Sharon Kay Penman Quotes

Powerful Sharon Kay Penman for Daily Growth

About Sharon Kay Penman

Sharon Kay Penman is a renowned historical fiction author, best known for her meticulously researched and richly detailed novels set in the Middle Ages. Born on October 14, 1951, in Michigan, USA, she grew up in a family that encouraged her love of reading and history. This dual interest played a significant role in shaping her career as an author. Penman's writing journey began early when she started contributing to various publications while studying at the University of Michigan. After graduating with a degree in English, she worked as a technical writer and teacher before turning to full-time fiction writing. Her first novel, "Here Be Dragons" (1983), marked her debut into historical fiction. Set during the First Crusade, this book introduced readers to the complexities of medieval life while also showcasing Penman's exceptional storytelling abilities. The success of "Here Be Dragons" paved the way for more works, including "Time and Chance" (1985), "Falls the Shadow" (1986), and "When Christ and His Saints Slept" (1989). One of Penman's most celebrated works is "The Sunne in Splendour" (1987), a sweeping tale that delves into the life of Richard III, England's last Plantagenet king. The book gained critical acclaim for its historical accuracy and vivid portrayal of medieval court politics. Penman continues to write captivating historical novels, each one meticulously researched to ensure authenticity. Her works are admired for their compelling narratives, well-drawn characters, and deep insights into the political and social realities of the Middle Ages. Today, Sharon Kay Penman stands as a significant figure in the world of historical fiction, leaving an indelible mark on the genre with her captivating stories set against the backdrop of medieval Europe.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"The heart knows in silence the secrets of the road."

This quote suggests that our hearts, through intuition and feelings, have a deep understanding of life's journeys and experiences, even if these insights remain unspoken or hidden. In other words, our emotional compass guides us subtly, revealing life's secrets and wisdom in the silence of self-reflection.


"Time heals all wounds, but it does not make them disappear."

This quote suggests that while the passage of time can provide emotional healing from past hurts, those wounds remain a part of one's personal history. The pain may lessen over time, but the experience itself continues to exist, influencing our perspectives and shaping who we are. Time serves as a balm, making it easier to carry on with life, yet the scars of our past experiences will always be present, reminding us of lessons learned and growth achieved.


"Love is like a river, always flowing whether or not we choose to partake."

This quote suggests that love is an inherent and constant force in the universe, akin to a river that flows regardless of human involvement. It implies that love exists whether or not individuals engage with it, symbolizing its enduring nature. The phrase "partake" indicates participating or experiencing love, emphasizing the importance of embracing love when it comes our way. The quote encourages us to be aware and open to love in our lives as it flows around us, rather than ignoring it.


"Loyalty can never be forced; it must spring from the heart."

This quote emphasizes that genuine loyalty is not something that can be compelled or demanded, but rather, it arises naturally from one's feelings and affections. It underscores the importance of fostering authentic relationships based on mutual respect, trust, and emotional connection, where loyalty emerges spontaneously as a natural consequence.


"The past may not be changed, but it is never too late to change the way we think about it."

This quote emphasizes the idea that even though we cannot alter historical events, our understanding and perception of those past events can still evolve. It encourages individuals to re-evaluate their perspectives on past occurrences, fostering personal growth, empathy, and a more enlightened outlook on history as a whole. Essentially, the quote underscores the power of reflection and the potential for self-improvement that comes from reconsidering our thoughts about the past.


Respect can be as elusive as the unicorn. I know something of this because I write books that are set in the Middle Ages, and the historical novel is often seen as the unwanted stepchild in the fictional family. I know even more about respect - or the lack thereof - because I live in New Jersey.

- Sharon Kay Penman

Historical, I Write, About, Fictional

When I moved to Wales more than twenty years ago and began to research 'Here Be Dragons,' I was fascinated from the first by the Welsh medieval laws, by the discovery that women enjoyed a greater status in Wales than elsewhere in Europe.

- Sharon Kay Penman

Here, Moved, Fascinated, Dragons

I certainly know all about the Jersey jokes that amuse the rest of the country. You've probably heard them. Our state bird is the mosquito. Our state tree is dead. It doesn't help that we are represented on television by Tony Soprano and 'Jersey Shore.'

- Sharon Kay Penman

Dead, Country, About, Mosquito

It usually takes me about three years to research and write one of my historical sagas; this is one reason why I take medieval mystery breaks, for they can be completed in only a year.

- Sharon Kay Penman

Reason, Year, Breaks, Completed

Many people don't know that New Jersey is a fertile breeding ground for writers, some of them quite renowned. And I would wager that most would be truly startled to learn that the star in the Jersey firmament is - drum roll here - Newark.

- Sharon Kay Penman

Here, Some, Newark, Startled

Whenever I've had to tamper with history for plot purposes, I make sure to mention that in my author's note, and I try to keep such tampering to a bare minimum. I also attempt to keep my characters true to their historical counterparts. This is not always possible, of course.

- Sharon Kay Penman

Historical, Note, Had, Counterparts

In writing my historical novels, I have to rely upon my imagination to a great extent. I think of it as 'filling in the blanks.' Medieval chroniclers could be callously indifferent to the needs of future novelists. But I think there is a great difference between filling in the blanks and distorting known facts.

- Sharon Kay Penman

I Think, Extent, Novelists, Distorting

I was actually born in New York City, but my family moved to Atlantic City when I was five, this being my dad's home town, so I think that qualifies me as a Jersey resident if not a bona fide native.

- Sharon Kay Penman

City, I Think, Dad, Resident

I do not set specific work hours as some writers do. I generally stay with a chapter until I am satisfied, do very little rewriting, and if a scene is going well, I've been known to keep night owl hours.

- Sharon Kay Penman

Chapter, Some, Very, Rewriting

I feel that historical novelists owe it to our readers to try to be as historically accurate as we can with the known facts. Obviously, we have to fill in the blanks. And then in the final analysis, we're drawing upon our own imaginations. But I think that readers need to be able to trust an author.

- Sharon Kay Penman

Trust, I Think, Novelists, Readers

My novels about medieval Wales were set in unexplored terrain; my readers did not know what lay around every bend in the road.

- Sharon Kay Penman

Set, About, Lay, Readers

Women did not have as many options as men, and I need to reflect that reality in my mysteries.

- Sharon Kay Penman

Men, Need, Reflect, Options

I do my best to build a strong factual foundation for each of my novels and rely upon my author's notes to keep my conscience clear.

- Sharon Kay Penman

Strong, Conscience, Notes, Factual

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