Bestselling British author Kate Mosse is taking her best-known book, 2005’s Labyrinth on a 20th anniversary tour, and with a Swansea stopoff included she gave Antonia Levay her thoughts on the future of literature, her journey as a writer and the power of storytelling.
You’re about to embark on a tour celebrating 20 years since the publication of Labyrinth. Can you tell us about the journey of writing this book and what it means to you two decades later?
You know, writing Labyrinth was a 15-year journey, and I never imagined it would resonate with so many people. As an author, you don’t expect millions to read your books; you just hope your mum will! But here we are, 20 years later, and it’s been an incredible ride. The tagline we’re using for the tour, “Fiction takes over where history runs out,” encapsulates what Labyrinth is about – using imagination to fill in the gaps history leaves behind.
With the rise of AI and technology, some worry about the future of reading. What are your thoughts on this?
I’m not worried at all. The book will never die because people will always want to tell and hear stories. It’s in our DNA. Storytelling transcends the medium, whether it’s through physical books, audiobooks, or e-readers.
Speaking of sharing stories, tell us more about what attendees can expect from your anniversary tour…
Oh, I’m so excited! It’s not just a book talk – it’s a fully-fledged immersive theatre experience. We’ve got music, lights, special effects, and video. I’ll be sharing the story behind writing Labyrinth, my personal inspirations, and the real history that inspired the novel. We’ve put a lot of effort into the stage setting, working closely with my director, Tim Wallace. I want this to be a celebration not just of the book, but of the readers who made it a success – it’s my way of saying thank you.
And Labyrinth was adapted for the screen back in 2012, too…
Yes, it was adapted into a mini-series, which was a fantastic experience. Being on set and working with talented actors like Tom Felton, Jess Brown Findlay, and Vanessa Kirby was a joy. There’s potential for a longer series in the future, which is exciting. The tour will also touch on some of these experiences, giving fans a behind-the-scenes look at how the story came to life on screen.
You write both fiction and non-fiction. How do you balance these different forms of writing?
For me, both my fiction and non-fiction are inspired by place and share similar writing styles – the main difference is in the research and how I apply it. Playwriting, on the other hand, is quite different as it focuses more on character dialogue rather than description. In my downtime, I love reading and spending time with my family, especially my grandchildren. I’m also working on a YA book called Feminist History For Every Day Of The Year, aimed at 14-18-year-olds. It’s important to me to keep exploring different forms of storytelling.
How important is audience feedback to your work?
It’s absolutely crucial. I always listen to my readers and take their feedback into account. There’s a collaborative nature to storytelling – it’s not just about what I put on the page, but how readers interpret and connect with it. This tour is part of that ongoing conversation with my audience.
Finally, what would you say to someone who’s considering attending your tour but might be on the fence?
I’d say, come along for a great night out! Think of it as a combination of a Madonna concert and a Simon Callow performance. It’s going to be fun, moving, and exciting. It’s not just for individual readers – book groups are more than welcome. I promise it will be a memorable experience, whether you’re a long-time fan of Labyrinth or new to the story. It’s a celebration of imagination, history, and the power of storytelling.
Kate Mosse: Labyrinth Live, Brangwyn Hall, Swansea, Mon 17 Mar.
Tickets: £26.50. Info: here
words ANTONIA LEVAY
