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The Historical Draw ~ Why I write them and readers love them + Giveaway!
The Historical Draw ~ Why I write them and readers love them
In real life, I like things just the way they are, me living in current day 2011 and enjoying all the freedoms and privileges others fought and died to have. I would probably sob like a baby if you tried to deny me my high-def television, cell phone, laptop (I’d just die!) and my beloved iPad.
I couldn’t imagine a life where a horse was the standard form of transportation and where I was squeezed into a stay, corset or what have you. The clothes may look beautiful, but I can only imagine how uncomfortable they would be. Plus, I love my jeans and my sneakers.
That said, I absolutely love the fantasy of 19th century England. That’s why I write historicals, because if I’m going to escape from reality, that’s where I most like to spend my time. I want to be immersed in a world of privilege and aristocracy, where gentlemen are in fact true gentlemen. I love the dress, the formality of it, the elegance. I adore the fact that men dance…and do so quite well.
The best thing about historical romance character is that for all their superficial appearances, underneath seethes passion, lust, love, need for revenge, arranged marriages—they have it all. And I love the juxtaposition of that. The women in 19th century, as we well know, had so little power, couldn’t vote, couldn’t divorce their husbands until near the dawn of the next century. But in historical romance, we tend not to dwell on those facts because we give our heroines a certain power—over the hero—and imbue them with feistiness and other compelling personality traits readers can relate to.
And the hero. Sigh. What can I say about a historical hero? He has the best of both worlds. He’s an accomplished horseman, he can dance, he’s elegant and he looks positively dashing in whatever he wears. And here again, he is imbued with some modern sensibilities so he strikes the right balance with readers, while being the kind of historical hero we love and adore.
For me, historical romance books are the ultimate escape. It’s a world I’ve never lived in and one I won’t and can’t. And if I take mostly the good and romantic in it, it’s the one place I’ll escape to over and over again.
What about you, what draws you to historical romances? Why do you read them?
Comment and enter to win a $15 eGift Certificate and a Grand Prize entry to win an iPad 2 for Christmas. Author will choose the winner by EOD & contact you thru this post — good luck!
Love to escape into historical romance too! For me it’s a world where men are strong, virile, handsome, rich, and always keep their woman safe!
I have always lived in historical romance. I just “reside” in the modern world. From as far back as I can remember, I was always drawn to times of old, ladies and gentlemen from another era, and clothing and customs from days gone by. My mother and I always lived with her parents, and I grew up with values from an older generation. I was also lucky enough to hear stories passed on from several generations, play dress-up in wonderful clothing from different decades, and be taught manners and behavior from a more courtly society. A young person that I work with told me that I spoke in “old words”. How quaint! How true : )
Love that comment VC — I love historical as well – but love the modern world to live in
I love historical romances, even medieval romances as well. I love to escape even though I wouldn’t want to live there myself.
Sometimes after reading a really great historical romance. I lay in my bed trying to fall asleep but I daydream about being the main character etc…I would so time travel if I could!
Hehehehe. That’s what escaping in romance books is all about. The best is when you don’t want the story to end.
I like historical romances because their world is so different from our own. It’s so nice to get lost in a completely different time period. I’ve always loved historical/medieval time setting. The outfits especially. XD
Me too, love the outfits even though I KNOW how uncomfortable–especially the women’s–they were. It’s like high heels, they look good but they can be painful.
I enjoyed your take on the historical genre. Historical romances appeal to the girl in me who loves to dress up, dance, and discreetly admire a superbly turned out gentleman from behind my fan. (Heavy sigh.)
To me, there’s just something about transporting back to a time that so different from today. I’m a sucker for medievals (although regencies are a close second)… but seeing how people lived without all those conveniences that we now take for granted and so forth. And the men just seem so much more alpha, especially in those medievals.
Jen
Jen, I would say they seem more alpha because their living conditions (medievals) were so more primitive. LOL. Regency bucks were spoiled rotten in comparison.
I read historical romances because I’ve always loved history. My Bachelor’s degree in college focused on classical cultures, their history, philosophy & literature. I also minored in history. I enjoy reading historical romance because I like to imagine how people lived in other time periods.
Oh how cool, Stacie that your BA is on classical cultures. When I was in school, I was absolutely fascinated with ancient Greece. The Acropolis — specifically the Parthenon, was my obsession.
Hi Sue! Thanks for having me on the blog today.
I like the ‘idea’ of that period in history without all the harsh realities of living in it.
Isn’t that romantic, Heather, feeling safe. Contemporary heroines have to be so strong. Sometimes it’s nice to feel taken care of.
Virginia, what you said reminds me of how I also feel about the 50s. I have this very romantic and almost nostalgic image of it. I’ve seen the movies and watched the tv shows ie Leave It To Beaver — and admire their clothes, manners etc. I’m sure 50 years from now, that new generation with think that way about the 80s and 90s. LOL.
Robin, while I will read the odd medieval, I definitely have no illusions of romance about that period. That period is so without creature comforts, I wonder how people managed. But a great hero in that setting…? Swoon.
Hi, Beverly! I too love the 50′s : ) It’s actually a very special time in history because it’s the link between the post WWII era and the craziness of the sixties. I am intrigued by the clothing and the culture of the fifties. I love to watch films from the fifties (especially in color) so that I can drool over the clothes and the cars! My mom graduated from high school in 1951, and she was a dresser–a style queen! She married my dad in a small civil ceremony, and she wore a teal green wool sheath with a wide, pleated teal satin sash at the waist. Of course, she wore a matching hat with a short veil. Her clutch bag and “pointy-toe” high-heeled pumps were black leather. I still have the dress : )
The 50s reminds me of the Victorian period. Where the Regency was considered the ‘wild’ period, the Victorian were much more repressed. And that’s like the 50s. After the roaring ‘free-wheeling’ 20s of flappers etc, we did a complete turn around in the 50s, all very buttoned up and proper.
I love the superficial appearances, too. I love how the hero masks appears all reserved masking his feelings and interest, but inside he’s full of fire.
Jane, that’s it for me–the literal nail on the head. I love it!!
I love historical romance too. I enjoy reading about the conventions and manners of those long ago times, and the ways people got around them to find their heart’s desire. It’s fascinating to see what people did for entertainment when they didn’t have access to the many things we have today.
Barbara, I agree especially about entertainment. It does make it challenging to write though. The restrictions are many.
I love historical romances and it is a world I willingly immerse myself in. I love the fashions, very regal and feminine, the titles and how things were done back then. It’s not that I agree with everything, as a woman I would want more rights. Yet, as a woman I also had honour, respect and men willing to protect those things all for me. People also found love in a very simple way, no cellphones to make calls, no text messages, no FB or email. Convenience wasn’t at the tip of a touch but that makes it all the more meaningful. Men and woman wrote love letters and for their love ones are willing to travel across seas for them and it wasn’t instant, it can take days to weeks. Now that is enduring and meaningful because expressing love was vastly different and I like that.
Na, it’s certainly nicer to read about those things than actually live in it. I’m trying to imagine life without A/C and my computer and sobbing quietly to myself.
I really enjoy historical romances. It’s time travel without the muss and fuss!
Hehehe, nice way of putting it Cheryl.
The men of historicals are certainly the stuff of dreams but it’s the women that keep me coming back. They have no say in what happened to them but still they fight. They fight for what they believe, for the men they love and for the children they have. That’s a tremendous quality in a woman who is expected to sit quietly and let the men do her thinking.
I love to read historicals for escapism and much enjoyment. The heroes and heroines are to die for since they are so interesting and intense. I have always wished that I lived back then. Sure wish that time travel was indeed a possibility. I would go back there in a minute. Of course, like you Beverley, I would miss my computer and phone. Lol!
Tell me about it! Actually, now it’s my iPad more so than the cell phone. I’m an addict.
Beverly -
I started reading historical romance because I was looking for a “Calgon moment”, a book that would take me away and entertain.
How wonderful that I found much more than that! My husband is a history fanatic and I never dreamed at the time how much I would learn at the time about history. In 1991 I received an award from my job that was a trip to London and Scotland and my husband was amazed at how much I learned about not only the history but also the underlying conflicts of society at the time. We visited places “off the beaten track” that I had learned of from my reading and were richly rewarded by visiting fascinating places that most “tourists” never here about.
I love being caught up in the conflicts of both society and the social and political unrest that place in historicals that no other genre I have read provides.
I love your books because they always give me a new perspective and appreciate all the research necessary to produce the results in your wonderful stories.
Thanks so much, Jeanne.
And since I haven’t been to Europe yet, I’m dying of envy right now. I sooooo want to go.
And because of historical romances and now my own research, I’ve learned a ton of interesting stuff. Tons.
I read historicals for the escapism into another, very different, world. And often times I also get a wonderful history lesson.
And that’s such a bonus when it comes with a deliciously sexy and emotional romance.
I love historical romance, because like you said, Beverley, it is the ultimate escape. It’s so far removed from my current reality that it’s fun to delve into a completely different world where rules and fashion bear little resemblance to today.
I’m also one of those people that found history unbearably boring in school. The teachers did little to make it interesting. I wanted to know how people lived on a day to day basis–not dates and facts and *yawn*. So historical romances give me a chance to learn about history in a way that engages me.
Cynthia, I was you about history until the 9th Grade because of my fabulous teacher Mrs. Turner. She made history interesting and fun. I’ll never forget her.
I like the escape as well. Plus, I love that all the men dressed up! Guys now just wear t-shirts and jeans. It would be great to see them dressed iup sometimes!
It is nice to see them all dressed up. Although, a sexy hero in some worn jeans and a t-shirt does get my heart a pumping. Hehehe
Love historical romance! So much fun to see another time period, the rules, behaviors, clothes. Like living there when I can’t. And the rogues and rakes are quite something to enjoy.
I think the total formality of the period is part of the draw because you know there’s all that passion simmering just below the surface.
Oh, escaping into time past… le sigh. The Happily Ever Afters seem to be all the sweeter
Even better about the HEA, when I see the h/h in another story still happy and having babies. That’s why I love series.
Hi Bev! Hm… what do I like about historicals? The grandeur, the dresses, the different lifestyle, of course. However, I agree with you. I wouldn’t like to live in that time period. Maybe a short visit… and only as an extremely rich noblewoman. (Considering those stipulations, I don’t see it happening
aside from you know, the time travel.)
I also love my modern amenities too much. No AC? Running water and plumbing? Electricity and otherwise?
And yes – the heroes – Renaissance men for sure. <3 And who doesn't like a wealthy titled man?
LOL. You don’t have to tell me, being wealthy doesn’t hurt one little tiny bit.
And as I’m sweltering here in GA,even the THOUGHT of no AC sends me on a binge.
Hi, Bev. I like historical romances for the HEA and settings. I couldn’t do without a shower and air conditioning, so it’s nice to read about those times without actually living through it.
Historicals also have an emphasis on manners. We are now in an age where we don’t write thank you notes or letters of any kind. With the influence of Twitter & texting, everything is abbreviated: LOL, how r u, etc. It’s nice to read about a bygone era where people left calling cards and still wrote letters.
I’m so glad you told me on another blog post that An Heir to Deception will be available as a POD. I look forward to reading it.
And a blow dryer , flat iron, I hear ya Kim
Hi Kim,
Let me second Sue’s blow dryer and flat iron.
I wonder what will happen to cursive writing. Will that go the way of horse and buggies?
And yes, since An Heir of Deception is a full-length novel, I will also offer that in print. Just not able to do that with a novella.
They allow me to escape into a world so unlike my own. I love the HEA in them and the way everyone dressed. I love that historicals are just so different from my life.
It’s certainly fun to travel and visit thru books
And it’s a great escape, isn’t it Danielle?
Since romances to me are fairytales for adults, nothing’s as “once upon a time” than a historical – when clothing and manners are way more restrictive but people are the same underneath.
And how many spins have we seen on Cinderella, right? When I read, that’s what I’m looking for, to escape, whether it’s a romance or a Agatha Christie type murder mystery. It’s all pleasure reading.
Historical romances allow me to journey to different time periods. What better way to escape and learn history all at the same time. Congrats on your latest release! Sounds like a great read.
Thanks, Vanessa. Yep, my motto is, Have book, will travel.
Love time travel historical romances too and if I could travel but return on demand I might give it a whirl
Hi Beverley, the reason that I love to read Historical Romance is because I can escape into another time and place whilst being enlightened and entertained at the same time. I love and agree with everything you say about the men of the 19th century. I would so love to have one of those handsome hunks clad in his skin tight breeches (swoon) and his knee high black Hessians. Oh God, men treated women like ladies then, unlike most of the men of today.
Thanks for this amazing opportunity.
dpd 333 AT aol dot com
LOL. Diane, I’d like to think many men today treat women very well.
But I’ll take one of the historical heroes with their fine forms, polished manners and British accents any day.
Good luck!
Historical romances are a great way to unwind after a week or a day of office work grind. I laugh at some of antics or the wit, actually learn some things, and can expect a HEA to brighten the day.
Winnie, for me the more angsty and emotional and sexy, the better I like ‘em.
This year I think I’ve reread Julie Anne Long’s WHAT I DID FOR A DUKE at least a dozen times. It’s my go-to reread book.
When I first started reading it was Harlequin books and historical books; Rosemary Rogers, Beatrice Small,Kathleen Woodiwiss, Johanna Lindsey and Julie Garwood. I don’t read as many now but still enjoy the ones I do read. I can’t imagine the way things worked back then.
Diane, I used to be a HUGE Johanna Lindsey fan. I actually cut my historical teeth on her stuff then moved onto to include Catherine Coulter, Virginia Henley and Brenda Joyce. I will go back and reread them one every couple years if the mood strikes, but I have very fond memories of their books.
What a generous prize. Would love to win it.
Do you mean the iPad or the GC. The drawing for the iPad isn’t until the end of the year and this the winner tonight will receive an entry into that grand prize drawing.
Good luck!
Reading historicals is like going to another world, which is mainly why I read them. There is the bonus of being able to travel to different locations in them, and I like the more proper forms of English that are used in them (no slang). This is also why I enjoy fairy tale re-tellings and fantasy books (which are basically historicals with magic in them).
There is just something about the British–not sure if it’s the accent, their aristocracy, their royalty or what, but something about the way of life just seems to draw people from across so many different lands.
Here is my final comment — I am so darned thrilled to see so many historical romance fans – hooyah! Aye! Ach! & all that
And the winner of the $15 GC from your choice of etailer and grand prize entry in December for the iPad 2 drawing is…
Erin!
Congrats, Erin! Please contact me at beverley at beverleykendall dot com to claim your prize.
Thanks for having me on the blog today, Sue. It’s been lots of fun.
wtg lucky
Thank you for taking time to point this matters out. My english is no good but I kept trying to understand.
Historical romances provide me with a beauty, culture, history, era and lifestyle that transports me to another time and place.
You hit the nail on the head when you say “I read to escape.” That’s me! I’m one of 5 sisters and besides myself, all my sisters have been divorced at least once. There is so much drama with all of it – that’s why I don’t like contemporary stories because divorce and every day life drama is at the heart of those stories. Give me a man in a kilt, or a fine set of breeches, and I can just get carried away with the story and forget about life for a while…
You got this reading thing all right. I read to escape the read world and I love the historical romance the best. Historicals are my favorite read. I love to travel to different times periods and see how their life is different from ours. I guess you can say I travel in books.
I like reading historical romances for the same reasons as many posted here. I like to lose myself in another era and read about times that are more simple, in some ways, than today’s world. I have fun imagining the hero and heroine at a ball or riding in a carriage in a park, or attending a house party in the country.
I could say ditto for many of the comments already posted. I love to read about other times. Sometimes I wish I lived then and other times I am so glad some of the ideas have changed. Guess it just proves I can’t make up my mind.
Escapism, pure and simple, plus a healthy addiction to history make me choose an historical romance over a contemporary every time. Historical romances require me to be more engaged with the setting, the vocabulary, the characters and their behaviors because they are not what I see, hear or meet every day.
I love historicals. Reading is my biggest hobby. I read to escape my problems and to escape the real world in general.
GREAT REVIEW! I pretty much agree with pretty much all you said in your article, especially at the end of your article. Thank you, this info is very valuable as always. Keep up the good work! You’ve got +1 more reader of your blog:) Isabella S.
I always loved history so reading a historical is romance is more appealing and fun to me than other genre.
Coming from the standpoint of a fellow member with the fashion business, I genuinely enjoy your article.
I really have learned a lot from you.Thanks for sharing.
I love historical romances. I think what draws me is trying to feel like what it would be like back in that era. I love to clothes and fashion. Some is a little weird for me, but still interesting. I think I would of been a naughty girl if I was back in that era. I would of had to been a little bad. Keep up with the great recommendations on authors and books and I will keep reading them.
christinebails@yahoo.com
I enjoy period romances for the unique and compelling settings and the appealing characters. A great post. Many thanks.
I agree with your The Historical Draw ~ Why I write them and readers love them + Giveaway! | Romance at Random, superb post.