One of the blessings of hosting the authors of Bookouture, has been happily finding all the lovely styles of stories emerging out of this UK Indie publisher! I have a soft spot for historicals – when I can curl inside a slice of the historical past I have not yet had the pleasure of exploring, there is an overwhelming bubbling of joy bursting in my readerly heart! I love travelling through the different portals of time, but I also, love finding myself being in a position where I can learn something about History through the eyes and lives of strongly writ characters who endear you to their stories inasmuch as the timescape by which they are living!
Daughters of the Silk Road appealed to my sensibility for antiques and the artifacts passed down through generations which withhold stories of their own, as they are moved through time from one person to another. This is one reason I find it incredible to be browsing through an antique emporium and/or attending an auction – what curious thoughts dance through a writer’s head inasmuch as a reader – what would all those objects of art and antiquity or ordinary life speak on behalf of their own journey? What could we gleam in knowledge about how life was lived through those pieces as well? What curious fascinations of thought course through your veins as you happily ponder all the lovely mysteries attached to everything set before your eyes!
Such a joy for me to be featuring Ms Rix today – celebrating her new book but also, the excitement of finding how history cross-sects with destiny!
To gain a bit of a back-story on how I came to host Bookouture authors,
please visit my first conversation I featured with this publisher with Teresa Driscoll!
Venice 1441: Maria and her brother Daniele arrive in the birthplace of their father, Niccolo de Conti. An Italian merchant who has travelled far and wide, Niccolo has brought spices from India, lengths of silk and damask from the lands east of India and porcelain; a vase of pure white, it’s surface painted with bright cobalt blue flowers and dragons, the symbols of good fortune.
Maria settles in her new home, watching the magnificent and bustling city come to life each morning from her bedroom window. But while her father is away travelling, she soon finds herself and Daniele in terrible danger. She must protect her brother at whatever cost, and shemust guard the delicate vase.
London 2015: Single mother Miranda is struggling to make ends meet and build a new life for her and daughter Georgie. When Miranda meets the charming but mysterious Charles, she is intrigued. Could he be her second chance at love? And why is he so fascinated by the old vase sitting on her hall table…
A stunning and richly evocative story following the journey of a precious family treasure passed down from one generation to another.
What drew you towards writing a time slip narrative, which unites the 20th Century with the 15th Century? Was the dexterity of owning both eras part of what appealed to you most? As this isn’t the first time you’ve used this story arc to tell a tale straight out of history’s mirror.
Rix responds: I feel that time-slip is both a useful and enjoyable discipline – both for myself as the writer, and I hope, for the reader. The presence of a modern hero or heroine guides the reader gently into the old story. The tricky part is to create a modern story that is as compelling as the historical one.
It is almost inevitable that the historical element will be interesting; that it will introduce the reader to a character in history, or to a time and a place in the past about which they know very little. But It is harder to do that with a modern story. I was determined, with this second book, to create a modern narrative that really engaged with the reader, so they were keen to ‘get back’ to Miranda’s modern story.
As a writer, there is also a certain joy in having two stories running simultaneously. You feel pleasure as you take up one narrative and leave the other behind. It keeps things fresh. And I like the puzzle element of it – of weaving the two stories together so they create a satisfying whole.
I definitely agree – time slips are a delight for my readerly aspirations as I love finding out how each writer interprets how to use the slippage of time whilst keeping us firmly invested in both halves of the story! You’ve represented time slips so well in this explanation as it also speaks volumes to my own joy in reading time slips, too! I am fascinated by the mystery of how all the pieces inter-connect and how the fusion of two halves of a whole in the crafting of such a story will ruminate and resonate with me long after I’ve read the novel. For those of us who love being time travellers through historical fiction and/or Contemporary time slips anchoured to the past, it’s a special treat indeed!
What inspired you to encapsulate the mystery inside the vase itself? Was it a personal appreciation for Chinese art and artesian artistry or was there something discovered in your research which led to it’s choosing?
Rix responds: The story really started with the Ming Vase; in fact, that was my working title for the book. I have loved blue and white china since I was a tiny child; I had a pretty little blue and white china tea-set that I played with endlessly. I started collecting British blue and white plates and dishes in my late teens, building up quite a collection. In my twenties, when I was a TV presenter and reporter, I travelled twice to Hong Kong and discovered the antique district of Hollywood Road. I purchased three fairly large blue and white storage jars – not Ming, but old – which I still love and which sit on the shelves in my sitting room.
So it started with a private passion. Then, in order to write the book, I had to find out how fine Chinese porcelain was made. I was introduced, whilst researching the novel, to a stunning book which explained the process, and this formed the basis for the sections in the novel that divide the narrative – in which I describe the process of porcelain production from the mining of the clay to the final painting and firing of the pieces.
As for how the Ming vase would influence the story – I had the modern narrative quite well developed in my mind for several years before I began to write. I knew that I wanted to write about a young mum who was struggling financially and who inherited a Chinese vase, but was ignorant of its true value. One day, as I listened to the radio news, I heard a story of a family in west London who had inherited such a piece, and which turned out to be worth a fortune. I knew then, that I had to get writing and ‘own’ this story.
One of my favourite ‘rooms’ inside antique emporiums are the china and dish rooms – I have a particular preference for certain styles of china from Great Britain but my appreciation for Japanese artwork came from my maternal grandparents influences. It is so clever how your own personal passion for something has fused so well with narrative joy! I love the insight of this back-story on behalf of your process to write a time slip well attuned to both the historical roots and the Contemporary life this vase is affecting outright. It has such a depth of heart and also, a particular glimpse inside the history of the piece itself – from conception to creation. I can well imagine reading this story is built upon all the layers you’ve tucked inside!
I personally love historical time slips as they allow you to alight inside two distinctively different time settings whilst fashioning together a portal of insight per each ‘moment of time’ your visiting. How did you ascertain the familiar visuals for 15th Century Venice, which would entice readers today to feel connected to that locale?
Rix responds: One of the joys or writing about Venice is that it is not unlike the Venice of the fifteenth century. Of course, many of the buildings were built after the 15th century, but it’s easy enough to find out which buildings were extant at the time I set the book. I have large maps of the cities I am writing about, up on the wall of my writing room, and I have visited all of the cities where the book is set – Venice, Bruges, Antwerp and Amsterdam. It’s vital that I have walked along the road where my characters walked, that I have inhaled the scents they might have encountered and so on. If you travel on a vaporetto, or take a gondola in Venice you are instantly living in a different world. As you watch the swans sail past, or observe the life of the people in the city, as they shop, chat, eat, wander in their gardens leading down to the canals and so on – these are all things that happened as much in the fifteenth century as now. Human nature does not change much. And luckily for me, Venice hasn’t changed that much either…
I agree – part of the joy of writing is being transformed by your chosen settings and locales – to breathe in their essence before you’re properly able to have such clarity and fusion on the pages of your stories. Sometimes we’re not always able to travel directly but if our research goes deep enough into the history and present of the places we are representing – it is just as good because of the different ways in which research is aided by the internet, public and university libraries and documentaries. I do agree, my first preference is to do as you did – travel there and take a personal journey towards understanding my characters but in lieu of this, I try to tap into what I can imagine through the portals of where research lends a prospective, too.
Both time settings hold within them a stronghold of family and the connection towards banding together out of adversity – how did you mirror the plights of your characters between the centuries yet allow them their own voices as well? Was the past a harbinger of insight into the present or a unique twist of fate uniting both families together?
Rix responds: I am interested in the idea of people coping with adversity. I have had to confront a few problems in my own life – illness amongst family members and so on – and I do really believe that it is important that we all accept that life will not always be perfect and it’s how we cope with problems rather than the problems themselves that make us better, stronger human beings. I don’t intentionally write about strong characters, but it does appear to be an almost sub-conscious theme that I am drawn to.
Maria in ‘Daughters of the Silk Road’ is a strong, brave young woman who does not baulk at her responsibilities. She has had to cope at a young age with massive trauma and tragedy. But human beings have an impressive ability to rise above adversity. As for Miranda, the modern heroine, she is also brave and capable, coping alone with her child, dealing with genteel poverty. As for the family unit – undoubtedly, my story revolves around families, and that’s because, in an ideal world, families do pull together, do support one another and share burdens as well as triumphs.
I, too have gone through adversities with my family and especially those in relation to illness which can erupt out of ordinary hours and take us for a proper jolt. You’re quite right – it’s how we set our attitudes and our willingness to rise out of our adversities that speaks more to our character and spirit than the obstacles we’ve faced and emerged out of. I think you have a natural awareness that adds a deeper threading of thought to your stories and thereby, a pattern of strong characters has emerged through your writerly thoughts. I love how you have a duality of strong women in this novel and I look forward to one day reading about them directly!
The title eludes there is a direct connection through the female line – what drew you to this title and were you hoping it might provide a small hint for your readers?
Rix responds: My working title for the book was, in fact, ‘The Ming Vase’. But as the book developed, I realised that – almost unconsciously – I had written a story about Daughters. I thought then of calling it ‘Daughters of the Dragon’, but there was already a book with that title, and it also brought to mind a totally unconnected fantasy genre. One of the key themes in this book is trade through the centuries; in many ways the merchants at its heart are the true heroes of the novel. The Silk Road was the logical next step – and the title was born. I hope it gives people a good idea of what the story is about..
I think you’ve made smart choices with the titling of this novel and yes, I do believe you’ve given a special wink and nod towards the story’s internal heart of focus!
You recently wrote about heroes and heroines of historical fiction and how historical fiction can help heighten our understanding of our human condition whilst owning the journey needed to gain the most growth through our experiences. What do you find passionately joyful in writing strong characters inside your own stories whose voices are trying to knit out a life lesson of their own?
Rix responds: As I’ve said, I am drawn to strong characters – particularly women. I am a great believer in the indomitability of the human spirit. My favorite novels are about people who refuse to be beaten by life and I suppose it’s inevitable that I create similar characters in my own novels. Berta di Bernardo – the heroine of my first book, was a real historical character who left the money to build the Tower of Pisa.
In my imagination she became a powerful, indomitable woman fighting for a project she believed in. My second novel – Daughters of the Silk Road – has several heroes. Niccolo dei Conti was a real-life explorer who left Venice as a young man and returned twenty-five years later with two of his children – Maria and Daniele. Throughout his travels in the Middle and Far East he had rich and varied experiences which were later recorded, on the orders of the Pope, in a diary. Sadly very little is known about his two children once they returned to Venice, and I have chosen to fictionalize that part of his ‘story’.
I wanted them to be brave and heroic figures. I felt sure that two young people who had travelled all their lives, living in difficult circumstances, being exposed to myriads of different cultures, would be capable of great strength of character.
I love stories such as this myself – to see how people address their circumstances but do not become embittered by them. How clever you’ve etched out the historical portrait to include real-life persons of whom fit well in the eras in which your stories are placed. I love finding a balance between imagined characters and characters based on living persons – it adds to the depth of the scope novels can transport us but also, adds a hearty layer of truism.
I have a penchant for researching ancestry inasmuch as I love reading historical fiction – do you find the same connection yourself? Were writing and reading about the historical past, makes you a bit more curious about your own ancestry?
Rix responds: I am most definitely interested in my own ancestry. My mother, who is about to be ninety-two, asked me to help her develop our family tree and for some years now I have used a web-based program to do the research. I’ve explored all sides of the family but have taken my mother’s side – who are all Scottish – back to the thirteenth century which is rather exciting. I have made a few surprising discoveries. I knew, from having a DNA test some years back, as part of some research my husband was doing for a book, that I have Norwegian blood alongside the British.
Through the family tree, I was able to track that back to a man named Robert Henryson and his Norwegian forebears, who came to Scotland way back. My great-grandmother is his direct descendant. It’s fascinating to see the kinds of people who have gone before – to understand their way of life, their jobs. To get some kind of insight, however superficial, into what made them tick.
That is one of the themes in the book of course – what we inherit from our forebears. We don’t all inherit something valuable, like a Ming vase – but we do inherit their passion, their determination, their desire to work hard or whatever… I really do believe that.
I believe this as well – we are all a living legacy of our ancestors and a part of who they were still resides in us today. I, too am helping my Mum researching our ancestral past and some of the footholds we are making on our Family Tree have been equally surprising! None moreso than the confirmation our ‘fabled Civil War Captain’ is a true link to not only the war but to the fact we’re definitely Irish on that side of the family! Only my Aunt realised this but before we could confirm how it was possible it was harder to visualise the link. I like how you took your personal thoughts on ancestry and inter-threaded them through the Ming Vase. It’s lovely finding writers who like a centred depth to their story-telling but also, who have a way of making their stories inter-personal.
What do you think is harder to compose in a historical novel – the living persons who lived but are presented fictionally or the imagined characters you’ve created yourself set within the historical backdrop?
Rix responds: Well, of course, as a historical novelist you have a responsibility to represent ‘real people’ as fairly and accurately as possible. Fortunately, we know what happened to Niccolo dei Conti; the facts of his journey through the Middle and Far East are contained in his own diary, which I read in the British Library and which formed the basis for the early part of my novel. But, frustratingly, that document does not provide any insight into his reactions to what he saw and experienced. My ‘job’ was to try to imagine what his emotional reaction would be to the events that took place. With imagined characters it is easier, but it’s still vital to set those imaginary people within an accurate historical context, and for their emotional journey to be as realistic as possible. I do an enormous amount of research as I’m writing which, I hope, enables me to understand the mindset of people at the time.
Where possible I refer to real events – such as the wedding of the Duke of Burgundy to Margaret of York for example, which is thoroughly documented. And finally, it’s worth remembering that whilst customs change over the centuries, the basic human emotions of love, jealousy, rage and ambition remain the same throughout time.
I give you full credit to sort out the psychological and emotional state of mind for the living persons you’re including – as this is one reason I find myself so captured by reading historical fiction as a whole – we all get to take this internal journey back through time. To see how those persons would have reacted and have lived; but also, a larger part of the credit is how each writer has felt as they researched the people their writing about – how their mind interpreted what was left behind and thus, passed on those insights to the reader. Your instincts are well placed!
Stories enrich us because they allow us to draw closer to each other; stepping inside shoes we might never walk a life inside but can become moved through empathy to acknowledge the life which was lived. What are your favourite stories to root out of history and out of living memories?
Rix responds: One of the most compelling historical novels I ever read was ‘Year of Wonders’ by Geraldine Brooks. It was set in the little village of Eyam in England in 1666 – the year the Great Plague spread out of London. As a few cases began to develop, the inhabitants bravely took a decision to cut themselves off from the surrounding villages, in order to stem the spread of the disease.
This was an act of enormous self-sacrifice, and was ultimately a death sentence for most of them. The story is told through the eyes of a housemaid named Anna Frith. It’s a fascinating and compelling exploration of a terrible time in that village’s history.
I also hugely enjoyed ‘Fortunes of War’ by Olivia Manning. She really opened my eyes as to how an historical novel can explore real events – in this case the impact of Second World War on people living in the Balkans and the Middle East – through the eyes of characters that are truly three-dimensional. It’s a stunning novel which I would thoroughly recommend.
Do you know which timescape you’ll be exploring next or do you organically let your writing take its course enjoying the journey wherever you’re led to create after your last story?
Rix responds: I am already thinking about the next book – but you are right in as much as it’s an organic process. Italy is my first love, but I am also drawn to Northern Europe, and in particular to Amsterdam. It is such a beautiful city, but more than that, it was such a remarkable melting pot of ideas and cultures. I have one or two ideas floating around in my head… I hope something will come of them.
I hope your continued passion for history and for noodling out characters who stories give you a delight to explore will happily alight to mind! I’ve appreciated learning about your writing style through this conversation and truly look forward to one day reading each of your novels in turn!
Who are your personal favourites to devour within the historical realms who write fiction that grabs your imagination and your heart most?
Rix responds: Oddly, I don’t read a huge amount of historical fiction. I read a mixture of genres, but beyond Olivia Manning, I enjoyed Robert Harris’ historical novel ‘An Officer and a Spy’. As a fellow journalist, I admire his forensic, factually driven story-telling. I find it almost impossible to pick out just one or two favourite authors, as I have such eclectic tastes. I have just read John Le Carre’s ‘The Night Manager’, which I thought was stunning. Maggie O’Farrell is hugely talented I think. David Lodge’s novel: Therapy made me laugh out loud when I read it. But you can’t beat Jane Austen really… can you?
No, you surely cannot go wrong with Jane Austen! Laughs. I am going to be reading more stories by her this year, especially towards August; as up until this year it was the month of celebrating reading her collective works. I’m finishing my first reading of ‘Jane Eyre’ this month whilst I highlight after canons on behalf of the novel as well. My own ‘#EyreApril’ if you will – however, when it comes to reading stories in the styles in which I personally write myself – I do read close cousins of stories but when it comes to a particular setting or locale or styling – if I feel it’s too closely representing my own thread of thought, I tend to not read it. I suppose in this way, we’re a bit alike in that regard! Le Carre is one author I’d like to read in the future; I share a love of Crime Fiction & Dramas – I lean more towards Cosy Historical Mysteries but Thrillers & Suspense do interest me as well.
Are your writing tools analog or digital? What do you use whilst you’re writing in other words: a vintage typewriter, notebooks and pens, a computer or portable gadget, a tape recorder or your own combination of materials which help you write down the bones?
Rix responds: I have a notebook in which I write initial ideas. I’ll jot down thoughts, names of possible ‘real people’ that I’ve read about who might become the heroes of my next novel. But the business of writing is done on a laptop. I work in a little garden room, away from the house, which provides me with the perfect peaceful ambience.
Once the story is underway, I pin up maps of relevant places, fill my bookshelves with research material, and then I’m off. I have a small iPad that I take with me on train journeys and so on, and that’s helpful if I feel moved to write, or edit on the move.
I love how you have a garden room in which to create your stories! How lovely and enticing!?
How do you renew your spirit when you’re not researching and writing?
Rix responds: I love to cook with my family, and entertain; but my favorite way to renew is to spend time in my garden. Gardening was a huge creative outlet for me when my children were small. I felt unable to write fiction then – I simply couldn’t find the mental or physical ‘space’ to do it. But I could get up early in the morning and dig a flower bed, or design a new area of the garden. My ideal day would always include a couple of hours spent in the garden.
Ooh I would love to have a garden as alive as yours! I have not had the chance to pursue this due to a few factors, one of which is poor soil and lack of space to properly carve out a bit of a garden space, but I am thinking of creative ways to begin gardening – such as lovely potted plants that can climb whilst sorting out a way to hide the sunlight in order to sit for long spells whilst I am knitting. One day though – I’d love to grow my own fresh cut flowers, herbs and vegetables – I agree with you on the renewing effect of working in the earth and curating your own hand-grown beauties of joy!
I’d like to thank Ms Rix for sharing her personal approach to writing as images foretell the stories she’s creating and giving us a bit more insight into her latest release! It’s wicked brilliant to have such stimulating conversations with fellow writers and I must admit, I am enjoying this series of interviews I am hosting on behalf of the authors of #Bookouture!
Converse via: #HistoricalFiction, #TimeSlip and/or #HistFic
This author interview is courtesy of Bookouture!
Site | Blog | @bookouture
I have a full line-up of engaging conversations by this Indie Pub across the pond who is starting to make a bit of a splash stateside! It’s my honour and pleasure to bring these conversations to my readers, whilst helping to expand our knowledge of wicked awesome writers of Women’s Fiction or Historical Fiction whose stories are full of heart and soul; just the way I love the genres to be! They are focusing on guttingly brilliant dramatic story-lines, whose fusion of realism and the introspective focus on a woman’s journey is not only pro-positive but inspiring to find.
My interviews run straight through til the end of April also featuring a bloke whose writing spell-binding Thrillers which sound as if they leave you breathless for the dramatic climaxes but eager to solve the mystery inside his stories whilst you root for his characters! I’m referring to British Thriller writer Tom Bale – look for his conversation on 6th May!
The reason I chose the authors I have to interview is because if their books were readily at hand, I know I’d be lost inside them! I always interview authors (or offer guest posts) of whom I’d genuinely and earnestly want to read; it’s a precursor to the day when I can read their stories and a lovely interlude for my readers to find #newtomeauthors they might not have discovered either!
In case you’ve missed my previous interviews feat. #Bookouture authors:
- Teresa Driscoll | Last Kiss Goodnight
- Natalie Meg Evans | A Gown of Thorns
- Renita D’ Silva | A Mother’s Secret
Let’s celebrate bookish conversations & the stories behind them!
Kindly leave your comments, thoughts and musings about this interview for Ms Rix in the comment threads below! I welcome your commentary! Esp if you are a regular reader of Women’s Fiction & Historical Fiction featuring strong characters & dynamic stories!
Heart #amreading time slips & #HistFic? Read this convo w/ @debbierix! Click To Tweet
Similar to blog tours where I feature book reviews, as I choose to highlight an author via a Guest Post, Q&A, Interview, etc., I do not receive compensation for featuring supplemental content on my blog. I provide the questions for interviews and topics for the guest posts; wherein I receive the responses back from publicists and authors directly. I am naturally curious about the ‘behind-the-scenes’ of stories and the writers who pen them; I have a heap of joy bringing this content to my readers.
{SOURCES: Book Cover Art for “Daughters of the Silk Road”, author photograph of Debbie Rix, author biography and book synopsis were provided by the publisher Bookouture and used with permission. Conversations with the Bookish Banner created by Jorie in Canva. Rainbow Digital Clip Art Washi Tape made by The Paper Pegasus. Purchased on Etsy by Jorie and used with permission. Comment banner created by Jorie in Canva. Tweets are embedded due to codes via Twitter.}
Copyright © Jorie Loves A Story, 2016.
Comments via Twitter:
.@bookouture#Interview series via #JLASbloghttps://t.co/5hcUT5eYIj
Time Slip & #HistFic merge beautifully! pic.twitter.com/IvGCuNK54Z
— Jorie Loves A Story (@joriestory) April 26, 2016
Before tonight's #HistoricalFix,
drop by #JLASblog for a #newbook by #HistFic author @debbierix!https://t.co/5hcUT5eYIj :)— Jorie Loves A Story (@joriestory) April 26, 2016
Author Interview | Conversing with Historical novelist Debbie Rix from #Bookouture #amreading https://t.co/sNnTKUZDP8 via @joriestory
— Christina Philippou (@CPhilippou123) April 27, 2016
BritFic author @debbierix is interviewed on Jorie Loves A Story today #amreading https://t.co/DB1BUPPEMF via @joriestory
— BritFic (@britficauthors) April 27, 2016
@joriestory @bookouture @debbierix will love this post X
— Kim Nash (@KimTheBookworm) April 27, 2016
@KimTheBookworm @joriestory @bookouture thank you for the interview – it was great fun..
— debbie rix (@debbierix) April 27, 2016
Loved where our convo took us esp about realism w/in #HistFic!
Blessed to feat. you@debbierix @KimTheBookworm @bookouture @britficauthors
— Jorie Loves A Story (@joriestory) April 27, 2016
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