Today we talk about Two Swans a book by Linda de Létang published with our publishing house Europe Books.
Europe Books had the pleasure of interviewing the author, Linda de Létang, to get to know her better, what prompted her to write her book Two Swans, as well as how she describes her Writing style.
Below you can find our interview. Take a seat and enjoy your reading!!!
- What was the moment that prompted you to the writing of your book?
I have been wondering about my mother’s past for many years now. Her French name, her birthplace and her Dutch ancestry. I had done much digging to no avail until one day I decided to call upon the help of a genealogist. The moment I learnt about her Huguenot background, when each day I had gathered more information of her past, it occurred to me that it was important my children knew about my family history. That was when I felt the need to write about it. I can’t remember how I started writing, but what I do remember is that I never meant to write a book, let alone having it published. As the pages of my notebook got thicker, as funny little ideas popped up in my head, as I rambled on about my family tree and Huguenots, it hit home. I could write a story about my forebears. I could make them come alive. My imagination started running wild. I was in a weird state of mind. I was haunted by the fact that if I didn’t do anything about my urge to write, if I didn’t follow my heart, I would regret it miserably.
- What characteristics your audience should have to appreciate your book?
As I mentioned earlier on, when the idea of writing my book came upon me, I had no intention at all of having it published. I merely wanted to have my story written on paper, something I could leave behind for my family to read, a hand-me-down gift, so to speak. Never for once did I ever think I was going to write for the public eye. Now that the question is asked of me, all I wish is to connect with my audience, and that my readers are able to feel the emotional bond between me –– as the author of TWO SWANS –– and the characters in my book. I want my audience to feel completely part of the story, to live the excitement, the sadness, the mystery, the drama … In short, to feel what I am feeling. My story is a personal one with sequences of historical events and true happenings. I have strove to make it for a large number of readers. I am confident that any one –– with an adventurous soul and an open mind, sensitive to the ways of life, with the joys and laughter of the world, as well as the distress and hardship that go with it –– will make an appreciative audience.
- How would you describe your writing style?
This is a tricky question. To be truthful, I’m not sure what my answer is. I never really thought about writing styles. When an idea hits me, I jot it down almost immediately. Later, going back to it, I try to find space in my story to fit it in, using adequate words, creating something more story-like, whatever the style may be. Debutante, my inspiration comes from reading. I love and admire J. Austen, K. Follet, T. Hardy and L. Riley, to name a few. I focus my thoughts in getting my story told, do my best to stay on track and be as creative as possible, well, at least maintain a certain consistency in my writing, which I find can change like moods and seasons! What I do love, however, are the dialogues I have built throughout the story; I think aloud and speak inside. I think about my own past experiences. I easily find myself an interlocutor taking part in conversations with my characters, sensing the fun when I express my inner feelings and thoughts with them, the reason why I feel personally involved with all, as if one of them could easily be me!
- How did you choose the title of your book?
It is easy to answer this one! It is with no doubt the easiest part of the writing process of my novel. For as long as I can remember, the story of the two swans has always been a topic when it came to talking about my mother’s family. She would mention repeatedly about a picture of a pond in France supposedly having been part of the family for many centuries –– all this confirmed and backed by her entourage, naturally –– so much so that they all claimed it had even become a family crest, passed down and lost through generations! And, frankly, I was utterly fascinated by her account of these two waterbirds. So the day I decided to write, I had no trouble with the title of my book. TWO SWANS appeared automatically in my mind and I never questioned nor troubled myself searching for another one. Of course, my story has all to do with my family lineage which makes the choice of the title even more coherent.
- Are you working on a new writing project you can tell us about?
Right, and the answer is yes and no. Writing TWO SWANS has been a challenging but wonderful experience for me, and I’m overjoyed to see it finally published. But to answer your question, yes, I’m toying with the idea of a new project, because you see, in the course of writing TWO SWANS, I have become aware that there’s yet so much to tell. How Pierre and his family adapt themselves to their new lives after their exile, not forgetting the great historical events and happenings that took place in the 18th century, not only in France, but the whole of Europe and all around the world. Then, there is the why and the how the first de Lestang ends up on the other side of the globe, in the Dutch East Indies where my great-great grandfather was born. If I go back to my family tree, I can say that, logically, there will be a sequel. After all, it is only natural that I want to end what I started. Only, at the moment, I really do not want to talk about it… not just yet. There is still much going on in this head of mind. At this stage, I don’t want to give away too much. If there’s to be a part two, it will be another story, and my little secret.
Europe Books thanks the author, Linda de Létang, once again for taking the time and answering our questions. We are really pleased to have walked alongside her on the editorial path that led to the publication of her book Two Swans. We wish her the best of luck for her future works.
To you, my readers, I hope, as the author also hopes, that you feel an integral part of the stories of the characters told in the book to the point of feeling the whole same emotions that they feel.
So, my dear reader, all I have to say is to enjoy your reading!
Your editor!