeing you.
    xo

  67. I thought the interview with Susan was very well done. I learned a lot about her and was happy to find out she loves Dickens as much as I do.

    I agree with Vivienne and Susan, you just have to fit writing into your life. It possesses you if you want to make it happen.

    I would love to win this book. I am a follower. I can be reached at
    tekeygirl at gmail dot com

    Thanks, Dar
    Great job!
    Wisteria

  68. Please include me in your giveaway

    Canadian Contests, Freebies, Coupons, Deals, Games and Chat – join us at CoolCanucks.ca

    bluebelle0367(at)hotmail(dot)com

  69. I follow your blog

    Canadian Contests, Freebies, Coupons, Deals, Games and Chat – join us at CoolCanucks.ca

    bluebelle0367(at)hotmail(dot)com

  71. Good interview Darlene. She reads on the treadmill? I'm just not that coordinated 🙂

    jennygirl73(AT)gmail(DOT)com

  72. Hi Dar, fabulous interview. It's interesting how some authors get input on the cover and some don't and the cover is gorgeous.

    I'm a follower.

    posted a link to your contest in my sidebar.

    florida982002[at]yahoo[dot]com

  73. I just started The Traitor's Wife and am loving it! I'd really appreciate winning Hugh & Bess, because none of the libraries in my town's network has it, I already checked!

  75. Great interview. I would love to win this book after reading "The Traitor's Wife".

    jen4777[at]hotmail.com

  76. I have not heard about "Anne Tyler". And also not read her first book 🙂 🙁

    The cover art is indeed lovely! Surely must check out the books on the author's nightstand!

    Enter me Dar!
    Thank you for the lovely interview!

  77. Forgot to add! Come to my blog and the giveaway is posted on the sidebar. And of course you know I am an ardent follower and admirer 🙂

  79. This sounds like an awesome book! Please enter me.

    +1
    Shadowofwonder47[at]yahoo[dot]com

    +2
    I became a follower.

  80. THanks for the great interview and giveaway!

    I also follow

    shhhimreding[at]hotmail[dot]com

  82. This sounds like a great book. Please include me in the giveaway. I follow your blog.
    heatherzilla(at)care2(dot)com

  87. No need to enter me Dar.

    Great interview! Wow, Charles Dickens and Anne Tyler, what a contrast.

  97. I would so appreciate a chance to win, please add me into the giveaway!
    ~~I follow~~
    Thanks so much,
    Lethea

    Luvdaylilies at bellsouth dot net

  98. I have read your wonderful review and would be thrilled to win a copy of Hugh and Bess. Please enter me and thank you for this chance.
    knittingmomof3 (AT) gmail (DOT) com

  101. I have not read this author at all. The interview was very interesting and the book should be too.

    Please count me in and thank you for your generosity.

    Mystica

    mystica123athotmaildotcom

  106. Great interview! I would love to be entered in the drawing. I am a follower now.

    Thanks!

    jaimeygrant(at)yahoo(dot)com

  110. I would be thrilled to win this book. Thanks for the opportunity to try.

    booklogged AT gmail DOT com

  114. Hm, don't know how I missed this one, I'm late!! I'd love to win it, please count me in 🙂

    Histficchick (at) gmail (dot) com

    Of course I'm a follower…
    Posted this on my sidebar at histficchick.blogspot.com

    Thanks!!