INTERVIEW BY KEIRA MORGAN
Lee Swanson has had a lifelong interest in medieval history. He has lived in Germany and England forover twenty-five years and graduated summa cum laude from the University of North Florida with amaster’s degree in European History. Lee, his wife Karine, and their dog Banjo now split their timebetween Staunton, Virginia and San Miguel de Allende, Mexico.
Not only is Lee a medievalist, a meticulous researcher and a person who has lived and travelled extensively in Europe but he has also been a teacher and soldier. He says, “Many of the colorful characters who populate my novels are drawn from the lives of the Hansa merchants, resolute wayfarers who traveled the waterways of Europe in search of profit and prestige.” So, when the characters in his latest novel, She Serves the Realm, face an ambush, a skirmish with enemies, enter a castle through a secret tunnel, or take a circuitous route through the English countryside, the adrenaline that races through our veins stems from this author’s own life experiences.
How would you describe She Serves the Realm and its themes?
She Serves the Realm is an exciting adventure set in 14th century England in which young Christina Kohl risks everything to marry the woman she loves. The central theme is the high price of love; not only for Christina, but also for King Edward II, who chooses to jeopardize his reign rather than banish his favorite, Piers Gaveston.
She Serves the Realm is the fourth novel in the No Man is her Master historical fiction series. No Man’s Chattel, Her Perilous Game, and A Dangerous Journey Home are the three other books in the series so far.
Why did you choose this period of history and the unusual viewpoint of female merchant Christina Kohl?
I have always been fascinated with 14th century Europe, the High Middle Ages, as it was a time of tremendous societal change. A middle class was emerging, led by wealthy merchants. I wanted to write a novel centered on a strong, female protagonist. This proved difficult as, other than a few notable royal examples, such as Eleanor of Aquitaine, women of the period were at best cast into subservient roles.
So, I cheated, portraying Christina Kohl in the guise of a man. This opened a world of plot possibilities available only to male characters and created situations unique to a woman passing herself off as a man. It became clear to me that if Christina, who presents herself to the world as her brother, Frederick, were to have a love interest, it would be much more dangerous for her if it were a sexual relationship that appeared to be between men. At the time this was forbidden and punishable by death in most of Europe. Consequently, as she discovered her sexual orientation, she found she was attracted to women.
I first incorporated Gaveston into the plot merely to entice Christina to explore a heterosexual relationship, but then found developing their abiding friendship to be more intriguing. King Edward II is one of England’s most fascinating, albeit tragic, monarchs. Piers Gaveston’s story is inextricably tied to that king’s early years. I have always been torn between believing their relationship was one between lovers or the closest of friends.
What details from your own journey did you weave into the story?
I am a stickler for historical accuracy and work hard to ensure every detail is accurate to the best of my abilities. For example, it is only by walking the actual grounds of Scarborough Castle that I was able to accurately site the location of the sally port Christina uses to sneak inside to meet Gaveston.
Which character challenged you the most?
I have probably been most challenged in writing about Cecily. I had to walk a fine line between characterizing her solely as the object of Christina’s desires and making her into a clone of Christina herself. In She Serves the Realm, Cecily comes into her own, I think. Her independent nature becomes evident, displaying a quiet strength that is quite different to that of Christina.
Who is your favourite minor character and why?
Wig Reiniken is my guilty pleasure. Whenever he is due to make an appearance in the story, I can’t help but grin. The interactions he has with Christina are always fun to write, as is coming up with a new profanity for him to say. Who wouldn’t like to go to the pub with a friend like Wig?
I also enjoy witting about the young maid, Mary, who might be ready to take on a more significant role in the next book in the series.
What inspired you to start writing fiction?
I love reading historical fiction set in the medieval era. When I retired and found myself with free time, it seemed like trying my hand at writing was an effective way to bring purpose to my life.
What are the difficulties and advantages you have found in writing a sequel?
I think the advantages to writing a sequel far outweigh the disadvantages. I like the idea of already having a cast of characters to draw on, knowing how each would react in particular circ*mstances. A disadvantage is that I have found myself becoming rather emotionally attached to certain characters, making it difficult to kill them off or even have them leave the story.
What kind of specific research did you have to do for this story?
Since the setting changes several times in She Serves the Realm, I found it essential to visit each of them so that I could portray them accurately. I also corresponded with local experts who provided me with in-depth information about the history and development of each site.
What challenged you most when writing this book?
My greatest challenge in writing She Serves the Realm was the fact that the history of the background events was so well documented. Especially in the latter part of the novel, the need for Edward II, Queen Isabella, and Piers Gaveston to be at specific locations on particular days shaped my writing. This then restricted the placement of Christina and the other fictional characters and the plot progression to a high degree.
What is your next project and how far advanced is it?
I am currently about three-quarters of the way finished with the first novel in a new series set during the reign of Edward I. The protagonist is a young noblewoman, Isabella de Beaumont, who was the closest of friends with Queen Alienor.
What is the best writing advice you have to share?
Write first and foremost for your own enjoyment.
What is the last great book you read?
Coirle Mooney’s The Cloistered Lady.
