*Authors Are Rockstars Tour * Katherine Longshore

I am honoured to be hosting Katherine Longshore for the Authors Are Rockstars tour. I consider Katherine to be a rockstar for many reasons. I could discuss her amazing novels. The research and care she puts into bringing her characters to life. Her novels read like biographies rather than fiction because their voices resonate so deeply, and leap off the page. She captured Anne Boleyn's essence perfectly. It goes without saying that her writing is rockstar status worthy.

However, it's not just Katherine's writing that makes her a rockstar. She is incredibly kind. She has supported my blog events enthusiastically and always makes time to help out bloggers with anything they may need. She is passionate about publishing/books and it shows in her interaction with bloggers. It may seem like a small thing, but having an author genuinely thankful for what bloggers do always makes what we do feel even more worthwhile and appreciated.

In short Katherine is someone who not only writes amazing novels that will make you fall in love with her characters, but she is considerate in both her characterization of iconic characters, and in her general interaction with others. In my book, kindness goes a long way and is worthy of rockstar status.

I'll now let Katherine tell you about some people she considers to be rockstars.

Hello!  I’m thrilled to be part of the second Authors Are Rockstars blog tour and equally excited to be hosted by Kathy at A Glass of Wine.  Kathy asked me a really intriguing question—which historical figures do you consider to be rock stars and why?

1. Henry VIII.  Of course I had to start with Henry.  His most recognizable image doesn’t really bring the term rock star to mind—fat, piggy-eyed, irascible.  But in his youth, Henry was considered one of the handsomest men in Europe.  Engaging, charming, brilliant.  I actually imagined him as a rock star—crush-worthy and presumably unattainable—while writing him into TARNISH.  And in an odd way, one can picture him like Elvis Presley.  At the height of his notoriety pursued by screaming fans, and in the end, fat and miserable, a slave to his appetites.
2. Anne Boleyn.  Of all of Henry’s wives, she is the one best remembered.  Her contemporaries didn’t all see her as beautiful, but she had some kind of charisma that captured the attention and admiration of Henry VIII.  She was vivacious and clever, had her own sense of style and thought outside the box.  Perhaps a bit like Lady Gaga?
3. Richard III.  Richard is one of history’s bad boys.  Even his detractors agreed that he was a warrior and a fierce opponent.  The recent discovery of his skeleton tells us that he did have a somewhat crooked back and that one shoulder was higher than the other, but he was hardly the limping, shriveled-armed character Shakespeare handed us.  He’s surrounded by myths and imaginative rumors, and we just don’t know which are true.  Is he Marilyn Manson—who generates his own image of disrepute?  Or more like a Keith Richards who finds it by following his passions and addictions?
4. Joan of Arc.  Young, intense, driven.  She wholeheartedly believed in her voices and in what she was doing.  She became a leader, an icon.  All of which led inevitably to her death.  Think Jimi Hendrix or Janis Joplin.  
5. Marie Antoinette.  Perhaps she’s misunderstood.  Perhaps she really didn’t care about the poor.  Perhaps she thought she was untouchable.  But she is certainly well-remembered and iconic.  Beautiful.  Tragic.  If she had lived, perhaps she would have reinvented herself.  Like Madonna?

There’s a reason these historical figures are remembered.  That even people who claim not to like history remember their names—perhaps can even pick their faces out of a lineup.  Just like people who listen only to classical music could say, “Oh, I’ve heard of Elvis Presley.”  They’re rock stars.  The voice, the inspiration, the icon of a generation and beyond.  Through their lives, these historical figures have created something.  Perhaps not music, but certainly change.  In perception, in policy.  Through myths and legends and art (paintings, plays, movies, music.)  We still find them fascinating, just like we will be listening to the great music artists for a long time to come.

This is by no means a complete list—and I admit it’s pretty Anglocentric, but that’s where my passion lies!

I’d love to hear who you think is a historical rock star.

A huge thank you to Katherine for stopping by and be sure to check out her first two books.

If you haven't already be sure to check out my 5 star review of both Gilt and Tarnish, and add Katherine's newest, soon to be released novel, Manor of Secrets to your Goodreads shelf!

You can find out more by visiting Katherine's website, and be sure to follow her on Twitter!

Please let me know who YOU think is a historical rockstar in the comments. Be sure to also check out the other stops on this fantastic tour!