How did the idea for Rutherford Park unfold?
Elizabeth Cooke: Twenty-four years ago, I had an idea for a book. It was based on my grandfather's memories of working for a large Victorian house. I wanted to write about the 'upstairs-downstairs' tales that my mother had regaled me with over the years, and also the story of a particularly large Shire horse that my grandfather had named Wenceslas. Sadly though, I was told : 'Sorry. There's no market for historical fiction like that'.
So I put the idea away and wrote (and had published) six psychological thrillers, two comedies, and two supernatural thrillers. But in 1999 the historical ideas started resurfacing, and I had a major breakthrough with my book 'The Ice Child'.
Now let's scroll on eleven years. It's 2011, and a lot has happened to me in that time (see 'biography'!). My tally of published books has now risen to eleven, the last one being non-fiction ('The Damnation of John Donellan'). I also run a small business with my husband. And one night I'm shutting up shop. It's the middle of winter and dark, and we're struggling with the door locks and alarm system, when the phone rings and I hear the voice of my American agent, Liv Blumer. From across the misty darkness of the Atlantic she asks, 'Liz, have you seen Downton Abbey? We love it here. Have you ever thought about writing an 'upstairs/downstairs' sort of story?'
Oh yes. I certainly have!.......and I thank my American editor, Wendy McCurdy, for thinking of me above anyone else.
It's funny how life works. Sometimes you just have to wait for the world to turn a little. I owe such a huge thank-you to my grandfather (on whom I based Jack Armitage)...and of course to the original Wenceslas, who remains Wenceslas in the books - my grandfather's adored and beloved baby who was taken away to war.
It wasn't his only loss. In 1916, a year after Wenceslas left, my grandfather's own son William left for France with the Border Regiment. William died in the hell on earth that was 1st July 1916, the Battle of the Somme. What we owe to these men - boys, really - who fought in France is almost impossible to appreciate.
So I hope you enjoy the 'Rutherford' series. The books that waited nearly a quarter of a century to be published. The third in the trilogy will be published in September 2015 and is called 'The Gates of Rutherford'.
What preliminary research did you need to do before starting to write the novel?
EC: I researched a lot about London society, early aircraft and flight, Edwardian fashion, Paris, and the outbreak of war. I like research and continue researching while I'm writing, if necessary.
If you had the chance, which character would you like to have a cup of tea with?
EC: John Gould... rich, handsome, romantic...who wouldn't! :D
If your novel was adapted for film, who do you envision playing the main characters?
EC: Oh my Lord.... Kristin Scott Thomas would make a wonderful Helene. And who else for Harry but Eddie Redmayne.
You mentioned The Gates of Rutherford is out in September! Gosh! That seems like a long way away! Will there be more novels in the Rutherford series?
EC: 'The Gates' is number three. I have the fourth plotted out but we shall have to see. Meanwhile I'm just finishing a non-fiction that I was half-way through before Rutherford was commissioned.
And that does it! Many thanks to Ms. Cooke for her time on this blog! If I've finally convinced you to read Rutherford Park and The Wild Dark Flowers, click on the links below! :)
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