Searching for the Last Anglo-Saxon King

I am excited to welcome Paula Lofting to my blog today. She and I have been friends and co-administrators of Historical Writers Forum for years, and now we both have new books being published by Pen & Sword. Paula's Harold Godwinson lived centuries earlier than my James A Hamilton, but both are well worth reading about! I'll let Paula tell you herself....

Samantha: What made you decide to write about Harold Godwinson?

Paula: As an author of an historical fiction series set in the 11th century, Harold Godwinson appears in the story as one of the important characters integral to the story. Like most fiction writers I had undertaken a lot of research regarding the period and Harold Godwinson stood out as this charismatic and heroic character. Although not the main character, his place in the story is worthy of decent research in order to create an authentic Harold. Toying with the idea of writing a biography of him, I had a chat with my good friend and fellow writer, Sharon Bennett Connolly, who encouraged me to submit the idea to Pen & Sword which they were happy to take up. And so the process began after much labour and a lot more research and rabbit holes than I expected.

Samantha: What makes your book different from other books about Harold and 1066?

Paula: So the book is titled Searching for the Last Anglo-Saxon King, Harold Godwinson, England’s Golden Warrior. It is a chronological account of the events surrounding his life, shown in the context of his role within his family and the dynamics that moulded his character and actions against the backdrop of the political landscape in which he lived. And of course, the factors at play that brought him to a grisly end at the Battle of Hastings. I also look at the evidence for and against him taking the crown, and whether or not he ‘stole’ it from his rival, William of Normandy, and in conclusion, where was he likely to have been buried, looking at the possible candidates for his last resting place. What makes it different from the other books about Harold? I am a fresh pair of eyes looking at the evidence that previous writers have interpreted and as an author of historical fiction, I’m open to coming up with new ideas that some people have dismissed in the past.

Samantha: What was your greatest challenge in writing this book?

Paula: To try to look at the known ‘facts’ and to not be bias. Even today’s historians who write popular history have biases about their subjects. It's hard not to be biased especially when you are looking at stuff that is so obviously propaganda. One also has to remember that you have to be able to back up your theories with evidence or at least circumstantial evidence which can be hard at times.

Samantha: What was the easiest part?

Paula: There were no easy parts I’m afraid, haha!

Samantha: I can relate! What particularly interesting stories did you discover?

Paula: Harold’s grandfather, Wulfnoth, has a great story about a rebellion he led when the English were about to go to war at sea with the Vikings. He completely ruined that endeavour, but not without good reason some might say. Not me though! Of course Harold’s death was quite gruesome, and very sad. There are lots of anecdotes which expose a character’s nature, some humorous like the story of Osgod Clapa and more serious like the abduction of the abbess of Leominster by Harold’s brother, the black-sheep of the family, Swegn.

Samantha: That makes me eager to read more! Let's talk about your process. How do you approach your writing?

Paula: My aim is to be as accurate as possible, to be open to new challenges and to explore all available avenues when focusing on a particular aspect, and try to make sure I have the knowledge to back what I am trying to portray.

Samantha: What is your favorite thing about being a writer?

Paula: The sense of release it gives me when it’s a bad day. The world is a wonderful place, but it can also be one hell of a rollercoaster ride. Writing helps me to centre myself and focus on something other than the bad stuff going on.

Samantha: Absolutely. What advice would you give someone who is starting their first writing project?

Paula: Do as much research first before you start writing the narrative. Write your references in the text in full. Index as you go along.

Samantha: Ah, referencing and indexing, two tasks I bet a lot of our readers don't even think about. Tell us what you're working on now that Harold is out in the wild.

Paula: For Pen & Sword, a book about Edmund Ironside, King of England, and for myself, (Longship publishing) the third novel in the Sons of the Wolf series.

Samantha: Thanks so much for joining us, Paula!

Connect with Paula Lofting on her website, Facebook, X, Instagram, Threads, and Bluesky. And don't forget to grab a copy of Searching for the Last Anglo-Saxon King!

Don't miss our virtual book launch party with Sharon Bennett Connolly on February 9th at 2pm EST! Learn more about the new books we each have coming out & have the chance to win a copy. I hope to see you there!