Christy English

The Muse

Friday, May 28th, 2010 | The Writing Life, To Be Queen | No Comments

Where does the Muse go when I am not working? Do other artists and writers ask this question, too?

I am waiting for notes from my editor, and as such, Eleanor and I have been taking time off. But as I look forward to the next round of notes for TO BE QUEEN,  I wonder, where does the Muse go when I am not writing? Hmmm…Maybe the Muse lives in the depths of my subconscious mind, and comes out when it’s time to work. I certainly hope so.  I guess that’s what writer’s block would be…the Muse not showing up.

Catherine de Medici and Eleanor of Aquitaine

Wednesday, May 26th, 2010 | C.W. Gortner, Eleanor of Aquitaine, To Be Queen | No Comments

I am away from home, so I still have not gotten my hands on C.W. Gortner’s novel, THE CONFESSIONS OF CATHERINE DE MEDICI, but I expect to be transported by it as I was by his novel about Juana of Spain, THE LAST QUEEN. The most exciting thing for me about his latest novel is the opportunity to read about a strong and dynamic woman who has largely been misunderstood by history. Catherine de Medici ruled France through her husband and her sons for years. I can not wait to read C.W. Gortner’s take on Catherine…he has spent so much time with her that no doubt he has a new way of looking at her and at her world. That is what I am trying to do with Eleanor of Aquitaine in TO BE QUEEN as well…take a look at known events from a different point of view. As soon as I get my hands on CONFESSIONS, I will devour it.

C.W. Gortner: A Notorious Threesome: Catherine de Medici, Diane de Poitiers and Henri III

Tuesday, May 25th, 2010 | C.W. Gortner, Guest Posts | 2 Comments

Here at last is the fabulous guest post I have been waiting for…a few words from C.W. Gortner on Catherine de Medici and her long time rival for her husband’s affections, the beautiful Diane de Poitiers.

A Notorious Threesome: Catherine de Medici, Diane de Poitiers and Henri III

The ménage-a-trois between Catherine de Medici, her husband Henri II of France, and his mistress Diane de Poitiers is notorious. It played out in full view of the court and was used to blacken Catherine’s name.

Christy Outside the Cloisters Museum

Monday, May 24th, 2010 | The Queen's Pawn, Video Blog Entries | 2 Comments

Here is a look at one of my favorite spots in New York City…

C.W.Gortner & Ball Caught

Friday, May 21st, 2010 | C.W. Gortner, Guest Posts | No Comments

Well, I caught the ball today before I dropped it completely…I remembered to post! The reason is not my own memory, but news much more exciting than anything in my fevered brain…C.W. Gortner’s new book, THE CONFESSIONS OF CATHERINE DE MEDICI is coming out May 25. Not only will my copy be here next week, but Mr. Gortner has agreed to do a guest post here on my humble site. I am thrilled…I am not sure cyberspace can communicate my joy and pleasure, but trust me, I am grinning.