Author Interview with Faye Sewell of “The Coronet”
Hello readers! I got the chance to interview author, Faye Sewell about their recent novel “The Coronet”, overall writing process, and delving into the historical fiction genre. I hope you all enjoy the interview!
About The Book
Vesta Calida Cavendish knows she is destined for a life at sea like her father, despite the opinions of others. However, when her mother begins to foist a future she can’t bear upon her in earnest and her brother Nicolas is given captaincy of the family ship, she takes the only escape open to her – she leaves Port Royal to prove herself, on the first crew that will take her. Leaving behind the only town she knows and the only family she has, she embarks on a new life as ‘Fernando.’
She knew piracy would be tough but some of the events in store could never have been anticipated…
Meanwhile in England, Matthew is facing an uphill battle to be himself. Trapped in high society with his violent father and hyper-critical mother, whilst secretly harbouring feelings for the stable-hand, his life becomes unbearable. Desperate for a way out, he decides his inheritance might not be worth the prison he lives in…
Nicolas Cavendish inherits his father’s ship as he always knew he would. As far as he can tell, Captaining is easy – the coin, the women and the alcohol are easy to come by and the world is his oyster. He cares little for thinking about the future, but what he refuses to think about may just prove to be his weakness…
Whether they like it or not, all three of their destinies are linked.
Q&A Time!
Hello Faye! Thank you for stopping by the blog! Tell us a bit about yourself.
Hi Rachel, Thanks for having me! I’m an actor based in London and I took up writing as something to do in between jobs. I’ve now completed and released six books, with a seventh currently going through the editing process. I studied Archaeology and Philosophy as well as completing drama training, so it’s been a varied and interesting ride.
How were you inspired to write “The Coronet”?
‘The Coronet’ is the opening novel of my second trilogy and came about because of requests for a prequel series to my first trilogy. I already had the feeling I wanted to explore those characters more and that I wasn’t “done” with them, so it just felt right.
Your bio states that favorite genre to write is historical fiction, with a particular interest in the golden age of piracy. What draws you to this period of history?
It’s hard for me to pinpoint exactly what it is, but it has always fascinated me. I loved pirate tales as a kid and that love never went away I suppose! As a teenager I began weapons training (which also comes in handy as an actor) and spent a lot of time reading history books on that specific time period. I find the democratic nature of pirate society very interesting and the rebelliousness and freedom that resulted when ships were run ‘for the good for the company.’
What was the hardest thing about writing The Coronet?
Definitely the detail checking, making sure that the backstory timelines for all three of my main characters added up with any references and events in the trilogy that follows on from it.
Do you have any favorite pirate films/books that you’ve enjoyed or gotten inspiration from?
Definitely! ‘Treasure Island’, and JM Barrie’s ‘Peter Pan’ (the original novel and the play), ‘Stardust’ and ‘Pirates!’ by Celia Rees were favourite books as a teenager too. I also love the Pirates of the Carribbean series. Outside of that, all the other books on my shelf are nonfiction books for research.
When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?
I always loved creative writing in school and my Mum tells me my first nursery teacher predicted I would be a writer, but I don’t think it really clicked for me until I finished my first book.
What book that you have read has most influenced your life?
It’s hard to pick just one, but I think The Lord of The Rings series had a huge impact on me when I read it. It really hammered home the value of persistence in the face of adversity for me.
What advice would you give to aspiring writers?
Write what you love, then you’ll enjoy every moment of the process, write the kind of books you want to read and keep plodding along with it even when you don’t feel particularly inspired.
If you’re editing your own work – don’t rush, take breaks in between drafts to allow fresh perspective and make sure your work is as good as it can possible be before you publish it.
About The Author
F. K. Sewell was born in West Sussex, has lived in Wexford, Ireland, Cork city, Los Angeles and currently resides in London.
Faye attended drama school and has a background in acting, with a keen interest in martial arts, weapons training, history and travelling.
When not writing Faye is most likely to be found on a film set, at the gym, on a beach or drinking large amounts of green tea while reading.Faye’s favourite genre to write is historical fiction, with a particular interest in the golden age of piracy.
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Thanks again to Faye Sewell for taking the time for a Q&A session and stopping by the blog! Be sure to add The Coronet to your reading list for a swashbuckling adventure!
