Through writing The Tudor Enthusiast, I have the wonderful and unique opportunity to correspond with historical fiction authors and publishing companies who want to get their books out there for avid readers. I am always ecstatic when I receive an email from someone asking me to review their book or offer a giveaway (by the way, I'm doing both right now!). I am still baffled by the fact that this website, which started out so small, has reached the ears and notice of some of the top publishing companies in the US and the UK, and that we have some of the top-selling historical authors in the world following and enjoying what's being said on our Facebook page and on the blog.
One of the most amazing experiences I've had so far as The Tudor Enthusiast has been the chance to study at the University of Oxford for a semester (August to December 2012). Although that wasn't an opportunity given as a result of my website, it gave me a wonderful opportunity to spread even more Tudor love and knowledge to those who were reading what I wrote. It also gave me my first chance to formally study the Tudors in an academic setting. I hope and pray it will not be my last opportunity! While in the UK, I had the chance to meet Dr. Suzannah Lipscomb, a very popular and successful Tudor historian, who told me a lot about her work and got me fired up about the chance to follow in her professional footsteps. I also had the unique opportunity to meet the stepson of Michael Hirst (writer of The Tudors, as well as several other succesful period dramas). These are experiences that I will never forget, and which have helped me grow in my journey as The Tudor Enthusiast. I am exceedingly grateful for every opportunity that has come along because of the passion I have for this history!
With that being said, I have very real aspirations to become an historian, and I know that The Tudor Enthusiast is helping me make that dream a reality. One of my greatest wishes is to become a published author, and to make the most of my love for the sixteenth century. Even though I'm not there yet, I'm taking steps every day, and writing this website is helping to keep that goal at the forefront of my mind!
From the bottom of my heart, THANK YOU for the support and love you give to me. Thank you for your love and interest in the Tudors. Thank you for the questions, comments, and constructive criticism - I read and appreciate them ALL! I am so excited to continue writing and managing this website and its accompanying Facebook and Twitter. My great wish is that you all will continue to enjoy what I post, and that we'll all grow in our love and knowledge of the Tudors through this exciting and fast-growing community. What a fantastic two years... Here's to MANY more!!!
Stephanie
The Tudor Enthusiast