Interview Cynthia Gael

CTR: Our next author is Cynthia Gael, who is actually two authors, Cynthia Witherspoon (CDW) and Gael McAbee (KGM)!! First, please give us a bit of information about the book or books you’re sharing today. At least ISBN, Publisher and buy link please! Also the genre and heat level if applicable.

CG: Balefire and Moonstone is more paranormal romance than historical, but it has strong historical ties written throughout the book. Indeed, it is the first of a series where the history of witches plays a very active part in the current day situation. What we do is briefly introduce the original Witch Finder General, Matthew Hopkins, from 1640s England, and his relationship with one of the witches he captured and executed, Bridget Sinclair…then show the effect of that single event on their descendents, Tommy Hopkins and his love, a fire witch named Anya Blanchett. We’ve also written several short stories about the line of Hopkins and the women they love and, tragically, lose.

Published by Gypsy Shadow Publishing, Balefire and Moonstone is available in both E-book and Print form. The ISBN is: 978-0-9844521-6-8 and the buy link is:
http://www.gypsyshadow.com/CynthiaGael.html.

CTR: What is your favorite historical period or region and why? Did you enjoy history while you were in school or was it frankly boring? How would you suggest we teach history to kids now—(i.e.) can fiction maybe be a tool here? Do you think we can and should learn from the past or is it now irrelevant to modern times and issues?

CDW: There are so many to choose from! I can only pick one?? Okay. My absolute favorite historical period is during Henry VIII’s reign in England. It was one huge soap opera, with his wives and all, but there is so much more than that! It was during this time that the social structure of the world was shifting to create the basis of what we know today.

I’m going to make a confession here. I didn’t find history boring at all in school, in fact, I adored it! So much so that I have my Bachelor of Arts degree in History.

I think historical fiction would be a huge help in getting kids interested in history. It’d be a huge step to show them that the past isn’t just a list of names and dates of dead guys. These people had problems – bigger ones than we’ll ever face – and stories. If we forget this, forget where we come from, then we have no foundation to build a future on. So yes, we have to remember the past, cherish it, and learn from it.

KGM: I’m with my brilliant co-writer here: I would be hard pressed to select a favorite historical period. The Stuarts are particular favorites of mine, however: Mary Queen of Scots, her son James the VI and I, and Charles II and the Restoration. I also have a deep love for the Victorians, and going back a good bit, Henry II and his sons. And the Regency! And the three Edwards! I love me some Plantagenets! Oh, yeah; other countries have history too, don’t they? But I’m a rabid anglophile.

CTR: Do you think historical accuracy is important in fiction? How about the use of modern speech and politically correct ideas instead of those that faithfully portray the period? Do you find this good, bad, a necessary evil or something you shun?

CDW: Personally, I’m a traditionalist when it comes to historical writing. Facts are important, since they help set the scene, but that’s as far as it goes. There was no such thing as ‘politically correct’, and their language was modern to them in the times they lived. By keeping the times you write about intact, it helps to create the character, since they would make decisions or hold beliefs we would shun today. So being historically accurate? It’s a good, good thing for both the reader and the writer.

KGM: Nothing bothers me more than playing fast and loose with the facts! That said, however, a writer has plenty of leeway to set a story within a historical framework. We don’t know, we cannot know everything that happened in a certain time, and as writers, we also have the option of doing a bit of reinvention. Cindy and I are working on a steampunk series right now; we’re using a basic Victorian era, with real people and events, and adding our own edge to it. Lots of fun!

CTR: Can you share a favorite author and title that perhaps inspired you to write in the historical genre?

CDW: I am a huge fan of historical fiction, so I could probably rattle off a list of favorites without even trying. But the one writer I adore more than any others? Philippa Gregory. Her book The Other Boleyn Girl snagged me on the first page, and when I was done, caused me to go out and read everything else she’d ever written. I know, I’m such a nerd, but when you find a good writer, you stick with her.

KGM: Patrick O’Brian, first, last and forever! I love his Aubrey-Maturin series, his attention to detail, his characters, and his obvious passion for the time period. I can quite literally pick up any of the 21 books in the series and re-read with as much pleasure as the first time. Now that’s good writing!

CTR: Do you have a favorite Thanksgiving family tradition or story to share? Does the old “Over the river and through the woods to grandma’s” verse resonate with you in terms of childhood memories or stories you heard or was your family pattern quite different? How about a recipe that you associate with this harvest and thankfulness time of year? What is your favorite dish of your family or circle’s traditional feast?

KGM: When I was growing up, we had the traditional feast every year, so I have plenty of memories. But my favorite dish? Pumpkin pie. It just screams fall to me!

CTR: If there was such a thing as a time machine where would be the first place you would go once you had a ticket to ride? Do you think you’d want to stay or just look around and then come right back to today?

CDW: Since my co-author K.G. McAbee and I are working on a novella series set in Victorian England at the moment, I’m going to have to go with that. Research, don’t cha know? And I’d stay as long as I could without disturbing anything.

KGM: Ooh, time machine! And I’d only get one trip? Bummer! But I have to admit, I’d be tempted to recreate one of my favorite books as a kid, Andre Norton’s THE TIME TRADERS. The Beaker tradesmen of the Bronze Age, here I come!

CTR: Where can our readers find out more about you and your writing? Please share your web site, social network pages, blogs or any other contact areas you maintain

CG: Oh my gosh, here’s our list…so far!

http://www.cynthiagael.com
http://cdwitherspoon.books.officelive.com
http://kgmcabee.books.officelive.com
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/jrtkarma
http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/pages/Cynthia-Gael/213403522900

CTR: Thanks for being part of our November event and please come back whenever you have a book to share that fits the theme or just to visit with us!!