How do we go about choosing a time period to write in? For me there are certain periods of history I connect with. I love the Scottish Highlands and because I grew up hearing stories of the highlands, I love this time. My roots lie in Scotland and England. I always wanted to write in the regency period, but I wanted to get the time period right. After a trip to London, reading many historical books about the period, I felt as if I had done enough research to feel at ease writing at this time. And the old west, what American historical writer couldn't fall in love with this time? Endless possibilities exists for romance.
My fellow Rogues Angels wanted to pose the question, why did each of us choose the time period or the setting for our first anthology? I've always wanted to write about the War Between the States. Even as a child in school when studying this period, I was fascinated. When I began writing, the big houses in New York had already made this period a taboo. They weren't going to publish any more Civil War novels. So I put away my research and started on my westerns.
The Gift, my portion of the anthology, is set during the war. I was thrilled to be able to write something that had been simmering in my head for over ten years. (a shortened version however)
Look for the Rogues Angels Valentine anthology this February. Enter to win a copy of Highland Song. All you have to do is leave a comment. Tell us your favorite time period or the historical time you like to write about. The drawing will be held October 31 (Halloween).
Allana Angel
My favorite time period is the 1800's in the West. It was a matter of survival. You don't have to follow any strict customs or rules, it is all a matter of staying alive and keeping your honor. Men knew what it took to get a job done and how to treat a woman. Women knew they had to sometimes forget about what society said and do what was necessary for their lives and their loved ones.
ReplyDeleteI'm in awe of authors who write historical stories. All that research! I write contemporary romances and haven't really had a strong urge to dive into history. But it's really interesting to hear why other authors choose a certain time period.
ReplyDeletePaty, I love your reasons for writing about the 1800s. Definitely an interesting time period, except for no indoor plumbing and other "luxuries."
(And obviously I don't need to be entered in the contest since I have Chris' great book, HIGHLAND SONG, and I'm one of the "angels." :)
-Amber Angel
I found the Civil War a paradox. How could intelligent people have such diverse views about something I felt was so wrong?
ReplyDeleteWhile most of us don't think much about this time period, those living in some southern states still believe there will be a separation of "The South" from the rest of America. I learned to walk a tenuous line when I lived there.
History in its entirety captures my imagination. I love watching the changes in attitudes, lifestyles and philosophy of each era. However, I don't think I'd want to give up my computer for needlework or chariot races.
I am drawn to write in various time periods because of a specific story I feel needs to be told from that period. I use fictional stories based on real incidents to raise awareness of what real people suffered, sacrificed, and accomplished under very difficult circumstances. IMHO, they deserve to be heard.
ReplyDeleteAll historical periods have some interesting settings and stories to offer, but lately, I find myself fascinated with post-classical China and the Mongols. I think there ought to be more fiction that develops characters in this intriguing culture.
ReplyDeleteI haven't yet mustered up the courage to write/research many historical periods, but I'm in the process of helping a friend edit a piece that takes place during the Austro-Hungarian Empire. I've enjoyed helping my friend research this time period, and I admire all the hard work she's put into learning that culture and language. Personally, I'm most interested in reading books that are set during British-colonized India (my ethnic roots)and also ones set in Victorian England.
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