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Elizabeth Howatt-Jackman originally worked in legal affairs at a film and TV company, where she learned big picture aspects of film financing and executive producing. She then moved into the hands-on area of film production when she line-produced ‘The Incurable Romantic’ and produced ‘Hating Alison Ashley’ starring Delta Goodrem, the highest grossing Australian film at the Australian box office in 2005 and ‘Prey’ a privately funded feature starring Natalie Bassingthwaighte, released in January 2009. While working on the financing of further films she began editing other peoples’ scripts when she rediscovered her love of writing. She then decided to write scripts about a subject she cares passionately about, resurrecting the maligned reputation of King Richard III of England.
For 500 years the world has known Richard III as the archetypical villain, a hunchback who left a trail of murders in his ambitious quest for power, who usurped the throne and killed his own nephews. The victor writes the history and there’s nothing new about political spin. Writing under a Tudor regime, Shakespeare had no choice but to demonise the memory of the last legitimate king to prop the illegitimate Tudor reign.
Richard III was the last English King to be killed in battle, the last truly English king and the most controversial and enigmatic monarch in British history. While the play makes great drama, it bears no resemblance to facts.
With the benefit of innumerable documents uncovered since Shakespeare wrote his play, the book will act as time’s reliable witness. Richard emerges as a vibrant protagonist, a courageous warrior, an honourable man and a benevolent and progressive king. Overthrowing 500 years of common belief, the book will provoke controversy and engage all readers who enjoy a sweeping story of action, intrigue, betrayal, and inspiration.
The story does not bend facts to make for better reading, it is historically accurate where facts are known and documented. Only minor details have been altered to streamline the story. Where major events are not documented, I have adopted researched theories which I believe to be most credible, based on motives, actual historic indicators and subsequent events. I do not distort the facts to make the story more compelling – because that’s what Shakespeare did.
Richard’s real story is a great story without need to change the facts or the widely-accepted, but lesser known theories.
This passion resulted in first book ‘Between Love and Loyalty’ A story of love and war, of turbulent clashes and conflicting loyalties, at the centre of which stand Richard and his childhood sweetheart Anne. Their personal destinies are interwoven into this sweeping story of power, passion, heartache and desire.
‘Monarch’ is a sweeping historical drama based on Richard’s tumultuous short reign. It is a story of treachery, intrigue, love and war, set against Richard’s deadly power struggle with the hated former Queen who undermines him at every turn in an attempt to retain her former glory and rule England through her young son.
Her next book, Monarch, is coming soon.
Embark on an enchanting trip through medieval England’s power, loyalty, and love. Join the rich narrative of royal ascension, knightly training, political conspiracy, and forbidden love.
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