Elizabeth Perez
asked
Kate Quinn:
One of my favorite qualities in your novels is the way each character is presented with a certain love in terms of their mannerisms and motivations. Characters are presented as whole people rather than caricatures or one-dimensional saints/demons. Do you use people in your own life as models?
Kate Quinn
In a few cases I've used real people as models for fictional characters--Vix from the Rome series shares quite a lot of traits with my husband, and tart-tongued chef Carmelina from the Borgia duology is exactly how I imagine my salty Sicilian grandmother-in-law would have been in her youth, had she been born during the Renaissance. But for the most part characters grow up inside their own stories on their own, and I try to make sure they have their own weaknesses and strengths. Nobody ever envisions themselves as the villain; we're all the hero in our own minds; and few people see themselves as saints either. Glad you've enjoyed my fictional people on their various journeys!
More Answered Questions
Judy Wallace
asked
Kate Quinn:
Hi Kate. I loved your Borgia and Roman series; I'm now reading THE ALICE NETWORK-so good. I love how you treat historical writing. I know that you've done meticulous research in such detail that I feel like I've been there when I've finished one your historical fictions. Have you ever considered Russian history? I am fascinated with the last Tsar and what happened to his family. You would blow us away!
Alice
asked
Kate Quinn:
Hi, Kate! I just have to say that your Borgia Chronicles are two of my favorite books, and I'm reading the Mistress of Rome series now. So far, I'm enjoying it! My question for you is how do you decide you've done enough research and you need to start writing? In general, how do you balance writing historical context with plot? Thank you!
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