Tag Archive | Historical Romance

What’s in a Name?

That which we call a rose, by any other name would still smell as sweet…

My favorite version of “Romeo and Juliet” is Franco Zeffirelli’s version. I think I was once madly in love with Leonard Whiting. (Side note…I couldn’t understand why as an “older” woman I found Zac Efron so attractive, until I realized just how much he looks like Leonard Whiting!) I’ll never forget sitting in the movie theater when I was in the ninth grade, bawling my eyes out even before either of the star-crossed lovers had taken their lives. However, I knew what was coming and couldn’t help myself! I got a lot of strange looks in that theater. I still wish Juliet would have woken up before Romeo took the poison! (Can’t help myself. I like happy endings!)

Another favorite movie of mine is “Shakespeare in Love.” Again, about the writing of Romeo and Juliet. However, at one point, William was calling his play, Romeo and Ethel the Pirate King’s Daughter. (Or something like that!) I’m not sure about you, but “Ethel” completely changed the “ring” of her name. Took away some of the romantic feeling. I hope I’m not offending anyone in the blog world named “Ethel”. (Not my intent).

What I’m getting at is that your character names are very important. You may think that just pulling a name out of the sky, or creating something “cute” and “original” is the right answer. Sometimes it is. In fact, I’ve been known to close my eyes, point a finger to my keyboard, and then choose a name based on whatever letter my finger touches. Most of the time, I choose my names carefully.

If you’re creating fantasy or new worlds, then you have more freedom. However, if you are doing historical fiction, you need to do a little more research. What names were popular during the time period you’re writing about? Also, depending on the nationality of the character you’re writing, that will also play a big part in your name choice.

I was recently writing a character who I described as having dark, curly hair that stuck out beneath his hat. He was a big man with dark skin, and a bad temper. So, in order to give him a proper name, I researched what nationality of people had those characteristics. Then, I searched for surnames in that nationality and found one I liked. (At that point the ‘point the finger at the keyboard game’ came in handy!)

How differently would you think of “Gone with the Wind” if the hero and heroine were Gertrude and Hector? Frankly my dear…

Have fun, and write on!

And They Lived Happily Ever After…

Jun12

How important is a happy ending?

If you’re a writer of romance, then you should easily be able to answer that question.

When I began writing, I didn’t understand the difference between “women’s fiction” and “romance.” I read a blog that explained it quite well, and though I won’t go into as much detail, here it is in a nutshell: Women’s fiction may or may not have a happy ending. Romance must! Any woman who picks up a novel that is placed in the romance genre, believes that what she is reading is safe. That no matter what trials and tribulations the hero and heroine go through in the course of the story, it will have a happy ending and they will be together. This is not necessarily the case for your supporting characters, but the main characters need to have their “happily ever after.”

I’ll never forget when I was plotting out one of my first stories, and had decided on an ending. I was in my car, driving to work, and when I arrived there I had swollen, red eyes, and a horrible headache! Reason: I had intended to have my heroine die in the end. It all made sense. It was how the story was progressing. But then, after talking to my sister, (who is one of those readers who reads the last few pages of a book before she reads the entire thing), I decided it was best to keep my heroine alive and well. Great choice! And, it opened up the opportunity for a sequel. Hard to do when your characters are dead.

I also had a revelation when plotting another book. A secondary character was doomed to die. After writing the scene I had a migraine from sobbing so hard! I had a wise young man, (who happened upon the conversation I was having about it with my co-workers), ask me why I was writing it that way if it made me so sad? He kind of shrugged and said, “It’s not in print yet, is it?” When I said, “no,” then his comment was, “So what’s the problem? Change it.” Such simple logic! So, I changed it, and it resulted in a much better story, and a sequel!

You may think that if a reader knows that the characters are going to end up together, then what’s the fun of reading the story? The fun is the journey. If you can make their journey fun, exciting, gut-wrenching, and let’s not forget, romantic, then your readers will love you and your books.

Write on!

And they lived happily ever after…

Learning From Others

Jun4

My grandfather used to say “I’m no spring chicken.” He also used to tell me that he probably wouldn’t be on this earth much longer. The first time he told me that I believe I was about ten years old. He was 60, and lived to be 101. Oops! I’m telling my age now!

I was blessed that he lived a long life because I learned a lot from him. Not long ago when we were moving, I came across some old cassette tapes that he made for me. Instead of letters, he would record cassettes and send them from Illinois to my home in Idaho. Hearing his voice always cheered me, and his tapes were full of wisdom and humor. When I found the long-forgotten cassette and put it in my archaic tape player, I cried like a baby. Not only was his voice on the recording, but my grandmother also made a reluctant “appearance” on the tape.

I wish now that I had recorded all the information he told me when we traveled across Illinois and he showed me where he grew up and stories of how his family came to America. My love for history makes me wish I had the foresight to at least take notes.

Lesson learned. Pay attention. Take notes. Learn what you can from people who have lived and done things you’ve never done before.

That applies to my journey now.

Years back when I was performing in a summer theater group, I met an incredible tenor by the name of Robert McPherson. If you get a chance, go out to you tube and pull up his rendition of the National Anthem. Amazing… Anyway, I told him once that when I heard him sing, I wondered why I even tried. He sings effortlessly, and beautifully. His response to me was something like, “Don’t discount your own talent. Everyone has something to offer.” So, I kept singing too.

And now, I can apply that same wisdom to my writing venture. I wrote previously about the “Self-Doubt Monster” and this ties into that. Every writer is unique. We all have different voices and different stories to tell. Don’t discount your own talent.

When I first joined Music City Romance Writers, I remember being in awe of the published writers in our group. I still am. I also remember the first time I asked Trish Milburn to sign a copy of one of her books for me. I was nervous asking, but she graciously signed, and has never been out of reach as a fellow writer. In fact, I’ve not met one person in our group who looks down their nose at anyone. If anything, it’s just the opposite. They embrace new writers and willingly pass on their knowledge and share their writing journey.

It’s a pleasure to be a part of a group that lift each other up instead of back-biting and trying to climb over one another. Unlike some jobs where people can viciously try to claw their way to the top, we are helping each other get there, and rejoicing when someone has success.

I hope that I can be encouraging to new writers and that all the things I’m learning can be passed on.

Write on!

The Self-Doubt Monster!

Jun1

I am my own worst enemy.

Do you believe those words? Do you beat yourself up on a regular basis with horrible, “I’m not good enough” thoughts?

STOP!

And…I’m speaking to myself as well as I am to anyone reading this blog. I believe that most creative people have some insecurities about their ability. Part of that comes from the constant competition that we’re up against. We strive to do something that is unique and eye-catching, so that we will stand out from our competitors.

But here’s the little secret that I was told years ago by a man named William (Bill) Badalato. (He is a Hollywood Producer who I happened to meet in Idaho years ago. That’s another story…) Don’t take rejection personally. Actually, I’m sure you’ve heard that before, but for some reason, having him tell me that, made it stick. I still have to remind myself of those words on a regular basis.

At that time I was working as a commercial actress and voice-over talent. I had auditioned for some “B” movie, and though I made it through the first rounds of auditions, I was dismissed after the second rounds. Reason? My height. Nothing to do with my acting ability, but all of the men they were casting were around 5’8″ tall. At 6′ myself, I stuck out like a sore thumb. I wasn’t what they were looking for. Not for that movie. (In hind sight, that was a good thing). But that rejection didn’t discourage me from auditioning for other things. In fact, when I moved to Nashville, my height paid off when I was cast as a LasVegas showgirl in a music video.

And now that I’m pursuing a different area of creativity, I know that I need to apply the same words to my writing. My work is not going to be the perfect fit for every agent or publisher out there. And I know that not every reader will like my kind of stories. But I know that there are people that do like them, and that I will find them a home. I will beat the self-doubt monster down with a stick if I have to. And most importantly, I will keep on writing. I love what I’m doing, and I’m pouring my heart into it.

That being said, if someone criticizes your work, take what they say, review it, and give it consideration. I’ve made great strides forward by listening to what people have told me and learning from others who have succeeded in this business. Some things you may decide have no merit, but other things may be just what you need to push you over the top. Don’t be afraid of criticism, and try your best not to take it personally.

Some things you can’t change. (Like your height!) But some you can. I thought that my writing was great when I first started, but boy did I learn that I had a lot to learn! And, I’m still learning. I hope I keep learning new things for the rest of my life.

Write On!!

All Five?

May28

Yes, there are five senses. If you need a refresher, they are: seeing, smelling, tasting, touching, and hearing.

Are you using all five senses in your writing? If not, re-read your most recent piece and highlight the senses you are using. Then, for fun, go back and add the other senses. Then read it again and see how much better it is.

A reader needs to feel connected to the story in every way possible. When you’re creating a new setting, bring the reader into it with as much information as you can, without boring them, of course! I’ve read some books that have so much intricate detail that I skim the pages trying to get into the actual story. Find that “happy medium.”

So, is your heroine locked in a dark, dank dungeon? How does it smell? What is the temperature in the room? Is it completely quiet, or does she hear noises like the squeaking of a mouse, or perhaps a cockroach skittering across the floor? And most importantly, what’s going on inside of her emotionally? Is she scared? Most likely. So, how can you show that?

I encourage all of you to read C.J. Redwine’s, “Defiance.” She has a gift with words that will take you to some of those dark places, and make you feel like you’re actually there. In your mind you become her characters and feel their pain, as well as their joy.

When I was a little girl and would go to visit my grandmother, her house had a distinct smell. It was a combination of bacon and cigarette smoke. That may sound awful, but it was Grandma, and believe it or not, I found the smell welcoming because Grandma was a warm and inviting woman. I have great memories of that house and Grandma’s love. I developed a character in one of my books whose house smells like bacon. And unlike Grandma, my character doesn’t smoke, she chews tobacco. However, like Grandma, she’s one of the most lovable characters in my book.

When writing romance, it’s easy to focus on feelings, and the sense of touch. But those feelings are enhanced when you mention the “woodsy” scent of the man’s skin, or the hint of honey in your heroine’s hair. Don’t neglect the nose!

I would love for you to tell me about some of your favorite ‘sensory’ writing. Write on, and don’t forget “the five.”

Grandma and Grandpa

The Wisdom of Elders

May23

Write, write, write!

A lifetime of wisdom. How long do we have to live before we’re considered, wise? Hmmm….

I’d like to believe that my son, and even my grandson think I’m wise, and that I have a wealth of knowledge and life experiences to share and hand down to them. Many things I don’t want them to know, but in many ways, my life is “an open book.”

Though I doubt my life’s story would make an interesting novel, I have done some things that are worthy of writing about. And, there are those things that I wish I could erase from my memory. Mistakes I’ve made that seem to haunt me. But even those “haunts” bring out feelings and story material. Sometimes the most terrible things in our lives are the best material for stories. I remember hearing once that mistakes make a book interesting. Who wants to read a book about someone who always does the right, predictable thing? Not much adventure there!

I’ve found that when I write events into my stories that deal with issues I’ve struggled with, the writing helps me heal.

I have a character in one of my books who is a horrible, womanizing jerk. (And that’s putting it nicely) I have a friend who “Beta reads” my books, and she told me that he reminded her of her ex. It made her extremely happy when I used a phrase in one of his conversations, that she told me her ex frequently used. I think in some ways, I helped her to heal! Or, at least I gave her a good laugh.

So, I challenge you to dig up those difficult memories, and write! Consider it therapy!

Show, Don’t Tell

May7

“Show your story, don’t tell it.”

Okay…this one really stumped me. I thought that as a writer I was supposed to tell my story! And then, over and over again at MCRW meetings and retreats, I kept hearing, “Are you showing, or are you telling?”

I think I finally “get it.” Simply put, it’s the difference between writing: “John was angry, and yelled, ‘I hate you.'” AND “John’s hands gripped the rail, tighter and tighter as his knuckles became white. His rapid breathing caused him to spit out the words, ‘I hate you!'”

It’s not some of my best writing, but I wanted to make a simple illustration. I’m sure you can see the difference.

No, I don’t yet consider myself an expert, but I hope that sharing my writing journey with you will help you on your journey too. Don’t get discouraged. You will be your best, worst enemy. Self-doubt can kill your inspiration, so always remind yourself that whatever you put on paper is better than nothing at all. Keep at it, and “show” your stuff!!

Know your History

Apr30

When I was in High School I received a History award at the end of my senior year. I loved history, and still do.

I was blessed to have a teacher who spoke about history with passion and made it interesting. He didn’t focus on dates, (which I hate to admit has caused me a few problems along the way!), but he focused on events. Yes, the dates are important, but more than that, the facts of the event are the most important.

In my previous post I talked about research, and talking to people who specialize in the subject matter that you’re writing about. On top of that, it’s important to research even the smallest detail. Don’t ever assume that something existed in the past that we have today.

Yes, you may know that there were no cars, microwave ovens, or cell phones in the 1800’s, but did they have toothbrushes?

The simplest things can make the biggest difference. One tiny detail may pop out and make a reader stop reading, or an editor roll their eyes and wonder if you really researched your material.

And, if history isn’t your thing, and you don’t like research, then try creating a whole new world! You can do anything you choose when you’re making up something new.

Best advice…write what moves you. For me, it’s history, and falling in love. A great combination!

Editing…

Apr26

Though I’m writing fiction, being that it is “historical” fiction, it’s very important to know my history. And even if I wasn’t writing historical fiction, and was writing a story involving horses, then I had better well know a lot about horses! I’ve always heard, “write what you know.”

I confess. When I started writing about the Civil War, I knew very little. Aside from the fact that I knew the North won, and that slavery was an issue in the war. Having grown up in the Northwest, I learned more about Lewis & Clark than I learned about the war. I can’t say that I remember much about them either. The things we learn in school often times drift out of our memories, unless we have an interest in a particular subject. If you’ve ever watched an episode of “Are you Smarter than a Fifth Grader” then you know what I mean!

So when I started my books involving the war, I decided that talking to an expert was a good idea. Sometimes the information I get on the internet isn’t completely accurate. Hmmm…

I took pages and pages of notes and when I completed the chapters pertinent to those notes, I forwarded them to my expert, holding my breath until I heard back from him. He told me that all but one small detail was accurate. Whew! So, change that one small detail, right? Sure! Not so easy. I think I finally understand what so many fellow writers have told me about editing. As a writer, I’m “in love” with my work, and it’s hard to change it. But I’ve found that if I listen to people who know what they’re talking about, I will have a much better product. So, I toyed with the event, and hope I came up with a good alternative. I’m still waiting to hear back from him on the changes.

I could have just stuck my nose in the air and said, “It’s my book. I know better about what it needs than you do.” But, that wouldn’t have helped my story. I would be destined to have that one Civil war expert read it, (though I’m not sure many of them read women’s fiction), and have him throw the book across the room screaming, “How could she be so stupid?!”

Having experts on board is a plus. My good friend, Diane, is my horse expert. When she read my “horse” chapters, she gave me incredible insight into horse behavior. Her words of wisdom ended up driving my story forward in a way I’d never expected. Thank you, Diane!

Moral of my post: Be willing to edit, even if it hurts!! It will only make your stories better.

Great Intentions

Apr21

Last month, I made up my mind that I would post at least two blogs a week! And then…I had a little accident and nearly lost the end of a finger on my right hand. I am now finally able to type with both hands again, even though that finger has little-to-no sensation. Thank goodness for muscle memory!!

When I became a writer, I told friends that what I love about writing is that I don’t have to dress up to do it, and unlike being a singer, it doesn’t matter whether or not I can use my voice. And…if I injure a leg and can’t walk, I can still write! I never dreamed that I would hurt my hand in a silly accident. I guess that it goes to prove that we should never take anything for granted and be grateful every day for even the little things that bless our lives.

Good health is a biggie!! And getting enough rest so that you don’t make silly mistakes is also important. In case you’re curious, I stuck my hand into the spring mechanism of a reclining sofa. Yes…big OUCH! Eight stitches later…and a great amount of pain, I’m on the mend.

The best thing of all is that in the time I couldn’t write, I was writing in my head, and once I could “hunt & peck” with my right hand, I started getting all those thoughts on paper. I’m working hard on the sequel to “Marked” and am very excited about the progress I’m making.

The new book is entitled, “Forgotten” and takes place at the end of the Civil War.

Now that I can type again, I plan to blog more!! See you again soon…

Jeanne Hardt

In the footsteps of the past…We, too, shall walk. Romance, Love, and so much more…