I have noticed over the years that there are a bevy of readers out there that absolutely despise any little aspect of a historical romance that isn't, well, historical.
When I wrote the first draft of my WIP I felt I already knew enough about the Regency to get by on my own(insert laugh track here). Later a contest judge informed me that I had been a little, er, a lot wrong.
So, on my second and now third revisions I actually started researching*g*. And I came to see what others had seen before me, that many writers out there were getting historically incorrect books published. Many of these published authors I loved and had on my keeper shelf.
I soon found, though, that the fact that they were historically inaccurate didn't taint the book for me. I love these authors and always will.
So, this leads into my question: Do you forgive historical inaccuracies if the story is good? Do you mind modern character's living in, say, Elizabethan England? And while we're at it, what are some touches that make you feel sucked into the historical period you're reading about?
Friday, March 21, 2008
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12 comments:
Hi Kelly, this is a great topic! Personally, I have to see that the author has done their homework if they're going to bother to write a historical, otherwise I think why didn't they just write a contemporary? (Which is why I don't write historicals, lol) For me a historical is at least fifty percent ambience, characterization, and history--isn't that why they call it a historical? And of course the other half is the romance story itself. Just like with a paranormal, fifty percent is in the world building, and in romantic suspense that portion is in the mystery.
Hi J.K.! Thanks for stopping by. I would have to agree with you. This is why my first draft was such an abysmal failure.lol. Now I think all of my details are accurate and plentiful*phew*:) When I read a Historical now the errors stick out at me more and more.
Aside:I heard once of a story set in the Regency that had the Heroine using a sewing machine...I mean, WTF?
Hi Kel! I have to say that I'm not as much of a fussbudget about historical accuracy as some out there. In fact, I think that when historicals are too accurate, they can be a little difficult to read.
Part of me can't shake writing in contemporary times and I feel like I shouldn't have to. Even if they aren't "authentic," I hope that someone isn't reading my book as a history lesson.
Hmmm... I think I might blog about this topic this week on the boat, if you don't mind. Stay tuned.... LOL!
Hi Marnee!
No I don't mind you blogging about this on the boat! And I see your point about accuracy. Certainly our books shouldn't be history lessons.lol.
Hey Kelly!
This is a wonderful topic. I am definitely not one to be bothered by most inaccurate historical details. Not even going to lie, I'm sure I don't even notice half of them - especially when it comes to the differences between Georgian, Regency, or Victorian. I tend to just take the authors at their word. If the characters are convincing, the plot intriguing, and the book sweeps me away, who am I to care if the dress the heroine wears didn't come into fashion for another five years?
...this is probably why my YA is contemporary...I couldn't handle all the research details!
LOL. Thanks for coming by Mary! And ,yeah, I'm sure I still miss a lot of the historical inaccuracies I see. I'm still learning*g*.
I've been researching for my own novel, but I don't really notice inaccuracies with other historical novels. But I'm paranoid about including phrases in my historical that didn't come about until much later.
Hi Stephanie! Thanks for coming by.
I think a lot of historical writers are super paranoid about things like that. At least the ones I know are. The fear that I haven't done quite enough research is always in the back of my mind.
Kelly! I love the new look!
...but really, I am stopping by again, via Steph's blog, just to say: Twilight is the best book ever. I can not wait for Breaking Dawn to come out! Edward Cullen is the modern incarnation of Mr. darcy, I swear. Way to have fabulous book taste, chica!
Hey Mary! And Thanks!YA books are some of my favorites. And I agree about Edward.
I know your book is YA. How is that coming along?
Put me down as another "just tell a decent story" gal! I don't fuss over the details when reading a book, as long as the big events are right. I want a well written romance and a happy ending. And a bit of humor. Give me that, I'm happy.
Great post!
Hey gillian! Sounds good to me.
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