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On Inspiration: Interview with EM Powell

February 12, 2017 By Elisabeth Storrs 28 Comments

My special guest today on Triclinium is E M Powell, author of the Fifth Knight medieval thriller series. Born and raised in the Republic of Ireland into the family of Michael Collins (the legendary revolutionary and founder of the Irish Free State), she now lives in northwest England with her husband, daughter and a Facebook-friendly dog. She is also a contributing editor to International Thriller Writers The Big Thrill magazine, blogs for English Historical Fiction Authors and is the social media manager for the Historical Novel Society. The Fifth Knight and The Blood of the Fifth Knight have been #1 Amazon bestsellers and a Bild bestseller in Germany. Book #3 in the series, The Lord of Ireland, was released in 2016.

Fifth Knight Trilogy

You can connect with E M Powell via website, Facebook,  Twitter, Goodreads and her blog.

What or who inspired you to first write? Which authors have influenced you?

I was writer for pretty much as long as I can remember. As for being a published writer, that was a bit harder to achieve! Here’s the long story short. I had won a number of writing prizes at school and had been encouraged by the career guidance nun to pursue a career in writing. (Yes, career guidance nun. I went to a convent school in Ireland and the sisters were very ahead of their time. Proper psychometric testing and everything.) Family didn’t agree. I was moaning about all this to long-suffering Spouse two decades later. He told me to go and write a novel. So I did. It was a 120,000 page contemporary thriller with romantic elements. And it was utter drivel. It got rejected by agents and publishers many, many times. It languishes in an electronic drawer to this day. They say ‘write what you know’ and I’d always loved historical thrillers, so that was attempt #2. It’s also in the drawer. #3 got me there, albeit ten years from the birth of The Drivel. If I had to choose a favourite author in that genre (historical thriller, not drive), it would be Robert Harris’s Pompeii. Simply wonderful on all counts- historical and thriller.

What is the inspiration for your current book? Is there a particular theme you wished to explore?

My best-selling medieval thriller Fifth Knight series is set in twelfth century England. The first book was based on the infamous murder of Archbishop Thomas Becket in Canterbury Cathedral in 1170. History tells us that four knights carried out the brutal murder but I added a fictional fifth, Sir Benedict Palmer. In book #2, The Blood of the Fifth Knight, somebody is trying to murder the fair Rosamund, mistress of Henry II. Palmer is called back to the service of his king once more.

In book #3 in the series, The Lord of Ireland, which is my current release, Palmer travels to medieval Ireland in the service of John, future Bad King John and youngest son of Henry II. The Ireland of 1185 was at the very start of the Anglo-Norman conquest of the country. For me, being Irish, it was extra special to delve into the history of the land of my birth. There were a number of warring factions as well as the invaders, so I had to make sure I got that right.

What period of history particularly inspires or interests you? Why?

I think that the medieval period is one of the most interesting, exciting and downright bizarre historical periods of all. It isn’t the most popular for readers of historical fiction, but I think people are missing out. What other period gives you banquets that serve peacocks, breath-taking illuminated manuscripts, gatherings with the Devil, leech collectors and chainmail?

What resources do you use to research your book? How long did it take to finish the novel?

I had the best time researching The Lord of Ireland as it meant I had the excuse to retrace John’s journey through Waterford, Kilkenny and Tipperary visiting so many castles and sites that still exist. As for other resources, they say a picture is worth a thousand words. Here’s just some of the research pile. Can we summarise by saying a lot?! It took just over a year to complete.

What do you do if stuck for a word or a phrase?

My most precious object is J.I. Rodale’s The Synonym Finder. It has never let me down in 15 years.

Is there anything unusual or even quirky that you would like to share about your writing?

To get into the head and heart of my characters, I use online personality questionnaires, answering them as if I were the character. For the future King John, I used one for Narcissistic Personality Disorder as the 18 year old John. It worked a treat!

Do you use a program like Scrivener to create your novel? Do you ever write in long hand?

I have only just taken the jump into Scrivener for my latest WIP. It took a bit of getting used to as I had previously always written in Word. But now that I know what I’m doing (ish), it’s amazing. I don’t ever write longhand, but I make notes longhand. I have to print off a MS for editing. Reading on a screen only just doesn’t do it.

Is there a particular photo or piece of art that strikes a chord with you? Why?

It’s one of my research photos. One of the major characters in The Lord of Ireland is Hugh de Lacy, Henry’s first Lord of Meath. As well as touring the magnificent Trim Castle in Co. Meath, I visited the site of one his motte and bailey castles at Durrow in present day Co. Offaly. De Lacy’s mark on the land is no more. But the magnificent ninth century High Cross of Saint Colmcille still stands there, as it had done so 300 years before any Anglo-Norman’s arrival. This was the point where it hit home that I had an extra layer of history. Yes, I was tracking the events of 800 years ago. But those boots of the Norman invaders were already tramping through history, through a land that had its unique ancient past.

What advice would you give an aspiring author?

Never, ever give up! Ever. Here’s another photo that might help convince. This is my rejections folder and I have many more stored electronically. Every single sheet in there is a no. It only took one yes.

Tell us about your next book.

I’m really excited by my WIP. It’s not another Fifth Knight novel, but a spin off that launches a whole new medieval crime series. It’s headed up by Hugo Stanton, the young messenger from The Blood of the Fifth Knight. He’s now working for one of Henry II’s newly appointed judges, who travel the country hearing cases of serious felonies, including arson, robbery—and murder.

The Lord of Ireland by EM Powell

England, 1185. John is a prince without prospect of a crown. As the youngest son of Henry II, he has long borne the hated nickname ‘Lackland’. When warring tribes and an ambitious Anglo-Norman lord threaten Henry’s reign in Ireland, John believes his time has finally come. Henry is dispatching him there with a mighty force to impose order.

Yet it is a thwarted young man who arrives on the troubled isle. John has not been granted its kingship—he is merely the Lord of Ireland, destined never to escape his father’s shadow. Unknown to John, Henry has also sent his right-hand man, Sir Benedict Palmer, to root out the traitors he fears are working to steal the land from him.

But Palmer is horrified when John disregards Henry’s orders and embarks on a campaign of bloodshed that could destroy the kingdom. Now Palmer has to battle the increasingly powerful Lord of Ireland. Power, in John’s hands, is a murderous force—and he is only just beginning to wield it.

You can buy The Lord of Ireland and the other two books in The Fifth Knight series on here.

Many thanks for sharing your sources of inspiration with us, Elaine. Looking forward to seeing your next book released!

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Elisabeth Storrs

Written by: Elisabeth Storrs

Elisabeth Storrs is the author of the 'A Tale of Ancient Rome' series. Learn more at www.elisabethstorrs.com. Subscribe to her monthly newsletter for inspiration, giveaways, and insights into history - both trivia and the serious stuff! https://www.elisabethstorrs.com/subscribe/

Filed Under: Blog, Triclinium Tagged With: Authors, Historical Fiction, Inspiration, Interviews

Comments

  1. Cecilia Rodriguez says

    February 13, 2017 at 09:02

    Sounds like a good story. I enjoy reading historical fiction.

    Reply
  2. Lori Byrd says

    February 13, 2017 at 09:06

    Thank you for the chance to win. Books sound great and love the interview.

    Reply
  3. Gaye McGill says

    February 13, 2017 at 09:08

    I enjoyed this interview. E M Powell is a new author to me and her books sound extremely interesting. I’ll be looking for them.

    Reply
  4. Vicki Hancock says

    February 13, 2017 at 09:12

    Oh my favorite genre, historical fiction. I absolutely love it and was just reading a book about 16th century Rome and a woman that guided the Pope, or as the people say “basically was the Pope”. I love it. I am going to check out your books right now!!!!

    Reply
  5. Beverly Laude says

    February 13, 2017 at 09:33

    I love the cross & your books sound fascinating!

    Reply
  6. Melanie Stickler Falconer says

    February 13, 2017 at 09:47

    The cross picture is beautiful! Sounds like an amazing book!

    Reply
  7. Carol Luciano says

    February 13, 2017 at 09:56

    I definitely have to reads this series. I love reading about the darkness and intensity of that era. Wouldn’t have wanted to live then but find that time frame very intriguing. I love learning from the research the Author has done and E M Powell has certainly done that. So happy to have found her here. Thanks for the post.
    Carol L

    Reply
  8. Nancy Burgess says

    February 13, 2017 at 09:56

    I have to read your books they sound intriguing.I love the cross.

    Reply
  9. Carol Luciano says

    February 13, 2017 at 10:01

    I actually love reading about that era. Wouldn’t have wanted to live back then. I will definitely be reading this series. Glad to have met EM Powrell here.
    Carol L

    Reply
  10. Lizzie says

    February 13, 2017 at 10:07

    This looks super interesting.

    Reply
  11. Mary Schmotzer says

    February 13, 2017 at 10:28

    I love historical fiction, especially about Britain! Excited to read this!

    Reply
  12. Joye says

    February 13, 2017 at 10:29

    Enjoyed reading your comments. I like to read stories set during this period.

    Reply
  13. Kai W. says

    February 13, 2017 at 10:30

    The Lord of Ireland sounds interesting. OK, it is not a era of history I would remember since politics don’t interest me and I tend to fall asleep during these period. I do however learn a lot more if this period of history is told in a story.

    Reply
  14. Melissa B says

    February 13, 2017 at 10:39

    Sounds great. Historical novels are my favorite genre.

    Reply
  15. Linda Romer says

    February 13, 2017 at 12:00

    Hello EM Powell, The Lord of Ireland sounds like an interesting read as well as the first two books. I would enjoy reading your books. Thank you

    Reply
  16. Christina R says

    February 13, 2017 at 13:09

    Great advice for any kind of rejection in life….it only takes one yes. Congratulations on your book and great interview and teaser.

    Reply
  17. Charlene Fraley says

    February 13, 2017 at 13:41

    I would love to read your books! Your interview is interesting.

    Reply
  18. Catherine White says

    February 13, 2017 at 16:12

    I love reading historical fiction especially if it is about Ireland and its history. I will have to get the first book to read it as well. Thank you for an interesting interview.

    Reply
  19. Kathy DiDomizio says

    February 13, 2017 at 17:28

    Historical fiction is my favorite genre, and this sounds like a fascinating story.

    Reply
  20. Dawn Killian says

    February 13, 2017 at 18:03

    Would love to read your book. Love anything based in Ireland. Thank you for the chance to enter for a win. Very interesting interview.

    Reply
  21. Caroline Lennek says

    February 14, 2017 at 01:46

    Historical fiction/thrillers is one of my favorite genres. I also am a huge fan of Robert Harris and his trilogy about Cicero. One may also read one of his books that is a bit more contemporary, but nonetheless intriguing, “Enigma.” Looking forward to reading The Fifth Knight series by the featured author, EM Powell

    Reply
  22. Guylaine says

    February 14, 2017 at 03:40

    Great interview! Hoping some day to write my historical fiction novel. Still in the research stage. Thanks for the tips and the opportunity to win.

    Reply
  23. E.M. Powell says

    February 14, 2017 at 04:50

    Thanks to everyone for leaving such lovely comments. I think as historical fiction writers, we love our own time period and find it the most fascinating that there is. It’s so nice to see others getting bitten by the bug, too!

    Reply
  24. Kai W. says

    February 15, 2017 at 16:40

    I love reading historical fiction especially during era where there are more politics than actions. I tend to glaze over so when there is a historical fiction on an era, I just can’t follow or even try to understand, I learn more with a story then reading about the subject.

    Reply
  25. Mary Preston says

    February 15, 2017 at 19:18

    A great post thank you. Love the idea of a medieval thriller series.

    Reply
  26. Elisabeth Storrs says

    February 15, 2017 at 21:35

    How wonderful that this interview has engendered so much interest! Thanks to all for dropping by.

    Reply
    • E.M. Powell says

      February 15, 2017 at 22:17

      It has indeed been wonderful. Many thanks everyone- you’ve made my day and then some! And my thanks to you too, Elisabeth, for your generosity and support in giving me and other writers time and space on your blog.

      Reply
  27. Joanne Holland says

    February 17, 2017 at 05:33

    I read history and historical fiction, would love to read this book. Also I lead a book club discussion, we read different types of books.

    Reply

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