N. Gemini Sasson is the author of two contemporary novels (The Faderville novels and the Sam McNamee Mystery series) and seven historical novels set in 14th and 15th century Scotland, England and Wales, including The Bruce Trilogy and Isabeau, A Novel of Queen Isabella and Sir Roger Mortimer (2011 IPPY Silver Medalist in Historical Fiction). Long after writing about Robert the Bruce and Queen Isabella, Sasson learned she is a descendant of both.
Sasson is also a lifelong runner, serial remodeler, intrepid gardener, and longtime dog owner. She is an ASCA Senior Breeder Judge (conformation) and, along with her husband, the owner of Imagineer Australian Shepherds, an ASCA Hall of Fame Excellent Kennel. Her articles on the genetics of the natural bobtail have been translated into seven languages.
AUTHOR PAGES (with links to all books for each retailer):
* So, how did I get started writing and end up being published?
Let’s just say it’s been a loooong journey. The very first book I wrote, in the late 1990's, was more along the lines of historical fantasy, but without the magic, which I suppose didn't make it much of a fantasy. Epic fail. I had a few responses for partials from agents, but eventually realized I needed to write something better.
The next book was about Owain Glyndwr, who was the last Welsh prince of Wales. I actually had an agent for that one, but over an eighteen month period she’d only sent it to three publishers, two of whom only did non-fiction. Finally, I wrote her a break-up letter, only to receive a notice shortly afterward from her estate lawyer telling me she had died. That would explain why she wasn’t responding.
In the meantime, I’d written a story about Robert the Bruce that somehow turned into three books. I had a wonderful agent for The Bruce Trilogy who tried relentlessly to find a publisher. We had sincere interest from editors along the way, getting as far as acquisitions meetings, but none panned out. In the meantime, I'd finished writing Isabeau.
Wash, rinse, repeat. With kids going off to college, I had to move forward and think about re-entering the work force soon. Going through the whole submissions process again wasn't something I had time for. That led me to the decision to independently publish.
* What was my inspiration for The Bruce Trilogy and the Isabella Books?
After seeing the movie Braveheart (yes, I know it’s full of inaccuracies, but it was great storytelling), I was inspired to write something epic. My curiosity about the rest of the story, beyond William Wallace, had been piqued and so I began to read, and read, and read ... Four years later I had three books about Robert the Bruce written, although they’ve since undergone many revisions.
Let’s just say it’s been a loooong journey. The very first book I wrote, in the late 1990's, was more along the lines of historical fantasy, but without the magic, which I suppose didn't make it much of a fantasy. Epic fail. I had a few responses for partials from agents, but eventually realized I needed to write something better.
The next book was about Owain Glyndwr, who was the last Welsh prince of Wales. I actually had an agent for that one, but over an eighteen month period she’d only sent it to three publishers, two of whom only did non-fiction. Finally, I wrote her a break-up letter, only to receive a notice shortly afterward from her estate lawyer telling me she had died. That would explain why she wasn’t responding.
In the meantime, I’d written a story about Robert the Bruce that somehow turned into three books. I had a wonderful agent for The Bruce Trilogy who tried relentlessly to find a publisher. We had sincere interest from editors along the way, getting as far as acquisitions meetings, but none panned out. In the meantime, I'd finished writing Isabeau.
Wash, rinse, repeat. With kids going off to college, I had to move forward and think about re-entering the work force soon. Going through the whole submissions process again wasn't something I had time for. That led me to the decision to independently publish.
* What was my inspiration for The Bruce Trilogy and the Isabella Books?
After seeing the movie Braveheart (yes, I know it’s full of inaccuracies, but it was great storytelling), I was inspired to write something epic. My curiosity about the rest of the story, beyond William Wallace, had been piqued and so I began to read, and read, and read ... Four years later I had three books about Robert the Bruce written, although they’ve since undergone many revisions.
While researching The Bruce Trilogy, I found a lot of the references to Edward II's wife, Isabella of France, were not very favorable. I always try to gather resources from different viewpoints and as I did so, the picture of Isabella that emerged was very different from what the contemporary chroniclers partial to Edward II, or even their son Edward III, portrayed. Hers was a story waiting to be told. I couldn't not write it.
I've since gone on to write a time travel romance and adventure (In the Time of Kings) and my upcoming novels are contemporary fiction that will focus on the many roles that dogs play in our lives. Contemporary novels allow me more freedom to develop and explore characters, as well as the chance to connect with readers on a more personal level about current, relevant topics.
* What do I do besides write?
Way too much. I'd get more writing done if I weren't so easily distracted. But having a other passions gives me time to recharge and experience life beyond my keyboard. I've been a runner since I was fifteen (that's 3+ decades) and while I have run a marathon, 5K runs are my favorite. I like going as fast as my feet can take me. I also coach in my 'spare' time.
My husband and I have bred and trained Australian Shepherds since 1987. I've met so many fantastic people around the world through dogs. You can see some of our wonderful furry friends here: Imagineer Australian Shepherds.
When my husband and I aren't running ourselves, we follow our kids to their college track meets. We're proud to say we have two NAIA Academic All-American racewalkers in the family.
To fill up every possible moment, I also love to garden, run agility with my dogs, and stare at my tropical fish.