Anne: Our interview this morning is with Stephanie Landsem, author of the book I reviewed yesterday, The Thief. (To see that review, click HERE.) We all want to know what inspired The Thief.
Stephanie: The idea for The Thief came about all at once, when my sister and I were brainstorming for the second book of the series. I wanted to write about the man born blind, and she wanted me to write about the good thief. So we devised a way to tie the two together with a little sister who had to steal to keep her brother fed. I had the synopsis written and sent off to my agent within 24 hours!
Anne: How neat to have a sister like that! Which is your favorite scene in the book?
Stephanie: That's a tough one. I think I would say the scene where Longinus finds Jesus in the garden of Gethsemane. It is such a big moment for him.
Anne: It was--and I liked that scene too. Who is your favorite character?
Stephanie: I'd have to say Longinus, the Roman centurion. It was great fun to research Roman legions and soldiers.
Anne: I love the researching too! I find in my manuscripts I actually begin thinking of the characters as real people, even though logically I know they're not. Do you?
Stephanie: Oh, yes. After I sent in the last edits for The Thief, I was depressed for days. I didn't know why until I realized that I missed Longinus.
Anne: Do you actually enjoy all the researching that is so necessary to a historical novel?
Stephanie: I love the research, probably too much. I spend a great deal of time researching and have trouble deciding when I need to stop and get writing.
Anne: What was the most surprising thing you found during your research?
Stephanie: The politics and unrest in Jerusalem, not only between the Jews, Greeks, and Romans, but within the different sects of Judaism itself.
Anne: Would you like to tell us a little about your next book?
Stephanie: The Tomb is a surprising story of Martha, Mary, and Lazarus. If you've ever sympathized with Martha, you'll want to read her story.
Anne: I do want to read it. Let us know when it's out!
4 comments:
Thanks for having me on, Anne. I'm glad you enjoyed The Thief and I hope your readers do, too.
I just discovered Stephanie Landsem, have delightfully devoured "The Well," and can't wait to get "The Thief" at her book launch on March 1.
Great interview!
I just discovered this author and The Thief! Wonderful book and author. Loved this interview and how The Thief book came about. Cannot wait to read The Well and The Tomb. This author is going on my watch list for new books. Thanks for the interview!
tscmshupe [at] pemtel [dot] net
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