Heather’s Bookshelf: Author Interview with Simone Pertuiset:
Book Title: Manet and the Lion Hunter
Released: 08/13/22
Genre: Historical Fiction
Interview by Heather L. Barksdale
What inspired you to write “Manet and the Lion Hunter”?
Pertuiset: The idea for 'Manet and the Lion Hunter' came from a painting by Edouard Manet featuring a 19th-century lion hunter, Eugene Pertuiset (shown on the book cover) who happened to be my ancestor. As I dug into the research, I learned that the painting played a pivotal role in shaping Edouard Manet's career and the broader modern art movement. Additionally, I grew to appreciate the character and motivation of the enigmatic artist Manet and uncovered a wealth of information about crazy adventures of the lion hunter – his dreams and resilience. The book offers a glimpse into a captivating era marked by a 19th-century technological and cultural revolution, the misconceptions surrounding colonialism and the quest to conquer nature, and characters known for their eccentricity, making it a fascinating journey into the unique fabric of that time.
How did you come up with the names of your main characters?
Pertuiset: They were their real names.
Is there anything that you want readers to know about you, your writing process or your book?
Pertuiset: Growing up, we didn’t know much about the lion hunter since it was way before the internet. However, later exploration of digitized 19th-century newspapers revealed that he was a media darling and quite a celebrity. His peculiar friendship with Manet also stood out. This lighthearted novel, which weaves together threads of art, eccentricity, and adventure, became a delightful journey of research and storytelling. The mystery around the lion hunter's character and Manet's unique portrait added layers of intrigue to the story, making it a joyful exploration of art, eccentricity and fame, resilience, and joie de vivre.
If “Manet and the Lion Hunter" was adapted into a movie, who would you like to see cast to play your lead characters?
Pertuiset: If 'Manet and the Lion Hunter' were made into a movie, I would cast someone like Ricky Gervais or Jason Sudeikis (from 'Ted Lasso'). Their comedic talent and knack for portraying characters with a charming eccentricity, seemingly flakey on the outside but possessing emotional depth, would perfectly capture the essence of the lion hunter.
When you encounter writer’s block, what do you do to break yourself out of it?
Pertuiset: Fortunately, I didn't encounter writer's block while working on this novel; everything seamlessly fell into place. The historical research provided a solid foundation where the elements of a novel, including character development, a strong story arc, action, and themes of art, eccentricity, fame, and friendship, unfolded almost effortlessly. However, I'm certainly familiar with the challenges of writer's block. Instead of panicking, I've learned to step away from the current project and engage mindfully in a different productive activity - like baking a cake or purging a closet or working on technical writing project. This shift in focus acts as a mental reset, allowing my creativity to recharge. This strategy has consistently been my go-to, helping me discover new inspiration and overcome the hurdles of writer's block.
Are there any tips that you would like to share with other aspiring authors?
Pertuiset: Recognize the importance of marketing, especially if you're self-publishing. Marketing can be challenging but there are some enjoyable aspects. For me, the most uncomfortable aspect of marketing is social media – a universe I am not at ease with. However, I do enjoy writing blogs, newsletters, and connecting with book bloggers. For me, connecting with the supportive community of writers, seeking honest reader and blogger reviews are the most gratifying and informative experiences.
What is your favorite genre, book, and/or author?
Pertuiset: What resonates with me most is the genre of 'well-researched, true stories well told.' I appreciate narratives that are thoroughly researched, well-written, and avoid the pitfalls of being dry. The essence lies in novelized history and storytelling that remains engaging, without sacrificing the integrity of the research. This is the standard I strive to achieve in my own work.
What are you working on next?
Pertuiset: I have several projects on the go – all of them historical creative non-fiction.
Interested in checking out the book for yourself?
Find it for purchase here
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