An Interview with Caroline Willcocks

Caroline Willcocks has worked in the theatre, as a freelance journalist, and in charities. She has written all her life, and finds history fiction is a wonderful way to portray human emotions in extraordinary settings. She lives in rural Herefordshire with her husband, two cats, and a dog.

Tell us the story of your book’s title. Was it easy to find, or did it take forever?

The title OF ARAGON came to me very quickly. It stresses the Spanish roots of Katharine, and also makes reference to a mystery that runs through the book. I am proud of it – I think it’s striking and original.

How did it feel when you first saw your book cover? Or when you first held your book in your hands?

Oh, it was so beautiful! I was totally thrilled with it. It was like a dream to see my hard work so beautifully rendered.

Who/what made you want to write? Was there a particular person, or particular writers/works/art forms that influenced you?

I loved the books of Philippa Gregory – they saw me through some tough times. I like the idea of taking a historical situation and fleshing it out, building myths and characters within it. I’ve always written, and I’m quite good at it.

What other professions have you worked in? What’s something about you that your readers wouldn’t know?

At twenty-one, I was the House Manager of the Leicester Haymarket Theatre. It was a wonderfully exciting job, meeting many celebrities and seeing some amazing shows. After I had my children I built a career in freelance journalism, and I then moved into working with refugees. I am fascinated by people who have faced great danger and made courageous decisions. I record a weekly podcast, and have recorded OF ARAGON as an audiobook I also work as a solution-focused therapist.

What was the most rewarding/meaningful part of publishing your book?

Knowing that my book is not languishing on my laptop, but being read.

If your book had a soundtrack, what are some songs that would be on it?

Some beautiful Tudor music played by Jon Sayles, the violinist.

What is one thing you hope readers take away from reading your book? How do you envision your perfect reader?

Enjoyment. An admiration for Katherine of Aragon’s bravery and spirit.

What new writing projects are you currently working on? Or, other projects that are not writing?

I have a number of other novels in the Tudor Queens series. I am writing a love story – the romance between James II and Anne Hyde. Then I have a wild idea for a ‘what if’ history – what would have happened if one event had worked out differently.

How was working with Atmosphere Press? What would you tell other writers who want to publish?

Everyone is polite and professional. I loved the serious attention which they paid to my book. If you want to publish, Atmosphere does a really good job!

Are you a writer, too? Submit your manuscript to Atmosphere Press.