If you read our post on 11th July you will already be aware that
was coming back to join us for a Q&A!Tell us a little about yourself
I’m Aimee, I’m from North Yorkshire and a married Mum of three. I studied history at the University of Bangor in North Wales and then did an MA in early modern history as a mature student. Before having my children I worked in heritage attractions and as a tour guide and have recently set myself up tour guiding again!
What inspired your interest in history?
I think my earliest memory of being interested in history is being picked to dress up like Elizabeth I on a school trip when I was about 8. After that I really started to be inspired by it all when I reached year 9 in school and, as a class, we investigated the First World War. I remember being in awe of the pictures we were shown, how it felt so real and yet so distant. After that, I couldn’t get enough.
When did you start writing and what was the influence behind you taking that step?
I remember writing for fun when I was still at school – I even won a certificate for a poem I wrote at a literature festival in the local town! - but it wasn’t until I had completed my MA that I really took that plunge. Being back in that academic environment was really inspiring to me, and seeing others around me writing, publishing, and talking about their passions in that way convinced me to have a go for myself.
Can you tell us a bit about your books
I currently write historical non-fiction, and my second book has just been released. I focus mainly on early modern history, key figures or places that I find interesting, and I try my best to give the readers new information about them that perhaps has been overlooked in the past.
How do you go about your research?
I start broad, with some general information I can find on my shelves, and then I start to come in closer to the subject and gradually become more specialised. Reading as much as I can and making lots of notes is how I like to work, although it’s not always the most efficient way to go about it. I also try to get to see places, or touch objects that are to do with my subject matter, which involves travelling around the country or to archives to see documents.
What is the best thing about what you do?
I think having the freedom to read and write about things I find interesting. There are not many times when you can stretch your legs and follow your passions like you can with reading and writing about history. There is so much information, so many books and sources, that you can really immerse yourself in a topic.
What is the worst/hardest thing?
Finding the time to do it all, I think. I have to juggle a lot of responsibilities, as I am sure a lot of people do. I do find though that sometimes if you really need or want the time, such as if you have a deadline coming up, you can get quite creative about when you squeeze in time to work.
Can you tell us your most memorable moment relating to your writing career
I’ve not been in this world very long compared to some, but I think the first time I saw my book out in the real world was a real thrill. I enjoy giving talks and speaking to people about my work generally, so any time I can do that is a highlight too.
What is your most recent book?
Tudor Princes and Princesses was just released in June 2025, and is all about the children of Henry VII and Elizabeth of York. I examine the childhoods of their children – Prince Arthur, Princess Margaret, Prince Henry and Princess Mary, as well as the three other children they had who did not survive infancy. I look at their nurseries, education, and at how the events of their early years shaped them as adults.
Are you working on anything at the moment?
I have a couple more projects lined up, but my current one is a period study of Tudor England and its relationship with Stuart Scotland. It’s a big project, covering the full 118 years of the Tudor Dynasty, and there’s a lot of events in that time that link England and Scotland together. It is due to be submitted in October 2025, and should be out in the second half of 2026.
What do you think is a common misconception about being an author?
I think people have a romantic idea of sitting down and writing. That when you do it is calm and quiet, for hours on end, surrounded by books and usually using an antique typewriter. I’m not going to lie…I would love that! In reality I find it be a lot more frantic and ad hoc. The doorbell or the phone seem to always ring when I’m just getting into the flow, or some catastrophe will happen that takes me away from my work. I’m usually found with a desk covered in notes telling people that they’re not to disturb me for at least 10 minutes!
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 would love to go forward in time a bit and get more in depth about the English Civil War and the Stuarts. I’m hoping that future projects will take me in that direction, but I have a bit longer to spend with the Tudors first.
What piece of advice would you give someone wishing to start writing?
Just go for it. I know that might sound flippant, but honestly it is the only way to start. You learn so much through the processes of writing and research, and if you’re enjoying it then why not. Start small if it’s more comfortable – I began by writing short articles for my blog and it has all expanded from there. Lastly, write what you know and love. If you are enthusiastic about the subject it is so much easier!
Where can people find you?
I have a website which has all of my work updates and information about any events I have coming up. I am also on most of the social media sites as @historyaimee, where I post about my research and writing journeys.
www.historyaimee.wordpress.com
Threads – https://www.threads.com/@historyaimee
Bluesky – https://bsky.app/profile/historyaimee.bsky.social
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61554178063539
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/historyaimee/
Thank you so much to Aimee for joining us on The Tudor Notebook. We have more guest posts coming up including someone from the publishing industry so stay tuned!