Tuesday, December 29, 2009

My Bloggiversary with Author Interview and Fantastic GIVEAWAY!!!


Enchanted by Josephine celebrates its 1st year Bloggiversary!!!  
What started out with the idea of writing about what I love most- my passion for history, reading and writing, blossomed into a world that expanded into so much more than that.  (If you’d like to view that very first post, see here:   ) My bookblog has led me to meeting some of the nicest like-minded people I would have otherwise never met.  I’ve shared books, ideas, creations and a passion for history that has done more for my spirit and knowledge than solitary reading enjoyment could ever have fulfilled.  I’m thankful to all my readers and good friends out there- You made this all possible!

Along the way, I’ve also met fantastic historical fiction writers that have completely mesmerized me with their tales of intrigue, passion, sorrow and regality.  And, one very special author in particular, Sandra Gulland, has been instrumental in my starting to blog about history…and my favourite historical figure, Josephine…


For this merry occasion, the incredibly talented, Sandra Gulland, author of the Josephine B. Trilogy and Mistress of the Sun, has kindly agreed to grace my blog with this terrific interview! 

Please welcome, Sandra Gulland!!!




 Previously, I mentioned how Josephine is my muse for inspiration.  Can you tell us who or what inspires you to create the exquisite books you write? Do you have a muse?
Thank you, Lucy! I love books, and always wanted to write one. My muse? Research, I think: I’m always inspired as soon as I begin.

I am always fascinated by the way you bring out the endearing qualities in your heroines that other historical writers often fail to see or underline; especially Josephine, and Louise as well.  How do you choose your heroines-what is it about them that makes you want to write their story?
I became fascinated with Josephine quite by accident. When I began to write, Josephine appeared only as a shadow — and then, by degrees, the work came to be about her.

It seems that a question, a simple curiosity, starts it off. For Josephine, I was curious about the prediction that was made in her youth, that she would become “more than a queen.” Could it be true? (It was.) For Louise, I was curious how a timid young woman could become such an incredible horsewoman...and then mistress to the married Sun King. She was devout: how did she reconcile this with her faith?

I don’t really choose my heroines — rather, I become interested in a person, and then one thing leads to another. At a certain point, I have to ask: Is there a story here? And so far the answer has always been yes. 

We are very curious to learn about your next project.  Can you please tell us a bit about that? Any similarities between the heroine of your next book and those of past?
Claude des Oeillets is very different from both Josephine and Louise. She was raised by her actor-parents on the road, and although she had a daughter by the Sun King, she was never more than a confidential maid to his mistress, Madame de Montespan. Both Josephine and Louise were of the lower nobility. Claude is not noble in the least.

What I love about her (in addition to her spunk) is her involvement in the fascinating world of the theater. It was the period of the French theatrical renaissance. Claude’s mother was a theatrical super-star, yet even so, it was a life of constant poverty, and a way of life considered to be profoundly sinful by the Church. Actors were shunned! No doubt Claude thought her problems were solved when she got a position as maid to a woman of the Court, Madame de Montespan — only to become embroiled in a world of witchcraft and poison.

It’s a big story!

Since today is a festive day here on EBJ- we’d also love to hear about any special anniversaries or festive times foreseen for 2010 that you may be part of or planning.
Every year, just before New Year’s Eve, my husband and I and our two adult children share our resolutions for the year ahead. Last year, my main resolution was to finish the first draft of Claude’s story: and I did! My resolution for the year 2010 will be to finish a second and third draft. When I send that last draft to my agent, I will be feeling quite festive! 
Lastly, can you tell us something memorable about your travels and what your favourite destination is?
Paris is my favorite destination: always. How lovely that my research takes me there so often! My husband and I will be returning in the spring, staying in the neighborhood where Claude des Oeillets lived.

One memorable trip was a private tour through the chateau of Fontainebleau, into the dark and cob-webbed servants’ quarters. Every trip is a revelation.

Thank you for inviting me onto your blog. Congratulations!

Thank You so much, Sandra !

And now...  for this very First Bloggiversary, I have a special GIVEAWAY to give homage to my Muse…someone you’ve no doubt come to learn about and love (not much choice on that if you stick around here awhile;)  the beloved namesake of my blog:  Josephine! This historical muse has inspired me to read, write and illustrate about that enchanting time which is the past. So, quite appropriately, to help celebrate this memorable year,  I will be selecting 3 winners for a fantabulous GIVEAWAY of:





 ALL 3 COURTESY OF Sandra Gulland and Diane Saarinen!!!  Can you think of a better mix than this amazing Author and fantastic Assistant!  These ladies are terrific- Thank you so much for making this possible!
 Open to US and Canada   Winners announced on Jan.3rd, 2010
To Enter:
1 Chance:  Leave a Comment
2 Chances every time you tweet or blog about this (send me the link)
3 Chances: Become a Follower of my blog (If you're already a follower, you get this automatically).
5 Chances: Post about this on your Sidebar
5 EXTRA Bonus Points for every new follower referred by you (mention this in your comments)

Good Luck to All! 
Once again, Thank you for celebrating this wonderful day with meJ  You guys are great and I appreciate all your kind support throughout.

What a great way to close up the year..and with this, I wish you all a Very Happy New Year!



100 comments:

Laura Hartness said...

You don't need to enter me in the giveaway, but i just wanted to say congratulations on your bloggiversary!

Laura Hartness
The Calico Critic

Jennifer said...

Happy Bloggerversary! These are fabulous sound books and I am keeping my fingers crossed. Tank you for the chance.
knittingmomof3 (AT) gmail (DOT) com

Mason Canyon said...

Just wanted to wish you a Happy Bloggerversary. Congratulations. Way to go.

Jennifer said...

I am a new follower, although not a new reader of your blog.
Entry 1
knittingmomof3 (AT) gmail (DOT) com

Jennifer said...

I am a new follower, although not a new reader of your blog.
Entry 2
knittingmomof3 (AT) gmail (DOT) com

Jennifer said...

I am a new follower, although not a new reader of your blog.
Entry 3
knittingmomof3 (AT) gmail (DOT) com

Jennifer said...

Tweet Tweet: http://twitter.com/knittingmomof3/status/7162149222
knittingmomof3 (AT) gmail (DOT) com

TIffany said...

Ah... where I am going to find the time in 2010 to read all of the amazing books I keep stumbling upon?! Thank you - and congratulations!

posted a comment and a follower

tiffanyannbutton[at]gmail[dot]com

Passages to the Past said...

No need to enter me - I have this trilogy on my shelf. I need to get to it soon - I've heard these are the books to read to get to know Josephine.

Congratulations on your blogiversary Lucy!!! Knowing you has enriched my life and I am so glad to call you a friend.

Fabulous interview with Sandra! I love her books and she is super nice to boot!

I'm raising my Dr. Pepper in a salute to another year of blogging!

Maria Grazia said...

Happy bloggiversary then! Congratulations! My best wishes for a very happy 2010, Lucy.

Jo-Jo said...

I would love a chance to win these books!
joannelong74 AT gmail DOT com

Katy said...

Happy Bloggiversary! I've been enjoying following your blog! :)

HODGEPODGESPV said...

now that was a good interview! sounds personal and unscripted or formulated! thank you!

OH...HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!!!
spvaughan@yahoo

HODGEPODGESPV said...

i thought i was a follower but found out i was not so fixed that one in a hurry!

Katy said...

Tweeted: http://twitter.com/afewmorepages/status/7163653150

HODGEPODGESPV said...

http://twitter.com/spvaughan/status/7163779344
spvaughan@yahoo.com

BurtonReview said...

LOL at Amy's Dr Pepper .. I second that salute!
I also have this trilogy waiting for me.

A wonderful way to celebrate your Blogi/o/versary with Sandra Gulland!! Congrats to your 1 year, and guess what is so weird.. mine is TOMORROW!!!! LOL

Great minds think alike!

HODGEPODGESPV said...

Book Blog List

Enchanted by Josephine
My Bloggiversary with Author Interview and Fantastic GIVEAWAY!!!
seen on http://hodgepodgespv.blogspot.com/

Hot Off the Shelves said...

Congratulations!!! I'm looking forward to my first bloggiversary but still have a few months to go.

Please enter me in your giveaway.

I am a follower and posted a link on my blog at

http://jasmynninestuff.blogspot.com/2009/12/giveaway-link-enchanted-by-josephines.html

All blog posts are automatically tweeted on

http://twitter.com/jasmyn9

jasmyn9[at]hotmail[dot]com

4everQueen said...

happy bloggiversary!!! What an awesome interview with Sandra Gulland and thanks to them for the giveaways. Hope to win one of them. Happy New Year too =)

+ 3 chance to win so far since I am a follower

nunezbella(at)hotmail(dot)com

Roberta said...

Congrats Lucy on you one year anniversary...you should be very proud of all that you have accomplished this year. I'll do a blog post tonight about your anniversary and giveaway...and connect the link than. WOO HOO!

brokenteepee said...

Happy Bloggiversary!
What a great giveaway to celebrate!
I am a follower.
I will get it up on my sidebar (erm correctly this time) and pop back with the link.
kaiminani at gmail dot com

brokenteepee said...

Ok it's up on my sidebar, it's correctly linked and it shows up! Better than last time.
woo hoo for me. I can learn even though I am old.
thank you
kaiminani at gmail dot com

www.brokenteepee.blogspot.com

Nina said...

Don't count me in on the contest, i'm international. But i want to say; congratulations! :)

Elisa said...

I own the Josephine B. trilogy in a box set with those covers that you show. Wonderful reading--I learned a little more and then some about Josephine.
Congrats on your blog anniversary!

Unknown said...

You don't need to enter me in the giveaway! I just wanted to say Happy Bloggiversary!!

Libby's Library said...

Happy Bloggiversary!
Wishing you many many more.
What a GREAT giveaway. THANKS

libneas[at]aol[dot]com

Libby's Library said...

Follower - :-)

libneas[at]aol[dot]com

Libby's Library said...

I blogged it here:

http://libslibrary.blogspot.com/2009/12/enchanted-by-josephine-giveaway-link.html

libneas[at]aol[dot]com

Libby's Library said...

Have it on my right sidebar:
libslibrary.blogspot.com

libneas[at]aol[dot]com

Annfes said...

I'm entering this contest because I've already read the Josephine Trilogy, leant them to a friend and never saw them again. I NEED to have them as part of my permanent library again!!! I LOVED THESE BOOKS!

Laura at Library of Clean Reads said...

Congratulations on blogging for a whole year already! I also enjoyed reading the interview with author Gulland. Please enter me.
laura(at)laurafabiani(dot)com
I'm already a follower.

Reading said...

Please count me in. Thanks for the chance.

lizzi0915 at aol dot com

Joanne said...

Wonderful interview -- thank you! I have Mistress of the Sun waiting in my TBR pile!

I am already a follower, and would love to be entered into the contest.

joannemccabe9 (at) cox (dot) net

Svea Love said...

Happy Bloggiversary!

+1 comment
+3 Follower
+5 Posted in sidebar
+2 Tweet

http://muse-in-the-fog.blogspot.com/
http://twitter.com/SL_CraftyMommy

Thank you!

Linda said...

Happy New Year,and congrats on the blogiversary. This era of French history is so interesting. Thanks for the generous giveaway.

I follow through Google Reader.

Kirsten Steen said...

Congratulations Lucy!! Happy Bloggiversary! And great interview! Paris is my favorite destination as well! Hoping you had a wonderful Christmas and wanted to wish you a very Happy New Year! My guess is you will spend it...reading!!! ;~) But make the evening yours! Anything fun planned?
Bisous,
Kirsten

Carmi Cimicata said...

I don't need to be entered into your giveaway! I have all thebooks and always give them as gifts! BUT, I did want to wish you a happy blog anniversary!

Becca said...

Congratulations on your blogiversary! I do enjoy your blog. I get so many great book ideas from here.

Marian Perera said...

Congratulations on your first bloggiversary! And may there be many more to come. :)

Marian

mdperera at hotmail dot com

Allie ~ Hist-Fic Chick said...

Congrats, Lucy!!! It has been such a pleasure getting to know you these past few months, and I so look forward to our 2010 adventures over at the HFBRT! Here's to many more incredible years of books, history, and blogging bffs ::raises Dr. Pepper in salute with Amy and Marie::! :)

PS. I also love this interview. Sandra Gulland's Josephine trilogy, as you know, is my favorite series on an historical figure. I just gave the whole thing to my step-mom as her Christmas present!

Lois said...

This is the first time I heard of these books, and I definitely would love a chance to have my name in the hat! :) I love the Regency/late Georgian period, both in England and France, so these sounds mighty interesting to me! :)

Oh, and Happy Birthday to the blog, Happy New Year! :)

Lois
OV_099@yahoo.com

May said...

No need to enter me for the contest, but I just wanted to say: congratulations on your blog anniversary! Mine is coming up soon.

mindy said...

happy blogiversary and thanks for a wonderful giveway minsthins at optonline dot net

Simply Stacie said...

Please count me in.

I follow.

simplystacieblog at gmail dot com

Esme said...

Libby's Library News Sent me here.

Esme said...

Please enter me in this great giveaway. Congrats on the bloggiversary.

chocolate and croissants at yahoo dot com

Esme said...

cococroissants

http://enchantedbyjosephine.blogspot.com/2009/12/my-bloggiversary-with-author-interview.html great historical fiction giveaway

chocolate and croissants at yahoo dot com

vvb32 reads said...

happy first blogoversary! thanks so much for you sharing your love of historical fiction!

i became a follower.
i was referred by: Libby's Library News

vvb32 at yahoo.com

Angie said...

Congratulations on your Bloggiversary! Please enter me in your giveaway

aksimmo@brainerd(dot)net

Angie said...

I follow on Twitter

aksimmo@brainerd(dot)net

kakihara said...

Happy Blogiversary! & Happy New Year!!
Great giveaway-- thanks for the chance to win!!!

Michelle Stockard Miller said...

Congratulations Lucy on your blogiversary! I love your blog and you have been such a help to me...especially in my decisions for my new blog direction in 2010 =O)

I am not entering the giveaway because, guess what? I have all three books already! Unfortunately, I have not read them yet, but I met Sandra on MySpace and she is wonderful. I'm joining two historical fiction challenges next year so I will definitely include at least one of these, if not all three!

Wishing you a wonderful and prosperous new year!

Stacey Brucale said...

Please enter me!

+3 I am a follower

squiggles87(at)aol(dot)com

jennem said...

What a great collection, thanks for the chance!
Jennifer, jennem22 at yahoo dot com

Victoria said...

Happy Blogiversary! I'd love to win these books! I haven't read any of them and they sound great. Thanks. utgal2004[at]yahoo[dot]com

Victoria said...

Just became a follower #1
utgal2004[at]yahoo[dot]com

Victoria said...

Just became a follower #2
utgal2004[at]yahoo[dot]com

Victoria said...

Just became a follower #3
utgal2004[at]yahoo[dot]com

Arleigh said...

Happy 1 year Lucy! May we have many more!! (I have the books, so don't enter my name for them)

LittleEagle said...

I enjoyed your interview. Happy 1st year. sharonaquilino at hotmail dot com

Anita Yancey said...

Happy Blogiversary! What a great giveaway. All the books sound wonderful. Please enter me. Thanks!

ayancey(at)dishmail(dot)net

Jaime said...

I would love this set !
copperllama at yahoo dot com

Jaime said...

follow blog
copperllama at yahoo dot com

Kaye said...

Congrats on a full year of blogging. It's quite an accomplishment.

I put a link in my sidebar to your contest.

florida982002@yahoo.com

Unknown said...

I love this site. It is very nearly perfect for my reading interests. Congrats on ur annivesary!

Lizzie said...

Congrats Lucy I so thought that you had been doing the blog longer than just a year. I love your blog and you have always been just sweet as pie. Loved the interview I enjoyed Mistress of the Sun so much I have been looking forward to her finishing the latest one.

Please add me in the giveaway I need the first one so bad. I have the last one which I managed to get at a used bookstore but I thought it was the first one. Thank you for the cool giveaway!

Elizabethjohnsonart@yahoo.com

Unknown said...

Congrats on the blogiversary Lucy! I really enjoy visting your blog and hearing your thoughts. Please enter me for this - I became interested in Josephine after the section in Notorious Royal Marriages.

+ I Tweeted http://twitter.com/dolleygurl/status/7221296416
+ Follower (of course!)
+ Posted on my sidebar http://themaidenscourt.blogspot.com

Happy New Year Lucy!

Roberta said...

Cool beans...just blogged about it all:}
http://con-tain-it.typepad.com/my_weblog/2009/12/enchanted-by-josephine-bloggiversary-and-giveaway.html

Roberta said...

Now it's on my facebook page:}
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?ref=home#/profile.php?id=1222723325&ref=mf

Roberta said...

Final entry...posted the contest on my sidebar:
http://con-tain-it.typepad.com/ woo! hoo!

enyl said...

These volumes would make a a wonderful addition to my classroom library.
enyl(at)inbox(dot)com

enyl said...

I'm a follower.
enyl(at)inbox(dot)com

Henrietta said...

I love historical fiction and would love the chance to win! Great interview!
Thanks!
hensnest at windstream dot net

Rachel said...

I'm a follower!

Rachelhwallen@gmail.com

Unknown said...

Congrats on the anniversary! Each book in the giveaway looks to be a great read. Here I sit w/my fingers crossed.

Unknown said...

Happy blogiversary Lucy! I am very glad I got to meet you and visit the blog this year.
Congratulations!

Debra Bunker said...

Wow - this is great - I wish there were more hours in the day to get all the reading in that I would like! To while away the hours dreaming of this time gone by!

Debra Bunker said...

Now it's posted to my facebook as well!
http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/home.php?ref=home

Anonymous said...

Happy Anniversary....

Thanks for the opportunity to read these fabulous books.

karenk
kmkuka(at)yahoo(dot)com

Unknown said...

Congrats on the anniversary! What a way to celebrate!! Aitmama {{ta}} gmail {{tod}} com

Unknown said...

Just became a follower - #230, nice round number.

Unknown said...

Just became a follower #2 Aitmama {{ta}} gmail {{tod}} com

Unknown said...

Just became a follower #3 Aitmama {{ta}} gmail {{tod}} com

Unknown said...

http://twitter.com/aitmama/status/7287140735

Unknown said...

http://twitter.com/aitmama/status/7287140735 2

Unknown said...

The trilogy about Josephine sounds so great. I would so like to read them. Please enter me. Thanks.

bstilwell12 at comcast dot net

Unknown said...

Congratulations on your blogoversary!!

I am a current follower.

bstilwell12 at comcast dot net

Unknown said...

I tweeted about this giveaway;
http://twitter.com/pine1211/status/7287706563

bstilwell12 at comcast dot net

Unknown said...

I posted on my sidebar:

http://meditativereading.blogspot.com

bstilwell12 at comcast dot net

Unknown said...

I tweeted about the giveaway:
http://twitter.com/pine1211/status/7287967047


bstilwell12 at comcast dot net

Jody Weymouth said...

I read Mistress of The Sun and loved it. One of the best historical fictions I have read.
Would love to win the triology.

Happy bloggiverisary

Lucy said...

PLEASE NOTE:

I have specified in my post that there will be 3 books to be won and so there will be 3Winners-

Meaning that EACH WINNER GETS TO WIN 1 OF THE 3 BOOKS- NOT the whole trilogy.

I just thought I would clarify since some of the entrants are commenting about winning the complete trilogy-

It's 1 BOOK PER WINNER.

Thanks, and please keep on entering and spreading the news.

Thank you so much for all the good wishes!!

Deane said...

Congratulations on your bloggiversary, Please enter me. deanenpr at yahoo.com

MarionG said...

Congrats. Great job. I love historical fiction. Please count me in.
I'm a follower.
polo-puppy-fluffy AT hotmail dot com

Sue said...

I'd love a chance to win! Thanks for the giveaway. Happy New Year!

s.mickelson at gmail dot com

Lucy said...

THANK YOU all for your participation! You are wonderful!

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