Out
26 November 2007
As a writer, I feel a sense of loss when a character like Anatole becomes the property of others - of my readers. But, of course, that was also the point in writing the book.
In Rennes-les-Bains last weekend, my husband saw the place where Meredith parked her car to explore. Greg drove to Rennes-le-Château and shuddered as he looked into the demon's wide blue eyes. But those places were no more real for being visited. The were real already in my imagination.
When a book comes out, everything changes. Hope and expectation are transformed into excitement or satisfaction or disappointment. I've been delighted and - I think - lucky. Many authors I have spoken to have told me that there is always disappointment - whatever their book's reception.
I can't remember who first said 'comparisons are odious'. Authors - and I suppose other artists - have to accept that their works will be compared one with another. It is uncomfortable, though, because you want the new book to be judged on its own terms.
Reviews are terrifying in any case. You want your book to be noticed but you don't want it criticised - at least, only for the things you wish yourself that you had done better.
I'm delighted with the comments I've received:
Red
'The Labyrinth author is back with another brilliantly absorbing
story ... Richly evocative and full of compelling twists and turns.'
Simon Mayo Book Show
'Better than Labyrinth!'
Eve
'The latest from the author of best-selling Labyrinth, this adventure
will keep you engrossed.'
Daily Mail
'ghosts, duels, murders, ill-fated love and conspiracy … addictively
readable.'
Independent
'Mosse's gifts for historical fiction are considerable ... Mosse does
what good popular historical novelists do best - make the past enticingly
otherworldly, while also claiming it as our own.'
Daily Express
'A sure, deft momentum … the secrets begin to slip out thick and
fast'
Daily Mirror
'The best of the Brits…a ghoul thriller…Where Mosse really
wins is in the writing department. She's the real role model there.'
Scotland on Sunday
'Her narrative lyricism, beautifully drawn female characters and deft
journey from the past to the present day, are also a cut above.'
Observer
'Sepulchre is a compulsive, fantastical, historical yarn. Mosse's skill
lies in the precise nature of her storytelling.'
Daily Telegraph
'[Mosse is] a powerful storyteller with an abundant imagination'.
But the things that really matter are the responses of readers - emailing me, coming to events, writing to my publisher or agent.
This is what really counts - readers enjoying my work.
Welcome to the Sepulchre.
