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By the Sword is the first book in my „Guardians of the Crown series, set in England in the years 1650-1660.
The story centres around the attempt by the young King Charles II to reclaim his throne, culminating in a bloody battle at Worcester. Caught in these turbulent events are the royalist Jonathan Thornton and the widow of his cousin, Kate Ashley whose family supported the parliamentary cause.
While primarily a historical romance, it is a fascinating period of English history and I have attempted to portray the dilemma of everyday people caught up in these precarious times when brother fought brother and trust was a rare commodity.
How does your previous work as a lawyer influence your writing?
I have only written one book featuring a lawyer as a protagonist! However in this book, Jonathan in his youth, was sent to London to learn to be a lawyer. An occupation he was singularly unsuited for! Most of the heroes in my books tend to be soldiers, and as I spent many years as an army officer (reserve) (and I married a soldier), I think I can say that occupation has heavily influenced my writing!
Do you have a favorite genre to write in?
I do love writing my historicals with romance, but in more recent years, I have started incorporating mysteries into my stories (such as the mystery in GATHER THE BONES). I love weaving a puzzle into the narrative.
What was the research for this book like?
I have had a passion for this period of history all my life, so the research was ‘built in’. The house, Seven Ways, closely resembles Harvington Hall in Worcestershire, which I visited as a child (and since). I have made several research trips to Worcester itself to walk over the ground covered by the battle. On my last trip, it almost felt as if the three protagonists in this series walked with me, I knew it so well.
Of all the books you've written, which is your favorite?
That is like asking a mother which child is their favourite! This particular book will always hold a special place in my heart because it was my first book, and I lived with it for a long time before it found publication.
Do you plan your books or do you just write as you go?
I have never been a plotter. I prefer the characters to tell me the story as I go along. However characters can lead you down blind alleys so these days I do tend to go in with a rough idea of plot – which generally lasts about five minutes.
What is your favorite scene from By the Sword?
I was totally carried away writing the experience of the battle, but my favourite scene (and it’s only a short one) is an interaction between Jonathan and Kate’s son when Jonathan tells Tom he has to leave to return to the King. That is a bit of a tear jerker.
What did you find hardest about writing By the Sword?
Nothing… this story just poured from me! I loved writing it because I had lived it with for so long – probably since that very first visit to Harvington Hall.
What is your favorite book?
My favourite of all time? That’s a lot of books! I guess the one book that captivated me as a child of 11 and probably explained a penchant for historical romance is Charlotte Bronte’s Jane Eyre. I purchased my copy on a visit to Haworth (on that same trip to England in which I first visited Harvington Hall) and read it under the blankets in my grandparents’ house. Nothing I have read since, quite recaptured that thrill of discovery.
Are you already planning your next project?
I am a full time writer these days so yes, the next project is well underway. One of my Singapore mystery series I write as A.M. Stuart.
