Tell us more about Kat Ashley, hero of The Queen's Governess.  How much of what you wrote about her is real and how much fiction?

Kat Ashley rose from obscure, rural beginnings to become an educated woman, a confidant of Anne Boleyn and Elizabeth Tudor's governess when Anne was beheaded.  Since Elizabeth was only three then, Kat Ashley was also her mother figure on the dangerous road to the throne and even in her early years as queen.  As Elizabeth says in the novel, "Anne Boleyn gave me life, but Kat Ashley gave me love."

All my historical novels are what Alex Hailey dubbed "faction," a blending of research and storytelling.  The interesting thing about Tudor-era research is that "facts" and "definite dates" often conflict.  However, I do not change anything that I can find in reading primary or secondary sources, unless I make clear what I've adapted in the Author's Note.  I have written numerous other books set in Elizabethan times, including a nine-book mystery series, so I've been at this for quite a while.

What makes The Queen's Governess a thriller?

Several things, but it is not a thriller by one definition I've seen lately.  It does not take place in a short period of time, but rather covers several decades in the life of a woman who risked all even when she saw what could happen when one crossed Henry Tudor.  (The novel begins with Kat's witnessing Anne's beheading.)  Kat and others near the throne had to survive in a culture where even thinking about the king's death was punishable.  Talk about Orwell's "thought police"!  Not only was Kat imprisoned more than once for protecting and defending Elizabeth Tudor, but even when "her girl" became queen, Kat's troubles were not over.  The book is a thriller because the two central characters--and several others--are continually risking death.

What did you do to research the book, spend a night in the Tower of London?

That's one thing I haven't done in my many research treks to England to check out Tudor sites.  However, even in the daylight, that place speaks to me--the walls whisper.

What is it about Tudor times that fascinates you, and, for that matter, so many novel readers, TV watchers, and moviegoers?

I could write a huge thesis on this, but I'll just say that the Tudors and the noble families of that day were hungry for power and willing to take ultimate risks.  Once they had power, "absolute power corrupts absolutely."  And as long as I'm throwing quotes around, let me add William Faulkner's brilliant one, "The past is never dead.  It's not even past."  Deceit and betrayal and blood and divorce on a grand scale?  Sounds like not only Tudor times but today's headlines.

Publisher's Weekly says the book is an "enjoyable proto-feminist historical romp."  What did they mean?

Actually, the book's tone and topics are too heavy and scary to be a romp.  The proto-feminist stuff I get:  Anne Boleyn, Kat Ashley and Elizabeth Tudor were strong women in an age which usually chewed them up and spit them out.

Who led a life more filled with comfort, Queen Elizabeth or you?

Great question, one I've never been asked before.  Although Gloriana was pampered for her times, the medical conditions, travel conditions, etc. make it no contest--I am more pampered than Her Grace ever was.

You live part-time in Columbus, Ohio and part-time in Naples, Florida.  Do you do most of your writing in one city or the other?  Which one is more conducive to writing?  Do your workdays look the same in both cities?

I do more writing in Ohio, simply because I'm there twice as long as we are in Florida.  Also, the lure of sun and sand in the winter means I more often leave the house and get distracted in Naples.  Fortunately, I'm an early riser so I can get something done before fun-in-the-winter-sun temptations hit.

You write a contemporary series set amidst the Amish in addition to your books set in Tudor times.  Is one easier to write than the other?  What's the same and what's different between writing books set today and books set over four centuries ago?

Of course, with the contemporary suspense novels, I can actually interview people.  I even have some Amish contacts who help.  (I've written 14 suspense novels, only four of which are set among the Amish; however, I'm currently writing another Amish suspense trilogy.)  In a way it's helpful that there are no Elizabethans left to tell me I've made an error in something.  Both past and present settings have drawbacks and benefits.

Looking at your website (www.karenharperauthor.com) turned me green with envy.  Just how many books have you written?  How do you keep all those balls in the air?

I've been published since 1982, so--at least so far--I'm a survivor in the publishing world.  And it "only" took me 20 years to make the NYTimes list, an overnight sensation.  I've written almost 50 books in 28 years, all but one of the books published.

What's next?

I hope to continue writing both historical and contemporary novels.  I'm about ready to sign a new contract for three suspense books set in Ohio Amish country.  How do I juggle everything?  I have no idea, but I am a good multi-tasker, and my husband is my business manager, so he keeps things going that way, which gives me more time to read and write.

Keith Raffel has held a top secret clearance to watch over CIA activities and has founded an award-winning Internet software company.  Steve Berry called Keith's latest book, Smasher: A Silicon Valley Thriller, "taut, tight, and suspenseful" and said it "skillfully carries the reader triumphantly from one climax to the next."