Where did the idea for this novel begin?
Treveur: Twitter! When the Romance Genre ran a new novel idea contest, Wyatt and I chatted about it via Twitter. He mentioned thinking about suggesting a novel based on the medieval concept of courtly love. I liked the idea; we talked about the various scenarios that could be explored within that theme. Encouraged, Wyatt decided to post it in the contest.

What drew you to the novel Courtly Love?
Treveur:The history of knighthood and chivalry has always been one of my interests. The concept of courtly love is related, an off-shoot of chivalric ideals intended to instill certain standards of behavior in a warrior class that, at times, behaved barbarically. Knights were encouraged to be polite and respectful, especially toward women, choosing ladies to champion in battle and in contests--but not just any women. Usually a knight would endeavor to court the favor of the wife of a higher ranking nobleman with an eye toward social and political favor. So while historically, the idealized romance behind courtly love likely may have been nothing more than "ambitious flirtation," Courtly Love offers an opportunity to explore various possible scenarios within the context of a "finer love" we know from the songs of the troubadours--unrequited love, jealousy, forbidden love--and the consequences of playing such games of the heart.

What types of writers would you like to see join this novel?
Treveur:Since this novel is in the Romance Genre, I'd like to see writers with ideas for stories that focus on personal relationships within the context of the novel's theme. There can be secondary characters and subplots, but the main storylines should involve romance.

Have you had to do much research to stay somewhat historically accurate?
Treveur:Although the novel setting is fictional, we draw from several medieval European traditions. Since the troubadours began in what is now southern France, I and some others are drawing from Provençal and Old French traditions, but the English are well-represented, and elements of Spanish, Italian and German are in the tapestry as well. This requires some historical background research, and members have been sharing information on the Story Boards. But we have been emphasizing that the idea is to write in the spirit of the period; that it's more important to immerse the reader in a sense of medieval romance rather than a history lesson.

What are you looking forward to your character doing in Courtly Love?
Treveur:Treveur wears the favor of the wife of his liege lord, is attracted to her, may even fancy himself in love with her, but regardless of what he might desire, he would never suggest compromising her reputation. Of course, he would do whatever she asked of him, so were she to desire something more of him than chaste companionship, he wouldn't hesitate to please her. But he doesn't really know how she feels about him or whether she reciprocates his feelings, and this causes him some angst that he works out in tourneys, on the training fields, and with the daughters of lower classes. Soon he will meet a lady of minor nobility--similar to his own--the maid of a high-ranking noblewoman from another land. Smitten, his world will change. I plan to explore what that means and show how it affects him, his relationships and ambitions.

Anything else you would like anyone to know about this novel?
Treveur:New writers are always welcome. We've posted novel guidelines that explain the concept of Courtly Love and the types of stories we're encouraging. We invite anyone interested in writing with us to review the guidelines and then contact one or both of the MoBs to talk about applying for the novel.

Has there been a post or scene written so far that you thought was particularly good?
Treveur:There have been a few for different reasons, but "Bestowing a Favor" posted by Veronique du Gascogne stands out in my mind as bringing to life the familiar romantic image of a lady presenting her champion knight with a favor before he rides off.

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