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So, What Happened?
What happened was that I realized I was wrong. Terribly wrong. I had tried so hard in the novel to be fair to Anne Boleyn and depict her character as reflected in the true historical record that I ended up slandering and vilifying another historical character, Anne's sister-in-law, Jane Parker.
I can't plead complete ignorance. In my notes, I said that Jane's depiction as a sneaky, conniving person had fallen from favor, but she was a convenient villain (which is likely why history has traditionally blamed her).
But over the last few years since the book's debut, I've read more about Jane. I've updated my blog, routinely editing articles to reflect my findings, but I couldn't do the same with the novel. As more time passed, I felt worse about what I'd done.
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So How Are You Gonna Fix This?
I intend to re-write the novel to be more accurate, and to be fair to Jane. I'll also give new ebook copies to readers, and replace paperbacks if the reader wants to mail theirs back to me. It will be a lot of work, and potentially rather expensive (especially given the original book didn't sell all that well,) but I think integrity is important. I said in my notes that I was trying hard to be accurate, and I want my actions to reflect that.
I think authors should have the courage to admit they were wrong about what the historical record says, and to make it right wherever that is possible.
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When Do You Expect This to Be Complete?
I can't say how long this project will take. The original Under These Restless Skies took a year to write. I've never re-written a novel before. I'll update on this blog when it's finished.
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And I want to apologize to Jane Parker Boleyn, Lady Rochford. You didn't deserve what Henry did to you, and you didn't deserve what history has done to you. Nor did you deserve what I did to you. I'm so sorry. I'll try to set my part of it right.
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I commend you for your honesty and making every effort to remedy your mistake. I'm sure Jane would/will appreciate it. These mistakes are easily done when venturing so far into the past. I will be interested to see where your rewrite takes you. Fascinating era and characters.
ReplyDeleteI'm one of your Quora followers (and also a huge Anne Boleyn fan). Love and enjoy your answers there, your humility and commitment here took my respect for you to a whole new level...
ReplyDeleteI realize I am a bit late to all of this, but thank you so much for righting a wrong! Wish more authors were like you.
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