India Edghill Writes About the Ultimate Bible Babe: Delilah
Once upon a time, Captain Hellion stumbled upon a book, beautiful and richly colored, with a woman in repose. It was titled QUEENMAKER, and intrigued by the title, Hellion settled into a chair and began reading…and reading until she finished, so enchanted by the author’s voice and the way she weaved a story about Queen Michal, the wife of King David. It is a magical person, Hellion thought, who could make a modern pirate feel she has so much in common with a queen of an ancient world. It is a magical person who can make the reader feel as much a part of the book as the characters. It was exactly this sort of person Hellion wished she was more like, the sort of author who could enchant readers so, and so it was then Hellion decided to find India Edghill, author of such enthralling books, and find out her secrets….
Hellion: India, I want to thank you for agreeing to interview with the pirates on the RWR. I imagine we’re not the typical crew you’d rub elbows with….
India: I work in a library. I’ve dealt with my fair share of pirates, never fear. Thank you for offering to interview me—and of course, for serving my rum in a clean tankard rather than straight out of the bottle.
Hellion: Yes, we don’t do that for just any author. Actually I’m not sure we’ve done it for any other author. In fact, we made the last author share a bath with Jack Sparrow.
India: Yes, I’m really sorry to have missed out on that.
Hellion: Your newest book, Delilah, is set to come out with St. Martin’s Press in November. It is loosely connected with two other books you’ve written, Queenmaker and Wisdom’s Daughter. Will you tell us more about Delilah, and how you came about writing this trilogy?
India: The first book I set in ancient Israel was QUEENMAKER, a novel about King David's first wife, Michal. That led into WISDOM'S DAUGHTER, about David's son King Solomon and the Queen of Sheba. Then St. Martin's wanted another book about a Biblical woman, and since I've been fascinated by Delilah ever since I saw Cecil B. DeMille's 1949 movie SAMSON & DELILAH when I was about twelve, I decided on Delilah for my heroine.
(If you haven't seen the 1949 SAMSON & DELILAH, produced and directed by Cecil B. DeMille, you're missing one of the best splashy, vivid movie epics ever filmed. I think what fascinated me most was Delilah's peacock feather outfit. Edith Head was the costume designer for the movie, and she stripped DeMille's peacocks of their tail feathers to create Delilah's most dazzling costume.)
And at the end of DELILAH, you'll see how Delilah and Samson's story weaves into the events of QUEENMAKER.
Hellion: I'm sorry; I'm still snickering that the costume designer denuded DeMille's peacocks for a movie. [laughs] This trilogy all features strong, though perhaps little known women of the Bible. How do you go about researching and developing these women into fully fleshed characters we can all relate to? How do you decide which Old Testament woman to write about?
India: I try to find a woman whose life interests me, a woman with a life full of unanswered questions. For instance, after Michal mocks David for his ecstatic dancing when the Ark is brought into Jerusalem, David rebukes her. "Therefore Michal the daughter of Saul had no child unto the day of her death." (2 Samuel 6:23) And that's all we ever hear of Michal. What happened to her? There's no answer to that in the Bible, so it's up to tellers of tales to give Michal a life.
Hellion: That is the ultimate ‘what if’ fantasy. On your website, it says you love history—which considering the subject matter of your novels goes without saying—in particular Ancient Near East, Victorian England, and India. Any chance you may set an upcoming novel in either England or India? What are you working on now?
India: I'm currently working on the revisions of my next book for St. Martin's: a retelling of the story of Esther -- and of Queen Vashti. No one can resist writing about that beauty contest used to find a new queen after Vashti is banished for refusing to appear at a banquet so the king could display her to all his drunken guests. After that, Vashti vanishes from the Book of Esther. What happened to her?
(By the way, the best book ever written about Esther is BEHOLD YOUR QUEEN! By Gladys Malvern. You may be able to get it via interlibrary loan, or be lucky enough to spot one at a yard sale.)
And I'm also working on an epic romantic historical novel set in India during the Raj -- a great excuse for having lunch at the local Indian restaurant. It's research, right?
Hellion: A Biblical beauty contest? I swear the Bible has more drama than a Desperate Housewives episode. The Indian novel sounds wonderful, too, and yes, everything’s research. Or at least that’s what I tell Jack when I come home with another set of furry handcuffs. [crickets chirping] Moving on. What is a typical writing day like for you? What sort of advice would you offer other writers?
India: Like most writers, I don't support myself by writing. I have a day job: I'm a librarian. A typical writing day goes like this: come home from work; feed and walk dogs, try to get in two hours at the computer working on the current book. Explain to the dogs that it's my bed and I'm entitled to half of it….
Hellion: [snorts] Good luck with that….
India: I have two pieces of advice for other writers. One: learn to write to music. Have a particular piece of music that fits the book you're writing and play it when you write. I turn on the music I write to long before I'm ready to sit down at the computer. And the music pulls me to the computer, because my brain is trained to know that MOON RISE OVER THE SILK ROAD means It's Time To Write and there's no getting out of it. (I've written my last three books to MOON RISE OVER THE SILK ROAD by Kayhan Kalhor and Shujaat Husain Khan.
Two: Get a good solid civil service job. Don't try to get a "creative" job -- you're apt to find that you've used all your creativity at work, and your brain has shut down for the night…
Hellion: Excellent. I have a good solid civil service job, and there is absolutely no creativity there. [laughs] Now I just need to do the music thing more. [mischievous look] I bet your third piece of advice is don't have the internet at home, am I right? Sorry, I have a weakness. What’s your call story? The pirates always love a good story of how one got published….
India: Well, I finished QUEENMAKER in 1991, and got a wonderful agent, Anita Diamant -- not the Anita Diamant who wrote THE RED TENT. I then collected the most flattering rejection letters you ever saw, saying things like "Everyone in the office loves it, but we have no idea how to sell a Biblical novel, so we're passing on this one." So after a couple of years, I put QUEENMAKER in a box in the closet. Then Anita died, and her agency didn't have any interest in me as a client. Time passed, and two things happened: Print On Demand technology became easy and cheap -- and St. Martin's Press published a book called THE RED TENT.
Print On Demand (POD for short) revolutionized self-publishing. It meant that I could publish QUEENMAKER myself, and have a real book to hand my mother. THE RED TENT became the best-selling darling of the book groups. And then I had a stroke of amazingly good luck. THE NEW YORK TIMES Book Review did an article on POD -- and one of the two books Xlibris (the POD company I'd used) handed the NYT writer was QUEENMAKER. Which got a favorable mention in the article. Which meant I got a new agent (the wonderful and talented Anna Ghosh of Scovil Galen Ghosh) who sent QUEENMAKER to St. Martin's. Which bought it!
Hellion: Holy crap, that’s a total Cinderella sort of story. I love it! And I’m so glad they bought it—Queenmaker totally rocks. I also noted you mentioned you have some Spaniels and cats who keep you company. Who are they and which one is the most spoiled?
India: Alas, the cats are no longer with us; the last one died this past spring. It's only dogs now. I have Cavalier King Charles Spaniels: Bella, Stephanie, Harry, Bevil, and Amy. Bella, Steffie, and Harry are Blenheims (chestnut and white); Bevil and Amy are Rubies (solid red). It's hard to say who's the most spoiled -- they're all absolute darlings. In case you care, here are their official names:
1. Harry: Britt Tax Deduction at Mooncoign CD, C-CD, RN, C-RN, C-RA, CGC
2. Bella: Britt Silver Bell at Mooncoign, CGC
3. Stephanie: Britt Sugar Plum at Mooncoign
4: Bevil: Wystar Heir Jordan at Mooncoign, RN, C-RN
5: Amy: Wystar Feel That Fire
I'm sure your Pyrate Crewe can easily figure out why Britt Sugar Plum's call name is Stephanie!
Hellion: I can definitely guess. Please tell me Stephanie has a mysterious boyfriend named Ranger? No? That’s a lot of puppies. [laughs] No wonder you have trouble commandeering your own bed. India, I just wanted to thank you again for taking the time to visit us today, and I can’t wait to spend Thanksgiving with Delilah. Is there anything you wish to ask the crew?
India: Only how to find a Pyrate ship heading for balmy southern climes…and to thank you all for having me aboard!
Hellion: Okay, crew, you heard her—her civil job may keep her busy for quite a bit of the day, but I’m sure she’ll try to stop by when she can. In the meantime, have any of you read Queenmaker or Wisdom’s Daughter? Do you read historical fiction about women [i.e. Phillipa Gregory’s books about Tudor England; Diamant’s The Red Tent; Robin Maxwell’s Signora di Vinci, etc]? Are there any historical women and settings you would love to see in a fictionalized history? Any Bible babes you’d love to read about?
Books by the Crew
24 comments:
This is absolutely fascinating. I've been itching to write a story about one of Sarai's servants. And another about a bond servant and his master's daughter. The second I was considering slaving over during NaNoWriMo.
I love your story lines and the settings. There is something so very lyrical soothing about ancient Israel. When I worked on a story placed at Jaffa I am pretty sure I was in the zone, but then I hooked up with cultural music. I love writing to music.
With the time period I love and the culture that is very close to my heart, and with Hellie's recommendation, I'll definitely be seeking out your books.
Totally seek her out, Renee. Gorgeous writing!
You were going to do a Biblical themed story for NaNoWriMo? That's so awesome! What cultural music do you listen to? Anything you'd recommend?
Wow. I remember watchin' Sampson and Delilah, at home. Layin' on the floor in front a' the television. I must a' been around 6th grade? And I felt the earthquake comin'. Was up and in the doorway while my parents gaped at me..."What are you..." BAM! Last Chance collapsed in hysterics as me Dad hauled her ta a doorway...
Good memories!
I love the covers! Not sure when I can make room fer yer books, India...but I promise I'll always have a clean glass fer ya here at the Revenge bar.
I'd love ta see a real nice book about the Irish Pirate Queen... I can 'member a great way 'bout Sacajawea, by...Lucia St. Clair?
Music? I'm stealin' meself ta break through me writin' wall and finish me current WIP...usin' Sin's recommendations a' Evanescence and Lacuna Coil. Wish I had more than the two CDs. I like the idea and need somethin' ta beat me head against other than the words...
And wonderful call story! Ya payin' attention, Melissa? Who knows!?
Fascinating interview! Thanks to both of you. I'm adding Queenmaker, Wisdom's Daughter, and Delilah to my list of books to look for.
I have read The Red Tent and recommended it to others. And since my reading dates back to the invention of the wheel, I read Gladys Malvern's books as an adolescent. She wrote Saul's Daughter about David and Michal as well as Behold Your Queen, but my favorites by her were Rogues and Vagabonds and Tamar.
I have really enjoyed Susan Holloway Scott's books about the women in the life of Charles II--Duchess, Royal Harlot, The King's Favorite, and the French Mistress, and one of the books I'm most looking forward to in 2010 is the U.S. publication of is Maeve Haran's The Lady and the Poet about the relationship between 17th-century English poet John Donne and his wife, Ann More.
As for biblical women, I've always been interested in Deborah and Jael. I think their story would make a wonderful novel.
I'm completely distracted from literature by the dogs' names. We once had an Old English sheepdog that we registered as Robinson't Tax Return (because when we got the refund check we went right out and bought a dog). His name was Taxi, a fatal omen, because he was an inveterate carchaser who finally met his demise by wood-paneled station wagon.
Your books sound wonderful.I work in a library as a clerk but I write before work. By the time I get home, I've talked to too many teenagers to be sensible.
Hi :)
Thanks for the great interview with India Edghill.
Thank you India for sharing.
Are you on Twitter India? I searched but couldn't find you.
I'd like to see Eve and Lilith in a novel.
:)
Also I am going to get India's writing because of this interview.
:)
All the best,
RKCharron
xoxo
First off, Welcome to the ship!
Second of all, I heart India. She writes to music. And has a dog with a call name Stephanie. We might be slightly kindreds.
This was a great interview Hells. These books sound divine.
They're awesome. I'll lend you my Queenmaker--and Wisdom's Daughter when I'm through.
I love the opening to Queenmaker (first person), and she's talking about David. Saying that David didn't love women, but that women loved David...and that once upon a time she loved David, her bones melted with love at David. *sighs* Only India says it much better.
Hellie, I use Live 365 (sometimes), their commercials can be really annoying but the music is really good. I jot down names of artists that I really, really like. When I wrote my story set in Jaffa I listened to Arutz Sheva. And there are several (can't think of the names right off) Messianic Jew ministries that put out awesome music too. The thing about Live 365 is they didn't have just Hebrew influenced music but the entire Middle East.
Oh and one of my most favorite places to listen to music is http://www.esposthumus.com/ I especially like to like to them with intense scenes. But of course I like me some plain, good 'ol alternative rock too.
Wonderful interview! Thanks, Hellie!
India, your stories and unique, bible inspired concepts sound absolutely fascinating. I remember watching Samson and Delilah as a young teen and wanting to see it over and over again, each time wishing to change history at the part where he loses his eyes. *cringe*
And your call story is very inspiring! (Yes, Chance. I'm paying attention!)
I had a King Charles Spaniel. Unfortunately, I had to give him up last year but he's happy with a family who have several of them. They are very social and I can see how you'd want more than one. :) How can you not fall in love with that face?
I'm also always trying to write to music but never get the hang of it...
Great interview! And these books sound amazing. I admit, I don't know enough about the Bible to know what story I'd like to see written. I'm just happy to see anyone revealing the strong role of women inside that male dominated history.
I'm working on a new story for NaNo and I'll have to add "finding music" to my list of preparations. Though most of the time I write better with silence. Totally out of character for me, but that's how it seems to work.
I googles the breed and Melissa is totally right, how could you not fall in love with this face?!
http://tinyurl.com/yjg76at
Now and then, there a are a pair of King Charles at the dog park...busy little dogs! Spaniels have so much energy! And they are fast...
I would love to read Lilith's story...that would be interestin'!
India - Can you tell us more about this book set in India?
Hi India and welcome to the boat! :)
And a wonderful interview.
I don't read a lot of historical fiction. I read The Queen's Fool (Gregory) but that's it, I think.
That said though, these sound fantastic. I'll keep them on my list as well.
I'm so glad so many of you will be going out and finding some of India's books. You will love them!
Maggie, you're cracking me up about the teenagers. India was talking about them yesterday. *LOL*
Bo'sun, totally what I thought--I love stories about strong women who thrive in a male-dominated society!
2nd & RKCharron--the Lilith story sounds like it would be cool. The non-submissive wife. *LOL* I could totally get her!
I need some music for NaNoWriMo. I better find something....
I thought you had an entire soundtrack. Do you use those to write to or just as songs to tell readers what the story is about?
I've wondered about that. I don't think I'll be able to make a real soundtrack until a story is finished.
I wouldn't mind a bath with Jack Sparrow.
Heya, Alice! Welcome aboard. And we'll add you to the waiting list.
Renee - I just checked out that E.S. Posthumus site. That music is amazing!
Wow -- Dread Pyrate Hellion's commentary make my answers look actually witty! Thank you all so much. I look forward to many hours reading through the logs here...
India! I'm so glad the teenagers have finally freed you for a few minutes!! I'm so glad you did the interview with us--I loved your answers and discussion. You're always wonderful to talk to! (I'm going to be cut off from my overuse of "!" aren't I?)
Thanks to all of your motley crew for their comments! (Just would like to point out that the short form of Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is Cavalier, not King Charles. To add to the name confusion, the breed we call the English Toy Spaniel is known in England as the King Charles Spaniel, so over there you have Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and King Charles Spaniels. The ETS (English Toy Spaniel/King Charles Spaniel) is called a "Charlie" for short. Confused now?)
I wound up with Cavaliers because I was working up a character who had a dog, and since I'm what Elizabeth Peters called a "historical necrophiliac" in her book THE MURDERS OF RICHARD III (a delightful murder mystery), and Charles II is my favorite English king, I gave my heroine a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. Which meant I had to research the breed a bit...as I say now, it's just a good thing I didn't give my heroine a Great Dane!
Irisheyes, please please don't ever set foot in a petstore that sells dogs and cats! Please! Behind those cute faces lies the hideous industry known as puppy mills and kitten mills. Feel free to e-mail me at cavalierattitude@gmail.com if you're interested in getting a Cavalier; there's a lot you need to know. (Sorry to sound a bit rantish, but we Dog People who work Rescue get sorta testy. Do you know the chief cause of death for dogs? Euthanasia.)
Oh, and Mary Magdalen has more novels written about her than any other biblical character I can think of. There are DOZENS -- a couple came out last year, I think.
Captain Hellion, please let me know if this post is too prickly...
No worries, India, your post is more passionate than prickly. You're trying to protect innocent dogs and that's never a bad thing. :)
I think Mary Magdalen does have a LOT of books written about her. That hooker with a heart of gold is too tempting to resist for most of us. I think the book I heard about was "Woman with the Alabastar Jar"--wasn't that one about her?
Thanks, Cap'n! For those of us for whom "Dog is my co-pilot", it's hard to stay calm, cool, and collected on certain issues...
Mary Magdalene certainly has a rep -- one not actually substantiated in the Bible. There's no evidence there that she's the Woman Taken In Adultery, or that she was a prostitute.
Hastily,
India
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