From the Scriptorium: July 2017

July 2017 Edition

Bookish News

Faithful Traitor is on its way in audiobook format!
Comment below for a chance to win a FREE Audible code!

I am beyond excited to have my Margaret available on Audible and hope that you enjoy her story as read by the lovely Rachael Baresford.

Margaret Pole overcame great diversity in her life only to meet her end as a traitor under Henry VIII. I hope that you will enjoy listening to her story. It is also available in paperback and Kindle.



Coming soon: Plantagenet Embers Kindle Box Set! Stay Tuned!

Featured Reviews

Queen of Martyrs has received a wonderful review from book blogger Rebecca Hill.

Faithful Traitor is summed up nicely by this Amazon UK reviewer.

Plantagenet Princess, Tudor Queen was recently featured on Tudors and Other Histories.



Want to see your review featured? Leave a link in the comment below or drop me a private message.

Did you miss it?

This past month was very busy for me personally with my oldest son graduating from high school and the five of us leaving for a tour of Europe, but I did get this excerpt from Queen of Martyrs posted!

The Spanish Rescue or When Mary Had Her Chance to Flee

You are also invited to comment on the identity of the mysterious Margaret Keymes mentioned in the will of Katherine Gordon. Was she the daughter of Cecily of York? Did Katherine intend to suggest her belief that Perkin Warbeck was truly Richard of York by mentioning Margaret in her will? Add your voice to the discussion.

Who Was Margarett Keymes?

I look forward to posting some great new Historic Places articles when I return home. Where is your favorite place in the world to visit?

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From the Scriptorium: June 2017

June 2017 Edition

Bookish News

My dear Mary continues to get rave reviews, and I couldn't be happier to see that readers are enjoying seeing a different side of this much maligned Tudor queen. Besides a fabulous blog tour, awesome reviews for Queen of Martyrs are coming in on Amazon US, Amazon UK, and Goodreads.

Faithful Traitor will soon be available in audiobook format! If you enjoyed listening to Plantagenet Princess, Tudor Queen, you will be happy to hear that Margaret's story is currently being narrated by the same wonderful narrator, Rachael Beresford. Margaret Pole was also celebrated in May with my 10 Days of Margaret Pole.

With recent TV dramas bringing attention to Elizabeth of York, this blog and my book, Plantagenet Princess, Tudor Queen, have been drawing in new readers. If you have recently read it, I would love to read your review!

I also plan to release a Kindle Box Set soon! Stay tuned!

Featured Reviews

Queen of Martyrs was featured on Tudors Dynasty's website with a great review!

Faithful Traitor continues to receive some of my most positive reviews. This one, on Amazon, is short but sweet!

Plantagenet Princess, Tudor Queen has several new reviews recently with the attention coming from a certain television program. Fellow historical fiction author Annie Whitehead combined her review with a short interview.

See your review featured by including a link to it in the comments below!

Did You Miss It?

My most popular post last month was 'Not My White Princess', an article written to clarify some differences between the Hollywood and historical versions of Elizabeth of York.

Not My White Princess


I was also honored to be invited to the blog of writer Wayne Turmel for a fun interview.

From Roses to Tudors

Historical fiction author Tony Riches was a guest this month with an excerpt from his newest novel, Henry.

A Private Moment Between Henry and Elizabeth

Finally, I took a look at the event of Queen Mary's reign that seems to define her in the minds of many modern readers and history enthusiasts.

What if Mary Hadn't Burned Heretics?

Thanks to all my readers!

Thank you to everyone who has read one of my books, and a special thanks to everyone who has written a review!

Keep up with all the latest bookish news by subscribing to my blog or following me on Facebook, Twitter, or Goodreads.

Enjoying the Historic Places Blog Series? See more historic places by following me on Instagram!

From the Scriptorium: May 2017

May 2017 Edition

Bookish News

April sure was a busy month. Queen of Martyrs has found its way to many shelves and the top of Amazon's Hot New Releases list for Biographical Fiction! The blog tour introducing my Mary was wonderful. Thank you to the many blog hosts, reviewers, and readers who have made this book release a success. For more on QoM & all the blog tour stops, click here.

In other writing news, I have started writing a few items for All About History magazine. If you are a subscriber, watch for my fun alternate history article coming up that has Queen Mary selecting someone else to be her king. Bye-bye, Philip! (Wouldn't that have saved her a lot of heartache??)


Also, production is in process to bring my Margaret to audiobook! I am so happy to be able to bring the story of this amazing woman to more readers of historical fiction. It is also great to again be working with narrator extraordinairre, Rachael Baresford. More on this soon.

Featured Reviews

Queen of Martyrs - Besides the amazing book reviews that were part of the blog tour, QoM has received several 5-star reviews on Amazon and Goodreads. It was difficult to choose which one to feature here, but I selected this one because this GR reader seems to really 'get' what I was attempting to accomplish with my version of Mary's story.

Cindy's review of Queen of Martyrs on Goodreads

Faithful Traitor - FT was named a Discovered Diamond last month! Reviewing and selecting the best of independently published historical fiction is the objective of the hardworking Discovering Diamond's team, and I am thrilled to have my Margaret recognized!

Discovering Diamonds Review of Faithful Traitor

Plantagenet Princess, Tudor Queen - The introduction to the Plantagenet Embers trilogy continues to draw people into the private life of Elizabeth of York. One reader got so carried away, she wrote this extensive review of my story and how it fits into the greater Wars of the Roses history.

Plantagenet Princess Tudor Queen on Themis-Athena's Garden of Books

Did you miss it?

Besides tons of great articles on Queen Mary as part of the QoM blog tour, I was also invited to Tudor Times last month. If you are watching The White Princess, you might be interested in what the life of Elizabeth of York actually looked like.

A Day in the Life of Elizabeth of York

People are clearly looking for the real history behind the Hollywood story, because this article from the archives has been viewed many times recently as well.

The Quiet Strength of Elizabeth of York


I was also honored to welcome guest Edoardo Albert to my blog once again. He was kind enough to share some amazing historic places he has visited as part of his writing research.

The Persistence of the Past

Thanks to all my readers!

Thank you to everyone who has read one of my books, and a special thanks to everyone who has written a review!

Keep up with all the latest bookish news by subscribing to my blog or following me on Facebook, Twitter, or Goodreads.

Enjoying the Historic Places Blog Series? See more historic places by following me on Instagram!

From the Scriptorium: April 2017

April 2017 Edition

The biggest news this month is the upcoming release of Queen of Martyrs! I cannot wait to hear what you all think of Queen Mary's story. If you are looking forward to reading it on Kindle, you can pre-order it now. On April 12, it will be available in paperback as well.

Why April 12? Because it is my birthday! One of the advantages of being an independent writer is setting my own deadlines, so I decided that a book release was the best way to spend my day, certainly better than dwelling over creeping numbers and fine lines!


Also to celebrate the advent of Queen Mary, I have a great blog tour planned. We will be visiting The Writing Desk, Knight of Angels, EHFA, Lady Jane Grey, Suzy Henderson, Judith Arnopp, History, the Interesting Bits, and History Imagined. See my In the News page to stay up to date on guest posts so that you don't miss a single book review, excerpt, interview, or historic article!

Featured Reviews

Queen of Martyrs on Goodreads - I can't wait to read your review!

Faithful Traitor on Goodreads

Plantagenet Princess, Tudor Queen at The Review


See your review featured! Leave a link in the comments below.

Events

I was privileged to participate in the Michigan Library Association's Spring Institute at a special Evening with an Author, organized to support local literacy efforts. Thank you to everyone who joined me in Frankenmuth, Michigan for great book talks and, of course, plenty of German food and Christmas cheer at any time of year.

In the News

I have started writing for the magazine All About History! If you already subscribe, you know that this publication is packed with interesting articles on all eras of history as well as fun features such as book reviews and alternative histories. Look forward to my own version of alternative history coming up soon in which Queen Mary chooses Reginald Pole as her husband instead of Prince Philip of Spain!

Did You Miss It?

Who would dare to stand up to Henry VIII? A teenage girl. Get warmed up for the rest of Mary's story by reading about her courageous stand against her father. (The scene described in this post actually takes place during Mary's younger years in Faithful Traitor.)

Mary Takes a Stand

Judith Arnopp's guest post last month quickly became one of the most viewed articles on this blog. Apparently, many of you are interested in the Lady Margaret Beaufort and Judith's inspiration for writing about her.

Why Margaret Beaufort?

Another guest, Trisha Hughes, stopped by to celebrate the release of her new novel, Vikings to Virgin - The Hazards of Being King. This is one I look forward to reading!

The Hazards of Being King

Taking an article for the archives, we revisited the fate of the York princesses who suddenly found themselves subjects of a new dynasty.

York Sisters in a Tudor World

Have you visited all the wonderful places on my Historic Places Blog Series?


You can follow me on Twitter, Goodreads, or Facebook to ensure that you never miss a thing!

I'm also now on Instagram @Samantha_Wilcoxson.

From the Scriptorium: March 2017

March 2017 Edition

Queen of Martyrs is available for pre-order on Kindle!

I am thrilled with the feedback that I have received so far from beta readers and am eager to release Mary's story to the world. If you order today, it will be delivered to your Kindle bright and early on April 12!

'God save the Queen! God save our good Queen Mary!'

When these words rang out over England, Mary Tudor thought her troubles were over. She could put her painful past - the loss of her mother and mistreatment at the hands of her father - behind her.

With her accession to the throne, Mary set out to restore Catholicism in England and find the love of a husband that she had long desired. But the tragedies in Mary's life were far from over. How did a gentle, pious woman become known as 'Bloody Mary'?

Featured Reviews

Read the first Goodreads review of Queen of Martyrs!

Plantagenet Princess, Tudor Queen on Knight of Angels

Faithful Traitor on Themis-Athena's Garden of Books

Over the Deep on Amazon

Upcoming Event

Join me for An Evening with An Author at the Michigan Library Association Spring Institute in Frankenmuth, MI. Proceeds from this event will support local children's literacy efforts. 

Tickets are on sale now.  I look forward to seeing you there!

In the News

This month I was excited to be invited to History Rocks! Check out my post discussing some strong women who may have been bastardized princess but went on to become queens.

The Fine Line Between Bastard and Princess

I also celebrated the birthday of Queen Mary I with a post at English Historical Fiction Authors that challenges readers to rethink their assumptions about 'Bloody Mary'. 

The Unpopular Tudor

Did you miss it?

Historical fiction author Suzy Henderson wrote a wonderful post for my blog this month on the sacrificial work of Sir Archibald McIndoe during World War II. Check out this amazing story that served as her inspiration for her novel, The Beauty Shop.

Hope in the Midst of War

My post on Reginald Pole receiving news of his mother's execution has skyrocketed to the top of my most viewed articles. I am happy to discover that I am not the only one intrigued by the tragic Pole family.

Reginald Pole Learns of his Mother's Execution


You can also catch up with my Historic Places blog series and take a virtual tour of some amazing destinations!

I have some wonderful guests and posts planned for March, so stay tuned! Subscribe to my blog using the form at the right to make sure you don't miss a thing. You can also follow me on Facebook or Twitter.

From the Scriptorium: February 2017

February 2017 Edition

Most of my time over the past month has been dedicated to getting Queen of Martyrs ready for beta readers. I am so thankful for these wonderful people who take the time to help me make each book ready for the world! Proofs will be in their hands by the end of February so that dear Mary will be ready for her April release.

Work is ongoing on In Bed with the British as well. It is fun to work on nonfiction, and it makes me wish that I lived in the UK so that I could dedicate more time to this type of work. This anthology will be available summer 2017.

Featured Reviews

Historical fiction author Tony Riches knows his Tudors and has written his own series on the lives of Owen, Jasper, and Henry, so I am especially thrilled to receive a review from him for Plantagenet Princess, Tudor Queen.

One of those priceless beta readers has the blog of a true modern renaissance man. His review of Faithful Traitor was the very first I received and I am still thankful for it.

Post a link to your review below to see it featured in a future newsletter!

Upcoming Events

In March, I will be participating in a special event as part of the Michigan Library Association Spring Institute. Join me in Frankenmuth for great food, more Christmas decor than can be found anywhere else, and bookish conversation.

Did you miss it?

This month, I was honored to be a guest at the blog of author Annie Whitehead. She has kindly reviewed Plantagenet Princess, Tudor Queen and had some follow-up questions.

The most popular article here on my blog this month was a fun look at how Thomas Becket managed to cause some trouble for another King Henry centuries after his death.

We also took a virtual trip to Boston, Massachusetts for a look at some US history.

Important historical dates in January included the death of Catherine Valois, the woman who made the Tudor dynasty possible, and the death of Henry Pole, the unjustly executed son of Margaret Pole.

You want it? You got it!

I have several guests and historic topics planned for the coming months, but let me know if I'm missing something. What would you like to see here? All you have to do is leave it in the comments below. Happy reading!

From the Scriptorium: January 2017

January 2017 Edition

I hope that you have all enjoyed a blessed Christmas and wish you wonderful adventures and experiences in 2017!

My efforts over the past month have been unexpectedly divided. Though I've continued working on Mary's story in Queen of Martyrs, I have more exciting book news to share with you. Read more about the upcoming In Bed with the British below.

Did anyone receive any amazing new history or historical fiction for Christmas? I would love to hear about your favorite new books - especially if they are mine! Two books that I received are Everyday Life in Medieval London and The Medieval Housewife, both by Toni Mount. Now I am looking forward to many winter evenings curled up snug under a blanket with some fun new research.

Interested in what writers read? You can see my Top 10 Reads of 2016 by stopping over at BookLikes. It is a great place for bookish conversation and sharing of the love of reading.

Upcoming Event

The Michigan Library Association has invited me to participate in their upcoming Spring Institute! During their Evening with an Author in Frankenmuth, Michigan, I will be there to talk about reading, writing, and history. I can't wait! If you are in Michigan, join me at the Spring Institute on March 29, 2017. For more information on the Spring Institute, click here.

Bookish News

I have super exciting bookish news this month! I am honored to be involved in a nonfiction book project with six other respected authors. In Bed with the British will explore romance throughout history. Knights in shining armor saving damsels in distress? Maybe sometimes, but get the real story from Pen & Sword Books this summer.

Featured Reviews

I am especially thrilled to share this five star review for Faithful Traitor by Readers' Favorite!

Review of Plantagenet Princess, Tudor Queen by author Robin Levin.

Did You Miss It?

In less than 24 hours, The Image of His Grandfather became my second most viewed post of all time! How similar do you think Edward IV and Henry VIII were?

It was a good month for blog posts because this one on my visit to York quickly gained many views as well. If you have ever dreamed of walking along York's medieval wall or strolling through the Shambles, check it out!

I was also pleased to welcome historical fantasy author Mary Anne Yarde to my blog this month to celebrate the release of her new addition to the Du Lac Chronicles, Du Lac Devil. Learn more about how she uses the blend of history and myth found in King Arthur to inspire her series.

You want it? You got it!

What would you love to see in next months newsletter? Have a topic you'd like to see addressed in a blog post? Let me know and I will do my best to deliver.

From the Scriptorium: December 2016

December 2016 Edition

During the last month, I have opened up a new online store, where everyone can order signed copies of my novels, and my NaNoWriMo efforts have been dedicated to completing a first draft of Queen of Martyrs. Keep reading for more news on book giveaways, additions to Kindle Unlimited, and more!

In the News

This month, I was honored to recognize the anniversary of the deaths of Queen Mary I and Cardinal Reginald Pole on the same day, November 17, 1558. You can read my article about these two leaders of the counter-reformation in England at English Historical Fiction Authors.

Of course, the same day is more often mentioned as the day that Elizabeth I became queen, but, for obvious reasons, I chose to take a look at her much maligned older sister and her intriguing priestly cousin instead.

Bookish News

The first draft of Queen of Martyrs is complete! I have enjoyed this unexpected journey with Mary more than I could have imagined, but it is not over yet. I am moving on to editing in the hope of releasing early review copies in January.

I have another exciting book project in the works, but cannot reveal details just yet. Let me assure you, it will be one that all my fellow anglophiles will enjoy!

Kindle Unlimited by Amazon has been extended to the Australian market! If you would like to read my books for FREE, you can do so anywhere that KU is offered.

Don't forget to sign up for a chance to win a copy of Faithful Traitor. Today is the LAST DAY.

Finally, I would like to thank Goodreads users for loving my books. I have just reached an overall rating of over 4.0 out of 5.0 stars! This is not easy to achieve among the discerning Goodreads readers, so I am incredibly humbled and grateful. Thank you!

Featured Reviews

Plantagenet Princess, Tudor Queen on David's Book Blurg

Faithful Traitor on Reading the Ages

Over the Deep by Blair Hodgkinson

Add a link to your review in the comments below to see it featured in future newsletters!

Did you miss it?

This month included the shared birthday of two royal York children. Read about Prince Edward and Princess Anne, both born on November 2, 1470 and 1475, respectively.

Another popular post this month took a look at the forgotten daughter of York, Princess Bridget.

You want it? You got it.

Are you hosting an author event? Is there a topic you would like to see covered by my blog? Let me know what you would like to see here, and I will do my best to deliver.

From the Scriptorium: November 2016

I've decided to add a new monthly feature to my blog! The 'From the Scriptorium' post each month will highlight book news, reviews, historical blogs & articles, events, media mentions, and more. Here is my first go at it. Let me know if there are other features that you would love to see.

Happy Reading!
Samantha

November 2016 Edition

Last month was exciting! October was full of Kindle sales and guest posts, and now it is time to start looking forward to the holiday season. I will be kicking it off in a few days at the Trinity Christmas Bazaar on November 5th. Come and see me and give the unique gift of signed books to your friends and family this year!

In the News

I have been busy over the past month with several guest blog posts. You can find them all here:

"Pruning of the White Rose" at Expats Post, October 2016

"Marriage in Tudor England" at English Historical Fiction Authors, October 2016

"Author Inspiration" at Myths, Legends, Books, & Coffee Pots, October 2016

"The Tragic Life of Catherine Gordon" at English Historical Fiction Authors, October 2016

"The Birth of a Trilogy" at the blog of author Stephanie Churchill, October 2016

Older news items can always be found here.

Bookish News

November is NaNoWriMo or National Novel Writing Month, so you can expect to find me closeted away with my laptop and stacks of books most days this month. My goal is to make great strides toward getting Queen of Martyrs completed.

You can keep up with what I am reading by following me on Goodreads.

Featured Reviews

One written by me: Salt to the Sea by Ruta Sepetys

One for Plantagenet Princess Tudor Queen: review by Author Stephanie Churchill

One for Faithful Traitor: 5-star review on Amazon

Have you written a review? I would love to feature it! Add a link in the comments below.

Did you miss it?

My post this month on Cecily of York was my most popular blog to date! I knew you guys loved Cecily, and I'm glad you enjoyed learning more about her. If you missed it, you can read it here - Marrying Down: Cecily of York.

You want it? You got it.

Is there a topic you would like to see a blog on? Interested in hosting an author event? Is there a newsletter feature I've missed that you want to see? Let me know in the comments below & I will do my best to deliver.