tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-226934202024-03-14T10:03:37.006-07:00Ainsley ParkCelebrating the historical romance.Renehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14966956368329586135noreply@blogger.comBlogger23125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22693420.post-26190525523263990442009-12-14T09:17:00.000-08:002009-12-14T11:19:30.630-08:00Blending History and Magic<div>I'm back on my kick for combining genres. This time I'm focusing on the "Traitor to the Crown" series by <a href="http://www.ccfinlay.com/index.html">C. C. Finlay</a>. The series takes place during the American Revolution and follows the hero, Proctor Brown as he develops from a young farm boy with patriot leanings to a major force in the War for Independence. He does this because he is a witch.</div><div></div><br /><div>Finlay doesn't present an alternative world, he uses the one we live in and know from the history books. However, he adds the detail of witchcraft to explain some of the events which took place.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs6AUHTsF0UUNjFXj8eEyBvOKkvYEGl_ZdvF0N2k0uXwSYci529JqPCmid1_aYHXvN5xBkYoBPrFDViej1oXSWO98__v1q9soTYqsqKJ5N9qYe3BU3SDJPKNPD-t2u_-jTy7soQg/s1600-h/img1755849f4679edcaf4.gif"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 170px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 280px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415146315402200994" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs6AUHTsF0UUNjFXj8eEyBvOKkvYEGl_ZdvF0N2k0uXwSYci529JqPCmid1_aYHXvN5xBkYoBPrFDViej1oXSWO98__v1q9soTYqsqKJ5N9qYe3BU3SDJPKNPD-t2u_-jTy7soQg/s320/img1755849f4679edcaf4.gif" /></a> In <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Traitor-Crown-Patriot-C-Finlay/dp/0345503902/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1260811510&sr=1-1">The Patriot Witch</a> we are introduced to Brown who is a young farmer in love with a Tory girl. He has some magical abilities but because of the treatment of witches, he has kept it hidden. But war is coming and he is drawn into the fight. He is also drawn into a world of witchcraft he didn't know existed.</div><div></div><br /><div>As the war flames into existence, he learns about a shadowy group of witches who are determined to see the Americans lose. It is up to him and a small group of witches to defeat their magical enemies to see the Revolution successful.</div><br /><div></div><div>The story continues in the next book, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Traitor-Crown-Revolution-C-Finlay/dp/0345503910/ref=pd_sim_b_1">Spell for the Revolution </a>and concludes with <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Traitor-Crown-Redcoat-C-Finlay/dp/0345503929/ref=pd_sim_b_1">The Demon Redcoat</a>. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG47GYpXm9ajJ6NpfbpmxxgIacvDqCl-Asm4GXIQ-QGSYqAhhyphenhyphenotZCYPed-S-amH3XikWUK6zCl8WNuK7qGdIXuO_A6wgMTq8kbvGvZGP-YjC6LSjilC0q8lhYE0yHRLtmudz_8A/s1600-h/untitled.bmp"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 170px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 279px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415149382146216898" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG47GYpXm9ajJ6NpfbpmxxgIacvDqCl-Asm4GXIQ-QGSYqAhhyphenhyphenotZCYPed-S-amH3XikWUK6zCl8WNuK7qGdIXuO_A6wgMTq8kbvGvZGP-YjC6LSjilC0q8lhYE0yHRLtmudz_8A/s320/untitled.bmp" /></a> What I find fascinating with this series is not the witchcraft element but rather the use of witchcraft as an explanation to the some of the events in the war. If you've read anything about the escape from New York by Washington and his troops, you know how impossible a task it really was. Finlay uses magic to explain how this miracle happened. </div><div></div><br /><div>The books are shelved in the sci <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">fi</span>/fantasy section of the bookshop, but really these are more <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">historicals</span> with a paranormal element. If you don't like history, you are not going to get as much from this series. Real historical figures are important characters in the novels and significant happenings in the Revolution are a major part of the story. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdCZHU91oFr3h6JiG14ysxLfe3ilk1VVn1fVLCBGkKGDqNrGr_EVtlz5W5kk9w7hTgXQhAYidnfppEcOCzBy20GA8Gi5G-LuS5AoctiIkAYG-Na3BbsAxcKUb-VDRA9lB7ygsVLQ/s1600-h/redcoat.bmp"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 170px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 280px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415151493298622370" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdCZHU91oFr3h6JiG14ysxLfe3ilk1VVn1fVLCBGkKGDqNrGr_EVtlz5W5kk9w7hTgXQhAYidnfppEcOCzBy20GA8Gi5G-LuS5AoctiIkAYG-Na3BbsAxcKUb-VDRA9lB7ygsVLQ/s320/redcoat.bmp" /></a> </div><div> </div><div>As I have said before, I am all for finding new ways to invigorate the historical. What I like so much about this series is that it isn't a changing of history but rather a new way of telling it, a way of making it a little more adventurous. </div><div> </div><div>Hopefully this blending of history and magic will bring new readers into both genres. People who are not history readers might have their eyes opened and gain an interest in reading more. Others who read for the history may find the elements of the paranormal something fun to delve into. As a writer, I like the idea of authors leaving the narrow path and creating a blend which appeals to all kinds of readers. </div><div> </div><div>I recommend this series to history buffs paranormal fans alike. It brings to life a great period in history while giving it an entertaining edge.<br /></div><div></div>Renehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14966956368329586135noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22693420.post-81057289472450159112009-10-15T11:26:00.000-07:002009-10-15T16:04:20.342-07:00Review: Soulless by Gail Carriger<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin8fMEozfr49kMJrcrldppiUfV0ATclSx0e-cQyZyPhlVBVUNMBpCKGMJrKbuNLSDAS1DABcMCWTkzW6CT_IBiSalYnsTAdW5HcqX6d1suT8JkXqzsBE31l40jneRxTxHdjFhb9Q/s1600-h/11874.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 198px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin8fMEozfr49kMJrcrldppiUfV0ATclSx0e-cQyZyPhlVBVUNMBpCKGMJrKbuNLSDAS1DABcMCWTkzW6CT_IBiSalYnsTAdW5HcqX6d1suT8JkXqzsBE31l40jneRxTxHdjFhb9Q/s320/11874.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392895441919773042" /></a> Awhile back I posted about blending the paranormal with historical fiction. In <a href="http://www.gailcarriger.com/">Gail Carriger's</a> <a href="http://www.hachettebookgroup.com/books_9780316056632.htm">Soulless</a> I find a charming example of what I mean.<br /><br />The heroine, Alexia Tarabotti, is a Victorian spinster who has no soul. Truly, it isn't as dark a premise as it sounds. In Miss Tarabotti's world, vampires and werewolves are beings with too much soul. Thus, when they come in contact with Alexia, she neutralizes their powers and for the duration of her touch, they are once again mortal. The novel opens up with her being attacked by a vampire who is not in the know as to who she is. After she is forced to kill her attacker, she is confronted by Lord Maccon, alpha werewolf and an authority with the Bureau of Unnatural Registry. He is also handsome, outrageous and far too rude for Alexia's taste.<br /><br />The story follows a mystery about the disappearance of certain vampires and werewolves. She is warned by Lord Maccon to stay uninvolved, but of course she involves herself anyway. She is a logical woman and it isn't as if she dives in stupidly. Her soullessness does keep her safe from the monsters to a certain point. It also keeps her in Lord Maccon's company more than she would like, or so she says. Thrust together into some very discomfiting circumstances, they search for an answer to the disappearances and must fight the evil responsible.<br /><br /><em>Soulless</em> is charming. That's the appropriate word. And fun. Although the story revolves around monsters, the tone is light and the book doesn't take itself too seriously. Because as much as this is a paranormal/urban fantasy, is is also a comedy of manners. The historical context of the story is vital to it. Alexia is as perturbed about the cheap clothing the attacking vampire wears as she is about his actions. Her being half-Italian is as much of a concern as her soulless state. Silly really but it plays into the comedy of Victorian society. The attraction between Maccon and Alexia is also delightful. She is always aware of her behavior and strives to maintain respectability whereas Lord Maccon is far too rough around the edges to care. This contrast in behavior is of course which makes them combustible together. I don't want to say too much because it would be easy to spoil this book and I don't want to do that.<br /><br />Ms. Carriger has brought a unique blend of genres to the page. Historical romance, paranormal and fantasy all blend into a smooth story. To squeeze <em>Soulless</em> into one genre is not fair to the book. However, I do think most readers of historicals and historical romance will be enchanted by the story. The dialogue is funny, reminiscent of true Regencies where the rules of Society are played for their ridiculousness. There is a steampunk flavor, but Ms. Carriger isn't bludgeoning her readers with the theme. Nice touches without losing focus on what the story is. <br /><br />If you are looking for a light read, some romance, some thrills, Soulless will fit the bill. The next book, <em>Changeless</em> is out in May and I can't wait. And if you have a chance, go <a href="http://www.orbitbooks.net/soulless/">here</a> and play with the Alexia Tarabotti paper doll.Renehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14966956368329586135noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22693420.post-44529930469470697882009-08-17T08:09:00.001-07:002009-08-17T08:31:23.607-07:00Writing the Historical: Real vs. ImaginedHere's a multiple choice question for you.<br /><br />Let's say you want to write a story set in an English village during World War II. This time period is recent enough that many still remember it. Do you:<br /><br />a) Choose a village that is already on the map, research it, and hope you don't get anything wrong<br /><br />b) Make up a village name and use a conglomerate of villages to "build" your own town<br /><br />c) Say the heck with it and just set it in London<br /><br />What I'm getting at here is a question that has been a part of the historical fiction writing world for a long time. If you're writing a historical, just how accurate do you need to be? There are some purists who refuse to use made-up places, insisting that if it's "historical" than that place really needs to exist.<br /><br />The other side of the coin gives you more leeway. To use our example above, using a made-up village enables us to be completely free of error - i.e. you're not going to have anyone calling you up and saying, "But the village bakery isn't on that street!" or what-have-you.<br /><br />This is a bit different when you get to bigger locales, however. Using major cities as locations is much easier. You have access to a lot more research, and though chances for errors are still possible, they're not as easy to make.<br /><br />But...if you're writing a historical, are you cheating the reader by setting it in a fictional place?<br /><br />What do you think?Unknownnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22693420.post-27191725841281596282009-08-11T08:39:00.000-07:002009-08-11T10:06:14.403-07:00Will It Blend? The Paranormal in the HistoricalIt isn't a particularly new trend, but it seems to be growing in popularity. While paranormal romances and fantasy fiction have soared, it seems as if the paranormal is finding its way into the historical. I'm not talking about the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pride_and_Prejudice_and_Zombies">Pride and Prejudice Zombie</a> thing which is parody and not really a true blend of genre.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt9aB9VTz7vfKwMWvwxLoPA492xkJAa6ODXOrtvFhxDzNo5x9wAKa8Vj7ivDFgAXEbN6A7TndKjWxRhWjuCbJkV0RRuktwoY1YDOjIZGRaOfAmWWD0niTG2QJEG3MlM_kbsmcPcw/s1600-h/51Up2KxfkDL__SL500_AA240_.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt9aB9VTz7vfKwMWvwxLoPA492xkJAa6ODXOrtvFhxDzNo5x9wAKa8Vj7ivDFgAXEbN6A7TndKjWxRhWjuCbJkV0RRuktwoY1YDOjIZGRaOfAmWWD0niTG2QJEG3MlM_kbsmcPcw/s200/51Up2KxfkDL__SL500_AA240_.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368750757614259554" /></a> I'm more interested in books such as Suzanna Clarke's <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0765356155/ref=s9_simb_gw_xu_s0_p14_t2?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=center-3&pf_rd_r=0SA6C7X9TTYGQYQC72M4&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=470938811&pf_rd_i=507846">Jonahtan Strange & Mr. Norell</a> or Amanda Grange's <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Mr-Darcy-Vampyre-Amanda-Grange/dp/1402236972/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1250009832&sr=8-1">Mr. Darcy, Vampyre</a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3NMZqopiu5yZNfHGVmxkx2aKhmv5QPKooN026itKQ5Zl5scASWBRh_6kCQXj33fLkoIO0trtnv8dhyLDzwArYDBtKqTl5plEo-EZL1f0CalWvgo798Wx0HBe5BmxRToWMKir_4Q/s1600-h/41EVAb4U24L__SL500_AA240_.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3NMZqopiu5yZNfHGVmxkx2aKhmv5QPKooN026itKQ5Zl5scASWBRh_6kCQXj33fLkoIO0trtnv8dhyLDzwArYDBtKqTl5plEo-EZL1f0CalWvgo798Wx0HBe5BmxRToWMKir_4Q/s200/41EVAb4U24L__SL500_AA240_.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368751664136974050" /></a>. <br />Why is this popular? Any thoughts? I think this is a trend which will grown more into the mainstream of historical fiction and historical romance. Will it help or hinder these markets? Will it become a more solid sub-genre? I'm not even going to go into <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steampunk">Steampunk</a> which I think is poised for an explosion and I think it is worthy of its own post. But do you agree there is a growing trend?<br /><br />As a historical writer, are you open to adding paranormal elements to your writing? As a reader, is this violating the purity of the genre?Renehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14966956368329586135noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22693420.post-69499660572700828072009-07-30T17:55:00.000-07:002009-07-30T21:21:26.629-07:00History v. Perceived HistoryIt's no surprise I have a degree in history. I spent my college career researching details until I could go no further. A proper historian grinds and grinds because we certainly don't want someone saying we are wrong or we didn't find that one glaring detail which would change everything we presented. In academia, that's pretty important. In historical romance?<br /><br />We try to be as accurate as we can. I've been known to spend days trying to figure out if the word "chandelier" was used in the 18th century. Or if someone living in London would have a water pump in the house or would they need to go to a public pump. As details go, these are pretty sniveling and really shows how a historian type can get bogged down. Most readers aren't going to know and even if they did, it isn't going to affect the story. My new rule of thumb is if I can't find the answer in five minutes, it probably doesn't matter. Unfortunately, I hold other authors to the same standard. If I can find the answer in five minutes, they should have too. <br /><br />This is where I'm probably unfair. There are details which our society assumes are correct and no one would think to check it (except for me). For example let's take cotton fabric. When we think of cotton we think of cheap material. We think of those old time calicos or the denim jeans we wear. Our undergarments are made of cotton. So wouldn't it make sense that poor or lower class characters would wear cotton? Except that the cotton gin hadn't been invented until 1793. Previous to that, cleaning the cotton from its seeds was a difficult, laborious process there for the fabric was prohibitively expensive. Therefore it was a fabric for the rich. <br /><br />So is this important? Does it impact a story? No, not really. Not many readers are going to make the connection. There are far worse mistakes to make. And there are some historical facts which can be used where a reader through their perceived sense of history are going to think are dead wrong. I once used a certain swear word in a WIP and got criticized because it was too jarring and certainly couldn't have been used at that time. Sorry folks, it wasn't a cuss word until later in the 19th century. You can find it in court records as a regular ol' descriptive word for intimate relations. Or having an unmarried woman use the title "Mrs." If my heroine is a housekeeper or a professional woman of some respect, she will be called Mrs. no matter her marital status. But most readers won't know that and I would have to spend precious words on an unnecessary infodump. <br /><br />I think the problem is that worrying about the small stuff can bog down the writing or, and I've read it before, can make the author look like a show off. The amusing thing is, as curmudgeonly as I am about historical accuracy, one of my favorite historical romance authors from the '80's wouldn't have known an accurate historical detail if it bit them on the nose. However I was so engaged in the story and the characters, I had no problem ignoring it. And that's the crux. If the writing is good and entrances the reader, then the small details don't stand out so much. But as writers obsessed with history, where do you draw the line?Renehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14966956368329586135noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22693420.post-28877867990776227982009-07-29T10:10:00.000-07:002009-07-29T10:46:26.782-07:00Review: The Tory Widow<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK-0NHoZpHGwezNkoXjksxJ07XoglNg9dqudprrBSEoSxpO0KUPu6SP-J0_QdnzwNAneiMk6M9MupNAsR4Cq3gUPBvwDmlOHmdqR3eZ_C__0yOYl79R2hXNOTndrqOSnSSCG33/s1600-h/tory+widow.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363931904819320562" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 222px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK-0NHoZpHGwezNkoXjksxJ07XoglNg9dqudprrBSEoSxpO0KUPu6SP-J0_QdnzwNAneiMk6M9MupNAsR4Cq3gUPBvwDmlOHmdqR3eZ_C__0yOYl79R2hXNOTndrqOSnSSCG33/s320/tory+widow.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div><br /><p>I've always loved reading novels set during the Revolutionary War. The struggle of a young nation against one of the most powerful armies on Earth makes for a thrilling read.</p><p>That's why I was quite excited to pick up Christine Blevins' new novel, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Tory-Widow-Christine-Blevins/dp/0425226018/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1248887921&sr=1-1"><em>The Tory Widow</em></a>. Set in New York during the early days of the American Revolution, this lush historical novel tells the story of Anne Merrick, a young widow whose elderly husband ran a Tory printing press. After his death, she's struggled to make ends meet, even if it means printing opinions she doesn't agree with - mainly those that support the King of England.</p><p>Jack Hampton is a staunch patriot and participates in a raid that ransacks Anne's home. The spark between the two flares to life and Anne becomes involved in the Rebel cause - and opens her long-closed heart to Jack.</p><p>From the first shots fired at Lexington and Concord to the occupation of New York by the British, <em>The Tory Widow</em> weaves a complex and intimate story of two people in a tumultuous time who find liberty and love.</p><p>What truly struck me about <em>The Tory Widow</em> was the amazing amount of historical detail Blevins included. It literally appeared as though she stepped back into time and sat and recorded all that she saw. I can't imagine the immense amount of research she must have done, but the effort was well worth it. She describes the printing process in fascinating detail and perfectly captures the mannerisms and attitudes of the time.</p><p>Jack and Anne are wonderfully complex characters and I thoroughly enjoyed watching their relationship grow. There's a great cast of secondary characters - Titus, a black man who becomes Jack's best friend; Sally, Anne's Scottish maid; David, Anne's brother and an officer in the colonial army and Sally's beau; and even George Washington himself.</p><p>This is the first book in a three-book series on the Revolutionary War and I must say, I can't wait until the other two books come out. I was completely swept into this world and am looking forward to what happens next to Jack and Anne.</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22693420.post-45755893441341323412009-07-16T19:44:00.000-07:002009-07-18T18:41:17.690-07:00Blast to the PastI've been in a little bit of a writing funk. Not a bad one. I'm just tired of what I've been writing. I imagine it happens to everyone. I crave a world different from the one I've been writing in. <br /><br />So I've been toying around with a historical romance I started awhile back. It's tough to get back into it after spending so much time dedicated to a contemporary world. My voice doesn't change, by my style does. Essentially, I run the words through the "translator" in my head and write them down. Takes longer. I need a dictionary and a thesaurus nearby to find the words and find out if they existed in the time period I'm writing in. Research is tough because I can't make it up as I go along, but honestly, I've done so much research, that really isn't all that hard anymore.<br /><br />Anyway, I started this blog a long time ago when I was writing historicals and now I've decided to revive it in the hope it helps keep me focused. I'll post tidbits that I find and explore the particular issues that go along with writing the historical novel. <br /><br />For those of you who are interested either as readers or writers in historical fiction and romance, what issue do you feel are important? Is there something missing you'd like to see? Too much of something?Renehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14966956368329586135noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22693420.post-7521526514687855912007-01-13T13:32:00.000-08:002007-01-13T13:44:34.564-08:00The Return of the Historical?<a href="http://grosvenorsquare.blogspot.com">Melissa</a> pointed out this post from agent Kristin Nelson's blog <a href="http://pubrants.blogspot.com/2007/01/editors-get-serious-about-historical.html">Pub Rants</a>. She says editors are asking for good historical romances. For years, the genre has been on the decline, but apparently it is on the upswing. When I signed with my agent, I told her I also wrote historicals and she said great since historicals are coming back. So Ms. Nelson isn't on her own in this. I do wonder, however, what kind of historicals are being looked at. Is the spectrum broadening for eras and settings? What do you think? I've seen the emergence of historical paranormal romance, so it seems as though their is a sense of adventure needed. More danger, more darkness? Is this style of romance going to outpace the light historicals?Renehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14966956368329586135noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22693420.post-6588044099525754372007-01-01T08:59:00.000-08:002007-01-01T09:47:32.489-08:00Creating the Strong and Beliveable Historical HeroineIt has been a very long time since I've been here, mainly because I've been working on a non-historical. I just finished a fantasy romance which took place in contemporary times. <br /><br />There is a certain freedom to writing contemporaries as opposed to historicals. The contemporary heroine can be a strong "kick-ass" kind of woman without constraints. The path is more difficult for the historical writer.<br /><br />Yes, there were strong women in history, we know their names. But when it comes to writing a romance, I think it is tough to create a strong heroine while still maintaining the flavor of the period. <br /><br />Strong women are a mainstay of my writing. So writing a woman of strength is necessary for me. But making a heroine believable and strong in a historical setting brings its own challenges.<br /><br />Oh, there are the Napoleonic spies or the heroine who dresses as a highwayman and steals from the rich to give to the poor. There are women who become knights and the like. Those stories are great, but that is surface strength. I want to write a heroine who isn't extraordinary, whose strength is within and sees her through the adversity of being a woman in her particular time period. <br /><br />Heroes are easy. I know, that is a blanket statement, but there is more freedom to give a man traits which exemplify strength and yet not leave the realism of the period. A woman's strength needs to be more subtle, we don't have the advantage of just putting it out there. We have to lay a foundation if we are going to make her extraordinary. Too many authors don't do this I find in historicals. It makes their books lightweight and easily forgotten. To dip into a heroine's true inner strength and make her someone we find formidable isn't nearly as easy. <br /><br />I think writers are concerned that creating a strong heroine can make her unlikeable or less appealing. Maybe. But less appealing doesn't mean less compelling. We create this awesome heroes who are strength personified then give him a heroine considerably less powerful. She doesn't have to wield a sword or a gun to be strong. She doesn't have to take on a man's role to be interesting.<br /><br />We need to find what makes a woman strong in her period, give her the obstacles she would find in her life. Take the weaknesses or constraints she would face and build up her character from there. <br /><br />So many of the historicals read as light weight costume dramas, I'm turned off. I want to read books with more backbone with interesting characters. Not that there isn't room for both, but it seems like there are fewer and fewer historicals out there that take full advantage of the period, that gives the reader a reason for reading the historical.Renehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14966956368329586135noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22693420.post-1161450640999049992006-10-21T09:56:00.000-07:002006-10-21T10:10:41.016-07:00Marie Antoinette<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5149/414/1600/1160135873928_0_5722520738864807.2.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5149/414/320/1160135873928_0_5722520738864807.2.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a>Is anyone planning to see this movie? I don't know that I'll go to the movies to see it but I'd like to see it when it comes out on HBO. I was really skeptical when I heard Kirsten Dunst was set to play the role and Sofia Coppola was directing. However, I don't think Coppola is striving for historical accuracy but rather making a film about the legend of the doomed French Queen. I don't mind historical inaccuracy as long as the author/filmmaker is not trying to push it off as history. That was a problem I had with "The Patriot." Rather than saying it was a costume drama, the filmmakers presented it as history. And it wasn't accurate. I actually liked the film, although I found myself rooting for the Redcoats. I think Jason Isaacs had a lot to do with it. <a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5149/414/1600/isaacs-jason.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5149/414/320/isaacs-jason.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a> I'm the same way with books I suppose, although with books, an author has time to present the facts correctly. Maybe because I am a writer I am a tougher critic. We seem to be tougher judges on our own, I think that is pretty much true with any profession. Have you ever been out to dinner with a waitress? <br /><br />Anyway, what do you think? Is this movie going to do a disservice to French history or will it be considered on its entertainment merits? I can't wait to see the costumes.Renehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14966956368329586135noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22693420.post-1156265862003165412006-08-22T09:57:00.000-07:002006-08-22T09:59:22.010-07:00House of a Thousand LanternsI guess I must have been about eleven when my mom gave me one of her books to read. It was "House of a Thousand Lanterns" by Victoria Holt. After reading that book, I knew what I wanted to do when I grew up.<br /><br />Victoria Holt wrote gothic romance back in the 60's, 70's and 80's. Almost all of them were historical. A couple of them were less gothic and more historical. But they all pulled me into another world, creating vivid settings and fascinating characters. She took me all over the world: Britain, France, India, Australia and Germany. Her heroines found themselves in perilous situations, quite often suspecting the hero was the culprit. Her heroes and heroines were flawed, those very flaws contributing to the plot and moving the story forward.<br /><br />I fell in love with those stories. In the future, other authors influenced my choice of writing. Jennifer Wilde instilled a love of the 18th century in me. Early Kathleen Woodiwiss made me appreciate sweeping language and heroes and heroines of mythical proportions. Laurell K. Hamilton convinced me vampires could be sexy. But the author who made me a writer was Victoria Holt.<br /><br />She died awhile back, but her influence is still with me today. If it hadn't been for her, I would never have picked up a pen and wrote.Renehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14966956368329586135noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22693420.post-1154304125227183702006-07-30T17:01:00.000-07:002006-07-30T17:02:05.236-07:00Accuracy Versus ExpectationsI try to be as accurate as I can when I’m working on a historical. I research the facts, make sure my details are true and hope to convey the feeling of the time period.<br /><br />But what if these conflicts with what a reader expects?<br /><br />When you are educated in history, the preconceptions of what you believe about the past are wiped away by the truth found in books. Elementary and high school history courses pretty much give a Cliff Notes version of history, coloring the world in black and white, ignoring the fact that our ancestors were human beings just like us, with the same hopes and dreams as we do. And many of the same values.<br /><br />Anyway, I’m writing an 18th century historical and I know it will raise brows. The language is rough. But at the time, words we reserve for swearing now were no big deal then. They were an earthier group of people, slowly moving towards the bourgeois values more apparent in the Regency period. And the belief that women were not educated. They were and in more than sewing. It was essential they be able to converse about the politics of the day. The upper classes spent much of their time socializing and women were known for the salons hosting writers, artists and politicians. These women were educated.<br /><br />On a smaller scale, so were the lower classes. No one wanted a housekeeper who couldn’t read. And a scullery girl knew the only way she could advance in her profession was to learn skills, and many times that required literacy.<br /><br />Those are some specific details, there are plenty more. But in general it concerns me that as a writer I will be writing against the notions readers have based on their perceptions of the past. Does anyone else worry about this?Renehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14966956368329586135noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22693420.post-1148839021284615662006-05-28T10:23:00.000-07:002006-05-29T08:35:12.816-07:00It's the little thingsI feel like there is complacency among historical romance writers, a complacency which weakens the genre. We are all aware of big inaccuracies and how they can really ruin a story for us as readers. But what about the little details?<br /><br />I recently read a story where the author had obviously researched one aspect of her novel quite well, but she let the rest lapse. For example, the heroine was wearing a cotton shift in colonial America in the 1750's. Not a big deal, but if a reader knows anything about the period or knows anything about textiles, they would know the price of cotton was so high at the time that only the most wealthy could wear it. Really not a big deal and certainly not something a section of readers are going to know. However, it shows a lack of passion in the writer.<br /><br />I've always believed a historical writer should write about an era they love. In loving that era, they should know all about it. They should glory in the small details. They should be trying to pass on that passion to their readers. When I read a historical, I want to be transported to another time and place. While I don't require the novel to be a hard hitting expose of the time period, I expect the writer to do her best to know her details.<br /><br />Did it ruin the book for me? No, but I was disappointed. In this day and age, the wealth of resources available to an author makes me hold them to a higher standard. In ten minutes, the author could have figured out everything she would have needed to know about women's dress in 18th century America and been accurate. But she made assumptions. She was lazy. I suppose I feel somewhat insulted as a reader although I'm positive that wasn't her intent. And in all fairness, not too many people would catch it. But I find it sad that she didn't care enough about the time period to make it as accurate as possible.<br /><br />I'm probably being a little harsh, but I love history and I love historical romance. I know some readers believe the crucial element is the hero and heroine, that the story and setting should be there to pump up the characterizations and conflicts. But when you as a writer take on a historical, you are taking on the responsibility of making your characters products of their times. And to make them believable, the details are important. Make me as a reader feel your love for the era. If that isn't possible, then perhaps the genre is truly dying.Renehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14966956368329586135noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22693420.post-1146595561521550702006-05-02T13:47:00.000-07:002006-05-02T11:46:01.546-07:00Switching Time PeriodsI just received the latest issue of <a href="http://www.romantictimes.com/">Romantic Times</a> and when I turned to the historical romance reviews section, my heart plummeted. Most of the new books were set in Regency England. Why did my heart sink? Because that's where my novel is set. And I keep thinking, Why would anyone want to buy <em>more </em>stories set in this time period? The market is just saturated with Regency historicals.<br /><br />As a writer, I have a hard time wanting to just write in one particular time period. I have lots of ideas for stories in different time periods - the French Revolution, the American Revolution, World War II, Napoleonic France, the Troubles in Northern Ireland, etc., etc. So if I happen to sell the novel I'm working on (the Regency historical), does that mean I'm committed to writing more Regency historicals until I'm successful enough to branch out? In other words, that will be my "brand."<br /><br />Unfortunately, that doesn't sit well with me. <br /><br />I don't want to spend years writing in the same time period because, frankly, I'll get bored. And I don't want to just do what everyone else is doing. When I started writing this book (I won't say how long ago), I wanted to write it because I loved that time period and because it was very popular. Now, though, I think it's gone overboard.<br /><br />I think something is brewing in the historical market. This trend of Regency historicals can't go on forever, nor do I want it to. I love this time period, but I think there is plenty of room for other time periods, as well. I think a lot of romance readers would agree.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22693420.post-1145546929863786792006-04-20T08:10:00.000-07:002006-04-20T08:28:49.883-07:00Crossing GenresI'm writing a paranormal historical. It isn't something I see on the shelves too often. There's the LoveSpell line by <a href="http://www.dorchesterpub.com/Dorch/Genre.cfm?L1=2&L2=0">Dorchester</a> but I've never been too fond of them. Occasionally you'll see one, but it isn't as established in the genre as paranormal is in contemporary. <br /><br />Do you think there is room? Paranormal is hot, no doubt about it. Could it be the subgenre to enliven the historical market? <a href="http://susansquires.com/">Susan Squires</a> seems to be successful with her Regency vampire stories. Do you think it could be the next wave?<br /><br />And what about historical romantic suspense? There is usually a "suspense" plot to historicals, but they are generally just window dressing for the hero and heroine. The plots provide conflicts but rarely create any real interest. And yet there are historical mystery writers out there as well. Is it an area to explore?<br /><br />I do think we will see more historical erotica as erotica has gone more mainstream. <a href="http://www.lisavaldez.com/">Lisa Valdez's</a> <strong>Passion</strong> definitely crosses the line into eroticism. Historicals have always been spicy, I think it isn't a big jump to move towards erotica.<br /><br />What do you think? Will we see the historical genre grow with other subgenres? Do you think it needs to or is the readership loyal to only a certain style, accepting only anomalies to the genre?Renehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14966956368329586135noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22693420.post-1142371646735144822006-03-14T12:55:00.000-08:002006-03-14T13:27:26.770-08:00<strong>Keeping the Faith</strong><br /><br />"The market for historicals is tight." "Historicals are dying." "You can't sell a historical in today's market place."<br /><br />We historical writers have all heard these lines. So how do you keep going? How do you find the faith to continue with your historical story?<br /><br />When I first started writing, historical romances dominated. And you could find a book from a variety of eras. Personally, I think the market has been so badly filtered, it damaged itself. Let's face it, when was the last time you read a historical which didn't take place in Regency England? Yeah, they are out there, but you got to look. When was the last time you read a book that didn't take place in the British Isles?<br /><br />Author <a href="http://lydiajoyce.com">Lydia Joyce</a> has broken from the mold. Her last book <em>Music of the Night</em> took place in Venice. Her next release takes place in Eastern Europe. And her books are selling. Is this sending a message to the editors and publishers? Is there a light at the end of the tunnel for historical writers?<br /><br />I confess, I've put aside my aspirations of writing about the American Colonies or the War for Independence at this point. A book on the Revolution would be so exhaustive to research, I don't have the heart to do so and see my story never sell. However, I find I can't write Regency. I've tried and while I can do it, I don't enjoy it. I have nothing against it, I happen to prefer other eras. I keep writing historical because it is what I enjoy and I happen to be good at. But I have found myself developing my skills in other genres. Is it giving up? Hmm, not sure. Jayne Ann Krentz does it, but there are a bunch of historical authors that have jumped the ship and are now writing contemporary.<br /><br />What do you think?Renehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14966956368329586135noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22693420.post-1141396923588773202006-03-03T06:42:00.000-08:002006-03-03T06:44:46.773-08:00More on historical accuracy...<font color="#000080">Rene blogged about this the other day, and I'm going to add something more here - after reading more in a book I'm reviewing for the Historical Novel Society.<br /><br />Why, oh why, do authors slip little bits of history into their books without doing the proper research? Until last night, I was having a pretty good time with this particular story. A little overwritten in bits, but so far - a fun romp. THEN, the author drops in two pages with one character telling the other about some background info, using events with which I'm well familiar. To put it bluntly, she got things WAY wrong. Not just a little wrong, but WAY wrong. It was clear to me she'd done little research and just gone with what she thought she knew.<br /><br />Now, had this gone to another reviewer, this might not have been caught. But it didn't and it has. I was sooooo frustrated. What possible reason could this writer have for NOT double and triple-checking her facts? It completely spoils the credibility of the book for me - I don't particularly want to finish it at this point, but I will. <br /><br />It's not even like the research would have taken all that long. There were just a few tidbits of history that needed a quick review and all would have been well. Instead, the history was just tossed in, apparently to add to the drama of the personal background being revealed. Which might work with most readers, but for those who are aware of what really happened it will only serve to make them want to toss the book against the nearest wall.<br /><br />Such carelessness just burns me. And to what end? Now I question everything I've read so far. Does this author think people just really don't care? Does he/she really not respect the intelligence of the reader? I've no idea. Or maybe the scene was inserted at the last moment and time ran out. Either way, considering the facts were those that easily could have been checked both online and in a couple of basic sources available at any decent library, it smacks of laziness.<br /><br />Now, maybe I should give the author a break. But, knowing any number of unpublished writers who, like me, go the distance to create realistic settings in the past, it makes me angry. <br /><br />So - how do YOU react when you find really blatant errors in a novel? Does it bother you like it does me? Or do you just shrug it off and move one?<br /><br />Teresa</font>Tesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15636189059910920978noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22693420.post-1140979329434088732006-02-26T10:38:00.000-08:002006-02-26T10:42:09.443-08:00<span style="color:#993399;"><strong>Historical Accuracy<br /></strong><br />How important is historical accuracy to you in a novel? I waver. If the writing is good, I tend to forgive errors. But if there are problems with the story, I will notice every inaccuracy. I suppose I'm more stringent on books which take place in eras I am familiar with. But I'm not one to hurl a book for one mistake. I also put a higher standard to multi-published authors than newbies like when I'm judging a contest. Maybe that's not fair, but if you are a historical novelist, it is part of your job to produce a book as close to accurate as possible, in my humble opinion. What about you?</span>Renehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14966956368329586135noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22693420.post-1140718268855588782006-02-23T10:07:00.000-08:002006-02-23T10:11:08.863-08:00A wonderful resource...Want to know more about historical buildings in Britain? I was <a href="http://world-history-blog.blogspot.com/2006/02/researching-historic-buildings-in.html">pointed towards this resource</a> by the author of <a href="http://world-history-blog.blogspot.com/">World History Blog</a>. It's a site called, appropriately enough, <a href="http://www.building-history.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/">Researching Historic Buildings in the British Isles</a>. So far, I've only scanned it (must get back to my ms), but it looks like a good place to learn lots!<br /><br />Enjoy :-)<br /><br />TeresaTesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15636189059910920978noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22693420.post-1140621541444194362006-02-22T07:17:00.000-08:002006-02-22T07:19:01.453-08:00<strong>Recommendations?</strong><br /><br />What authors do you like? Any titles you'd recommend? I confess I'm in a bit of a drought. The last one I read was "Music of the Night" by Lydia Joyce and I liked it quite a bit. What are your favorites?Renehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14966956368329586135noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22693420.post-1140537903707323442006-02-21T08:05:00.000-08:002006-02-21T08:07:11.050-08:00<font color="#0000A0">So, Rene twisted my rubber arm *g* to join this blog and what do you know - here I am *g*.<br /><br />I'm sure you're all sooooo surprised.<br /><br />But a blog dedicated to writers of historicals is right up my alley. I feel like we're a dying breed. *sigh* NOT that I have anything against romantic suspense, women's fiction, chick lit, hen lit or any of the other more popular genres, it's just that I am so totally dedicated to the historical world I can't imagine writing anything else. Or give up hope that one day, despite the apparently fading historical market, I'll have one of my mss published.<br /><br />I write stories set in the past because the events of yesteryear fascinate me. And because my characters are all historical - they come to me, fully formed, as people from the past. The one contemp character who made an appearance promptly insisted on travelling back to 1483 England and taking up with the handsome spymaster of Richard III. So what's a historian who loves a happy ending to do? Write historical romance. And keep on pushing the genre by talking about it, reviewing books set in the past and writing the best da**ed book she can.<br /><br />Speaking of which - I'd best get back to my characters :-)<br /><br />Thanks <a href="http://alittlecheesewiththatwhine.blogspot.com" title="Rene" target="_blank">Rene </a>and <a href="http://grosvenersquare.blogspot.com" title="Melissa" target="_blank">Melissa</a> for welcoming me here :-)<br /><br /><font face="'Times New Roman',Times,serif"><i>Teresa</i></font></font>Tesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15636189059910920978noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22693420.post-1140482267388684122006-02-20T16:32:00.000-08:002006-02-20T16:37:47.396-08:00<strong>What Kind of Romance?</strong><br /><br />What kind of historical romance are you reading, writing or both? Do you have a favorite time period and setting?Renehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14966956368329586135noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22693420.post-1140460713399690932006-02-20T10:35:00.000-08:002006-02-20T10:38:33.410-08:00Why This Blog?Besides the fact I thought the template was pretty, I thought it would be a nice place for historical writers to gather. Writing the historical romance is different from other types of writing. While we are able to exploit the wide range of historical material and add that richness to our stories, our heroes and heroines must play by different rules. Their goals and motivations differ from their contemporary counterparts. I thought it would be fun to have a place where others can vent about their struggles or find answers to specific questions. We can gather support for our endeavors and share information with each other.Renehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14966956368329586135noreply@blogger.com0