My Bloggiversary with Author Interview and Fantastic GIVEAWAY!!!

Enchanted by Josephine celebrates its 1st year Bloggiversary!!!  

What started out with the idea of writing about what I love most- my passion for history, reading and writing, blossomed into a world that expanded into so much more than that.  (If you’d like to view that very first post, see here:   ) My bookblog has led me to meeting some of the nicest like-minded people I would have otherwise never met.  I’ve shared books, ideas, creations and a passion for history that has done more for my spirit and knowledge than solitary reading enjoyment could ever have fulfilled.  I’m thankful to all my readers and good friends out there- You made this all possible!

Along the way, I’ve also met fantastic historical fiction writers that have completely mesmerized me with their tales of intrigue, passion, sorrow and regality.  And, one very special author in particular, Sandra Gulland, has been instrumental in my starting to blog about history…and my favourite historical figure, Josephine…

For this merry occasion, the incredibly talented, Sandra Gulland, author of the Josephine B. Trilogy and Mistress of the Sun, has kindly agreed to grace my blog with this terrific interview! 

Please welcome, Sandra Gulland!!!

 Previously, I mentioned how Josephine is my muse for inspiration.  Can you tell us who or what inspires you to create the exquisite books you write? Do you have a muse?

Thank you, Lucy! I love books, and always wanted to write one. My muse? Research, I think: I’m always inspired as soon as I begin.

I am always fascinated by the way you bring out the endearing qualities in your heroines that other historical writers often fail to see or underline; especially Josephine, and Louise as well.  How do you choose your heroines-what is it about them that makes you want to write their story?

I became fascinated with Josephine quite by accident. When I began to write, Josephine appeared only as a shadow — and then, by degrees, the work came to be about her.

It seems that a question, a simple curiosity, starts it off. For Josephine, I was curious about the prediction that was made in her youth, that she would become “more than a queen.” Could it be true? (It was.) For Louise, I was curious how a timid young woman could become such an incredible horsewoman...and then mistress to the married Sun King. She was devout: how did she reconcile this with her faith?

I don’t really choose my heroines — rather, I become interested in a person, and then one thing leads to another. At a certain point, I have to ask: Is there a story here? And so far the answer has always been yes. 

We are very curious to learn about your next project.  Can you please tell us a bit about that? Any similarities between the heroine of your next book and those of past?

Claude des Oeillets is very different from both Josephine and Louise. She was raised by her actor-parents on the road, and although she had a daughter by the Sun King, she was never more than a confidential maid to his mistress, Madame de Montespan. Both Josephine and Louise were of the lower nobility. Claude is not noble in the least.

What I love about her (in addition to her spunk) is her involvement in the fascinating world of the theater. It was the period of the French theatrical renaissance. Claude’s mother was a theatrical super-star, yet even so, it was a life of constant poverty, and a way of life considered to be profoundly sinful by the Church. Actors were shunned! No doubt Claude thought her problems were solved when she got a position as maid to a woman of the Court, Madame de Montespan — only to become embroiled in a world of witchcraft and poison.

It’s a big story!

Since today is a festive day here on EBJ- we’d also love to hear about any special anniversaries or festive times foreseen for 2010 that you may be part of or planning.

Every year, just before New Year’s Eve, my husband and I and our two adult children share our resolutions for the year ahead. Last year, my main resolution was to finish the first draft of Claude’s story: and I did! My resolution for the year 2010 will be to finish a second and third draft. When I send that last draft to my agent, I will be feeling quite festive! 

Lastly, can you tell us something memorable about your travels and what your favourite destination is?

Paris is my favorite destination: always. How lovely that my research takes me there so often! My husband and I will be returning in the spring, staying in the neighborhood where Claude des Oeillets lived.

One memorable trip was a private tour through the chateau of Fontainebleau, into the dark and cob-webbed servants’ quarters. Every trip is a revelation.

Thank you for inviting me onto your blog. Congratulations!

Thank You so much, Sandra !

And now...  for this very First Bloggiversary, I have a special GIVEAWAY to give homage to my Muse…someone you’ve no doubt come to learn about and love (not much choice on that if you stick around here awhile;)  the beloved namesake of my blog:  Josephine! This historical muse has inspired me to read, write and illustrate about that enchanting time which is the past. So, quite appropriately, to help celebrate this memorable year,  I will be selecting 3 winners for a fantabulous GIVEAWAY of:

The Many Lives and Secret  Sorrows of Josephine B., by Sandra Gulland 

Tales of Passion Tales of Woe, by Sandra Gulland 

The Last Great Dance on Earth, by Sandra Gulland 

 ALL 3 COURTESY OF Sandra Gulland and Diane Saarinen!!!  Can you think of a better mix than this amazing Author and fantastic Assistant!  These ladies are terrific- Thank you so much for making this possible!

 Open to US and Canada   Winners announced on Jan.3rd, 2010

To Enter:

1 Chance:  Leave a Comment

2 Chances every time you tweet or blog about this (send me the link)

3 Chances: Become a Follower of my blog (If you're already a follower, you get this automatically).

5 Chances: Post about this on your Sidebar

5 EXTRA Bonus Points for every new follower referred by you (mention this in your comments)

Good Luck to All! 

Once again, Thank you for celebrating this wonderful day with meJ  You guys are great and I appreciate all your kind support throughout.

What a great way to close up the year..and with this, I wish you all a Very Happy New Year!