by Thank you Sybil for having me on TGTBTU spotlight. I love to talk writing and especially about historicals so this is a treat.
My next book, The Rebel and the Lady, takes place during Texas’ fight for freedom from Mexico. What is it about times of war that lend itself to storytelling? So many stories are written around battles. Recent movies that come to mind are 300, Saving Private Ryan, Troy, and Kingdom of Heaven (all great historical movies BTW
The inspiration for this book started several years ago when I visited the Alamo in Texas. Walking over the grounds and through the church, I’ll admit to feeling a shiver go through me as I stood in the same place where many had died for a cause they felt was greater than themselves.
Much like the United States’ Civil War, the war for Texas independence also split families. The Mexicans had to make the same choice: Whether they would side with the president/dictator Santa Anna or whether they would fight to secede from Mexico. Either way they would end up fighting their brothers, fathers, and cousins in the territory that is now Texas.
Besides movies, many books weave romance into the setting of war—Gone With the Wind, Dr. Zhivago, A Farewell to Arms, to name a few that are classics. Are there any books or movies you would recommend? (Not necessarily just classics.)
For one lucky person who posts a comment, if I draw your name, I’ll send you an autographed copy of The Rebel and the Lady which won’t be in stores until September 1st.
Sadly, I always think of Pee Wee’s Big Adventure when I hear about the Alamo. Of course that may be because I’ve never been there myself. I hadn’t really thought about the civil war aspects that much but you’re absolutely right. I’ll be intrigued to read your book!
Kathryn,
I visited San Antonio and toured the Alamo about fifteen years ago. And I experienced that same shiver.
I’ve always found the Alamo interesting, so I’ll be looking for your book. 🙂
Judy
Kathryn,
War is a very interesting topic. Men have always gone off to war, but now women do too. Your story sounds very interesting. I love America’s history.
Sandy
I recently saw Atonement and thought it was lovely. Definitely a romance in turmoil during times of war. I would love to read your book. Great cover.
Kathryn, the one that popped into my mind is Cold Mountain. I didn’t read the book, but loved the movie. I think because it didn’t show the war as much as it showed the effects of the war. Much differently from GWTW.
Kathryn,
As a member of our military, I tend to be very critical of novels related to my lifestyle and predecessors. However, after reading your first novel, The Outlaw and the Angel, and seeing how deeply you respect the historical value of our nation, I am greatly anticipating your next book. Hope all goes well!
Zachary
Rachel — OMG I remember PeeWee’s Big Adventure. I’ll never forget him dancing in those silly shoes on the table top. The history and people of the time of the Alamo are amazing–I easily got lost in the research aspect. But of course, it is always the human relationship side that makes the history come alive.
Thanks for commenting Judy! That “shiver” is what grabbed me and told me I had to write about the Alamo.
Jill — I saw Atonement too. It was so well-done–and so SAD. I wanted to change that ending in the worst way–but then it wouldn’t have been the same story at all.
Edie — Oh yes–another story that ends bittersweet. I read the book and then really wondered if Hollywood would change the ending (which they didn’t even though I kept hoping until the very last that they would.) Just me and wanting those happy endings all around I guess.
Thanks Zachary — a male’s perspective is nice to have. And I do tons of research before I write a book. I’m afraid of someone coming back and telling me I “got it wrong.” And I am a little anxious about those Texans–I’ve heard BIG tales about them!
Your book sounds very interesting. Even though I read a lot of historical romances, I have never read a book that took place during that time.
Hi Cheryl,
Yes–it is a western–but it takes place in 1836, not the 1870s like most other “westerns” of the genre. There were lots of words not in common usage such as lariat, maverick, stetson. I had to be careful about that to stay true to the historical aspect. Thanks so much for posting!
I really enjoyed Angel and the Outlaw. When is the sequel coming out. I’m an old western fan. It is always nice when the good guys win for a change.Keep the stories coming.
Kathryn: I’m so excited to see a story set against a backdrop of U.S. history. I, too, have visited the Alamo and there’s nothing like treading the earth to make you feel a connection to the time and the people.
Hi Blythe!
Thanks for stopping by! I enjoyed your story too –The Harlot’s Daughter. I enjoy reading those stories set in Europe–just don’t know if I could write one. I did like Braveheart (another “war” there) and also Robin Hood. I just like the happy endings best.
EEK! Sorry I have been tied up with work all day and didn’t notice this wasn’t set correctly. It SHOWS on the blog now
hi
from san antonio 🙂
Hi Sybil! Nice to have you pop in. Thanks for having me!
Reading stories fictional and non-fictional always encourage us to see points of view much different than our own. Especially with all the differing points of view in that era and at the Alamo. Definitely a hot-bed for excellent storytelling. I appreciate the respect given to historical aspects in The Angel And The Outlaw and look forward to the same in this upcoming novel.
Hi Kathryn,
So glad to read about your book. Movies and books set against a backdrop of war are, as you say, inherently dramatic, with all the sacrifices and choices people are forced to make. I don’t often run into one set in this era, so I’ll be looking forward to it in September. Please remind us at Hearts through History! 🙂
Kris
Kris-Thanks for stopping by! Good luck on winning the free copy!
This book sounds great, yay for american history!
Hi Kathryn, I can’t recall reading a romance and the Alamo. There are so many good war movies I’ve liked over the years, they are so emotional, and yes I think people are pushed as you say, either surpassing their limits, or finding they are weaker than they realized after all. Some of my favorites besides the ones you’ve already mentioned: Mrs. Miniver, Casablanca, Stalag 17, The Deer Hunter, Schindler’s List, Letters from Iwo Jima, From Here to Eternity, Apocalypse Now, Full Metal Jacket, The Bridge on the River Kwai, The Pianist.
I’m helplessly lost in history when I visit historical places. I’ve been to the Alamo and it left a haunting impression on me too. I can’t wait to read your book, Kathryn!
Do you research and then create your characters or do your characters speak to you from the shadows begging you to research? 🙂
How about “Enemy Women”? It’s a bit difficult to read at first (no use of quotation marks) but there is an interesting love story that develops between a Confederate woman in prison and her Union interrogator. Very well written and researched.
Hi Becky Jean — I agree! There is so much to American history that is interesting!
Pam P — thanks for posting and for all the ideas of books/movies to read and see. I must admit that I don’t have the stomach for some of the very violent ones. I’ve stayed clear of Full Metal Jacket for that reason.
Hi Kathy! I guess the characters speak to me from the shadows–in both my books that happened and then because they were actually REAL people at one time, I realized I couldn’t tell their stories without it being more of a biography. So I imagined their “best friend” and started there.
Hi Nancy. I haven’t read Enemy Women. That’s one I’ll have to check out. Thanks for posting!
Kathryn, I’m enjoying Angel and the Outlaw right now, and look forward to this one as well. 🙂 Never been to The Alamo, but maybe some day.
PS – Kathy — You have a lovely website!
Thanks, Kathryn. 🙂 I’m really happy with my website.
Weaving historical people in with our characters is lots of fun, isn’t it? What have you got planned next?
Kathy asked what I’m doing next. Well, I’m working on the sequel to this book. In the Rebel and the Lady, the hero, Jake, is in Texas to pull his younger brother out of the fighting. The sequel is the brother’s book.
Hi Kathryn!
Gorgeous cover! I’m really looking forward to this book! The Alamo really is a one of those otherworldly spots, isn’t it?
So, was there a basement at the Alamo? LOL
Hi Deb and Cheryl,
Thanks for posting. Yes, Deb–a bit eerie in that respect. It’s a shame only the church was preserved and not the rest of the mission/fort. I can only imagine what that would have been like in regards to “otherworldly.”
No comment, Cheryl…you’re in a fine mood (grin)
When I think of a war time movie with a romance I think of Casablanca, although there was definitely no happily ever after.
Beautiful cover. I look forward to reading this book. 🙂
The first movie I thought of was Pearl Harbor.
Thank you all for participating in my blog here at TGTBTU.
I’ve closed the contest part of this blog and drawn a name from those who commented. CrystalGB has won the draw! Congratulations Crytal! Please contact Sybil here at TGTBTU and leave your snailmail address OR feel free to email the same information (snailmail address) to me through my website at http://www.kathrynalbright.com. Either way, I’ll get a signed advanced copy of The Rebel and the Lady to you!