Brenda Novak's Expert Friday: A Conversation with Breakout Novelist Brenda Rickman Vantrease

Today I'm thrilled to present an interview with one of my favorite authors: Brenda Rickman Vantrease.

Q:  Your first book, THE ILLUMINATOR, received rave reviews and did very well (and I personally love, love, loved it).  Did that make the second book more daunting to tackle?

A: (I love, love, love hearing you say you loved it!)  Yes!  I was extremely anxious.  Since part of the buzz about THE ILLUMINATOR was that for a debut novel it had such strong foreign sales, I felt like I had people all over the world peeping over my shoulder.  With some of those foreign publishers I had a two-book contract.  I despaired of coming up with a second book that would please.  But as the book progressed, I was able to push those thoughts away for the most part and just lose myself in the story.  I suppose they were pleased.  The ones who bought the two-book contract also bought the third book, which is in progress.

Q:  Was there a difference in the way you wrote your second book than how you approached the first?

A:  You bet.  Since I had a contract and a deadline, I had to be much more disciplined. I wrote the first book with just the encouragement (and harassment) of my very supportive writer's group.  We set our own deadlines and pushed each other, but it wasn't like having a business deadline.

Q:  Was it difficult to get that first manuscript published?  The straight historical market can be very difficult.  How did you break in?

A:  THE ILLUMINATOR wasn't my first manuscript.  That may happen for some ninety-day wonders, but not for me.  I had three failed novel manuscripts in a drawer, counting a children's book, and ten years of trying.  Like many novice writers, I started trying to find a publisher before I had anything worth publishing.  During that ten years I like to think I got better at it.  I hope I'm still getting better.  The straight historical market is difficult.  I started out to write a historical mystery or maybe a historical romance--I couldn't quite make up my mind.  It just sort of landed in the straight historical market.  Labels do matter I suppose.  One agent turned me down because he said he couldn't figure out what kind of historical fiction it was.  Thankfully, I found an agent who could.

Q:  Your attention to historic detail is amazing.  How did you pick the time period, and how did you go about the research?

A:  I've always read English history and would enjoy almost any historical English setting, but I stumbled into late 14th century through the writings of the English mystic, Julian of Norwich.  I was intrigued by this first woman to write in the English language and wanted to write about her.  I soon found out I wasn't holy enough to write an entire book from the point of view of a recluse who lived only to pray for others, so I began poking around for other characters (both historical and not) of her period and found a three book series based on the development of the English Bible.

Q:  Do you know at the beginning of a book what's going to happen, or do you allow the story to grow on its own?

A:  If I knew everything that was going to happen, I couldn't finish. I'd get bored.  I am a destination oriented person so I have to have a general overview of the narrative arc before I pack for the journey, but my characters do the driving.  I'm just along for the ride.

Q:  How do you balance character, plot, and historic information in such a phenomenal way?  Is there a trick to it or does it just come naturally?

A:  I have a phenomenal editor.  When I get top heavy with one or the other of these elements she gives me a gentle but firm nudge in the right direction.

Q:  With all the research you do, what's your favorite historical aspect?  Dates and events?  Costumes?  Traditions?

A:  I enjoy it all--except the dates.  My brain does not do numbers.  It's like a sieve in that regard.  I really enjoy history as place.  The sounds, smells, life-styles, pleasures, hardships, of a particular place and a particular time take me away from the less and less natural environment we all inhabit.  I also like the reading about people in history.  In THE MERCY SELLER (the second book in the series) I was fascinated by the character of Sir John Oldcastle who was the prototype for Shakespeare's hard-drinking, hard-loving Falstaff.  We named a beer after him, aptly enough, and yet he died a Christian martyr.

Q: Do you write your books from start to finish or do you write whatever scene you're in the mood to write?

A:  Since my plots grow organically from the actions and attitudes of my characters, I pretty much find my story chronologically.  But I switch scenes and whole chapters around for pacing.  Once in a while, if I'm dreading writing a particularly "big" scene where my research is skimpy or I just don't want to go there emotionally, I'll skip it and go back later.

Q:  How many more books can you see in this series (I bought THE MERCY SELLER and have it in my TBR pile--but I've been judging the Ritas for the past two months or so and haven't had the time to pick it up--but I can't wait)?

A:  I think only one more.  THE MERCY SELLER paperback edition will be in stores April 1.  The deadline for the third book, for which I have only a working title, is December of this year, so it should be out in late 2009.

Q:  What did you do before you became a writer and how has it influenced what you write?

A:  I was an English teacher and a librarian for twenty-five years.  Both of those allowed me to immerse myself in English literature and taught me the value of fun and research.

Q:  In your opinion, what makes a good book?

A:  A book that both delights--i.e. takes me away--and instructs me.  A good book is a book whose characters and "place" I remember.

Q:  Who are your favorite authors?

A:  I enjoy Shakespeare and Dickens and Hardy--I guess that's the English teacher in me.  But for pure pleasure--that take-me-away quality--I have loved the novels of Anya Seton, Norah Lofts, Daphne DuMaurier:  all of whom are now being reprinted and enjoying a resurgence among historical fiction readers.  Among contemporary historical fiction writers, I like Edward Rutherford.  SERUM is one of my all-time favorites.

Q:  What are you working on now?

A:  The last book in this trilogy.  It takes place in Tudor England and is born out of the political and religious struggles of the Reformation.  I am fascinated by the struggle to the death that occurred between Sir Thomas More and William Tyndale.  history remembers both of them for their Christian piety, and yet they were the bitterest of enemies.

Here's your chance to get to know a very talented author. We've got her for the day, so introduce yourself and feel free to ask questions.

Comments

[Rae Ann]

I have 2 questions.
How do you know when you need to stop researching and start writing or (as I have done) need to research more before starting the story so that you don't make mistakes that need a huge rewrite?
What is your favorite research tool? Books, etc.?
Thank you for answering!

[Brenda]

Welcome, Brenda! So glad you could join us today.

I'm curious if you ever read romance.

Brenda

[Brenda Vantrease]

Hello Rae Ann. That is the key question, isn't it? When my fictional characters come alive and start nagging, I know I'm ready. I do enough research that I have the time frame of the historical period defined and the historical events crucial to the story. I make a timeline of those historical events (with dates)that are going to have an impact on my story.That one is complete and will not change. Then I make another for my fictional characters. That one grows as I go along. It adapts to the historical time-line. I do small research: names of flowers, fashion, customs as I need them for my story. I use books for the first formative stage. I use the internet and books as I go along.

[Brenda Vantrease]

Hi, Brenda. Thanks for the opportunity. Not so much anymore. I don't have time, but I used to be addicted to Gothic romances--creaking doors, woman in jeopardy, old mansions. I think I read everything Victoria Holt and Phyllis Whitney ever wrote. The Gothic novel sort of fell out of favor in the publishing world--I think too many people were writing them and the market became saturated. I still would devour historical romances, if I had the time.

[Jami Alden]

Hi Brenda (and Brenda!) thanks for joining us today. After hearing the other Brenda rave about your book, I definitely want to get my hands on it. And I love your analogy about writing and travel - I often use the same one, but I'm probably a bit more of a planner than you. When I describe my writing process, I say I don't like a detailed daily itinerary, but I want to know where I'm going to sleep that night :)

[Brenda Vantrease]

Yeah, Jami, I do know what you mean. I probably just start looking for a place to lay my head a little earlier in the day than you do. No reservations: I just can't travel that way. I might want to linger a bit here and there. Well, now that I've flayed that poor metaphor 'til it's bloody, I'll just say I do have my major plot points befor I begin. Bless Brenda Novak's heart for recommending me to you and others!(I'm from the south--we bless everybody's heart; just another way of saying thank you.)I hope you enjoy THE ILLUMINATOR. Brenda

[JOYE]

I enjoyed reading your comments. DuMaurier was one of my favorite writers when I was younger.
I have added your book to my TBR list since I am always looking for new authors to read.

[Anna]

Hi, Brenda! I have to admit, I don't read much straight historical, however, your books sound mesmerizing...and I'm always on the lookout for new books (and authors to get hooked on).

All the best for your forthcoming book. Has there been any discussion on movie deals or do you not think your books would translate to film (I suppose I'll know the answer to this once I read your books).

Thanks for visiting the Divas!

[Brenda]

What about the competition, Brenda? Do you read Philippa Gregory and other straight historical writers? Have you tried Diana Gabaldon?

Brenda

[Barbara Freethy]

Hi Brenda - Welcome to the blog. I'd love to know more about the story line of the Illuminator and/or The Mercy Seller if you don't mind sharing. Love both titles! It's interesting that you had foreign interest right from the beginning -- is that fairly common in historical fiction (I know nothing about that market) but it is wonderful to know your books are going all over the world!

[Brenda Vantrease]

Hello Joye. I read REBECCA about once a decade, just to try to figure how she did it. I think it is the strong sene of place that I like so much about her novels and the brooding atmosphere. I hope you enjoy my book.

[Brenda Vantrease]

Yes, Anna, as a matter of fact, the first book THE ILLUMINATOR has been optioned. (Thanks for asking. I love saying that.) Of course, I think it would make a great movie. (:

[KateMoore]

Thanks to both Brendas for an enlightening interview. Brenda V, like you I'm an English teacher, and I loved Anya Seton. My yellowed copy of Katherine is a treasure. I think you must have found some inspiration there for your interest in Julian of Norwich. I'm also a great fan of Pillars of the Earth. Did you by any chance read this week's New Yorker piece by Jill Lepore about the history/fiction distinction? Thanks for visiting the Divas. I'll be looking for your books now.

[Brenda Vantrease]

Brenda, I have read one of Phillipa Gregory's books. Diana Gabaldon was the featured speaker at a recent convention of The Historical Novel Society that I attended. I think I would really enjoy her books, but right now I don't seem to have time for anything but reading straight history. Maybe after I meet my December deadline . . .

[Brenda Vantrease]

Good question, Barbara. I was actually blown away by the foreign interest. I had no idea--and still don't really as to the interest in the genre, except that I have noticed some very strong rights interest in other historicals. THE HISTORIAN comes to mind. I think the story lines might have something to do with the foreign interest. Both THE ILLUMINATOR and THE MERCY SELLER deal with the religious conflict leading up to the Reformation. That would, of course, partially explain the European interest, but the Japanese and Greek, I haven't a clue.

[Brenda Vantrease]

Nice to hear from a fellow English teacher, Kate. Actually, I didn't remember Julian from Anya Seton. I stumbled on Julian's original writings in a collection. I might as well confess. I don't think I ever finished KATHERINE. GREEN DARKNESS was my favorite. I remember a lot about that one.

[Brenda Vantrease]

P.S. for Barbara. I did not see the article in THE NEW YORKER. Sounds like something I need to read. I'll look for it.

[Brenda Vantrease]

Apolgies to Kate and Barbara. That p.s. about the NEW YORKER article was for Kate. (I think it's time for a coffee break to pump up my brain.)

[Brenda]

Diana Gabaldon has donated Lunch With Diana Gabaldon to my upcoming diabetes auction. I really like her and her work and hope to bid on it.

By the way, everyone--Brenda has donated autographed copies of her books to the auction, so get your nimble bidding fingers ready. LOL

Brenda N.

[Karin Tabke]

Hi, Brenda, the book sounds fascinating. Having waded into the historical pond recently, I find myself swallowed up by all of the research. Do you ever feel as if your head is going to explode?

[Brenda Vantrease]

Hi Karin, Yes, sometimes. Especially in the beginning of a project before I really know the history. Dates and keeping up with my notes--where did I put what?--are especially troublesome. That's why I make timelines, lists, scene outlines, and then I lose them . . . That's why I've built my own library of ready resources of the period so I don't have to try to keep so much in my head. I just look it up again as I need it. I actually enjoy the research. Maybe a little too much.

[Candice Hern]

Thanks for joining us, Brenda. I've been poking around your website reading about your books and now I can't wait to get my hands on them! They sound wonderful!

The cover art gods have certainly blessed you. I especially love the art on the hardback edition of THE ILLUMINATOR. The paperback cover is lovely, too, but I really love the hardback cover. I suppose the powers-that-be must have thought it wouldn't be as effective on a smaller canvas. Who knows. I have to say that your German covers are gorgeous, too.

Anyway, I can't wait to read these books. Thanks, Brenda Novak, for introducing us to a new Brenda!

[Brenda Vantrease]

Yes, Candice, I have been blessed in that department. I have absolutely loved all my covers! But I think my favorite was the cover of the ARC for THE ILLUMINATOR, which very few people ever saw--maybe because it was the first one I saw with my name on it. The divas have some pretty cool foreign covers too. I particularly like your Australian cover for HER SCANDALOUS AFFAIR.

[Julie Rowe]

Hi Brenda,

Thanks for talking about your books with us today! I'm intrigued and plan on purchasing and reading them ASAP!! A good historical is one of my favorite personal pleasures.

Cheers, Julie Rowe

[Brenda Vantrease]

Hi Julie, Love your name. That's my baby sister's name. (My "baby" sister turned fifty last month:) Books as personal pleasures! A kindred spirit.

[Brenda]

Thank you so much for spending time with us today, Brenda. It's been a pleasure to have the chance to get to know you a little better.

Brenda N.

[Brenda Vantrease]

I have enjoyed "dishing with the divas," today. Thanks for inviting me. Best wishes to all of you. May all your books be bestsellers! BTW, Brenda N, I love your website. The sound of the rain is totally, totally cool.