It’s based on real events, but we know very little about what exactly played out or when and nothing at all about the personages as humans, so there was a lot of fill-in space for the novelist to supplement the historian.

N.L. Holmes – 7 March 2021

The Back Flap

In the twilight years of the Hittite Empire (1230s BC), Tudhaliya IV comes to the throne as a usurper’s younger son, determined to rule according to the traditional values of justice and clemency, despite the harder advice of his ambitious mother and his questionably loyal older brothers. When his cousin Kurunta, with whom he was raised as someone dearer than a brother, decides his own claim to the throne is stronger than Tudhaliya’s, the latter must decide whether to apply the brutal pragmatism of his advisors or risk appearing weak, and how to manage to leave his own son an empire that is finally free from civil war. The cost will be the sacrifice of his deepest friendship.

About the book

What is the book about?

The Sun at Twilight is about Tudhaliya IV of the Hittite Empire, the younger son of a usurper, who is desperate to please the gods and bring wellbeing to his country in spite of his illegitimacy. Unfortunately, the cousin with whom he is raised as more than a brother and who has sworn to support him, suddenly discovers he is the rightful king, and the two dear friends find themselves doing battle for the kingship, at the cost of their relationship.

When did you start writing the book?

I don’t remember exactly when I started, but it was finished in 2017.

How long did it take you to write it?

Probably not more than a few months. But then, I sit on it and hone it, then the editors do their magic. Then, in this case, I set it aside to work a little more on some things and in between came a whole slew of other books, including a kind of prequel for this one.

Where did you get the idea from?

It’s based on real events, but we know very little about what exactly played out or when and nothing at all about the personages as humans, so there was a lot of fill-in space for the novelist to supplement the historian.

Were there any parts of the book where you struggled?

This was one of my earlier books, and I had a lot to learn about style and form. For example, I had written it originally in present tense. I had a reason, but coming back to it, I found it wasn’t too successful, so I changed everything. I think the plot and characters have held up pretty well.

What came easily?

The characters. Once they became real for me, they sort of took over and guided the plot as they wanted it.

Are your characters entirely fictitious or have you borrowed from real world people you know?

Not people I know, especially, but they are real historical figures. I guess there’s a little bit of myself in all of them, but also parts of others, even my cats!

We all know how important it is for writers to read. Are there any particular authors that have influenced how you write and, if so, how have they influenced you?

My favorites are literary authors like Strout, Erdrich, Robinson. I love the way they handle the language and put us inside the head of a three-dimensional character. The same for the nineteenth-century Realists. I guess the novel that has marked me more than anything is Zola’s Germinale. Not that my style is anything like it, but the intensity attracts me powerfully.

Do you have a target reader?

I guess Sun is aimed at a fairly well-educated lover of historical fiction who won’t give up over foreign names! It’s an emotional story, and although there are some battle scenes, it’s mostly character driven. LGBT readers may find it interesting too.

About Writing

Do you have a writing process? If so can you please describe it?

I’m a “pantser.” I tried once to write an outline, but I sat staring at the bank page, idea-less, until I was convinced I had no imagination! So, I start with a few notes built around the historical core of the story—character sketches, twists, conflicts I want to explore. Sometimes I write scenes that I want to take place as they come to me, and then order and connect them later.

Do you outline? If so, do you do so extensively or just chapter headings and a couple of sentences?

No. I’d like to outline, but it hasn’t worked for me. My notes are even vaguer than chapter headings and sentences. I add to them as ideas come to me while I’m writing: “Ah! It would be cool to let this happen!” To some extent, I permit the characters to work out where they want to go. Sounds corny, I know…

Do you edit as you go or wait until you’ve finished?

I edit as I go to some extent. Because the way I work requires me to reread the manuscript frequently, I tend to correct glaring things as I go.

Did you hire a professional editor?

Yes. Red Adept Editing provides content and line editors and proofreaders. I try to get the same editors every time so the voice stays the same.

Do you listen to music while you write? If yes, what gets the fingers tapping?

I want something that doesn’t demand too much mental attention, so I avoid peppy or dramatic stuff. When I listen to music (not always), I like Debussy a lot. I can’t listen to anything when I’m editing.

About Publishing

Did you submit your work to Agents?

Yes, I had an agent at one point, but we didn’t see eye to eye on something that was important to me.

What made you decide to go Indie, whether self-publishing or with an indie publisher? Was it a particular event or a gradual process?

Once I gave up on the idea that there was something inferior about going indie (no gatekeepers to pass, etc.), I found it gave me a lot more creative freedom. I think it was a gradual conversion, but when I did it, I did it fast. I put out seven books in one year! No way a conventional publisher would have done that!

Did you get your book cover professionally done or did you do it yourself?

I’ve had all my covers and maps professionally done and books formatted professionally. No reason an indie book should look amateurish.

Do you have a marketing plan for the book or are you just winging it?

I have a plan, assisted by a professional book marketer, but there’s a lot of winging it anyway! It’s been intense with so many books out at once. I’ve had to split up my publicity budget and mental energy more than I would have liked.

Any advice that you would like to give to other newbies considering becoming Indie authors?  

Don’t be afraid to seek professional help at any point. But you’re still in control in a way you’d never be with conventional publication.

About You

Where did you grow up?

I’m a native of Fort Worth, Texas (the friendly city where the West begins).

Where do you live now?

I live in Tampa, Florida, after stints in Philadelphia and rural South Jersey.

What would you like readers to know about you?

I’m a professional archaeologist by training, and taught ancient history and humanities for many years. Also, I spent nearly twenty years as a cloistered nun, have been an artist, an interior decorator, an antiques dealer, and an executive secretary to an educational foundation.

What are you working on now?

I’m finishing up a book in a different series (The Lord Hani Mysteries), and working on the next two books that will follow Sun at Twilight, to take the Empire at Twilight series out to the end of the Hittite Empire.

End of interview:

For more from Ms Holmes, visit her website and follow her on Twitter.

Get your copy of The Sun at Twilight from Amazon US or Amazon UK.