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Guest Post with Christy English, author of The Queen’s Pawn & GIVEAWAY

April 8, 2010 by Darlene


Welcome to Peeking Between the Pages Christy! It’s a pleasure to have you here today. Christy English is the author of The Queen’s Pawn which released on April 6, 2010. I had intended to have my review post today but circumstances prevented me from finishing it as I had hoped. So I’m going to post the guest post/giveaway today and my review hopefully Friday. I can say though that the book is fantastic so far and I hated not having a chance to pick it up and keep reading! Let’s see what Christy has to say about…Location and Inspiration: Writing at the Cloisters…

The Cloisters is an extension of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, a separate branch that holds much of the museum’s medieval collection. It is a place of beautiful art, flowering trees, and square colonnades, or cloisters, where water runs in fountains all through the spring and summer, giving the visitor an oasis of peace in the midst of Manhattan’s constant motion.


The Cloisters is where I first wrote the outline for THE QUEEN’S PAWN, a novel about Eleanor of Aquitaine and Princess Alais of France. In one of the museum’s three outdoor cloisters, Alais and I settled down to work out the details of THE QUEEN’S PAWN. Writing a synopsis can be as much work for me as writing the novel itself, but the soothing, tranquil atmosphere of the museum relaxed me and gave me a feeling for the kind of religious devotion that sustained Alais throughout her childhood and for much of her life.


This statue of the Holy Mother and the Christ child, while from a later period, gives you a good idea of the kind of art Alais loved. The character as she developed on the pages of my novel has a deep devotion to the Church. She is especially drawn to the Virgin Mary, who serves as an aid and comfort to her during the dark, lonely days of her childhood, and later, after the events of THE QUEEN’S PAWN have drawn to a close

The Cloisters is full of such beauty, objects of devotion and shaded colonnades of tranquility. As I wrote, I felt as if I was given a window into Alais’ time in her own cloister, when she was able to escape the political tumult of her life, and spend her time in contemplation and prayer. I would have written the book without the Cloisters to shelter me, but the experience would not have been nearly as rewarding. I am grateful to the museum for creating such a place of serenity where, as with THE QUEEN’S PAWN, we can seek a window into the past.

__________

Thank you so much for the wonderful post Christy. I would love to visit the Cloisters. It sounds like a beautiful place for writing.

__________

About the Book (from Amazon.com)

A historical novel of the legendary Eleanor of Aquitaine and the one person she loved more than power-her rival for the throne.

At only nine, Princess Alais of France is sent to live in England until she is of age to wed Prince Richard, son of King Henry II and Queen Eleanor of Aquitaine. Alais is an innocent pawn on the chessboard of dynastic marriage, her betrothal intended to broker an uneasy truce between the nations.

Estranged from her husband, Eleanor sees a kindred spirit in this determined young girl. She embraces Alais as a daughter, teaching the princess what it takes to be a woman of power in a world of men. But as Alais grows to maturity and develops ambitions of her own, Eleanor begins to see her as a threat-and their love for each other becomes overshadowed by their bitter rivalry, dark betrayals, conflicting passions, and a battle for revenge over the throne of England itself.

About the Author (from Christy English’s blog)

I am a writer of historical fiction centering on Eleanor of Aquitaine, Alais of France, and the Plantagenets of the 12th Century. Look for my novel THE QUEEN’S PAWN from the New American Library, an imprint of Penguin.

My second novel, about Eleanor of Aquitaine’s marriage to Louis VII of France, TO BE QUEEN, will be published by the New American Library in April 2011.

GIVEAWAY DETAILS

I have 1 copy of The Queen’s Pawn courtesy of the publisher to share with US residents only and I will offer up my very gently read copy to everyone! So, that’s 2 copies up for grabs! To enter…

  • For 1 entry leave me a comment with a way to contact you.
  • For 2 entries follow my blog. If you do, thank you, and let me know in your comment please.
  • For 3 entries, blog or tweet this post and giveaway.

I will draw for the winners on May 8, 2010. Good luck everyone!

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Blodeuedd says

    April 8, 2010 at 3:39 pm

    blodeuedd1 at gmail dot com

    I have been eying this book for some weeks. I have never read anything about Alais, and this sounds like one good book.

  2. holdenj says

    April 8, 2010 at 3:51 pm

    The Cloisters definitely looks very inspiring! Looks like a great book, thanks for the chance to win.

    +2 I'm a follower

    Thanks.
    JHolden955(at)gmail(dot)com

  3. Carrie Symes says

    April 8, 2010 at 4:11 pm

    I would love to win this book!!
    I follow your blog

  4. Carrie Symes says

    April 8, 2010 at 4:15 pm

    TWEET!!
    http://twitter.com/carriesymes/status/11831052088

  5. sue14625 says

    April 8, 2010 at 4:36 pm

    one of my favorite genres nothing better than a good book on a rainy afternoon
    i follow i have learned about some great books thanks so much

  6. Pricilla says

    April 8, 2010 at 5:18 pm

    I have been to the Cloisters and it is a gorgeous little museum.

    I would love to win.
    thank you

    I follow
    kaiminani at gmail dot com

  7. Bethie says

    April 8, 2010 at 5:42 pm

    Please count me in.

    +2 I follow.

    lizzi0915 at aol dot com

  8. Linda says

    April 8, 2010 at 6:46 pm

    This book sounds so interesting, and I enjoyed reading about the Cloisters – would love to visit it myself. Thanks for the giveaway.

    I follow through Google Reader.

  9. Kelsey says

    April 8, 2010 at 7:16 pm

    Thanks for the guest post and giveaway! Sounds like a great book I would love to read!

    I follow your blog.

    I tweeted: http://twitter.com/Door2Wonderland/status/11838928182

    Kelsey
    krae991@yahoo.com

  10. Zibilee says

    April 8, 2010 at 8:54 pm

    Very cool guest post! I would be so excited to win this book. It looks like a great read. Please enter me in your giveaway!

    zibilee(at)figearo(dot)net

    I am also a follower of your blog!

  11. xxsquigglesxx says

    April 8, 2010 at 10:52 pm

    Please enter me!

    I am a follower.

    Tweet: http://twitter.com/squiggles87/status/11847887732

    xxsquigglesxx(At)Gmail(dot)Com

  12. MoziEsmé says

    April 9, 2010 at 12:48 am

    I'd love to read this!

    janemaritz at yahoo dot com

  13. angie says

    April 9, 2010 at 1:53 am

    This book sounds good! I would love to be entered.
    email bangersis(at)msn(dot)com
    +2 I follow your blog
    +3 i tweeted http://twitter.com/bangersis/status/11856288339

  14. Mystica says

    April 9, 2010 at 2:33 am

    Looks like a great book and thank you for hosting this giveaway.

    +2 I follow.

    mystica123athotmaildotcom

  15. Teresa says

    April 9, 2010 at 2:40 am

    Looks interesting…

    teresasreadingcorner at gmail dot com

    I am a follower.

  16. Martha Lawson says

    April 9, 2010 at 2:49 am

    This one looks good! Please enter me for it.

    I follow on google friend connect

    mlawson17 at hotmail dot com

  17. Rachel says

    April 9, 2010 at 3:46 am

    Thanks for the giveaway!

    Rachelhwallen@gmail.com

  18. mariska says

    April 9, 2010 at 4:04 am

    +1 I'm an international reader 🙂
    really love to read this book.

    uniquas at ymail dot com

    +2 A follower via GFC

    + 3 i tweeted : http://twitter.com/becunique/status/11862234270

  19. Anonymous says

    April 9, 2010 at 4:28 am

    Would love to win!

    billiondollarprincesss@hotmail.com

  20. Shannon says

    April 9, 2010 at 4:46 am

    Please enter me. I follow.
    sliugarcia@gmail.com

  21. Christine says

    April 9, 2010 at 1:22 pm

    I'd like to be entered. Contact me at Chirth7@yahoo.com

    I'm a follower-chirth7@gmail.com

    I tweeted the giveway also.
    http://twitter.com/home
    Romantic73

  22. Carol M says

    April 9, 2010 at 7:36 pm

    I would love to read this! Thank you for the giveaway!
    mittens0831 at aol dot com

  23. Carol M says

    April 9, 2010 at 7:36 pm

    I'm a follower.
    mittens0831 at aol dot com

  24. Darcie K. says

    April 9, 2010 at 9:27 pm

    This sounds like a great book!
    dmkayes@gmail.com

  25. Darcie K. says

    April 9, 2010 at 9:27 pm

    I follow via Google Friend Connect
    dmkayes@gmail.com

  26. Sherri says

    April 9, 2010 at 11:55 pm

    Dar, thanks for having this giveaway! Please count me in!

    cmcdermitt1@carolina.rr.com

  27. Aik says

    April 10, 2010 at 2:07 am

    I'd love to enter! Thanks!

    aikychien at yahoo dot com

  28. Aik says

    April 10, 2010 at 2:07 am

    I’m a follower.

    aikychien at yahoo dot com

  29. Aik says

    April 10, 2010 at 2:07 am

    I tweeted about this giveaway.

    http://twitter.com/aikchien/status/11914284338

    aikychien at yahoo dot com

  30. avalonne83 says

    April 10, 2010 at 9:50 am

    Great giveaway!

    Please count me in. Thanks.

    avalonne83 [at] yahoo [dot] it

  31. dolleygurl says

    April 10, 2010 at 2:02 pm

    It's really cool how where you write can really impact your writting. No need to enter me for the giveaway as I already have it. thanks for the great guest post.

  32. Sweet Kitchen says

    April 10, 2010 at 2:06 pm

    I love historical fiction and thank you Darlene for introducing me to a new author in the genre. I can't wait to read The Queen's Pawn.

    I'm a follower and have tweeted about the giveaway.

  33. naida says

    April 10, 2010 at 10:43 pm

    This sounds so good, I love historical fiction.
    http://thebookworm07.blogspot.com/

  34. Mitzi H. says

    April 11, 2010 at 9:14 pm

    I love the cover of this novel. The dresses are so beautiful. I'm an historical fiction lover and would love to be entered in your drawing.

    I'm a follower

    mitzihinkey at sbcglobal dot net

  35. Kelly McDermott-Bay says

    April 11, 2010 at 11:51 pm

    I would love to win a copy of this book. It looks like a great read

  36. Libby says

    April 12, 2010 at 5:41 am

    I can't wait to read this book, and would love to be entered in the giveaway. I've just posted your blog on twitter: http://twitter.com/LibbySkala

    easkala at gmail dot com

  37. Chèli says

    April 12, 2010 at 11:35 pm

    Sounds interesting.

    cyderryATyahooDOTcom
    Chèli
    Cheli's Shelves

  38. Chèli says

    April 12, 2010 at 11:36 pm

    I am a follower.

    cyderryATyahooDOTcom
    Chèli
    Cheli's Shelves

  39. Sue says

    April 14, 2010 at 2:59 pm

    I'd love this. And you're drawing it on my birthday… {hint, hint}
    Thanks for the giveaway!

    s.mickelson at gmail dot com

  40. windycindy says

    April 14, 2010 at 11:31 pm

    I have never heard of The Cloisters!
    I must be living under a rock…..
    Historical fiction is my favorite and I would appreciate being entered
    in your book drawing.
    Many thanks, Cindi
    jchoppes[at]hotmail[dot]com

  41. windycindy says

    April 14, 2010 at 11:35 pm

    I follow your blog via Google Friend
    Connect!
    Thanks, Cindi
    jchoppes[at]hotmail[dot]com

  42. windycindy says

    April 14, 2010 at 11:36 pm

    I am a follower of your blog. #2
    Many thanks to you….. Cindi
    jchoppes[at]hotmail[dot]com

  43. windycindy says

    April 14, 2010 at 11:37 pm

    "Tweet!" #1
    http://twitter.com/cmh512/status/12190652296.
    Thanks, Cindi
    jchoppes[at]hotmail[dot]com

  44. windycindy says

    April 14, 2010 at 11:37 pm

    "Tweet!" #2
    http://twitter.com/cmh512/status/12190652296.
    Merci, Cindi
    jchoppes[at]hotmail[dot]com

  45. windycindy says

    April 14, 2010 at 11:38 pm

    "Tweet!" #3
    http://twitter.com/cmh512/status/12190652296.
    Again, thanks very much!
    Cindi
    jchoppes[at]hotmail[dot]com

  46. Marilyn says

    April 15, 2010 at 4:37 am

    Eleanor of Aquitaine one of the most powerful Women in English History..love anything about her and her Court! Please put my email in…
    ewatvess@yahoo.com

  47. nfmgirl says

    April 15, 2010 at 4:22 pm

    Sounds like a great book. Please count me in. Thank you!

    nfmgirl AT gmail DOT com

  48. nfmgirl says

    April 15, 2010 at 4:22 pm

    I follow

    nfmgirl AT gmail DOT com

  49. nfmgirl says

    April 15, 2010 at 4:22 pm

    Blogged:
    http://cerebralgirl.blogspot.com/2010/04/book-giveaways-in-blogworld-04-10-10.html

    nfmgirl AT gmail DOT com

  50. etirv says

    April 15, 2010 at 8:17 pm

    I would like to be entered!

    Google follower!

    delilah0180(at)yahoo(dot)com

  51. IK says

    April 16, 2010 at 9:20 am

    I love historical fiction !! kindly enter me for this giveaway plz 🙂

    itzme(dot)insi(at)gmail(dot)com

  52. IK says

    April 16, 2010 at 9:20 am

    I follow your blog

    itzme(dot)insi(at)gmail(dot)com

  53. Bodice Ripper Novels says

    April 16, 2010 at 5:24 pm

    +1 Book sounds great. Please enter me.

    bodicerippernovels at gmail dot com

    +2, I'm a Google follower
    +3, I blogged about it here, http://bodicerippernovels.wordpress.com/2010/04/16/christy-english-contest-at-peeking-between-the-pages/

  54. librarypat says

    April 19, 2010 at 4:41 am

    I am a Follower.

    librarypat AT comcast DOT net

    You have found the ideal place to work on your book. The quiet plus the atmosphere must be an inspiration of their own. I would think where you work would have an effect on you and the book you produce. I am looking forward to reading this one.

  55. LAMusing says

    April 19, 2010 at 7:21 am

    It's been many, many years since I went to the Cloisters, but oddly it's come up three times in the last few days… hmmm…

    The book sounds very intriguing.
    adrianecoros(at)gmail(dot)com

    yes – I'm a new follower – great blog

  56. Elise says

    April 21, 2010 at 2:01 am

    Count me in on this giveaway.

    I'm a follower.
    caliblue7@gmail.com

  57. Amanda says

    April 22, 2010 at 5:47 am

    Eleanor Aquitaine is a fantastic character, lots of strength and always in the midst of any kind of trouble. But I must say that I do love to read about the stories of real characters in the shadows of the main players stories that are so often told. Sometimes you come across their stories in a few sentences of a book, and you can't help but wonder about the rest of that persons life. Alais seems to have been very much the pawn. I hope she had some happiness in her life. This book is on my wish list….but thanks for the chance to be in the draw to win!

    I am a follower

    nellista @ yahoo dot com dot au

  58. Beachreader says

    April 22, 2010 at 11:09 am

    Thank you for the give away offer this looks like a great read.
    I also follow.
    jgoffice(at)cox.net

  59. Esme says

    April 23, 2010 at 5:04 am

    please sign me up

    chocolate and croissants at yahoo . com

  60. Esme says

    April 23, 2010 at 5:04 am

    I follow

    chocolate and croissants at yahoo . com

  61. MUM says

    April 24, 2010 at 11:19 am

    I would love to be able to read this. Please enter me. 😀

    I'm a follower.

    Marie
    utah91960[at]yahoo[dot]com

  62. brenda says

    April 27, 2010 at 5:07 am

    I love a great historical fiction book. Please enter me. bchild5@aol.com

  63. brenda says

    April 27, 2010 at 5:18 am

    I am also a follower.
    bchild5@aol.com

  64. Carol L. says

    April 27, 2010 at 11:11 am

    Hi Chriisty,
    The Cloisters must have been an amazing and inspiring place to write.
    I love the blurb I read and definitely have to read it.And the sequel in 2011.sigh…
    Carol L.
    Lucky4750@aol.com

  65. Kate says

    April 27, 2010 at 11:41 am

    Sounds like a great book. I just finished an amazing book about Eleanore called Power of a Woman, which I could not put down.

    Holdenj – the cloisters are amazing. I had the chance to go during college and you would never think you were in the middle of NYC. Its like a world apart.

  66. Anonymous says

    April 27, 2010 at 6:11 pm

    I have always been fascinated by Eleanor of Aquitaine. I would have loved to sit down and talk with her, Queen Elizabeth the First and Dolly Madison. All strong women.
    Please enter me in the giveaway.
    JWIsley(at)aol(dot)com

  67. ronna15 says

    April 28, 2010 at 6:41 am

    I'd love to be entered!

    -ronna
    ronna15_ajkc@yahoo.com

  68. Colleen Turner says

    April 29, 2010 at 12:10 am

    I love historical fiction, especially european history, I am a HUGE fan of Alison Weir and she has a new novel about Eleanor of Aquitane coming out this year, and it would be great to compare them.
    candc320@gmail.com

  69. Colleen Turner says

    April 29, 2010 at 12:10 am

    I follow via google friend connect.
    candc320@gmail.com

  70. Judylynn says

    April 29, 2010 at 1:28 am

    Please enter me in this giveaway – Thanks!

    seizethebookblog(at)gmail(dot)com

    And I am a follower!

  71. Elysium says

    April 29, 2010 at 10:07 am

    I'd love to read this! I'm for the international one.

    I'm a follower
    I tweeted: http://twitter.com/Elysianfield/statuses/13060660051

    crimson_haze(at)hotmail(dot)com

  72. ossmcalc says

    April 30, 2010 at 6:08 am

    I would love to read The Queen's Pawn as I am such a great fan of historical fiction, especially from this time period.

    Thank you,

    Christine
    womackcm@sbcglobal.net

  73. ossmcalc says

    April 30, 2010 at 6:09 am

    Entry 1

    I am a follower of your blog.

    Thank you,

    Christine
    womackcm@sbcglobal.net

  74. ossmcalc says

    April 30, 2010 at 6:09 am

    Entry 2

    I am a follower of your blog.

    Thank you,

    Christine
    womackcm@sbcglobal.net

  75. ossmcalc says

    April 30, 2010 at 6:11 am

    Entry 1

    I tweeted about this giveaway http://twitter.com/ossmcalc/status/13114193831

    Thank you,

    Christine
    womackcm@sbcglobal.net

  76. ossmcalc says

    April 30, 2010 at 6:11 am

    Entry 2

    I tweeted about this giveaway http://twitter.com/ossmcalc/status/13114193831

    Thank you,

    Christine
    womackcm@sbcglobal.net

  77. ossmcalc says

    April 30, 2010 at 6:11 am

    Entry 3

    I tweeted about this giveaway http://twitter.com/ossmcalc/status/13114193831

    Thank you,

    Christine
    womackcm@sbcglobal.net

  78. Sarah E says

    May 2, 2010 at 11:54 am

    Please enter me in this giveaway!

    familyhistree at yahoo dot com

    Sarah E

  79. Sarah E says

    May 2, 2010 at 11:54 am

    I follow your blog.

    familyhistree at yahoo dot com

    Sarah E

  80. Sarah E says

    May 2, 2010 at 11:55 am

    I tweeted:

    http://twitter.com/saemmerson/status/13242036779

    familyhistree at yahoo dot com

    Sarah E

  81. msdarcy says

    May 2, 2010 at 8:34 pm

    I would love to win this book. Thanks for a giveaway.

    msdarcy22@aol.com

    I am a follower 🙂

  82. GABY says

    May 4, 2010 at 2:19 pm

    I'd love to win it!

    magabygc AT gmail DOT com

  83. ChristyJan says

    May 6, 2010 at 1:52 am

    Please enter me

    hawkes(at)citlink.net

  84. ChristyJan says

    May 6, 2010 at 1:52 am

    I'm a follower of your blog

    hawkes(at)citlink.net

  85. Darlyn says

    May 6, 2010 at 2:54 pm

    i've heard a few good reviews on this one.and a story of a princess and a queen threatening each other/one side will create some actions =)

    i'm a follower and i'm from Malaysia

    twitted http://twitter.com/darlyn5/status/13491307127

    darlyn225(at)gmail(dot)com

  86. pixie13 says

    May 6, 2010 at 4:34 pm

    Would love to entered for this giveaway. Thanks!
    follower
    tweeted http://twitter.com/pixie13sweeps/status/13496243219

    gevin13{at}gmail{dot}com

  87. ~The Book Pixie says

    May 7, 2010 at 6:07 am

    This book sounds great and I'd love to be entered for it!

    ~Briana
    thebookpixie[at]yahoo[dot]com

  88. ~The Book Pixie says

    May 7, 2010 at 6:07 am

    I'm a follower. 😀

    ~Briana
    thebookpixie[at]yahoo[dot]com

  89. ~The Book Pixie says

    May 7, 2010 at 6:07 am

    Tweeted: http://twitter.com/thebookpixie/statuses/13532824328

    ~Briana
    thebookpixie[at]yahoo[dot]com

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