Laura Purcell is a writer, history fan and guinea pig lover living in Colchester. She is writing a series of novels about the women who loved (and hated!) the Hanoverian monarchs. Her debut novel, Queen of Bedlam, will be published by Myrmidon on 10 June 2014. She spoke to StoryWorld about research, inspiration and lots more research!
Hi Laura! Tell me about Queen of Bedlam:
Queen of Bedlam is about the family of King George III of England, who famously went “mad”. It focuses on his wife, Queen Charlotte, and the emotional impact his illness had upon her. You also see life through the eyes of the royal children, who had to make great sacrifices to keep their father well.
How much research do you do for the historical elements of your writing?
Quite simply, loads. First there is the period to get to grips with, including dress, everyday life and speech. Then there are the people themselves. My husband jokes that I have every book every published on George III. I’ve been researching his family since 2009 and still I keep learning new things.
Which writers are you most inspired by?
I love dark, emotional writers who make me gasp with twists. At the moment I’m really into Emma Donoghue and Sarah Waters. On the lighter side I also like Philippa Gregory and Elizabeth Chadwick.
What’s your work schedule like? Do you have regular times, places, etc, or can you work anytime, anywhere?
Hectic! I wake up at 5.30am every morning to try and get some writing done before my office job, but often admin gets in the way. I have to squeeze in writing, editing and research wherever I can, whether it’s in the park with a notebook at lunchtime, on a train or waiting for a bus! My favourite place to work is at my desk with all my notes and lovely research books around me.
Are you working on new anything at the moment?
Queen of Bedlam is about the family of King George III of England, who famously went “mad”. It focuses on his wife, Queen Charlotte, and the emotional impact his illness had upon her. You also see life through the eyes of the royal children, who had to make great sacrifices to keep their father well.
How much research do you do for the historical elements of your writing?
Quite simply, loads. First there is the period to get to grips with, including dress, everyday life and speech. Then there are the people themselves. My husband jokes that I have every book every published on George III. I’ve been researching his family since 2009 and still I keep learning new things.
Which writers are you most inspired by?
I love dark, emotional writers who make me gasp with twists. At the moment I’m really into Emma Donoghue and Sarah Waters. On the lighter side I also like Philippa Gregory and Elizabeth Chadwick.
What’s your work schedule like? Do you have regular times, places, etc, or can you work anytime, anywhere?
Hectic! I wake up at 5.30am every morning to try and get some writing done before my office job, but often admin gets in the way. I have to squeeze in writing, editing and research wherever I can, whether it’s in the park with a notebook at lunchtime, on a train or waiting for a bus! My favourite place to work is at my desk with all my notes and lovely research books around me.
Are you working on new anything at the moment?
Oh
yes, I’m always working on something! I’m currently writing about
two inspirational women from the court of George II: Henrietta Howard
and Queen Caroline. Both orphans with difficult husbands, they rose
to become prominent figures in English politics. The only problem
was, they were both sleeping with the same man…
Thanks Laura! Sounds great! You can buy Queen of Bedlam
online and in the usual outlets. Catch up with Laura at her website: http://laurapurcell.com/
Or on twitter:
https://twitter.com/Laura_D_ online and in the usual outlets. Catch up with Laura at her website: http://laurapurcell.com/ 
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