Historical Fiction With Acclaimed Author Shayne Parkinson!

From 1881 to 1924, Talking Historical Fiction With Shayne Parkinson.

Acclaimed author Shayne Parkinson writes historical novels set in New Zealand. The first book, Sentence of Marriage, begins in 1881, and her most recent novel, After the Roses, takes the series to 1924.

Can you summarize the book After the Roses?

Daisy is a farm girl growing up in New Zealand in the early years of the 20th century. Her great ambition is to become a doctor, but that will not be an easy task.

After the Roses is the sequel to Daisy’s War, which covered the years of the First World War. When After the Roses opens, the war is over, but Daisy and her family will soon have to cope with the great influenza epidemic of 1918.

Where did you find inspiration for the character of Daisy?

She’s mainly grown out of the characters in the preceding books, and has some characteristics from each of her grandparents. But I was also inspired by some of the early women doctors, and by the New Zealand women who helped make this country the first in the world where women gained the vote.

Who is your favorite character from your book and why?

Daisy herself. I’ve got to know her very well. She’s intelligent and determined, but also very concerned for others.

How about your least favorite characters? What makes them less appealing to you?

I love almost all of my characters, although some of them make that difficult for me at times! There are no real nasties in this book (events in the wider world give my characters quite enough trouble without them turning on each other). Daisy’s cousin Lucy is something of a drama queen and can be trying, but she usually means well.

When you’re writing, do you use any celebrities or people you know as visual inspiration for the characters? If so, have you got any examples?!

Not really. I do have clear pictures of them in my head, and sometimes I might see a picture of a celebrity who does match that picture, especially when I’m putting together a cast for an imaginary movie version. Here’s New Zealand actress Brooke Williams, who’s quite a lot like my image of Amy, Daisy’s grandmother, as a young woman: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/508554982899878412/

Give us an interesting fun fact about the creation of your book.

I enjoy the research that’s a big part of producing my books, but I’ll admit that at times I just might get carried away. :) Towards the end of writing After the Roses, I spent almost a whole day reading about a particular historical detail. Afterwards I felt very pleased with what I’d found, until I realized that it had resulted in *one* sentence in the book. No wonder it takes me so long to finish!

What was your journey to getting published?

I was self-published from the beginning. I did contact a publisher once, some years ago, and was told in no uncertain terms that there would be no interest in my historical fiction set in New Zealand. So I decided to go my own way, and have been delighted at the response from readers.

What is the biggest myth about being a novelist?

I’m not sure I could say what might be the biggest myth, but perhaps it’s the idea that a writer should suffer for his or her art. Writing can be hard work, but it can also be great fun. I’m very thankful to be able to do something I love so much as my full-time job.

Who influenced you as a writer?

I don’t think I have any particular influences, but I do love many of the classics of British literature. Jane Austen is my favourite author, particularly for her way with portraying characters.

Where can we find you and buy your books?

My web site, with some background to the books, is www.shayneparkinson.com. My books are available at various retailers, including Amazon, iBooks, Barnes & Noble, and Kobo.