Ariana Franklin was born in Devon and, like her father, became a journalist. She has now abandoned her career in national newspapers and has settled down in the country to bring up two daughters, study medieval history and write.

Mark Thwaite: What gave you the idea for Mistress of the Art of Death?

Ariana Franklin: To be honest, it was my agent. Mostly I’d been writing historical novels up to then but she loves thrillers and said: “Why not do one set in medieval times?” It was an intriguing idea – I like thrillers too. Also, when I discovered that there actually had been a school of medicine in Salerno in the 12th century where autopsy was taught and where women could become doctors, there was no holding me back.

MT: How much research did you have to do Ariana?

AF: Surprisingly, not much. I have studied the Middle Ages, especially the 12th century, my favourite period, all my adult life. The years during which Henry II ruled this country were an amazing time, in my view the beginning of the Renaissance. There was no witch or heretic burning in England (that came later, after the Black Death.) Above all, that extraordinary king introduced the jury system and Common Law, the foundation of liberty.

MT: Do you think that historical novels can teach us about history?

AF: I do as a matter of fact, as long as they’re well-written and accurate. For instance, I’d give, say, Dickens's A Tale of Two Cities to history pupils before they learned about the French Revolution, give them the feel, the smell, the thrill of the time.

MT: With its plot concerning Arabs and Jews are you trying obliquely to comment on today's situation in the Middle East?

AF: Unfortunately, that situation existed even then. If I’ve shown how long that particular, dreary racial conflict has been going on, then that’s something.

MT: How long did it take you to write Mistress of the Art of Death?

AF: Just over a year.

MT: How do you write Ariana? Longhand or directly onto a computer, straight off or with lots and lots of editing?

AF: Directly onto a computer. And slowly, trying to make sure I’ve got it absolutely right historically and in every other way.

MT: What were the principle challenges of writing your novel and how did you overcome them?

AF: Trying to create characters that people could believe in and building up tension. Would a real person do that? How would he/she feel? The only way to do it is put yourself in his/her situation.

MT: What do you do when you are not writing?

AF: Oh, read and read. Walk n the countryside a lot. Spend as much time as possible with my family – which is extensive.

MT: Did you have an idea in your mind of your "ideal" reader? Did you write specifically for them?

AF: I’m not sure you can write for somebody else. It’s got to be a book you would like to read yourself or it’s artificial.

MT: What are you working on now?

AF: The second Adelia book.She’s proved such a success, especially in American where she made her first appearance, that she’s in demand. I’m thrilled about it.

MT: Who is your favourite writer? What is/are your favourite book(s)?

AF: How long have you got? Dickens, Raymond Chandler, Donna Leone, Jane Austin, Jane Austin, Jane Austin. My favourite book depends on my mood but I think, I think, that if I were to be marooned on a desert island I’d take the wonderful, magic The Once and Future King by T.H. White.

MT: Do you have any tips for the aspiring writer?

AF: Just write. Keep on writing. Also read and analyse how the best do it. The first book by most authors is tucked away in a drawer because it’s not good enough for publication. Mine is. The only way to learn how to write is to keep on doing it. If you’re a true writer you’ll find time.

MT: Anything else you would like to say?

AF: Just how flattered I am that you’ve wanted to ask these questions. Thank you.