“Romantic Fiction Versus Historical Fiction.”

Stepping back in time is a relatively easy thing to achieve for a novelist, is it not? After all, we need only select a chosen period, preferably an era in which something dramatic occurred, and Lo and Behold we have a ready-made plot, or do we?
   Let us now pause for breath. Who or what shall we write about?

What about this flamboyant warrior prince?
Handsome devil, ain't he, and how much do you really know about him, or think you do?

   But of course, (metaphorically speaking) as historical writers we’re setting off along corridors where candles or flaming torches light our path (cough). The winds of time all the while whisper through loose windows and howl from the dark labyrinths our ancestors knew so well. We may even start and falter in step at hearing a worn latch rasping metal-to-metal in gentle lamentation for the passing of the ages, for that is how we immerse ourselves in the chronicled atmosphere of history. And onward we tread in hunger and thirst for historical intrigue, political shenanigans, royal murder mysteries, and a fair bit of mayhem and a touch of romance along the way.

   We may happen upon a battle or become involved in a minor skirmish. We will no doubt pay witness to abhorrent acts of brutality and sexual violence. But all this is happening in the past, and if we adhere to 21st century thinking on morality we’d best not venture back in time.

   Now let’s imagine resting a tome of historical fact on one’s knee and a sudden gasp escapes into the silence of the ether: Gosh, did he really do that? Oh lordy, but that missive I put aside declares otherwise. Oh crikey.

   More tomes and pigeon-holed parchments must yet be browsed and what a daunting prospect, whilst copious notes already penned add to the accumulation of bewildering information. But, even well documented historical events may differ between penned personal accounts to that of state, court or ecclesiastical papers. When omissions occur and details of an event are vague or at odds in conclusion and, from differing sources, detective work is necessary in order to adhere to fact rather than fiction.

   Hmmm. So how do we set about filtering assumptions that might have paid court to individual chroniclers’ imaginations when they themselves penned accounts of events that occurred before their own lifetimes, or were influenced by allegiance to others? The inevitability of envy, revenge and all manner of political and courtly power struggles manifest often as calumnies set against rival factions. Worse, how much imagination is now going to play a part in how our chosen persons of note are going retell their story?

   Did I hear a titter from the back of the room expressing thoughts in the vein of, “but it is us the author who will retell the story!”

  Well let me tell you, there are different ways of conveying stories.

   
Straight Historical Biographies are prime examples of the much talked about tell-don’t-show style of writing = the detached narrative style, which reads more akin to a factual reference book. Rarely are authors of these kinds of novel able to impart any sense of the notable person’s personality beyond that of “this is how s/he was, this is what happened”. Hence this particular narrative style best suits straight telling biographies of historical celebrities. We get the basics, we get some finer detail, and we know when that person lived and what they did: presupposing we didn’t know all this beforehand. What else have we gained from this book? We’ve gained the author’s perspective on whomever/whatever the subject matter is. So, all in all it’s pretty damn easy to determine what is purely a straight historical biography, right? NO, is the answer, because Historical Biographies of late have become Pseudo Historical Biographies, which reflect more than mere author perspective on a time past, persons and events unfolding.

In Pseudo Historical Biographies an author will step beyond the detached narrative and in part become the historical celebrity and often as not adopt their own perceived mindset of their chosen subject matter: plus that of other key players. Once the mantle is donned the author then conveys thoughts, words, and actions, which in turn hopefully will bring the characters to life. We get to know their innermost thoughts, (or do we?), we feel their anger, joy, love, and we experience their anguish, their fears, and all the physical aspects of brutality and sexual depravity they may witness or experience for self.

   

The author’s aim within a Psuedo Historical Biography is to transport a reader back in time where senses are set alight and minds left reeling in the atmosphere of the author’s creation. Creation being the optimum word, for the author can only surmise what a person thought, felt and said, except in rare cases of documented quotes. And here the The Thin Line Wavers on the very edge of Fiction and Non-Fiction, and from The Thin Line Historical Romance & Historical Fiction banners stream and billow in the breeze because these two are the middle ground historical novels, the more popular sub genres of the historical fleet of books that inevitably sail on to the bookstands.

Who is this young woman? Does it matter that she became a fictitious character in one of my books and, that she met Prince Rupert, and when a child cavorted around the royal court with the Prince of Wales who later became Charles II. 

Authors of Historical Romance & Historical Fiction tend toward creation of worlds within worlds, where fictitious characters are creations of the author’s imagination. The characters might mingle with historical persons of note and pass the time of the day with them, dine with them and perhaps fight alongside them. Whatever happens, these individual stories although set within a noteworthy historical period, event or periphery of some great turning point in history, the true events are adhered to by sensible authors. Readers will either love the characters or hate them. In these kinds of novels a balance of narrative, dialogue and action are vital, because readers want to be thrilled, given to sighs in a romantic moment and left in awe as the book reaches its finale. What are your thoughts on the The Thin Line?

What do I write? In the historical genre I pen historical romances and historical series novels in which persons of historical note have walk-on parts. If you don’t like steamy and risqué sex, nor soldiers of fortune and strong heroines then my novels are not for you…

So where does your story telling fit in the historical genre? 

New Release (Historical Novel)

This is Book 2 in the Royal Series - now out on release.

This particular novel is dedicated to Lord George Scott O.B.E, a descendant of Lucy Walter & James Scott Duke of Monmouth. Needless to say much new evidence of Lucy Walter's fidelity (not infidelity) and her loyalty to Charles II has come to light. In this novel, in part I redeem her honour through the eyes of others. But once the Royal Series (4 books) is complete I shall set out to pen a new account of Lucy Walter's life as Mistress or Wife?

A steamy romance set against the backdrop of Charles Stuart’s attempt to wrest England from Oliver Cromwell’s clutches (1651), and that of the royal court in exile.

Once renowned as the Toast of Clifton, Elizabeth Mountjoy strives to shake off rumours she was ever mistress to Charles II, for she’s madly in love with Captain Thomas Thornton: a Parliamentarian Captain of Horse. Unfortunately, past betrayal haunts Thomas, and when the chance to right a wrong comes his way he once again fights for the King. But to lose his estate lands is a high price to pay for heroism in defeat. Worse, the love of his life suffers the wrath of one of Cromwell’s officers, and Thomas is finally forced to decide who must come first whilst in exile, wife or King? He’s not alone in facing a dilemma, for the King too is forced to put his country first before his heart as court intrigues in exile take precedence.

Amazon .co.uk

Amazon .com

Book 1 is also out on Kindle and, as a Paperback.

A 17th century story of Undying Love and Scandalous Seduction, and all set against the backdrop of the English Civil War in which swashbuckling Cavaliers and Musketeers abound.

To live a privileged existence is one thing, but to dare to assist a much loved and wounded enemy soldier is to tempt fate of a ruinous downfall. Her blooded gown when discovered brings the wrath of Anna Lady Maitcliffe's guardian and betrothed upon her head, the punishment unimagined.

Torn between penniless flight or succumb to the inevitable, fate steps forth to cause pain and heartache Anna never thought to experience. For war has finally come to Axebury Hall Estate. In the wake of tragedy and death she ponders how it is possible when the enemy is in the house to love and hate with such intensity?

Amazon .co.uk

Amazon .com

Featuring Horses in your novels...

It's a known fact some actors hate working with animals. In the main because the animals often upstage the actors and people remember the animal's antics and some times cannot even recall the actor's name. The artist Norman Thelwell encapsulates every little girl's dream of owning their very own pony. Of course in drawings he emphasises all the pitfalls alongside amusing and heartfelt moments of owning said pony. The pony he features most tend to be Shetland's, which are often the first pony a child is gifted. They're tough little critters, cute, individualistic, and basically barrels on legs. Some need a good kick-start, others only have to see a whip in their peripheral vision and they drop into second gear as fast as a sports saloon. Whatever their character they're pure fun! 

Probably the most famous horse in literature was/is Black Beauty!

The novel itself was written from the viewpoint of equines = a master stroke of genius. Beautiful and good-natured Black Beauty had it all but fate had cruel tricks in store.  

Or perhaps you recall Black Bess: Dick Turpin's famous mare. 

It's true to say her great feat from London to York was nowhere near as fast as claimed, but hell, she was a real horse: she was Black Bess.

Then of course there were those bred for war.

Whatever horse one chooses to star alongside characters in a book, they can become vital to a reader, who wishes to know their name and their colour just as they want to know the same of the hero and heroine, and believe it, a horse lover will closely follow what happens to horses throughout a book. They are characters too, and don't ever forget their presence can take the lead in many scenes: sometimes happy occasions, sometimes sad affairs especially if disaster strikes. And, often as not equines can drive a plot forward.   

Love 'em or hate 'em horses were part and parcel of life before the car!

New Book Live on Amazon!

Finally Live: this is an update on the ziggy zig zag post:

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Brief blurb:

Actor and Hollywood golden boy, Ricky Lindon, loved Tara Portland with all his heart and lost her through no fault of his own. On seeing her again he’s determined to do whatever it takes to get her back. But fate intervenes in a way that rocks the very foundations of his movie star lifestyle. Not only is Tara surrounded by bodyguards, the new man in her life is a force to be reckoned with, and a disastrous incident turns Ricky from one-time lover to secret stalker. But is the thrill of watching over Tara as she sleeps enough, or will compulsion to touch her be his downfall?

Amazon .co.uk 

Amazon .com 

Character Blogging!

A message from Christina Napier (character in Scandalous Whisper).

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I have seemingly slipped through time.

Until this morning I had no concept of my existence in this other world. So what or who am I? That is something I too must come to terms with. Nevertheless, I am here, in some nether world. My very thoughts are my spoken words and now appearing before me on a rather peculiar device. But let me begin at the begin:

Awakened by a bright light this very morn the concept of book and stepping from its pages became a whole new experience for me. I am, it would seem, a character within a book and my name is Christina. I was born into a fictional world and have no recollection of existence before my 21st year, for that is where my story begins, along with that of the man I love, Robert Lord Devonish. 

Do I like this other world? Hmm.

It has many benefits, I shall grant it that: quite luxurious benefits. Though I cannot imagine why one would wish to have a metal carriage, and one that has to be driven to a strange place to be fuelled so that it functions, and then driven away again. Horses are so much more practical: fed and watered on one’s premises, and can be driven away at mere request of carriage ordered to the front door at a specified time.

The greatest benefit of this 2012 world, of which I approve most sincere, is that of a bathroom. What a delightful experience!  Oh, and there are wonderful machines for kitchen staff, not least a contraption that washes clothes, washes dishes, and another which sucks dirt from rugs. Just think of the saving in house staff numbers, if all these things could be taken back to my fictional world of England in the year 1818. But of course, they would be useless in our world. 

Another device I find most amusing is that from which I hear a voice, and likewise I can be heard, yet both speakers are miles distant. There is also what is referred to as The TV. It’s a rather fun contraption, but the device it requires to function correctly seems to malfunction with regularity. I think I shall be glad to get back to my own world, where women are feminine and men are men, for I have seen breeches everywhere and worn by men and women alike. But I thank my creator for giving me a glimpse of her world, and if not for her New Year’s resolution to publish in paperback I might be trapped inside a Kindle contraption instead of crispy new paperback book.

Blurb Scandalous Whisper:

England, September 1818, and the Hon Mrs. Napier views the Earl of Kilder as a most desirable suitor for her daughter’s hand in marriage. Forced to engage with the extremely handsome and charming earl, a darker side to his nature is revealed and Christina despises his very presence. Worse, her twin brother cavorts with the earl in unmentionable pursuits, and equally bent on seeing her married to his favoured friend. Luckily, with the return of the 11th Dragoons from France, their eldest brother’s homecoming affords Christina brief respite from the earl’s overt attentions. 

So too, the man Christina admires above all others has returned to the Netherwood Estate. A chance meeting and lingering eye contact with her heart’s desire stirs rebellion within her. Her mother impervious to an act of wilful subterfuge insists Christina will marry the earl, but Christina indulges in secret liaisons with the man of her dreams. With deception retribution must follow and a cruel price is to be paid when Robert Lord Devonish is recalled to duty, the regiment bound for India. What will become of her now there is no one to save her from the earl’s clutches? 

Wicked Voodoo Spells & Mystical Fairy Dust!

Today the lovely Janice Horton is holding a Spell blog-hop to celebrate the launch of her romantic and humorous Halloween flavoured novella.

Get it here:
How Do you Voodoo

Now would that be Wicked, Sensual or plain Lustful Voodoo?

Well, now that you're here, how about a bit of lustful voodoo that tickles my taste buds!

Meet Luv, (((ahem)) I mean . . . Well what do I mean?

Let's just say gorgeous hunk of male testosterone... ;)

Now... What spell to cast ???????????? 

A spell sprinkled with fairy dust...

Oh golden mists of sunny plains;

give all my fellow writers' gains

Of books and shining tales untold

of sales and glorious heaps of gold!

~

ode to Luv

Be still my beating heart,

for Luv is born of Allessandre,

 No less his story told

and of a Billionaire so bold

to face a lioness to win

the mother of his kin.

See left hand column for Allessandre's story.

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The Next Best Thing - Tagged for WIP challenge!

I've been tagged by the delightful   Debra Suzanne Ingram for The Next Best Thing.  

So here we go with the questionnaire:

What is the working title of your next book?

Toast of Clifton -  Book 2 in the Royal Series [4 books]

Where did the idea come from?

It's a sequel to book 1 - By Loyalty Divided - and you might not believe me if I told you, so I’ll just say “Ghost of a Horse”

What genre does your book fall under?

Historical Romance

What actors would you choose to play the part of your characters in a movie rendition?

Richard Armitage & Kiera Knightley

What is the one sentence synopsis of your book?

Toast of Clifton is a story of intense and passionate love in which past betrayal haunts the hero, and when the chance to right a wrong comes his way he takes it, but to lose every thing including the love of his life will be a high price to pay for heroism.

Will your book be self published or represented by an agency?

Self-published

How long did it take you to write the first draft of the manuscript?

Five months.

What other books would you compare this story to within the same genre?

By Loyalty Divided – Francine Howarth/ Herald of Joy – Pamela Belle/ Royal Escape – Georgette Heyer

Who or what inspired you to write this book?

A house I lived in and a house I knew well.

What else about your book might pique the readers interest?

That it's set within the 17^th century during the period of the English Civil War, that it features swashbuckling Cavaliers & Roundheads and royal persons of note.


Now here's the fun bit I had to tag five other authors, and here they are: please pay them a visit and see what sort of books they pen!

Cerece Rennie Murphy 

Deatri King-Bey

Stephanie N Norris

Angelica Vernon Menchan

Raynetta Manees

Penning Series Novels (Sequels)

I have always derived immense pleasure from reading series novels. In fact I love ‘em and long ago I had it in mind to pen a series of four novels. Hence the English Civil Wars, Charles II’s attempt to wrest England from Cromwell’s clutches, the Restoration of Charles II and the Monmouth Rebellion sprang to life. 

The stories as a whole have been in my head since some thirty years ago after a ghostly apparition appeared in the courtyard of our house, or not. Perhaps in truth, what I experienced on that day, albeit within the house where I lived, was mere sense of a time past, and yet, the bridle of the horse was real to the touch. Even so, life itself and other publishing commitments prevented the books from coming to fruition. But at last, they are here, or at least, the first three and a prequel are out there on Amazon.. By the way, for anyone who follows my blog posts or knows me well, they also know how the majority of my stories come about, and if you’d like to know for yourself you can find out by reading About Me. That said, the two houses in the series, in part reflect aspects of two houses, being one where I was born and the other in which I lived with my first husband. 

But, getting back to the subject matter, there’s nothing more frustrating than having read a book and wishing when the end is reached that the story had carried on. Often I’ve wanted to know what happens to the lead characters post HEA, but more than that, to learn the fate of secondary characters. And, there have been occasions when a prequel could have added to a series. Hence, I came to the conclusion there was scope for one of those little informative pre-runners to my series. And here it is. 

Anyhoo, behold the prequel Debt of Honour the forerunner to The Royal Series, and Book 1 By Loyalty Divided.

Yep, it’s set within my favourite period of history The English Civil War. The backdrop setting is Somerset - Bristol/Bath and surrounding districts. Bristol at that time was the second most important city in England and several times it changed hands between Royalists and Parliamentarians throughout the Civil Wars. Yes, two wars, not one major conflict.

In By Loyalty Divided, the main characters are:

Morton Viscount Axebury, (rebel son of William Lord Gantry) who becomes a Captain of Horse in the Army of Parliament = New Model Army.

William Lord Gantry (Royalist Commander)

Anna Lady Maitcliffe – born within the confines of the royal court until Lord Gantry became her ward.

The plot is a love triangle, which inevitably leads to tragedy.

Secondary characters:

The Lady Georgina Mrs. Darnley (Parliamentarian) - his lordship’s sister 
Catherine Thornton and her brother 
Captain Thomas Thornton (Royalists). 
Prince Charles, 
Prince Rupert, 
Lord Wittlesham.   

The second novel in The Royal Series:

Yep, I’m at present ramping up the word count of book 2 - Toast of Clifton, needless to say Toast meaning host/ess of note. This novel is also set within the West of England at the time of Charles II’s bid to regain the throne and crown of England.

Main characters:

Thomas Thornton

Elizabeth Mountjoy

Morton Lord Gantry

Anna Lady Gantry

  

Secondary Characters are Catherine Lady Wittlesham (nee Thornton), Lord Wittlesham, Charles II, Lord Wilmot and others.

Although Toast of Clifton is a story of intense and passionate love, past betrayal haunts the hero and when the chance to right a wrong comes his way he takes it, but to lose every thing including the love of his life is a high price to pay for heroism. For when the odds of being imprisoned and deported to the colonies is your lot, and your King is fleeing the enemy as well, who comes first: family or King?  

As with all sequel novels links between characters are part and parcel of plots, and of the four  in my series two more are yet to be completed: Royal Secrets 

and Love and Rebellion. As the years pass the Gantry and Thornton children begin to take centre stage along with Lord Wittlesham's daughters. Old feuds, lust of youth, desires and recklessness are set to cause mayhem and heartbreak and many tears to be shed as the young test the allegiance and loyalty of their elders in the testing times of The Monmouth Rebellion!.

All the books are available via Amazon worldwide.

 Amazon UK  Amazon US

      
   https://youtu.be/Qs3xHAIoKa0

New Historical Release!

I so love writing historical novels, and although I pen Georgian and Regency Romances my greatest love lies within the 1700s: the era of buccaneers, the English Civil War and the Restoration of Charles II to the throne of England! 

I ventured to Naples and Venice for this one and loved every minute of the Venice Carnivale: set within the Georgian period.   

Amazon. com

Amazon .co.uk

Blurb: 

A Romantic Georgian Murder Mystery: the year is 1800: Naples & Venice.

Amidst a gathering of nobility and gentry a daring jewel theft occurs. A young naval lieutenant suggests the notorious Venetian jewel thief could well be a woman, but a beautiful Russian countess scoffs at his suggestion albeit in coquettish manner. Determined to unmask the identity of the thief, at the same time intrigued by the countess, Lt Herne covertly follows Therese around Naples. But where the countess treads murders occur with frequency and she suddenly takes flight to Venice.

Ordered to the Adriatic on naval business Herne drops anchor in Venice. Tempted ashore by Carnivale a second encounter with the countess proves fatal for both. Madly in love they indulge in pleasurable pursuits but become embroiled in the mysterious death of a Russian count, and Therese feels duty bound to return to St Petersburg. Herne awaits her promised return to no avail. Three years later and back in England he discovers the countess on his doorstep, and wonders if he dare let his heart rule his head again? Equally, Therese fears a secret is best kept secret but Herne asks a potent question and she cannot lie for the truth is staring him in the face!          

US published Contemporary Novel Now On Release!

It's on release at Amazon! 

Amazon. co.uk

Amazon. com

Blurb:
In the past Tania has masqueraded as Nina at parties, and likewise Nina has pretended to be Tania. As far as Tania is concerned one more act of deception isn’t going to hurt anybody. Despite Nina’s reluctance, she’s won over by Tania’s pleading ways and travels to London on a pre-arranged date with a Polo playing playboy. Against her better judgement she becomes as smitten by Allessandre as that of his prized stallions, and one mad moment of intimacy seals an inescapable bond between them.

Aware his heart is already captured, nevertheless Allessandre has it in mind he’s been duped by identical twins. Although a man borne of honour, he has a ruthless and vengeful nature. Determined to unveil the twins and teach them a lesson they won’t forget, revenge proves bittersweet when the one he truly desires takes flight. Forced to travel half way around the globe in attempt to redeem his unforgivable behaviour he has no idea she walks with lions, nor that a lioness will challenge his desire to be the life-long protector of the one he loves.  


See excerpt here