the `` Princes in the Tower . '' Their disappearances , and presumed deaths , have long been an enduring mystery . That intrigue , and Woodville 's fascinating life , appealed to the historian in Gregory . The British author talked to CNN about her new direction , why Americans ca n't get enough of historic kings and queens and why she loves living in the past . CNN : Your Tudor series has been so successful . What took you in this direction ? Philippa Gregory : I think I felt like I had written a lot on the Tudors and although they are such fascinating characters and -LSB- there are -RSB- still some I would like to write about , I just got so interested in the back-story , the family that was there before the Tudors , and I thought I 'd see if I could take the audience with me . I knew I wanted to do it so I thought I would take the chance . CNN : What drew you to Elizabeth Woodville ? Gregory : She is , herself , such an extraordinary character and a spectator of extraordinary times . And
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Although Elizabeth Woodville lived centuries ago , author Philippa Gregory believes women today will find they have a commonality with her . Philippa Gregory took years to research and write `` The White Queen . '' Gregory 's new novel `` The White Queen '' focuses on the life of Woodville , who was Queen consort to England 's Edward IV , and the events that came to be known as the Wars of the Roses . Gregory is herself often referred to in majestic terms as the `` queen of historical fiction . '' She has enjoyed international success after a series of best-selling novels , including `` The Other Boleyn Girl , '' which was made into a feature film starring Natalie Portman and Scarlett Johansson . The new book , which was years in the making , has Gregory departing from the exploits of the Tudor family and delving into the lives of their predecessors , the Plantagenets . Woodville , a commoner , captured the heart of England 's King Edward IV . She was also the mother of Edward V and Richard of Shrewsbury , who came to be known as