Sharon Kay Penman 2007-07-07

In this episode of the Poisoned Pen Podcast, host Barbara Peters interviews historical novelist Sharon K. Penman, who transitions from her acclaimed historical fiction to mystery writing with her new series featuring Justin De Quincey, the Queen's Man. Penman discusses her deep fascination with Richard III, her revisionist portrayal of the monarch, and the personal journey behind her groundbreaking novel *The Sun in Splendor*, including the traumatic loss of a 500-page manuscript that set her back for six years. She reflects on her research process, moving to York and Wales to immerse herself in the settings of her novels, and how her characters—particularly Eleanor of Aquitaine and her illegitimate son Justin—become central to both historical authenticity and narrative intrigue. The conversation also explores medieval social dynamics, the role of women in power, clerical celibacy, and the unique challenges of crafting historical mysteries without modern forensic tools. Penman praises her long-time editor Marian Wood and the enduring legacy of historical truth in storytelling, while teasing her upcoming mystery *Dragon Slayer*, which will reintroduce a character from her earlier work. The episode concludes with a bridge to the next guest, Daniel Woodrell, linked by their shared publisher and editor. Key takeaways include: 1) Historical fiction can serve as a powerful vehicle for re-examining misunderstood figures like Richard III; 2) The loss of a manuscript can be creatively transformative, not just a setback; 3) Characters like Eleanor of Aquitaine and Justin De Quincey embody the tension between personal loyalty and political duty; 4) Medieval mysteries rely on psychological insight and period-specific clues rather than forensic science; 5) A strong editorial partnership is essential for long-form historical storytelling; 6) The historical mystery genre remains a vital space for classic detective structures; 7) Authorial planning—like giving Justin knowledge of Welsh—enhances narrative cohesion across a series; 8) The Middle Ages had complex social norms, including the concept of 'hearthmates,' which challenge modern assumptions about medieval morality.