For First-Time Novelist, a Royal Celebration

In early October,  Michaela MacColl's Westport home was  festooned in shades of pink and black to coordinate with the true guest of honor at the party --  her first book Prisoners in the Palace (Chronicle Books, October 2010).  Stacks of the books literally sparkled, due to the use of a foil effect on the cover.

Friends, family, other authors, and neighbors accepted her invitation to celebrate the launch of her book, which is officially released today, Oct. 13.

The rainy weather of the days preceding the party dissipated for the event.  The afternoon was clear and cool.  Guests moved inside and outside, eating barbecue and finger sandwiches.  A castle bounce house was set up for the children who were in attendance.  Guests enjoyed a signature pink cocktail called the Victoriana, made with champagne, peach bellini mix and a touch of cranberry juice.

Friends and members of her writing group co-hosted the party. Each seemed as excited for MacColl's success as if it had been her own.

Karen Swanson used her business acumen to coordinate the sales of the books which were on hand so the guests could buy a copy and have it signed by the debut author.

"We meet every week and support each other in our quest for publishing success," MacColl said about her writing group which includes fellow Westporters Sari Bodi, Christine Pakkala, and Karen Swanson.

Michaela MacColl moved from Paris to Westport thirteen years ago. She has been an active community member: coordinating book fairs for the Long Lots PTA, serving as Secretary of the Westport Historical Society, and serving as past President of the International Hospitality Committee, where her largest responsibility is chairing  jUNe Day.

In the midst of being involved in the community, working from home, and raising two daughters, MacColl found the time to write a book.  Prisoners in the Palace is a fictional account of the years immediately before Princess Victoria became Queen Victoria in the 19th century.

MacColl got the idea for the story when an editor suggested to her that it would be interesting to see something fun and romantic about Queen Victoria.  MacColl's research showed her how constrained Victoria's life was, so she created Liza Hastings, the heroine of the novel. Victoria needed a friend who could leave the Palace freely and have romantic adventures, she said.

Prisoners in the Palace tells Victoria's story through the eyes of Liza, a young woman who is suddenly orphaned and destitute.  A friend presents her with the opportunity to be a handmaiden to Princess Victoria.  It is below her station, but she takes it in her determination to provide for herself and pay off the debts left after her parents' death.

The book is subtitled "a novel of intrigue and romance."  These elements, along with Liza's independent spirit help it transcend the historical fiction genre.

Amanda Donovan, 12, a guest at the party (and this reporter's daughter), does not usually enjoy historical fiction, but could not put Prisoner's in the Palace down.

"It was an exciting story," she said.  "I don't know why, but I just liked it."

MacColl's daughters, Rowan, 14, and Margaux, 12, are both avid readers. MacColl described them as her toughest critics but also her biggest supporters.

MacColl is in the final editing stages of her second book, which will be published by Chronicle in 2011.  This book continues in the vein of modern historical fiction that explores how famous people grew up to be that way.  The untitled project is about aviator Beryl Markham.

"She had a dangerous and exciting upbringing in Africa.  She was mauled by a lion and survived boarding school," MacColl said via e-mail.

Prisoners in the Palace officially releases on Oct. 13, but the launch party increased MacColl's  anticipation for the day when the books will be available in stores and online.

"I have to say that signing all those books made it seem very real," MacColl said after the party.

MacColl will discuss her book and host a showing of the movie Young Victoria and a question at Westport Public Library on November 3.

Find out more about upcoming appearances and events at her website.