Blog Archives
Daughters of the King
Courting the Sun follows a sixteen-year-old village girl who is invited to attend the royal court of King Louis XIV and become the attendant of his mistress, empowering her into the inner circle of the court. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The inspiration for Courting the Sun came from genealogy research I was doing into my own family ancestry and a group of young women referred to as Les Filles du Roi, or Daughters of the King. They were not true daughters, but were recruited by King Louis XIV to travel to New France (Canada) and marry his soldiers, fur traders, and farmers, and grow a colony for him. He promised to pay their passage, provide a dowry and a trousseau, and reward them financially for having babies. From 1663-1673, roughly 750 women took him up on his offer. I am descended from 23 of these women. I wondered what would cause a young woman to leave everyone and everything she knows and sail to a rough, unknown land. I let my imagination run wild, and thus Sylvienne was born, wholly fictional and very unlike the real Filles du Roi in terms of her personal journey.
Sylvienne is a young girl with big dreams who discovers the reality of those dreams is not what she envisioned. What were some driving ideals behind your character’s development?
One of the themes of this story, I think, is to be careful what you wish for. That doesn’t mean a girl shouldn’t have dreams, but if those dreams are shallow, the outcome will likely be shallow or at the very least restrictive. Sylvienne is intelligent, curious about the world, and a bit of free-thinker and free-actor. When she gets to King Louis’ court, she learns that freedom is not a quality that is respected there and that if she is to be “free” to love whom she wishes, she will have to be subversive about it. She also learns to care about the people who care about her and to not take them for granted.
What intrigues you about the 17th century period enough to write such a captivating and emotionally resonating period piece?
I am always intrigued by and wondering about the lives of my grandmothers and many-times-great-grandmothers going back through the centuries. Once I started researching what life would have been like for Sylvienne, and thus my 7th and 8th great-grandmothers in the 17th century, I was amazed at everything I learned. It was the final century of the Renaissance period, and art, theatre, literature, and the emerging natural sciences and astronomy were at their peak, and France was at the center of it. And yet there was such a dichotomy in terms of what was believed medically, how crowded and filthy the cities of Europe were, how people were treated depending on their religious beliefs or disbeliefs, and the great divide (as always) between those of wealth & nobility vs those of the common or lower classes—though some members of the rising bourgeoisie in France were wealthier than some of the nobility and that created its own complexity.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when can your fans expect it to be out?
I am working on the sequel to Courting the Sun, tentatively titled A Tangled Dawn. It takes Sylvienne to New France (Canada) where she experiences a life entirely different from what she knew in France. She encounters those “horrendous” fur traders and “scary” indigenous people and engages in an entirely new learning curve in terms of self-survival and learning to live among and respect people who are different from herself. And of course, her love life is as complicated as ever. I am hopeful it will be released in 2025.
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In Paris, Sylvienne is quickly swept up in the romance, opulence, and excitement of royal life. Assigned to serve King Louis’s favorite mistress, she is absorbed into the monarch’s most intimate circle. But the naïve country girl soon finds herself ill-prepared for the world of intrigue, illicit affairs, and power-mongering that takes place behind the shiny façade of Versailles.
This debut historical novel from Peggy Joque Williams captures the vibrancy and quandaries of 17th century life for a village girl seeking love and excitement during the dangerous reign of the Sun King.
Stranger On This Earth
The Dream Collector: Book II: Sabrine and Vincent Van Gogh follows the relationship of Sabrine and van Gogh, who grow increasingly self-destructive, leaving Julie and Freud to find out why. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The setup arose out of my passionate desire to understand why Vincent van Gogh, a genius of a painter, possessed his self-destructive impulses. I came to the conclusion that, in part, he perceived himself as a “stranger on this earth.” From childhood (in Biblical terms), a seed who fell by the wayside. Of course, for a more detailed (and explosive) explanation, one must read my novel. Sabrine, my fictional character, enabled me to mirror Vincent’s sense of abandonment and betrayal with her own backstory.
What experience in your life has had the biggest impact on your writing?
Hmm… another hard question. I remember, at age 14, the awe I felt after finishing Dostoevsky’s ‘The Brothers Karamazov’. It revealed to me the affective power of literature.
Can you tell us where the book goes and where we’ll see the characters in the next book?
This book reaches a definitive and (I will boast) a happy ending. There is no next book, but my ultimate plan has been a film in which to draw out more aspects of the characters in The Dream Collector.
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Sabrine, hospitalized for five years at the infamous Salpêtrière Asylum for Women, gains her release due to intervention of her sister Julie Forette and a young Sigmund Freud. The reunited sisters are introduced to the dazzling art milieu of 1886 Paris, and soon become close friends to the leading Impressionists. Sabrine attracts a cult following as a poetess, the enigmatic “Haiku Princess.” Seemingly cured by Freud of her Grand Hysteria, Sabrine soon enters into a tumultuous relationship with Vincent van Gogh.
Jule and Sigmund Freud, alarmed by the eerie parallels between the emotionally volatile couple and their self-destructive impulses, begin an urgent search to discover the root causes for Sabrine and Vincent’s growing psychoses. Julie, ‘The Dream Collector’ seeks their most unforgettable dream for Freud’s interpretation and revelations occur.
The Dream Collector is an exploration of the psychological consequences of betrayal, abandonment–and the redemptive power of art.
Courting the Sun
Peggy Joque Williams’ debut novel, Courting the Sun, is an exceptional work of fiction that captivates readers with its rich narrative and compelling characters. Drawing inspiration from French history, this novel weaves a tale of ambition, adventure, love, and intrigue, immersing readers in a world where tragedy, politics, and personal struggles are intricately entwined.
Set in the 1660s, the story begins in the serene countryside of Amiens before transitioning to the opulence of Paris and Versailles. Williams masterfully portrays the social life of 17th-century France, offering a vivid glimpse into the era’s vibrant and tumultuous society. The protagonist, Sylvienne, is a young village girl with a thirst for knowledge and dreams of a grander life. Her journey takes an unexpected turn when a secret about her heritage propels her into the lavish court of Louis XIV and the bustling streets of Paris.
Sylvienne’s initial enchantment with court life quickly dissipates as she confronts the harsh realities and complex politics of the nobility. Williams’ eloquent prose and immersive settings bring to life the salons, balls, and galas, capturing the ever-changing dynamics of court life where ambition and power play pivotal roles. Sylvienne’s narrative is a poignant exploration of love, yearning, and grief, as she finds herself betrothed to one man while her heart belongs to another.
The novel’s conclusion is both bittersweet and satisfying, marking the beginning of a new chapter for Sylvienne as she embarks on a journey of self-discovery. Williams has crafted a magical and enthralling tale that resonates with readers long after the final page. Courting the Sun is sure to entertain, intrigue, and mesmerize anyone who delves into its pages. Highly recommended for those seeking a richly detailed and emotionally engaging historical novel.
Pages: 391 | ASIN : B0CV32PXBK
The Dream Collector: Sabrine & Vincent van Gogh – Book Two
In The Dream Collector: Book II: Sabrine and Vincent Van Gogh, RW Meek presents the captivating continuation of Sabrine’s journey, set against the rich backdrop of 1880s Paris. Following a prolonged stay at the Salpetriere Asylum for Women, Sabrine, now freed through the efforts of a young Sigmund Freud and her devoted sister Julie, delves into the vibrant Parisian art scene. Here, she meets the enigmatic Vincent van Gogh, and together, they embark on a passionate, albeit tumultuous, affair fueled by their shared artistic fervor and personal demons.
This sequel explores new dimensions of Sabrine’s character as she transitions from her intricate interactions with Freud to the equally complex Van Gogh. While the series blends historical fiction with elements of magical realism, it also evokes the adventurous spirit of “The Young Indiana Jones Chronicles” through its integration of historical figures and fictional narratives. Fans of art history will find much to admire here, as Meek vividly reimagines the lives of cultural icons such as Van Gogh and Freud. The portrayal of these figures is meticulously crafted, bringing an immersive authenticity to the narrative. Despite the larger-than-life personas surrounding her, Sabrine holds her own as a compelling protagonist. Her multifaceted personality—humorous yet fragile, unpredictable yet endearing—ensures that she resonates deeply with readers, making her more than just a mere adjunct to the historical luminaries she encounters.
Meek’s novel, The Dream Collector: Book II: Sabrine and Vincent Van Gogh, celebrates the turmoil of the creative process and offers a poignant exploration of identity and belonging through the eyes of an unforgettable heroine. This series promises to be a rewarding journey for those intrigued by the intersections of history, art, and human emotion.
Pages: 654 | ISBN : 1962465357
The Secret Journey
The Secret Journey, co-authored by Brian Barnes and Judith Briles, delves into the tumultuous life of Lisa, the sole daughter of a port commander in Marseilles, France. This young adult historical fiction paints a vivid picture of Lisa’s complex familial dynamics, highlighting her estrangement from her mother and brother in contrast to the adoration of her father, Alexander. Alexander, recognizing Lisa’s acute understanding of human intentions, is a pillar of support in her life. However, the narrative takes a dark turn with his untimely death, attributed to poisoning by Lisa’s mother. In the wake of this tragedy, Lisa’s life undergoes a drastic transformation. She flees her opulent life, taking on the disguise of a teenage boy named Nichol, and sets out for Paris, pursued by unseen threats. This journey is a flight for survival and a quest for a greater purpose, shadowed by the need to address past injustices.
The narrative captivates from the start, with a rhythm that dynamically shifts to reflect the varying phases of Lisa’s journey. This variance in pacing adds a unique flavor to the story, especially in the rapid development of Lisa’s romance with Robert. This brisk unfolding introduces an element of surprise and spontaneity, which can be particularly appealing to readers who enjoy unexpected turns in a storyline. The dialogue and narrative structure are skillfully crafted, laying a solid foundation for the story. There’s an exciting opportunity here to deepen this already engaging narrative. By exploring the characters’ emotions and motivations in more detail, the authors have the potential to enrich the reader’s experience, making it even more immersive. This enhancement in character development promises to strengthen the reader’s connection with the characters, adding an extra layer of intimacy and engagement to an already captivating tale.
The Secret Journey is a commendable choice for those interested in a story featuring a strong female lead overcoming familial strife in a medieval setting. The novel’s exploration of resilience and self-discovery, set against a historical backdrop, makes it a noteworthy addition to the young adult historical fiction genre.
Pages: 478 | ASIN : B0BMM14LYK
Empowerment of Art
The Dream Collector Book I: Sabrine and Sigmund Freud follows a young woman working in a women’s asylum who meets Sigmund Freud, and together they explore mental health and the world of 19th century Paris. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
In 1886 Freud had been awarded a grant to study with famed hypnotist Jean-Martin Charcot at the Salpêtrière Asylum for women. Vincent van Gogh came to Paris to study the new art emerging, Impressionism. Here were two iconic figures who found themselves, their path, their calling, during that one special year. Annus Mirabilis. I only needed a protagonist with an interest in mental health and art to entwine their stories. Julie Forette, a self-educated woman, became my storyteller.
With so many famous people from history in your novel, what was your writing process to ensure you captured the essence of these characters?
Research, extensive research on each historical character, including letters, journals, anything which revealed their experiences, thoughts, and tone. And maintaining individual files, with sections like “His words/Her Tone’ so that when dialogue occurred in the story, I had a go-to resource, to capture their individualistic tone.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
I’m so glad you used the plural, themes. My overarching theme was the empowerment of art, how a painting, book, poem can enable us to resonate with our own identity. How art can touch our hearts, raise our consciousness, and–––to risk addressing the spiritually inclined–––uplift our souls.
But a subsidiary theme emerged when learning that famed author Émile Zola, in 1886, betrayed his childhood friend Paul Cezanne by writing a roman à clef. In the novel, a failed artist, confronting his mediocrity, commits suicide. All of Paris knew that Zola was describing Cezanne. When Cezanne read the novel, entitled ‘Masterpiece’, he was heart-broken and never spoke to Zola again. I wanted to explore the tragedy of how someone you trust, you love, betrays you. And whether you can overcome the pain and trauma of betrayal. Can you recover? If so, how? So the theme of betrayal and abandonment becomes mirrored in my major characters, especially the protagonist Julie Forette and the Salpêtrière hysteric, Sabrine Weiss.
When will book 2 be available? Can you give us an idea of where that book will take readers?
Publication for Book II “Sabrine & Vincent van Gogh’ is scheduled for April 2024. We will follow Sabrine and Julie’s continued journey toward self-realization as they immerse themselves into the art milieu of late 19th century Paris. Under the watchful eye of Sigmund Freud, Julie and Sabrine become intimately involved with the major luminaries of the period, especially the van brothers, Theo and Vincent.
Julie Forette forms a friendship with the young, visiting intern Sigmund Freud who introduces her to the altering-conscious power of cocaine. Together they pursue the hidden potential of hypnotism and dream interpretation. After Freud receives the baffling case of the star hysteric, Sabrine Weiss, he is encouraged by Julie to experiment with different modes of treatment, including “talking sessions.” Their urgent quest is to find a cure for Sabrine, Princess of the Hysterics, before Dr. Charcot resorts to the radical removal of her ovaries.
In Paris, Julie finds a passion for the new art emerging, Impressionism and Post-Impressionism, and forms friendships with the major artists of the period, including Pissarro, Monet, and Degas. Julie becomes intimately involved with the reclusive Cezanne only to be seduced by the “Peruvian Savage” Paul Gauguin. Julie is the eponymous ‘Dream Collector’ collecting the one unforgettable, soul-defining dream of the major historical figures of the period.
The Dream Collector: Sabrine & Sigmund Freud
Set against the backdrop of Paris in the late 19th century, The Dream Collector Book I: Sabrine and Sigmund Freud, by R.W. Meek, immerses the reader in an era of remarkable transformation. The novel deftly intertwines the worlds of medicine and art, capturing the essence of a period marked by pioneering ideas. The story follows Julie Forette, an ambitious young woman who joins the Salpetriere, a mental asylum home to thousands of women with varying psychological conditions. Here, she encounters a young Sigmund Freud, and together they explore the enigmatic world of mental health, united by their curiosity and a shared interest in cocaine.
The narrative becomes increasingly intriguing with the introduction of Sabrine Weiss, a patient suffering from hysteria, whose condition puzzles both Julie and Freud. As Julie’s journey progresses, she meets several prominent historical figures, including artists like Paul Gauguin, Monet, and Cezanne. This not only enriches the story but also triggers a significant psychological evolution in her character. Meek’s novel shares similarities with the ethereal style of George Saunders, particularly his work Lincoln in the Bardo.
The Dream Collector stands out with its vibrant portrayal of Julie Forette. While initially seeming like a mere narrative device to facilitate encounters with famous personalities, Julie emerges as a character as compelling and dynamic as her historical counterparts. She navigates the shifting landscape of France, deeply affected by the societal and cultural revolutions around her. Her interactions with artistic and medical luminaries are marked by intellectual depth, showcasing her evolving consciousness and understanding of the world.
The Dream Collector: Sabrine & Sigmund Freud offers an engaging journey through a pivotal period in history, filled with intellectual exchanges and vivid portrayals of renowned figures. Each page promises a new discovery, making it a rewarding read for enthusiasts of the genre. Its blend of historical depth with a lively narrative makes it a notable addition to historical fiction.
Pages: 723 | ASIN : B0CP8P5SWL
Louis Mie and the Trial of Hautefaye
L.M. Twist’s Louis Mie and the Trial of Hautefaye sets a compelling narrative against the tumultuous backdrop of early 1870s France. This novel, artfully intertwining historical fact with fiction, delves into the brutal mob murder in Hautefaye, an incident emblematic of the era’s societal strife, the aftershocks of war, and the shadow of Napoleon III. At the heart of this storm is Louis Mie, a distinguished lawyer tasked with defending the accused in a case that mirrors the nation’s turmoil. As he navigates the complexities of a high-profile trial, Louis also contends with personal challenges, from a strained marriage to a friendship tested by ideological divides.
One of the novel’s standout features is its exploration of intricate relationships, particularly the dynamic between Louis and his close friend, Vincent. Their intense exchanges, especially a pivotal moment where ideals and familial expectations clash, are a testament to Twist’s ability to craft deep, multifaceted characters. Twist excels in storytelling, striking a delicate balance between character development and a wider narrative scope. Before pivotal courtroom scenes, readers are immersed in the setting through rich, evocative descriptions, setting the stage for the drama to unfold. The book is a masterful blend of genres, weaving together historical intrigue, legal intricacies, and romantic entanglements. It paints a vivid picture of 1870s Hautefaye, capturing the political turbulence, legal complexities, and social unrest that culminated in peasant uprisings. These historical elements are seamlessly interwoven with a poignant romantic subplot marked by passion, heartbreak, and the trials of love.
Louis Mie and the Trial of Hautefaye offers a multifaceted narrative, shifting through time and perspectives to weave a captivating tale. L.M. Twist’s debut is a testament to the power of a well-told story, marrying historical depth with human emotion. I eagerly anticipate more from this promising author, whose initial foray into novel writing is both impressive and engaging.
Pages: 339 | ASIN : B0CPWZJKBR
LITERARY TITAN 