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Exclusive Interview with SAMANTHA WILCOXSON | Insights & Stories on CraveBooks

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SAMANTHA WILCOXSON

Member Since: 05/2023

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Writer, history enthusiast, and sufferer of wanderlust, Samantha strives to reveal the deep emotions and motivations of historical figures, enabling readers to connect with them in a unique way. Samantha is an American writer with British roots and proud mother of three amazing young adults. She can frequently be found lakeside with a book in one hand and glass of wine in the other.

Currently in the works: James Alexander Hamilton: Son of the American Revolution, to be published by Pen & Sword History

Tell us a little bit about yourself, your hobbies and interests.

Besides reading and writing, I love to travel and visit historic places. My family and I also enjoy Michigan lake life, local wineries, and trying new foods.

When and why did you start writing books?

I've always read voraciously but only started writing a bit later in life. Writing about history was such a natural fit for me that I don't know why I didn't think to try it sooner, and now I can't imagine doing anything else.

What made you decide to tackle writing as a career?

My husband was the one to suggest I give it a try. I would have never had the confidence to write a book without his encouragement.

Which one of your books or characters is your favourite?

Since I write about real historical figures, each of my main characters holds a special place in my heart. Catherine Donohue in Luminous is probably the one I can relate to most closely.

Which one of your books was the hardest to write and stretched you the most as a writer?

My current work in progress is a biography of James A Hamilton, son of Alexander Hamilton. It is more challenging than anything I have written before because the research takes me to primary resources that aren't available by going online or purchasing a book. I have to travel to different libraries and historical societies to search through letters that were scribbled in the 1800s. It feels like a treasure hunt and I'm eager to see the final product.

Who is your favourite author and book?

I'm not sure it's possible to choose a single favorite book or author. I love classics, like Charlotte Bronte's Villette or Charles Dickens' Tale of Two Cities, and I also love modern historical fiction, such as Sharon Kay Penman's Sunne in Splendor and CJ Sansom's Matthew Shardlake series.

What book are you reading right now?

The Empire of Liberty by Gordon S Wood.

Where do you get your inspiration for your books?

Most of my inspiration has come from reading nonfiction history. I'll come across a person with a tragic story, and I start imagining how I will pull out all that emotion in the novelization. I have also been inspired by visiting historic places and enjoy being able to faithfully recreate a scene because I have actually been there.

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

Spending time with my family is my favorite thing to do. We play games, go on hikes or boat rides, sit around a campfire, and just generally enjoy each other's company.

Do you have any new books in the works?

My current project is a biography of James A Hamilton which will be published by Pen & Sword.