Exploring Loss, Legacy, and Human Complexity in Literature
Colleen Coyne masterfully blends history, suspense, and deep emotional insight in her novels The Unintended Heiress and Bewept, sharing her inspirations, research process, and reflections on writing complex, character-driven fiction.
Colleen Coyne is an author whose literary prowess has captivated readers and critics alike, establishing her as a remarkable voice in contemporary fiction. With a keen ability to intertwine history, suspense, and profound human emotions, she crafts narratives that resonate deeply with audiences. Her debut novel, The Unintended Heiress, has garnered widespread acclaim, earning the Firebird Book Award in Fiction (First Time Published) and securing a place as a finalist in the prestigious Goethe Book Award, the American Fiction Award, and the Storytrade Book Awards. Her ability to weave intricate historical narratives into compelling fiction is further demonstrated in her second novel, Bewept, a deeply moving exploration of grief and memory. This work has been recognised in the National Excellence in Storytelling Contest, awarded the International Book Impact Award, and won the Storytrade Book Awards’ Suspense/Thriller category.
Coyne’s background in science lends a unique precision to her writing, allowing her to construct historically rich worlds while seamlessly integrating compelling character arcs. Her fascination with history and human psychology shines through in her narratives as she deftly explores the moral complexities of power, loss, and personal transformation. In The Unintended Heiress, she delves into the enigmatic reign of Belgium’s King Leopold II, skilfully threading together past and present through a dual timeline that illuminates the far-reaching consequences of colonial exploitation. Meanwhile, Bewept offers an intimate and haunting portrayal of a woman’s descent into grief, inspired in part by the author’s personal observations of dementia and loss.
With a life spanning continents—Mystic, Connecticut, Roskilde, Denmark, and Villefranche-sur-Mer, France—Coyne brings a global perspective to her storytelling. Her experiences and extensive travels enrich her narratives, offering readers a vivid sense of place and emotional depth. Whether unearthing hidden histories or navigating the intricate landscapes of human emotion, her work reflects a profound dedication to both historical accuracy and literary artistry.
In this exclusive interview, Coyne provides insight into her inspirations, creative process, and the challenges of writing complex fiction. From the meticulous research behind The Unintended Heiress to the deeply personal influences that shaped Bewept, she shares her journey as an author, offering invaluable wisdom to aspiring writers.
What inspired you to write “The Unintended Heiress” and delve into the historical context of King Leopold II’s reign?
We have a flat in Villefranche-sur-Mer, France. Belgium’s King Leopold II spent a lot of time in this area. From our balcony, we can see a few of his former properties. These magnificent villas sparked my curiosity about how a Belgian king could invest so much time and resources in another country. As I delved into research, I uncovered a fascinating narrative. The true account of Belgium’s King Leopold II is more astonishing than fiction, encompassing his controversial reign, his young mistress, her longstanding lover, the King’s three scandalous daughters, and the enigma of a disappearing fortune.
How did you approach the dual timeline structure in “The Unintended Heiress” to ensure a seamless narrative?
The original manuscript did not feature a dual timeline. However, this approach failed to sufficiently address King Leopold’s exploitation of the Congolese people, which was the source of his wealth. Ignoring the suffering he caused for his personal gain would have been inappropriate and unjust. Utilizing a dual timeline allowed for an in-depth examination of the harsh measures he employed to fulfill his greed, providing balance to the narrative.
What was the most challenging aspect of writing “Bewept,” particularly in portraying Anna’s journey through grief and memory?
The inspiration for writing “Bewept” originated from observing my mother’s descent into dementia and her grieving process following the loss of my father several decades earlier. I saw parallels in the stages of both her experiences. This observation led me to consider how susceptible individuals might be to manipulation while navigating either of these challenging journeys. “Bewept” was written during the pandemic. The prolonged isolation over many months made it difficult to avoid feelings of disconnection, akin to the experiences of the story’s protagonist. There were times when I felt as though I were her.
How do you balance historical accuracy with creative storytelling in your novels?
My writing process is driven by a deep interest in understanding the reasons and mechanisms behind various phenomena, a passion that likely stems from my initial career as a scientist. Factual accuracy is a cornerstone of my work, providing a solid foundation for developing narratives. By incorporating historical settings, I can strike a balance between accuracy and creative storytelling, giving me more freedom to develop characters and stories within an already defined setting.
What role does setting play in your stories, and how do your personal experiences in Mystic, Denmark, and France influence your writing?
The French Riviera setting was important in my debut novel, “The Unintended Heiress.” However, other than snowy and rural isolation, the actual setting was purposely less prominent in my second novel, “Bewept,” or my current work in progress. The two later works focus more on a character’s internal setting—their unique interior lives and experiences. My personal experiences living in Mystic, Denmark, and France and extensive global travel during my career have shown me how similar people everywhere are. Despite differences in food, language, clothing, and politics, people everywhere value family, friends, security, and home life.
What advice would you give to aspiring authors who want to explore complex themes like grief, history, and suspense in their work?
I have extensive experience in formal business and marketing writing. Transitioning to fiction was a new challenge, and I didn’t know how or where to begin. The biggest challenge was learning to let go of the structured, fact-based approach of business writing and embrace the freedom and creativity of fiction. To get started, I took writing classes and attended writers’ conferences. I advise aspiring authors to research both the craft and the business aspects of writing. After that, start writing and keep writing. Every author has their own approach; some use rigorous outlining before writing, while others combine planning with spontaneous writing. After introducing the story, I develop characters by considering their motivations, fears, and actions in achieving their goals. At some point, the characters take over the work, leading to unexpected turns as the story progresses. Frequently, the midpoint of my narrative evolves in an unforeseen direction. This unpredictability is what I find most enjoyable about the writing process.
How do you hope your success and experiences as an author will inspire and guide other writers in their creative journeys?
My journey as an author has shown me that the writing community is a place of exceptional generosity, where knowledge and support are freely shared. Regardless of their level of success, most writers are eager to learn more about the craft and other writers’ journeys. Writing can be a solitary journey, but the sense of community and camaraderie is truly inspiring. I hope to inspire others and be a part of this supportive community.
