Today we welcome the incredible historian Steven Veerapen. Steven is one of the kindest and supportive people I have met since I joined Twitter many years ago, so I am thrilled he has joined us on The Tudor Notebook to discuss history and writing.
Tell us a little about yourself
I’m from Paisley – and I’m a lecturer at Strathclyde Uni who bounces between creative writing (historical fiction) and creative nonfiction (also always historical!). I’ve always loved the Tudor and early Stuart periods and still can’t quite believe I’m able to work in them.
What inspired your interest in history?
Good question! My mum has always been interested in the Tudors (and history generally), so maybe it’s hereditary. As a kid, I always loved Horrible Histories and generally was drawn to anything set in the past (whether the ancient world or up to the 1950s and 60s).
When did you start writing and what was the influence behind you taking that step?
I studied English at Uni – so there was always a strong element of essay writing. When I came to do my Masters and then my PhD (in Elizabethan law, speech and writing), I discovered that I could write at length. This encouraged me to continue – I knew I could write and could finish projects. Whatever else I could or couldn’t do (and I couldn’t and can’t count worth a damn), I knew I could string sentences together.
Can you tell us a bit about your books?
I have several novels and series, including the Christopher Marlowe spy thrillers and the Anthony Blanke murder mysteries (set in and around Henry VIII’s court). In terms of nonfiction, I’ve written on royals – Elizabeth I, Mary Queen of Scots, and most recently James VI/I – but have an upcoming book about historic witchcraft trials as they erupted in Britain (thanks, James!) and spread to America. Following that, I have a major biography of Henry VIII in production: the focal point will be on how he set himself up as Lord Paramount of Scotland (as well as ruling his own people, wives and ministers with an iron fist). If it happened between 1500 and 1700, I’m into it.
How do you go about your research?
It depends on the genre, really. If I’m working on fiction, I try to pick very specific dates – usually clustered around major events – and research them. It’s much easier to do a deep dive into, say, Charles V’s visit to England in 1522 (the setting for “Of Judgement Fallen”!) than to cover the whole early modern period. If writing nonfiction about a particular subject, I read everything I can in terms of secondary material (every biography of King James, for example) and then try and find out if I can match that up with the figure I’m meeting in the primary sources. With James, I didn’t: so many existing biographies painted him as a fool or a cold fish, whereas the man I met in the primary sources was deeply passionate, intelligent and, sadly, lonely. The fun part in both fiction and nonfiction is finding personalities and stories.
What is the best thing about what you do?
I think it’s getting to read a lot of stuff that genuinely interests me. I would read so much of this material for fun – now I can read it slightly more purposefully!
What is the worst/hardest thing?
Sleeping – or, rather, having disturbed sleep patterns when working on a project. I end up rolling over in bed at 4am grasping for my phone to write down a random line or thought or edit. It’s difficult to switch off.
Can you tell us your most memorable moment relating to your writing career
Probably it’s been speaking to people I’ve respected for so long: people like Sarah Gristwood, Leanda de Lisle, Philippa Gregory. I’d read their books for years and suddenly found myself talking to them. And they’re all wonderful, generous, lovely people!
What is your most recent book?
My most recent book is “The Wisest Fool: The Lavish Life of James VI and I”
“James VI and I, the first monarch to reign over Scotland, England and Ireland, has long endured a mixed reputation. To many, he is simply the homosexual King, the inveterate witch-roaster, the smelly sovereign who never washed, the colourless man behind the authorised Bible bearing his name, or the drooling fool whose speech could barely be understood. For too long, he has paled in comparison to his more celebrated Tudor and Stuart forebears.
But who was he really? To what extent have myth, anecdote, and rumour obscured him?
Are you working on anything at the moment?
Yes – I’ve just finished indexing “Witches: A King’s Obsession” (to be published in September 2025) and have finished the second draft of “Overlord: The Life of Henry VIII”.
What do you think is a common misconception about being an author?
Probably the biggest misconception is that authors make a metric ton of money. Or that they have glamorous lives. Or that they habitually have deep, literary, philosophical thoughts. Can confirm that none of these things are true – at least not in my case.
Are there other eras of history you have an interest in? If so which and would you expand your current writing to include it?
I have a huge interest in the Edwardian period. I have considered writing fiction set in it (but have been dissuaded from doing so!), but I definitely have no desire to leave my comfort zone. It’s comfortable, dammit!
What piece of advice would you give someone wishing to start writing?
I’d say: prove to yourself you can write at length (so you have the confidence to do so again in the future). And, if querying (for agents or publishers), have more than just your first big idea: you want something else (or several something elses) in your back pocket.
Where can people find you?
I’m on Instagram
Well I don’t know about anyone else but I am so excited about Witches and Overlord! My inner self is squealing with excitement!!!!
If you haven’t read any of Steven’s books I highly recommend them, both fiction and non-fiction. He is an excellent writer and absolutely knows his stuff!
Hope you have enjoyed this Q&A, we will have more coming soon!