Saturday, June 6, 2015

Catherine Kean, Medieval Romance Author

Catherine Kean
Readers often ask me why, out of all the historical eras to choose from, I write about the Middle Ages.

I pen emotionally-intense, romantic books about knights in chain mail armor and the strong-willed ladies who win their hearts because, as I teenager, I fell in love with all things medieval.


My British dad often took me to England during summer vacations to visit relatives. We toured many historic sites, including windswept castle ruins; Medieval churches; and the British Museum and V & A where I admired textiles, armor, swords, sculptures, and other items crafted centuries ago. Every place and object had a fascinating story to tell.

After I completed a B.A. in English and History (Double Major, first class), I spent a year in London, England studying with Sotheby’s auctioneers. Part of the course included visits to private collections and museums. To me, history was no longer a textbook timeline of facts. It became tangible, poignant even.


In the oak trestle table that had once been in a manor hall, I saw the scratches left by bowls, mugs, and eating utensils. The silver goblet, gleaming in the museum case, had once 
held French wine sipped by a nobleman. The jeweled cloak pins lined up on display had held ladies’ garments closed against the biting cold—because in medieval times, catching a chill could be deadly.


When I sit down to write, all of those first-hand memories fill my mind. I have plenty of good research books, but my best inspiration comes from my own personal experiences because, after all, my characters are people, individuals with heartfelt dreams, deep desires, and emotional conflicts. I hope that through my stories readers not only fall in love with my characters, but grow to share my lifelong love of the Middle Ages.

To learn more about Catherine's books visit her website: Catherine Kean 










21 comments:

Catherine Kean said...

Thanks so much for inviting me to blog! I'm thrilled to be a guest today.

Catherine Kean said...

I forgot to add: I'll be giving away an eBook copy of DANCE OF DESIRE to one lucky person who leaves a comment! :) Winner will be announced here in the comments on June 7.

Ashley York said...

This cover is gorgeous. Congratulations. Can't wait to read it :)

Samantha Minter said...

I loved One Knight Under the Mistletoe and A Knight to Remember.

Mary Anne Landers said...

Thanks, Catherine. I already read this book, so no need to enter me. But I must answer your question.

Why do the Middle Ages fascinate me? Three reasons. The code of chivalry, courtly love, and the air of mythic and magic that surrounds the era, even concerning real people, places, and events. With these elements, there are lots of interesting possibilities in fiction.

Good luck!

Molly said...

The Middle Ages fascinates me because I love the clothes and the idea of knight and honest people and just how anything could happen. Thanks for the chance.

Anonymous said...

Glad to see Catherine as your guest today! I discovered your blog just because she is here.

Anonymous said...

The Middle Ages are one of my preferred time periods because of courtly love and knight's code of chivalry and the intrigue among the kings court. The story lines are almost endless.

Eileen said...

First time I've been to your blog. I'm now following. I would very much enjoy receiving DANCE OF DESIRE. I've read only one of Catherine Kean's books which I should remedy. Great info about her. I'm deeply into Medieval reads right now. Kathryn Le Veque hooked me. LOL!

Judith Ashley said...

Welcome, Catherine! It was such fun to schedule your post because of all the fantastic covers!!! I love historicals and while I'm not as well read with stories set in the Middle Ages, I certainly have read them. I've always thought being the widow or daughter who was forced to marry the knight the King sent to protect the castle/keep was most likely not as well received in real life as in a romance novel. But having said that, I like to see how the author shows these characters finding a way through to their HEA.

I hope your readers check back each Saturday as this is Celebrating Medieval Romance Author month. And Thank You for starting us off!!!

Unknown said...

Your books look amazing Catberine!!! I love medieval.

Catherine Kean said...

Thanks, Ashley! I love this cover too!

Catherine Kean said...

Samantha, I'm so glad to hear you loved those two novellas. They were great fun to write. Thanks for dropping by today.

Catherine Kean said...

Thank you Mary Ann, Molly, and silvatrend8553 for sharing why you enjoy reading Medieval romances. These insights are very helpful to us authors!

Catherine Kean said...

Hello Eileen! It's lovely to see you here. I'm so glad to hear that DANCE OF DESIRE intrigues you; Fane was the most wonderful hero to write! :) Definitely one of my favorites.

Catherine Kean said...

Judith, thanks for inviting me to blog. :) You're absolutely right that life in the Middle Ages for women was nowhere near as good as what we portray in romance novels. It must have been quite awful sometimes, actually. Thankfully, by writing fiction, I can give my Medieval heroines happily-ever-afters with men who cherish them.

Catherine Kean said...

Thanks for your kind comment, Christy! I do love writing medievals. One day, I might try my hand at Victorian-set romances and Steampunk, but right now, I'm really enjoying the Middle Ages.

Dawn said...

Great interview. ..the time periods grabs the imagination of how people not only survived but thrived.

bevieann 61 said...

Great interview! I find this time period extremely interesting!!

Catherine Kean said...

And the winner is... Molly!!! Congratulations! Please contact me via Facebook or my website and let me know whether you want a Kindle, Nook, or Kobo copy of DANCE OF DESIRE and what email address I should use to gift you the book. Thanks to everyone who commented. :)

Catherine Kean said...

Thanks for stopping by Dawn and bevieann 61! :) For chances to win more of my books, plus medieval romances from other bestselling authors, please attend my Facebook launch party for A KNIGHT'S SEDUCTION on June 25, 5-9 EST. Details on my Facebook page. Anna Markland and Kathryn Le Veque, who will be blogging here over the next few Saturdays, will both be there.
Judith, I had a great time at your blog. Thank you!