

It was the Cambridges’ wedding in 2011 that planted the seeds of this book in my mind.

(Which, of course, all exist in American Royals…) I’d always dreamed of writing my own historical fiction, something with forbidden love and political intrigue and villainous characters scheming for the throne. I’ve been an avid reader of historical fiction ever since! Royalty is such a compelling plot device-it’s all about power, and those who were born with it versus those who have to fight for it. Katharine McGee: When I was younger, I used to steal my mom’s Philippa Gregory novels and read them in secret. Kristin Contino: How did you get the idea for a novel about an American royal family?
