Hilary Mantel advances story of Thomas Cromwell

British writer Hilary Mantel, already an established author of novels, short stories and a memoir, shot to international literary acclaim in 2009 with her blockbuster historical novel Wolf Hall.

Delving deep into the story of King Henry VIII's minister and fixer Thomas Cromwell, the lengthy tome was a smash hit with critics and readers, ultimately capturing the prestigious Man Booker Prize.

She's followed up the blockbusterwithBring Up the Bodies, which offers more about Cromwell in King Henry's court. In November, she revealed that her exploration of the powerful and incrediblyinfluential Tudor-era minister willend with a third novel,which will be titled Mirror and the Light.

In a recent interview from Exeter, England, Mantel spoke to Eleanor Wachtel, host of CBC Radio's Writers and Company,about what continues to intrigue her about Cromwellwho was no "glamour boy," she admits and how she is compelled to write despite her health struggles.