...in which I share some of my favorite medieval research resources and methods for the benefit of others interested in also writing about the Middle Ages

Monday, April 23, 2012

Calling All Katies

The eldest surviving son of King Henry II of England shared his father’s name. In his lifetime, he was known as Henry the Younger, and after being crowned as co-ruler with his father in 1170 (in imitation of a custom practiced by the Capetien kings of France), was known as Henry the Young King, or simply, the Young King. Henry II allowed his son little actual power, influenced both by his own authoritarian nature and his son’s vain, irresponsible, spendthrift ways. Henry the Younger was nevertheless highly admired among his peers. The troubadour Bertran de Born called him “King of the courtly and emperor of the valiant[1]” for embodying the popular virtues of courtesy and liberality. He loved the tournament circuit and he loved extravagant gestures.

One of these extravagant gestures is related by Robert de Torigny, a contemporary of the Young King. Robert, a Norman monk and chronicler, tells of an occasion when Henry the Younger held a lavish feast and invited only knights named William to attend. A hundred and ten knights named William showed up for the party. (This story is related in Henry II, by W.L. Warren, and Eleanor of Aquitaine and the Four Kings, by Amy Kelly.)

What has this got to do with my call for Katies? Well, as you should know by now, I am the author of three medieval romances, all set during the lifetime of Henry the Young King. In the course of a giveaway for some of my books on my JDP NEWS blog, I made a silly little mistake. A lovely lady named Katie won a copy of my newest romance, Dangerous Favor, but since I was also autographing a copy of Illuminations of the Heart for another winner, I inadvertently signed a copy of Illuminations of the Heart, instead of Dangerous Favor to “Katie”. Never fear. I caught my mistake and Katie got the correct autographed prize in the mail! But now I’m stuck with a copy of Illuminations of the Heart signed to “Katie” and no Katie to give it to.

So, like Henry the Young King, I too am sending out a call…but my call is for Katies, instead of Williams. If your name is Katie and you would like a chance to win a copy of my medieval romance, Illuminations of the Heart, just leave a comment on this post WITH YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS so I’ll know how to contact you if you win.

If you’re not too picky about the spelling of your name, you may also enter if your name bears any resemblance to Katie, such as Katy, Kati, Kaity, Caty, Cati, or even Kaitlyn or Kathryn or anything similar. And hey, if you know a Katie (daughter, mother, sister, aunt, cousin, friend) who might enjoy this book, spread the word or you may enter on her behalf.

Wouldn’t it be cool if we wound up with a 110 Katie entries? However, since Katie isn’t as common a name as William was in the Middle Ages, my feelings won’t be hurt if we only get a handful of Katies.

You may click here to read a summary of Illuminations of the Heart, along with a few Amazon reviews.

Deadline for entries is May 7, midnight PST. Don’t forget to leave your email address! C’mon, Katies, let’s party!



[1] Lyrics of the Troubadours and Trouveres: an Anthology and a History, Translations and Introductions by Fredrick Goldin

24 comments:

Katie Leigh said...

Your book sounds really good! My name is Katie! (and contrary to what many people think, it is not short for something. It is just simly Katie haha) :) My e-mail is fbcsinger@yahoo.com :)

NanaPapa said...

My oldest daughter is an amazing Katie. Her full name is really Katie Jo which is more southern but she loves a good romance of any era. Her email is Katies-cake@hotmail.com

Katie Isaacson said...

I come from a line of Katies. My Grandmother was named for her aunt Katherine. Both went by Katie. My mom is Kathy, I am just Katie, and my daugher is Kate. I love the name! I would love a book with such a fun story attached!
Katiemisaacson@gmail.com

Amanda Roberts said...

My daughter's name is Katie (her real name is Cathreen, but my mom's name is Kathy and she insisted that we spell it with a 'K' after her). Katie's a BIG reader. She's still in school, so she reads sweet/clean fiction only. I'm sure she'd love this story.

Amanda Roberts said...

Oh, and I forgot her email address: grekanda29@sbcglobal.net

Katie said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Katie said...

My name is Katie. And guess what? It is just that: Katie. Most Katies go by that, but it is not their real name. It is my real birthname--just Katie. Does that give me an edge? :P

I am an 8th grade English teacher always looking for books to recommend to my students. My girls cry for more romance novels on my shelf, but I have to be careful with content.

Even if I don't win, I will have to check out your book.

Email: kxmadsen@mpsaz.org

Celticlady's Reviews said...

I am Kathleen and I have a daughter that is Katie just Katie, I always wanted to be called Katie but no one ever did....so named my daughter that...she prefers Kate now that she is grown...

momkelly2003@yahoo.com

Joyce DiPastena said...

Shauna Griffith Kuykendall left this comment on my JDP NEWS blog by mistake:

Well, this Grandma has a Katie! She would LOVE your books - she is indeed a fair maiden.

Katie said...

Oh wow! I'm a Katie! :D it's a good thing that that's my name lol!! :)
Your books look amazing!
Thank you for the chance! :D
katieseco@sky.com

eyeballlucy said...

Yes Kate is a wonderful name..I have a sweet cousin name Katie.....this book sounds quite interesting...babyruthmac16@yahoo.com

kbrebes said...

This is fabulous, Joyce! What a grand idea! I hope you get 110 entries!!! Please enter me. : )

K Brebes

kbrebes@aol.com

brendajean said...

I have a Katie I love who would love your book as much as I do! Thanks for the crazy giveaway. Make more signing mistakes! Please! (Calling all Brendas would be great:)

bchild5 at aol dot com

Jen said...

My sister is Katie. I've read this novel and love it! I know she would too. My email address is jenkbeckstead@yahoo.com

Kemi said...

Hi Joyce, my name is Katherine, and I picked it out myself for my Confirmation name, so that shows you that I like it. My 40th birthday was April 23! It would be nice to win your book.

My email is writekemi@gmail.com.

Gale Nelson said...

Thank you for this giveaway! Gale Nelson
pgan427@yahoo.com

kmt1976 said...

Karin comes from Kathryn, so is that close enough?
Karin Tillotson
kce1976 at hotmail dot com

Katie Dodge said...

I'm a Katie! I also write historical fiction. (Does that give me an extra point? ;) My email is katie1dodge@yahoo.com

Anonymous said...

I know a lot of Katie's and have always liked the name i that counts. I would love to receive your book. It looks like it would be really a good read. Thank you. My email is: wasdencrew@sbcglobal.net

Whit said...

My beautiful and amazing daughter is Kat!e... She is Kathryn (named for the shrew). My email address is junkmailwhit@gmail.com. :)

Linda said...

Well my name is Linda & my sisters call me Lindy - does it sound like Katie? I don't really care! WIll do anything for a book looking for a home =)

I'm sure I was a Katie in a previous life (more laughter)

thumbelinda03@yahoo.com

Heidi said...

I have two best friends that are Katie's and a cousin named Katie. All three love to read!
heidi.sorensen95@gmail.com

RILEKAT said...

During my life I have been: Katie, Kathy, Katherine, Khaki (don't ask) and Kat. I think I qualify. Thanks for the chance for one of your books.
rilekkat at gmail dot com

new era gorras said...

Yups dess så realistic.Thanks för din stora inlägg.