Rosanna Pike: ‘I love Tudor fiction and have always read widely in this period, but I wanted to write about someone far removed from court’
BY Katie Smart
8th Aug 2024
Rosanna Pike studied with us in London on our Writing Your Novel – Three Months course in 2018. Her debut historical fiction novel A Little Trickerie was was published by Fig Tree, Penguin earlier this month, and it became an instant Sunday Times bestseller.
We spoke to Rosanna about the real historical figure that helped inspire her debut, the writing friends she made while studying with us and her favourite historical novels.
You studied on our London-based Writing Your Novel – Three Months in 2018. How did studying with us impact your approach to writing?
The course at CBC definitely changed the way I approach things. The workshops helped me see my writing from the perspective of the reader and made me consider what I want each chapter to achieve in terms of the reader’s journey. My one-to-one session with Norah Perkins was a particular highlight – I had lots of lightbulb moments during our conversation and she literally showed me how to edit properly. Overall, the course gave me the confidence to believe that getting published is very possible.
Many of our students find lifelong writing friends on our courses. Are you still in touch with anyone you met on the course?
Yes, our group was particularly close, and I still see lots of them. We go to each other’s launches, and we continue to meet up a few times a year – usually at Waterstones Piccadilly. Everyone is so happy for each other’s successes.
A Little Trickerie is out now with Fig Tree (Penguin). It follows young vagabond and orphan Tibb, based on the real-life maid Elizabeth (also known as the Holy Maid of Leominster), who performed an infamous hoax of appearing as angel at the church priory. The novel looks at Tudor England in an interesting new light. What drew you to this time period?
I love Tudor fiction and have always read widely in this period, but I wanted to write about someone far removed from court, so when I came across this seed of a true story I knew I had to expand on it. It allowed me to explore the underbelly of early Tudor England and to introduce a character of very dubious repute.
How did you approach balancing historical research with weaving your own fictional characters and narrative?
I generally research while I plan and then I top it up as I write. I was keen that the worldbuilding was authentic and historically accurate but the actual plot I used my imagination as there is not a huge amount known about the Holy Maid. This was quite freeing as I felt I could create the story I wanted to read.
What does a typical day of writing look like for you?
I have a one-year-old which has definitely made things slightly trickier! I have a nanny three mornings a week and generally leave the house to work in the library. I get quite a bit done in that time- having a baby has made me a lot more efficient. It is a bit of a juggle but I am (just about!) managing to make it work.
What are some of your favourite historical novels?
I love The Crimson Petal and the White by Michel Faber. It’s up there with the best books I’ve read. All the Light We Cannot See was wonderful too. Others I have loved include The Butcher’s Hook and The Miniaturist which are both written by CBC alumni.
Do you have any tips for the aspiring authors reading this who are thinking of applying to a writing course?
Go for it. It will give you new perspectives and opportunities to hone your skills. It will also give you a great writing community which is priceless as being an author can be quite a solitary job at times.
Finally, what’s next for your writing journey?
I have a two-book deal with Penguin, so I am working on my next novel with a deadline of another baby due in January!
Get your hands on a copy of A Little Trickerie.
The books linked in this blog can be found on our Bookshop.org shop front. Curtis Brown Creative receive 10% whenever someone buys from our bookshop.org page.