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Interview – Vivienne Brereton
When did you start writing novels, what moved you to start writing?
I started my first novel several times over in my twenties and probably still have those attempts somewhere. I was once with a group of friends in a pub and one of them said: “there are five of us around this table. That means one of us will write a book.” I don’t know about the statistic but I remember thinking I hope it’s me.
In what genres do you write? Do you plan writing in other genres?
I made a few attempts at present day romance with a comic twist but just kept coming back to historical fiction.
Tell us about your novel. Why should everyone buy them?
‘A Phoenix Rising’, Book One of ‘The House of the Red Duke’ is set against the background of the unforgettable 1520 Field of Cloth of Gold. We follow the charismatic Thomas Howard, his family and four young people who are linked to him. It’s a book about ambition, passion, rivalry and secrets. I tried very hard to write a book I’d like to read myself, full of historical detail, one in which I would have no difficulty transporting myself back in time.
What is your all time favorite novel/book? What makes it special?
I think I would have to go with Anya Seton’s ‘Green Darkness’. A compelling read, a time-slip novel long before they became popular. I don’t know how Anya did it but she managed to write so vividly about the period before the days of internet or access to TV dramas.
Tell us a bit about your writing process.
I always find it fascinating how you can sit down in front of the computer and wait for the words to flow. Once they do, you’ve entered that magic place where time goes so quickly that two hours have passed without you noticing.
What author would you love to have dinner with?
Well, although she’s no longer with us, I’d have to arrange a one-off guest appearance with Anya Seton so I can ask her that very question I just mentioned.
Tell us about your hobbies and passions other than writing.
I’m a water and earth dweller so swimming and walking through the countryside bring me great pleasure. Ideas always come to me when I’m doing these two activities.
We have many followers who would like to start writing a book or are already writing their first novel, any advice for these brave people?
Something I wished I’d done myself. Before you start, acquaint yourself with as many ‘how to’ books as you can. ‘How to write dialogue’. ‘How to plot’. ‘How to write viewpoints’. If you read widely, you gain confidence and as you write, you’ll be glad of the tricks of the trade.
How often do you write, daily, every other day or?
There is no set routine. Life has a habit of interfering but coming back to my little office lined with books is always a pleasure.
Do you keep a notebook with ideas for your novels? If so do you carry the notebook with you so you won’t forget any ideas?
In an ideal world I would do that. Yes. I have got various notebooks scattered around my office. It is important to write down your ideas if you can.
How important is it to have your facts right and are there any instances when you bend history to fit your story?
I always think that history is so fascinating why invent a whole load of different facts that can’t possibly match the original. Yes, I’ve been known to change the timing of an event. For example, there’s an important joust at the Palace of Westminster. I changed the season so it would take place in the summer as it suited the plot more than a winter event.
What are you reading at the moment?
I have a very wide taste in books depending on my mood.
How is it to be an author in your country? Do you have a good support from the local public?
I am in quite an interesting position of being a British author living in France in a small village with its own English bookshop owned by a lovely Texan friend. So, yes, I had a wonderful book launch right here amongst friends who were all so kind and supportive.
Certainly you have had some interesting episodes as an author, fans related or others, share one of them with us.
It has to be the warm feeling I got when I reached out first of all to longtime Tudor bloggers to review my book. I was totally overwhelmed by their kindness and generosity, going way beyond what they needed to do to help me.
A final message for our circleofbooks.com readers.
If you’re new to this community, you’ve come to a very friendly place. One where you’ll feel right at home.
Thank you Vivienne Brereton. We at circleofbooks.com wish you much success!
Click here to visit the author page here on circleofbooks.com