Author and British Monarch enthusiast, Lauren Bucca just published her first book, titled Queens. The book highlights 250 Queens, from historical to the present day. The book is separated into five chapters, each a different chronological period, and each chapter describes the role of a queen, the challenges they faced, and how they were depicted. After reading this book, Lauren hopes readers are inspired by the determination and drive these Queens had to shape the modern world. Queens can be found through independent bookstores or wherever you order your books! Continue reading Jejune’s interview with Lauren Bucca to understand the making and inspiration of this book!

Where are you based?
Princeton, New Jersey.

What inspired you to become a writer?
I’ve always loved books, and when I was little, I wanted to create worlds like the ones I had read about. At one point, I hoped to become a writer just like J.R.R. Tolkien. Though I’m not planning on becoming a fantasy author, I think I’ve been inspired by his passion, creativity, and meticulousness. I continued to write over the years, though it was usually in academic contexts, or in exploring nonfiction.

You just published your first book, Queens. The book introduces us to some 250 queens who ruled in their own right. Can you tell us all about Queens?
Queens is part of Abbeville Press’s Tiny Folio series. It’s packed with historical content in a cute package — it’s small enough to hold in the palm of your hand! The book highlights 250 queens from antiquity to the present day, with a portrait for each of them, and an interesting fact about their reign. They’re separated into five chapters, each covering a different chronological period. The chapters describe the role of a queen, the challenges they faced, and how they were depicted — sometimes they chose how the artist portrayed them, but often they didn’t have a say. I enjoyed rediscovering well-known queens, like Cleopatra VII of Egypt, and coming across less familiar rulers, like Hürrem Sultan of the Ottoman Empire. I hope readers will also enjoy learning about the diverse women leaders in the book.

What inspired you to write about this part of history? What is the importance of queens in your life? It feels like there is a story behind it.
I’m interested in royalty, and shamelessly read or watch nearly anything having to do with the British monarchy! I’ve always been inspired by queens. When I was growing up, I read the Royal Diaries series, and that sparked an interest in queens from around the world. Later on, I studied history in college, and kept returning to the lives of these incredible women. Queens have inspired me by the ways they’ve impacted the world, whether making cunning political moves behind the scenes, deposing a relative, or going into battle. I’ve also appreciated their quieter feats, such as spearheading charitable and educational efforts. Throughout history, queens often used their power for good—something I admire in many women leaders today.

In your book, each queen is represented by her portrait and an interesting fact about her reign. What is the reason behind this choice?
The series’ format is to have photo and caption pairings, but I added a sentence for each queen in order to give more context for the readers. I wanted to provide a glimpse of the real women behind the artworks.

Do you have a favorite queen? Do you have any that remind you of yourself?
It’s really difficult to choose! I admire the queens for different reasons, and each one is so complex. I like Catherine the Great — not only for her famous coup, but for her focus on education and culture during her reign. Nzinga inspires me as well, bravely ruling her kingdoms despite challenges from the Portuguese. I connect most with the literary-minded queens, rather than ones with a dozen children, or those who deposed their husbands. I would hope to be like Christina of Sweden, since she loved learning and art so much.

This book represents the women in history who fought for themselves, and yet, the world tried to erase their names. What do you want your readers to get from this book?
I’d like readers to appreciate the women who helped build the modern world despite the challenges they faced, and to be encouraged by their determination. No queen in this book is perfect, but so many of them made the best of their circumstances, and were strong and powerful, even when the world fought against them. I hope this book renews interest in women leaders, helping us to recognize those from the past and to support those making an impact today.

How do you think reading this book empowers women in a feminist way?
Similar to the above, I believe that reading about women from history, and from around the world, reveals how women have been in a common fight against numerous challenges. Though we are separated by the queens in the book by time and place, I believe their example of intelligent and brave leadership can still resonate with us.

What stage of your life were you in when you wrote this book, and how did you feel after writing it?
This was a pandemic project, so that made it interesting! Like many people, I was feeling anxious about the unknowns of Covid-19, but I was also able to focus since I had fewer distractions and commitments. I wrote this in the late summer/fall of 2020, and since I was barely leaving the house, it was the perfect time to finish a book!

Who is the queen of your life?
My mom!

Where can we find Queens?
You can find it online and at independent bookstores. I recommend Abbeville Press’s website or Bookshop.com, though it’s available at many retailers online, including Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

Do you have any other upcoming books?
I am writing the text for a children’s book on bugs, but other than that, I don’t have anything in the pipeline. Maybe in the future!

How have you been staying positive during a shelter in place? Are you back to normal now?
I’ve been focusing on connecting more with family and friends, doing things that l love, and keeping a healthy perspective. I’m back to normal for the most part, but I keep wearing my mask to stay extra safe (I’m vaccinated), and will probably be staying away from crowds for a long time!

Check out Queens on Abbeville Press’s website, along with other Tiny Folios and beautiful illustrated books: www.abbeville.com

Lauren Bucca is The Queen of Our Hearts