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Ancient Roman Historical Fiction

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On Inspiration: Interview with Stephanie Thornton

March 13, 2017 By Elisabeth Storrs 23 Comments

Please welcome Stephanie Thornton as my guest today. She is a writer and history teacher who has been obsessed with infamous women from ancient history since she was twelve. She lives with her husband and daughter in Alaska, where she is at work on her next novel. I’m delighted she’s agreed to be interviewed given our shared love of ancient times. You can connect with Stephanie via her Facebook, Twitter, and her website .

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

Most people have never heard of Hatshepsut, but her story is so amazing—she usurped Egypt’s throne from her stepson, ushered in the New Kingdom’s golden age, and was almost wiped from history—that I became obsessed with her story and simply couldn’t get it out of my mind until I’d written the whole thing down in the form of a 400-page novel. From there I’ve found myself drawn to other women forgotten by history: Empress Theodora, Genghis Khan’s wife Borte, and Alexander the Great’s women. I’ve been a bookworm since before I could read, but I’d say Thomas Hardy, the Bronte sisters, and Margaret George have been big influences.

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

My fifth book is in the revision process and was inspired by my love for Theodore Roosevelt. There wasn’t a particular theme I wanted to explore, aside from how amazing the Roosevelts were!

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

There’s a whole lot of history to love, but I’ve been a huge fan of ancient Egypt probably since around 1st grade. Those pyramids and mummies sunk their claws into my imagination and haven’t let go since. And just when people say everything there has been discovered, archaeologists go and find something new, like Hatshepsut’s mummy or a possible hidden chamber in King Tut’s tomb!

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

I typically start with a biography, which I write all over to highlight main plot points and character development. From there I’ll branch out into other non-fiction texts and primary sources to try to pepper them into the novel. When I’m really lucky, I get to travel to locations in the book, which I’ve done for The Secret History, Daughter of the Gods, and my current work in progress. Getting to visit Egypt, Istanbul, and Washington D.C. in the name of research is one of the best perks of the entire writing gig!

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

I can’t live without Google and my thesaurus! Sometimes I’ll even write words down when I come across particularly great ones while reading or teaching, just so I can sprinkle them into my own stories.

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

My daughter has made cameos in pretty much all of my novels. As luck would have it, my protagonists have had daughters in real life, so many of the scenes are drawn from moments with my daughter, everything from Hatshepsut’s pet name for her daughter in Daughter of the Gods, to Alaqai tucking her feet under Borte’s legs while cuddling in The Tiger Queens. In fact, you can almost trace my daughter growing up through the order my books have been published!

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

No to Scrivener, but I have written a couple books mostly in longhand before typing the out. Part of that comes from traveling; I don’t lug my laptop around on international trips, but I’m not willing to give up flight time as writing time. I’m incredibly productive on airplanes!

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

I’ve always adored Gustav Klimt’s work, and especially his Beethoven Frieze/This Kiss for the Whole World. I had the opportunity to see some of his work in Venice, and it was incredibly inspiring.

Gustav Klimt, This Kiss for the Whole World

What advice would you give an aspiring author?

My go-to advice anytime I’m stuck while writing is Winston Churchill’s famous phrase, “Never, never, never give up!” If life throws obstacles your way, especially when you’re trying to birth a book, try to think of them as tests to prove how much you really want to finish that novel or see it published, instead of hurdles you have to overcome. And just keep writing!

Tell us about your next book.

I’ve left the ancient world behind for now and have jumped to 20th century America. It’s been a big adjustment writing about obscure women from thousands of years ago to a family whose every sneeze was reported in the papers, but I’m really loving the change of scenery!

In the late twelfth century, across the sweeping Mongolian grasslands, brilliant, charismatic Temujin ascends to power, declaring himself the Great, or Genghis, Khan. But it is the women who stand beside him who ensure his triumph….

After her mother foretells an ominous future for her, gifted Borte becomes an outsider within her clan. When she seeks comfort in the arms of aristocratic traveler Jamuka, she discovers he is the blood brother of Temujin, the man who agreed to marry her and then abandoned her long before they could wed.

Temujin will return and make Borte his queen, yet it will take many women to safeguard his fragile new kingdom. Their daughter, the fierce Alaqai, will ride and shoot an arrow as well as any man. Fatima, an elegant Persian captive, will transform her desire for revenge into an unbreakable loyalty. And Sorkhokhtani, a demure widow, will position her sons to inherit the empire when it begins to fracture from within.

In a world lit by fire and ruled by the sword, the tiger queens of Genghis Khan come to depend on one another as they fight and love, scheme and sacrifice, all for the good of their family…and the greatness of the People of the Felt Walls.

Many thanks for sharing your sources of inspiration, Stephanie.

You can buy Stephanie’s books via these links: The Conqueror’s Wife, Daughter of the Gods, The Secret History and The Tiger Queens.

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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: Historical Fiction, Inspiration, Interviews

Comments

  1. Burma Turner says

    March 14, 2017 at 03:04

    THE TIGER QUEENS sounds fascinating. This is a new author to me, her books sound so good!

    Reply
  2. Andrea Stoeckel says

    March 14, 2017 at 03:07

    I think more than any genre, historical fiction- starting with Margaret Mitchell as a young child- has startled, influenced and educated me. It often accepts where I am as a reader without talking “down” to me. Thank you for this chance to win “Tiger Queens”

    Reply
  3. Angela Ryser Bahling says

    March 14, 2017 at 03:08

    The Tiger Queens has been on my TBR list for quite some time now. Would love to win this novel! Thank you for the opportunity.

    Reply
  4. Carla C says

    March 14, 2017 at 03:10

    Stephanie is amazing!!! I won one of her books and have bought the others. Hatshepsut is one of my favourite Pharoahs so I loved reading about her.

    Reply
  5. Joanne Holland says

    March 14, 2017 at 03:30

    Would like to read and hope I am entered in the giveaway. I am a history buff and a former history teacher.

    Reply
  6. Jordan says

    March 14, 2017 at 03:35

    I love the settings and figures Thornton chooses for his novels! I have long been fascinated with many of the women she chooses to write about, so it is always a joy to read. I love that she uses moments with her daughter to inspire cameos, that’s such a fun little tidbit to know.
    I am fascinated by Theodore Roosevelt as well, so I’m interested to see what her next book is. :) I’ve yet to read The Tiger’s Queen, but it sounds wonderful!

    Reply
  7. Lynn says

    March 14, 2017 at 03:41

    Hi. It all sounds interesting! From Egypt to Mongolia to America, I apprecite hearing stories of the past! :)

    Reply
  8. Caroline Lennek says

    March 14, 2017 at 04:01

    I love hearing from Stephanie Thornton that authors still use a thesaurus when they are stuck for words. I grew up using the library, card catalog, dictionary etc. instead of google or the internet to find my answers, so maybe I’m not as much of a dinosaur as I thought. Love the idea of potentially winning one of her books!

    Reply
  9. clynsg says

    March 14, 2017 at 04:27

    Too bad more people don’t realize that you can get a real feel of what happened in history by reading a well researched fiction book. You always know that the history is the framework upon which the story rests, but can also get a feel of what the people felt and why they may have acted the way that history says that they did.

    Reply
  10. Connie M Huddleston says

    March 14, 2017 at 04:29

    Being a historian I can’t wait to read all of these books. I am just now getting started but would love to read The Tiger Queens.

    Reply
  11. Mary Schmotzer says

    March 14, 2017 at 04:38

    I find Egypt to be fascinating as well! Can’t wait to read some of your books!

    Reply
  12. Gail Malane says

    March 14, 2017 at 06:05

    The Tiger Queen’s sounds fascinating and I haven’t read anything like it before. I would like to be entered into the giveaway.

    Reply
  13. Kim Cree says

    March 14, 2017 at 06:56

    I can’t wait to read The Tiger Queens and your upcoming release about the Roosevelts. :)

    Reply
  14. Lisa says

    March 14, 2017 at 07:10

    I’ve had Daughter of the Gods on my wishlist for a while now, and I’m so excited to check out Stephanie Thornton’s other books as well. Thank you for sharing this interview!

    Reply
  15. Stephanie Verhaegen says

    March 14, 2017 at 07:18

    Great interview! :D Stephanie Thornton is one of the many historical fiction author I REALLY want to read. Her books sounds amazing. <3

    Reply
  16. Stacy says

    March 14, 2017 at 11:20

    Because Stephanie writes about historical eras I am not that familiar with, these titles are now on my TBR list.

    Reply
  17. CG Phillips says

    March 14, 2017 at 14:10

    Stephanie Thornton’s books sound exciting. Thanks for introducing us to her. More books for for my TBR list!

    Reply
  18. catslady says

    March 14, 2017 at 15:18

    I’ve always loved that time period but have not found very many books – I’m definitely interested in reading these!

    Reply
  19. Stephanie Thornton says

    March 14, 2017 at 17:41

    Thanks to everyone for chiming in! I love to hear that so many of you are interested in Egypt and Mongolia. Since I lack a time machine, I had to do the next best thing and write novels about those places.

    Good luck to everyone who’s entered in the giveaway!

    Reply
  20. Jess C. says

    March 15, 2017 at 01:27

    Can’t wait to read the new book! The Secret History is one of my favorite Historical Fiction novels and I have The Conqueror’s Wife on my “to read immediately” list. Part of what makes me fall in love with Stephanie’s stories is the research she puts into her books to paint an accurate picture – you learn a lot reading her books without even meaning to!

    Reply
  21. kim hansen says

    March 15, 2017 at 03:04

    Sounds good.

    Reply
  22. Vicki Hancock says

    March 15, 2017 at 03:37

    I love Egyptian History. I’m sure you saw the huge statue of Pharoah Ramses II they found. So amazing. I didn’t even think of Egyptian History until I took Ancient Civs in college. Now I am just fascinated by it all.

    Reply
  23. Geri Finkelstein says

    March 15, 2017 at 15:52

    I’ve read Conn Iggulden’s novels about Genghis Khan and his family, but there wasn’t much about women’s power in the Mongol community. I’ve had my eye on ‘The Tiger Queens’ for some time now as a view into the ‘power behind the throne’ – winning it would simply be spectacular! I’m also planning to read ‘The Conqueror’s Wife’ as soon as I can.

    Reply

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