Why Andromache is the Subject of My New Novel

Andromache's Story grew from my early fascination with mythology. When I was in middle school, I found a copy of Edith Hamilton’s Mythology in the bookcase at the top of the stairs in my parents’ house. Being a bookworm, once I opened it, I was delighted to delve into a whole new world, all the gods and goddesses, their powers and foibles.

Though I enjoyed the Iliad, I always felt sorry for Andromache, Hector’s wife. The fact that Homer describes her conversation with Hector about her worries gave me the idea that she was more vocal than the usual Trojan woman of her time -- and there was much more to their relationship and her character.

But the idea for this book lay dormant until about five years ago when I tried voice-dictating the original manuscript. If you have ever used voice dictation, it doesn’t always record your intended words and the result can be confusing but sometimes amusing. And at least it was a start! Once I finished the Scoops and Schemes series, I finally decided it was time to finish this draft.

While working on it, I found myself thinking about things like: how did an ancient city stand a long siege? Why didn’t they give Helen back? Why did they let Hector, their prince and champion, remain outside the gates to fight Achilles alone? How did Achilles die from just an arrow to his heel?

These questions, along with helpful feedback from my husband, daughter, sisters, and writer’s group helped to make this a better story, one that is about love, loss, loyalty, resilience, and misplaced trust.  

I hope you enjoy reading it!