Interview with Gill Fernandez, Author of The Earl's Daughter (The Aucourte Chronicles Book 1)

What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write this book?

Failure, really. In the distant past, I wrote short stories for women’s magazines, and then after a break I tried full length fiction again. I wrote some fairly mediocre contemporary romances and attempted a series set in the mid 20th century, so almost historical, but I failed almost in every sense, and those books became the secrets I hardly ever mention.

But the desire to write was still there.

Then I realised that mostly American writers dominated the historical romance market even when the setting was English, and I decided I must, if nothing else, be able to bring as much authenticity if not more, to such writing, because I am English and it’s my history – I refer to the sprinkling of genuine historical facts in my books – all researched carefully, and all providing greater depth.

Just over five years ago, I hit on the idea of creating a series, starting in Victorian times and mostly set in England but with a few journeys abroad. A combination of Downton Abbey, The Forsyte Saga and Upstairs Downstairs but with romance at the very centre while not entirely skipping past the more grim parts of life and history.

And yes, it really has taken five years to bring The Earl's Daughter to the public.

What's your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?

I read very widely — Nicholas Sparks to Andy Maslan, Harlan Coben to Robert Harris, David Nicholls to Ian McEwan, Lisa Kleypas to Julia Quinn. The common thread, I think, is emotional intelligence. I’m drawn to books where the characters feel genuinely alive, whatever the genre. And that is also what I try to write.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

Leaving Time – Jodi Picoult
The Collected Stories of Katherine Mansfield – Katherine Mansfield
The Secret Keeper – Kate Morton [Actually just started yesterday]

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

Three scenes stay with me. One follows a moment of real danger and its aftermath — it allowed me to write something quite tender and funny. Another is a garden scene on Alice’s birthday, initially comic and ultimately heartbreaking. And the third I’ll leave firmly between the pages.

Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)

I’m a pantser — I write entirely without an outline, following the characters where they lead. Some writers find that alarming. I find the alternative impossible.

Do you have a motto, quote or philosophy you live by?

Be kind. It sounds simple. It isn’t always.

If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?

I’d love them to remember the Aucourte family. Then they’ll know who’s who when we get to future books, but I would like them to remember that England in the 1890s wasn’t so very different from now when it comes to matters of the heart.