An Interview with Hunter S. Jones

Hunter S. Jones is passionate about the history of romance, science and music, a.k.a. sex, drugs and rock & roll. She has a popular history blog, and is a historian for Past Preservers Casting.

When she isn’t writing, talking or tweeting about kings, queens and rock stars, she’s living the dream in Atlanta, Georgia with her Scottish born husband; and I’m delighted to welcome her to Rainne’s Ramblings.

 

Hi Hunter, would you like to start by telling me a little about yourself and your background, please?

Hi Rainne! Thanks so much for featuring me today.

I write history and fiction as Hunter S. Jones. My real career has been in international sales and marketing. A freak accident ruptured my Achilles tendon a few years ago. While I was bed ridden, I started to fiddle around on social media and wrote stories. It was something to do.

 

When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?

Long ago and far away.

 

Tell us about your writing routine; what’s a typical writing day for you?

Are there typical days as a writer?

 

Would you tell us a bit about Sexuality & Its Impact On History: The British Stripped Bare…?

Learn of the scandals and romance that shaped Great Britain. This provocative collection of essays depicts the cultural and societal kinks of the British, from the Anglo-Saxons, Medieval, Tudor, Regency, and Victorian eras.

Discover the ménage that changed the course of the Anglo-Saxon throne, go undercover to explore Courtly Love, learn about the business of Tudor and Regency marriages. Read of a possible dalliance involving Queen Anne Boleyn, and the controversial marriages of Mary, Queen of Scots. Peek into the bedrooms of Victorian prostitutes. Each story provides shocking detail about what was at the heart of romance throughout British history.

Would you swig a magic potion or plot to kill your husband in order to marry your lover? These are just two of the many romantic and sexual customs from British history that you will explore when eight authors take us through the centuries, revealing that truth is stranger than fiction when it comes to love. From bizarre trivia about courtly love, to techniques and prostitution, you’ll encounter memorable nuggets of provocative info that you’ll want to share with friends and co-workers.

It’s all here: Lady Godiva and Peeping Tom, ménage a trois, chastity belts, Tudor fallacies, royal love and infidelity, marriage contracts (which were more like business arrangements), and brothels, kept women, and whorehouses. Take a peek at what really happened between the sheets. Each story provides you with shocking detail about what was at the heart of romance throughout British history.

The Impact of Sexuality in History: The British Stripped Bare chronicles the pleasures and perils of the flesh, sharing secrets from the days of the Anglo-Saxons, medieval courtly love traditions, diabolical Tudor escapades—including those of Anne Boleyn and Mary Queen of Scots—the Regency, and down to the ‘prudish’ Victorian Era. This scholarly yet accessible study brings to light the myriad varieties of British sexual mores.

 

Can you tell us anything about any of your current work(s)-in-progress?

Once Sexuality & Its Impact On History is launched in the US later this year, I’ll share more about my upcoming work. Thanks for asking!

 

I’ll look forward to that.
What, to you, is the best thing about being an author

I’m not sure. Let me get back with you on this one. 🙂

 

If you could travel to any time in history, when would you visit…?

This is a fabulous question. I would love to peek into the three years Henry VIII was married to Anne Boleyn even though the era was dangerous to so many people. I’d also like to visit—for a very short time—guess you could say I’d like to get a glimpse of America’s Reconstruction South. Most of the documentation from that time is politically slanted and extreme from various points of view. I would like to see what it was really like to survive in such a volatile era.

 

…and which historical figure would you like to meet?

Today, I would say former First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy. But, tomorrow the answer might be different. There’s something poignant about the mystery of her life.

 

Have you done any personal appearances?

Yes, I’ve done a few, a very few. Having a social media presence appears to be replacing personal appearances by authors, doesn’t it?

 

Which writers inspire you?

Anyone who has ever had the nerve to write a book and publish it has my greatest respect and admiration. Writing is daunting, and you have to be fearless to put your work in front of the public.

 

What do you like to do when you’re not writing?

Today, I took some spa time and shopped. Later, my sweet husband is taking me to our favorite Indian restaurant to celebrate the reception of Sexuality & Its Impact On History. Writing history is hard work. Seeing a history book be so well received has blown my mind.

 

What do you have in your pockets?

No pockets today.

 

Is there anything else you’d like to share with us?

Thank you again for being such a fabulous hostess. Thanks too for all the support being given to our project. I’m humbled and thrilled—all at the same time.

 

Thank you for joining me, Hunter.

 

Sexuality and Its Impact on History: The British Stripped Bare is Hunter S. Jones’ first collection of historical essays, and she is delighted to work with the all-female writing team consisting of Emma Haddon-Wright, Annie Whitehead, Jessica Cale, Judith Arnopp, Gayle Hulme and Dr. Beth Lynne.

To find out more, find her on social media:

Website • Facebook • Twitter • Instagram • Pinterest

Sexuality & Its Impact On History is available in the UK at these online sites, or it can be ordered or found in bookstores:

Pen and Sword Books • Amazon

The Mail On Sunday said it was ‘a fascinating new book’.