Blog Tour Guest Post + Giveaway: At the Mercy of the Queen

Please join me in welcoming author Anne Clinard Barnhill to Let Them Read Books! Anne's new novel is a sweeping tale of sexual seduction and intrigue at the court of Henry VIII, a rich and dramatic debut historical about Madge Shelton, cousin and lady-in-waiting to Anne Boleyn.

Check out this guest post from Anne as she talks about where she finds writing inspiration, and then enter to win your own copy of
At the Mercy of the Queen!

And now, Anne Clinard Barnhill:

People frequently ask me where my ideas come from. While I believe the generation of ideas is basically a mysterious process, one I don't understand when I try to analyze it, I can answer the question in some very general ways. Sometimes, a word or phrase appears in my head, a random grouping of words. Usually, this indicates a poem coming on. Kind of like when you get a migraine, you sometimes have a hint of it before it manifests. Other times, a character begins to speak to me--not exactly like hearing voices but similar, I imagine. One short story I have, "Namesake," (in my collection, WHAT YOU LONG FOR) the character started talking and I just wrote down what she said. It was the easiest story I've ever written, though not the best!

I walk almost every day and sometimes, what I see or hear around me gives me an idea. Strolling through cemeteries is very inspiring (yes, I realize that is an odd sentiment) because I begin to imagine all the stories buried there. Sometimes, especially in old graveyards, you'll find a story written on the stones--Mary, aged 23, beloved wife of John--and next to her, you'll see --John, Jr, aged 2 days. There is a story there, tragic and still filled with power.

I am an avid people-watcher. As I observe my fellows, I can be taken with a face, a gesture, a turn of the head. This leads me into imagining that person's story. Sometimes, hearing certain pieces of music can induce a mood that must find expression in a poem or story. Whatever the stimulus, something within me must respond at a deep level to be inspired to write. Writing is hard work and the thing within must struggle mightily to get out. Left to my own devices, I'd probably never think of writing. But these nudges from the universe force it out of me.

I'm very thankful they do.

Thanks, Anne!

Want to win a copy of'At the Mercy of the Queen?

Simply leave a comment with your email address for a chance to win!

This giveaway is open to U.S. residents only and ends at 1:59pm Wednesday, February 15th.

Thanks and good luck!





This giveaway is closed and the winner has been selected.
Stay tuned for more great giveaways!


At the Mercy of the Queen is on a blog tour!
Click here to view the tour schedule with more reviews, guest posts, and giveaways!
Click here to visit Anne's website!