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Ann Lawrence | INSPIRATION BEHIND THE STORY
October 12, 2013
LORD OF SWORDS, my new
historical romance, is on sale everywhere this month. I was inspired to write
this book while I was researching fighting techniques for another book. The
variety and intricacies of medieval fighting fascinated me. I not only had to
put it in a book, I wanted to make it the star of the book. So, LORD OF SWORDS was born. Guy de Maci is a master of the sword. He's the master of the long sword, the
short sword, the long dagger, the short dagger, the eating dagger . . . you get
it! He likes it best if he can get in close and take his opponent out quickly.
But Guy is equally deadly with his bare hands. He's also old enough to know you
don't win a battle with just your expertise with a blade. He understands battle
techniques and that the most important weapon a soldier has is his brain. I loved frustrating Guy when those who know his prowess expect him to just wade
in there and kill people. Guy knows that's not always the best strategy. While
doing my research, I learned a lot about choosing your fighting ground, weighing
your opponent, and finally finishing him off in just the perfect way. 
But Guy isn't alone in my story. He meets his match in Lady Joia of Stonewold
Castle. Guy must be very cautious at Stonewold. He's searching for his missing
son. He could easily be mistaken for a spy (the story takes place during
England's bloody civil war between King Stephen and the Empress Maude). If he's
arrested for spying, he'll never find his son. He becomes the bodyguard to
Stonewold's heir, but guarding the boy hampers rather than helps Guy. He's soon
entangled in not only the boy's life, but also that of the child's sister, Lady
Joia. Lady Joia is plotting her way out of an onerous betrothal. When she tries to
enlist Guy in her efforts, Guy finds all his weapons and training are useless in
resisting her. But should he? Or should he succumb to the passions simmering
between them before they are separated forever? 
The story is also about family loyalties and the pain we can inadvertently cause
others. Of course, the most important part of the story is the love story. Although research can often spark an idea for a new book, as it did for LORD OF
SWORDS, I'm also often inspired by art. This is one of my favorite paintings by
Edmund Blair-Leighton called "The Accolade." His paintings are very romantic,
and I named one of my characters in LORD OF SWORDS Edmund in the artist's honor. Here's my favorite short description for LORD OF SWORDS:
Guy de Maci has never lost a battle . . . will Lady Joia be his first defeat?
You'll have to read the book to find out whether Guy needs his sword to conquer
the lady's heart! Guy and Joia are one of my favorite pairs of lovers. So, are you ever inspired by art? Do you have favorite paintings that take your
imagination on a journey? I hope you'll be inspired by the cover art of LORD OF
SWORDS and this blog to read my story! I'm offering two people who comment on my blog their choice of one of my other
medieval romances, LORD OF
THE KEEP, LORD OF THE
MIST, or LORD OF THE
HUNT (winner's choice of digital format).
Comments
21 comments posted.
Re: Ann Lawrence | INSPIRATION BEHIND THE STORY
I LOVE historical stories AND art - started out as an art major in college and would love to go back to it - it has always been an inspiration to me!
(Felicia Ciaudelli 8:52am October 12, 2013)
I like tranquil scenes of mountain streams or oceansides - also geometrics. Not really inspirational but calming.
(Beth Elder 11:09am October 12, 2013)
I've always loved medieval romances but haven't read many lately. Learning
about your books makes me want to get back to those days of knights and
ladies.
(Barbara Elness 12:19pm October 12, 2013)
i have always enjoyed the medieval romance book i like seeing
how they lived back then their beliefs and i always loved the
heros in the book also
(Denise Smith 1:15pm October 12, 2013)
Art in its many forms can be so beautiful... love historicals... love your book's cover!
(Colleen Conklin 1:49pm October 12, 2013)
Love reading historicals, I am always drawn to pictures of nature.
(Jean Patton 4:05pm October 12, 2013)
I am so glad that you were inspired to write Lord of Swords and reseaching fighting techniques must of been very very interesting
(Timothy Younger 5:11pm October 12, 2013)
I love the picture with the kneeling knight above. I love a beautiful book cover and step-back print. I really wish e-books would also include step-backs as sometimes those are even prettier than the cover. Looking forward to reading your books!
(Marcy Shuler 5:58pm October 12, 2013)
I enjoy art in general but don't have a favorite that sparks
my imagination. But when I need to relax, wandering through
an art gallery, museum, etc is wonderful.
(G. Bisbjerg 6:50pm October 12, 2013)
Wow, Congrats on your new book: LORD OF SWORDS. I love the
book cover too! The artwork is beautiful too! Your book
seems so fascinating and I would love to win and read it
this Fall. Thank You very much. Cecilia CECE
(Cecilia Dunbar Hernandez 7:49pm October 12, 2013)
The medieval period has a lot of innovative artists like Da Vinci, Michaelanglo and even Galileo. All are persecuted for their beliefs. Risky times but they took their stands.
(Kai Wong 8:41pm October 12, 2013)
Thank you to all of you who commented so far! I'm so glad others find art
inspiring. And thank you for the kind words on my books and cover art!
(Ann Lawrence 9:33pm October 12, 2013)
I'm so excited you have a new book. Lord of the Keep is one of my favorite books. I had to look pretty hard for a paperback copy before I got into Amazon online. I'm a fan of Van Gogh's Starry Night. The blues are so interesting.
(Laura Gullickson 9:38pm October 12, 2013)
I am inspired by art. My ancestor is Titian. I love historical and medieval books. Appreciate the giveaway.
(Leona Olson 9:46pm October 12, 2013)
I'm actually not a huge art fan, but there are two paintings I really love. Starry Night by Van Gogh and Salvador Dali's The Persistence of Memory.
(Jamie Fortney 10:20pm October 12, 2013)
I find myself inspired by mountainous landscapes.
(Janie McGaugh 10:33pm October 12, 2013)
Thanks for all the comments! I have to say that my daughter is also a huge fan
of Starry Night! And again, thank you for reading and the kind words on my
books!
(Ann Lawrence 10:08pm October 13, 2013)
I love art and i love to read historcal books
(Felicia Sidoma 11:50pm October 13, 2013)
I love all the old Dutch Masters.
(Mary Preston 2:59am October 14, 2013)
I love reading historical romance with my light on...and not having to worry
about burning something down!
(Kathie English 9:56pm October 14, 2013)
Swords in Medieval times kept the peace and were a symbol of
honor and strength. Being knighted by royalty is pretty
special and one of my distant relatives received that touch.
I like historical fiction and the "Knight Room" at the
Cleveland Museum of Art where there are shields, swords and
armoured knights on armoured horses is filled with scenes
and the sense of the past come to life. The tapestries on
the wall also look elegant and portray clashes between
enemies and also idyllic scenes.
(Alyson Widen 6:27pm October 31, 2013)
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