Heros

I am editing The Pledge for a new publisher. I am having fun comparing older versions of historicals from the new. I do not want to betray fan's loyalty to Calum, but I do want offer something new.

I've taken some liberties with the facts in this novel. While the northern Baron's did plan to remove the 'Bastard Elizabeth' from the throne of England, and free Mary Queen of Scot to take her place as the queen of both countries, it had nothing to do with politics. Elizabeth was a heretic of the new religion, Mary was Catholic.

I love writing about this time. It is a time that can capture the imagination. Not only were political forces running rampant, for the first - and last- time in history, three women ruled the world - Elizabeth in England - Mary in Scotland - and the Regent Queen Mercili in France. Their intrigue and competition is enough to fill a dozen books.

However, there was also the plague, and the constant battle between Protestants, Catholics, and a new, little understood evangelical movement that reeked of witchcraft. Among all this, was a new awareness of romance and women's rights. For the first time women wondered 'if I am weak minded because I am a women - then why do three queens rule successfully?'

It is a wonderful time, and I hope to bring it alive in both The Pledge, and the book set much earlier The Pawn.