Guest Name: D. H. Morris

https://newclassicspublishing.com/

Instagram & Pinterest: dhmorris00

Summary

In this fascinating and compelling episode of Poddin’ My Noggin, C.K. Simms sits down with D.H. Morris, author of "The Girl of Many Crowns", a rich and vividly detailed historical fiction rooted in her own genealogy. Inspired by a mysterious entry in a centuries-old family tree, Morris brings to life Judith, a ninth-century royal who defies societal and religious constraints to claim autonomy in a world where loyalty, power, and patriarchy reign. With stunning research, restrained romance, and haunting relevance to today’s world, Morris weaves a timeless tale of resilience and agency. Dive into this episode to learn about the depth of her research, the muted beauty of Baldwin and Judith’s love story, and how the past still echoes in our present.

Takeaways

- "The Girl of Many Crowns" is a meticulously researched historical fiction based on D.H. Morris's royal ancestry, blending fact with vivid storytelling.

- The novel follows Princess Judith, who defies patriarchal constraints in ninth-century Europe to reclaim her autonomy.

- The story is told largely through Baldwin, a character who loves Judith from afar, creating a muted yet powerful romantic thread.

- Morris spent decades researching medieval Europe to ensure historical accuracy.

- The book explores complex themes like power, loyalty, agency, and the weight of royal responsibility.

- Originally written as a historical account, Morris adapted the book into fiction to make Judith’s story more accessible to readers.

- The backdrop of the novel includes real historical figures, events, laws, and even translated Latin documents from the era.

- Morris's inspiration came from discovering a mysterious pattern in her family tree, sparking a lifelong curiosity.

- The book draws eerie parallels to modern issues like religious control, women's rights, and authoritarianism.

- A second novel is already underway, centered on Judith’s grandmother—the empress who inspired a Cinderella-like royal upheaval.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to D.H. Morris and Her Book

03:25 The Journey of Writing Historical Fiction

06:40 Researching the Past: Genealogy and Historical Accuracy

09:52 Judith's Story: A Princess's Journey

13:13 Themes of Empowerment and Defiance

16:42 Character Perspectives: Baldwin and Judith

20:05 The Role of Religion and Society in the Story

23:24 The Emotional Depth of Historical Relationships

26:35 Future Works and Inspirations

29:46 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Keywords

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