About Me - "The Tudor Enthusiast" (aka Stephanie)
Credit: Katherine Beliveau Photography (2021)
I can't quite remember what triggered my love for the Tudor period, but when I think back on it, I believe it started around age 15 - the same time the movie "The Other Boleyn Girl" came out in theaters. Although I had heard of Anne Boleyn and King Henry VIII, I knew very little about the time period (it's not so much a part of our history curriculum here in the States), but I remember walking away from that movie completely in love (and in tears). I started picking up Tudor novels, diving into biographies, and watching as many movies and documentaries as I could. The love for the Tudors grew and grew.
In 2011, I decided to turn my interest in the people and places of Tudor England into a blog and website for me to share my thoughts, tidbits of research, and book recommendations - even if no one read them! What started as a (somewhat) mindless hobby soon became a passionate community of like-minded, history-loving people. I was extremely pleasantly surprised to find that so many people enjoyed what I was writing and visited my website regularly... and so it's grown in the years since. Now, I continue to maintain my regular blog, as well as write book reviews, conduct author interviews, and spotlight any and all Tudor-related news, research, and entertainment.
In 2015 I earned my Master of Studies degree in Modern British and European History from Mansfield College, University of Oxford . Under the supervision of Dr Tracey Sowerby, and through the mentorship of Dr Steven Gunn, I completed my dissertation entitled "The Sunne in Splendour: The Posthumous Reputation of King Edward IV (1485-1603)" - (Yes, I like the late Plantagenet period , too!). Through my time at Oxford, I explored many notable locations related to the Tudor period, read as many books as I could get my hands on, and seriously contemplated pursuing a career in the UK. But, I met my now-husband five days after landing back in America, and the rest is history! I remain an active and enthusiastic member of Oxford's Alumni Association, and consider the university one of the most important and special places in my life. Fun fact: I have a tattoo of the Oxford city skyline on my right arm!
In 2011, I decided to turn my interest in the people and places of Tudor England into a blog and website for me to share my thoughts, tidbits of research, and book recommendations - even if no one read them! What started as a (somewhat) mindless hobby soon became a passionate community of like-minded, history-loving people. I was extremely pleasantly surprised to find that so many people enjoyed what I was writing and visited my website regularly... and so it's grown in the years since. Now, I continue to maintain my regular blog, as well as write book reviews, conduct author interviews, and spotlight any and all Tudor-related news, research, and entertainment.
In 2015 I earned my Master of Studies degree in Modern British and European History from Mansfield College, University of Oxford . Under the supervision of Dr Tracey Sowerby, and through the mentorship of Dr Steven Gunn, I completed my dissertation entitled "The Sunne in Splendour: The Posthumous Reputation of King Edward IV (1485-1603)" - (Yes, I like the late Plantagenet period , too!). Through my time at Oxford, I explored many notable locations related to the Tudor period, read as many books as I could get my hands on, and seriously contemplated pursuing a career in the UK. But, I met my now-husband five days after landing back in America, and the rest is history! I remain an active and enthusiastic member of Oxford's Alumni Association, and consider the university one of the most important and special places in my life. Fun fact: I have a tattoo of the Oxford city skyline on my right arm!
In February 2021 I signed my first publishing contract with Pen & Sword Books UK after being commissioned to write an updated biography of King Edward VI. The experience - while challenging due to living in the US and far away from primary sources (further complicated by the restrictions on travel due to COVID-19) - has been a dream come true, as I've aspired to be a published author for as long as I can remember. There's no estimated publish date as of yet, but watch this space for information and updates in the coming months. In addition to this nonfiction work-in-progress, I have been busily writing what I hope will be my first Tudor novel. I hesitate to share any details as these are early days yet, but I hope to be able to update with news related to this project before too long.
Now that you know a little bit about me, I hope you'll take the time to explore my website to its fullest extent, and maybe drop me a message to let me know what you've thought! I love hearing from readers, and I'm always interested to know what you'd like me to post more about. While you're at it, be sure to connect with my Tudor Enthusiast community on Facebook and join in the fun there as well!
For guest blog posts, interviews, and all other inquiries, I can be reached either via the contact form below or at TudorEnthusiast@gmail.com.
Cheers!
Stephanie
Now that you know a little bit about me, I hope you'll take the time to explore my website to its fullest extent, and maybe drop me a message to let me know what you've thought! I love hearing from readers, and I'm always interested to know what you'd like me to post more about. While you're at it, be sure to connect with my Tudor Enthusiast community on Facebook and join in the fun there as well!
For guest blog posts, interviews, and all other inquiries, I can be reached either via the contact form below or at TudorEnthusiast@gmail.com.
Cheers!
Stephanie
