10 questions with historical fiction author: Susanne Dunlap

Susanne Dunlap, author of "Anastasia's Secret", "In the Shadow of the Lamp", and "The Musician's Daughter" 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?

Tough question! I think I might be George Sand.

2. What year in history would you have liked to live in?

The trouble with this question is that, even as a Historical Fiction author, I know that life was no picnic in the past. That said, I think I would love to have been alive in 1800, at the beginning of Napoleonic France.

3. You're having a dinner party and you can invite 5 people from history, who would they be?

Jane Austen, Josephine Bonaparte, Clara Schumann, Franz Liszt (he was a dish), Gustav Mahler.

4. What castle from the past or present would you like to live in?

Castles are drafty, uncomfortable places. I think probably Marly, one of Louis XIV's jewels (new destroyed).

5. Two fellow historical fiction authors you'd like to go on a history themed tour of the world with?

Oh dear! Only two? I guess they would have to be my dear friends Stephanie Cowell and Anne Easter Smith.

6. Who was more dashing and interesting, King Henry VIII of England or King Louis XIV of France?

No contest. Louis XIV.

7. Which of the six wives of King Henry VIII is your favorite?

Catherine Parr

8. English monarchy or French monarchy?

French!

9. What three novels could you read over and over?

Anything by Jane Austen, "War & Peace", and "The Book Thief"

10. Tea or coffee when writing?

Tea! (I lived in England for 10 years:)

Susanne Dunlap's official website:

http://www.susannedunlap.com/Susanne_Dunlap/Home.html