Diane Haeger, author of "Courtesan", "The Secret Wife of King George IV", The Ruby Ring", "The Perfect Royal Mistress", "The Secret Bride", "The Queen's Mistake", and "The Queen's Rival" answers 10 questions about her favorite time period in history, her favorite figures from history, and the age old question of coffee or tea.
1. If you could go back in time and be any figure from history, who would it be?
That’s an easy one! I have always wished I could have met Diane de Poitiers, the subject of my first novel, "Courtesan". Not only is she near and dear to my heart since she was my first heroine, but she lived an absolutely fascinating and relatively long life, one full of zest til the end. Even by today’s standards she was quite magnificent.
2. What year in history would you have liked to live in?
That one is trickier since my first instinct was to say 1533, the middle of the Renaissance and Diane’s world by which I am fascinated, but even for Royalty those were obviously difficult times due to poverty and disease. I think if I had to choose a year it would be 1902, Edwardian England. I love the manners of that era, the costumes and the grace, a time of formality long lost to what we are now.
3. You're having a dinner party and you can invite 5 people from history, who would they be?
Oh my goodness, well Diane de Poitiers would be at the head of the table, guest of honor. Then Henry VIII would be next to her, so that he could explain himself to the group, if such a thing were possible. Third perhaps, Bess Blount—although I probably would seat them at different ends of the table considering that they ended as they did with Anne Boleyn between them—forth would be Nell Gwynne. How fun would she have been at a dinner party? She would have everyone laughing. Last but not least………..Henri II, Diane’s great love. He would be there to give her support and add a certain magnificence, I’m sure.
4. What castle from the past or present would you like to live in?
Hands down, France’s Chenonceaux at the river’s edge. Absolutely breathtaking, there now that it spans the water. Even before, no wonder Henri gave it to Diane!
5. Two fellow historical fiction authors you'd like to go on a history themed tour of the world with?
Ah, what a great question. First, probably Karleen Koen, if she would agree to leave Texas. I so adore and respect the beauty and elegance of her work and I could learn a great deal from her research process. Second, Philippa Gregory. I’m sure she could show me her England in a way that I would not be able to see it otherwise.
6. Who was more dashing and interesting, King Henry VIII of England or King Louis XIV of France?
Hmm.. well Louis XIV certainly defined a certain glorious, complex era, but I am partial to the Renaissance and I will always believe Henry VIII was far more complex than the caricature he has become. In his youth, he was quite the leading man. Attractive, smart, clever, the full package.
7. Which of the six wives of King Henry VIII is your favorite?
That is difficult, like choosing a favorite child! Well, I wrote about Catherine Howard in my book "The Queen’s Mistake", so I feel I knew her the best of the six. I really liked her in spite of her tragic end. Katherine of Aragon would be a close second.
8. English monarchy or French monarchy?
Oh, gosh….. English.
9. What three novels could you read over and over?
"Sense and Sensibility", by Jane Austen, "The Thorn Birds", by Colleen McCullough, "Through A Glass Darkly", by Karleen Koen.
10. Tea or coffee when writing?
Tea with honey. Two cups. Coffee makes me too jittery.
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