All blogs are property of authors and copying is not permitted.

Click image to one-click your copy of Soldiers of Fortune

CLICK BELOW & SUBSCRIBE TO THE RB4U NEWSLETTER

Saturday, July 28, 2012

Guest Blog: Dyann Love Barr: Texting the Old Fashioned Way


I love dialogue. It’s the best way to salt all those pesky details of the backstory into your work in progress. My writing is dialogue heavy, but there are times when a character’s body language can say as much as words. Is your hero standing, slouching, getting ready to take on dragons with his muscles bunched, his teeth bared? The reader knows the minute a main character tenses, things are going downhill, fast.

So, how would a woman in the eighteenth or nineteenth century express herself through a few slight movements of her hands? The smart phone was a long way off and she couldn’t stroke a few keys to set up a booty call. Her life was spent walking the fine line of society’s mores. The strictures placed upon her made it difficult to communicate with a man who caught her eye. The clever woman of the time devised ways of getting the message across to the man she fancied, or to reject someone. I like to think of it as the eighteenth and nineteenth century version of texting.

Here’s a scenario to illustrate what I mean.

Our heroine sits on a small damask covered chair waiting for the hero to walk through the door of the assembly hall. The music swells into a waltz. She reaches for her fan in anticipation of seeing the man who has haunted her dreams for the last few weeks. He makes his appearance and she raises her fan. He asks her for a dance. What does she do? Or maybe it’s the villain of the story who wants her for her inheritance.

Let the games begin.

THE FAN PLACED NEAR THE HEART:  “You have won my love.”
THE FAN RESTING ON HER HEART: “My love for you is breaking my heart.”
A CLOSED FAN: “When may I be allowed to see you?”
THE NUMBER OF STICKS SHOWN ANSWERS THE QUESTION: “At what hour?”
THREATENING MOVEMENTS WITH THE FAN CLOSED: “Do not be imprudent.”
HALF-OPENED FAN PRESSED TO THE LIPS: “You may kiss me.”
FAN WITH THE HANDLE TO LIPS: “Kiss me.”
HANDS CLASPED TOGETHER HOLDING AN OPEN FAN: “Forgive me.”
COVERING THE LEFT EAR WITH AN OPEN FAN: “Do not betray our secret.”
HIDING THE EYES BEHIND AN OPEN FAN: “I love you.”
SHUTTING A FULLY OPENED FAN SLOWLY: “I promise to marry you.”
DRAWING THE FAN ACROSS THE EYES: “I am sorry.”
TOUCHING THE FINGER TO THE TIP OF THE FAN: ”I wish to speak with you.”
LETTING THE FAN REST ON THE RIGHT CHEEK: ”Yes.”
LETTING THE FAN REST ON THE LEFT CHEEK: “No.”
OPENING AND CLOSING THE FAN SEVERAL TIMES: “You are cruel.”
OPENING AND CLOSING THE FAN SEVERAL TIMES, QUICKLY AND INPETUOUSLY: “I’m jealous.”
DROPPING THE FAN: “We are friends, or I belong to you.”
FANNING SLOWLY: “I am married, or don’t waste your time, I don’t care about you.”
FANNING QUICKLY: “I love you so much.”
CARRYING THE FAN CLOSED AND HANGING FROM HER LEFT HAND: “I am engaged.”
CARRYING THE FAN CLOSED AND HANGING FROM HER RIGHT HAND: “I want to be engaged.”
HITTING HER HAND’S PALM: “Love me.”
OPENING THE FAN WIDE: “Wait for me.”
PLACING THE FAN BEHIND THE HEAD OR MOVING HER HAIR AWAY FROM HER FOREHEAD WITH THE FAN: “Do not forget me.”
PLACING THE FAN BEHIND THE HEAD WITH THE FINGERS EXTENDED: “Goodbye.”
FAN IN THE RIGHT HAND IN FRONT OF FACE: “Follow me.”
FAN IN THE LEFT HAND IN FRONT OF FACE: “I’m desirous of your acquaintance.”
FAN HELD OVER THE LEFT EAR: “I want to be rid of you.”
DRAWING THE FAN ACROSS THE FOREHEAD: “You have changed.”
TWIRLING THE FAN IN THE LEFT HAND: “We are being watched.”
TWIRLING THE FAN IN THE RIGHT HAND: “I love another.”
CARRYING THE OPEN FAN IN THE RIGHT HAND: “You are too willing.”
CARRYING THE OPEN FAN IN THE LEFT HAND: “Come and talk to me.”
DRAWING THE FAN THROUGH THE HANDS: “I hate you.”
DRAWING THE FAN ACRSS THE CHEEK: “I love you.”
PRESENTING THE FAN SHUT: “Do you love me?”
CLOSING THE FAN: “I wish to speak with you.”

All the heroine needs is a wave or snap of a fan to tell either man her true feelings.

Here’s another scenario, using a different fashion accessory—the ever-present gloves. They were used  to send coded messages to the men who flocked around her. When fans weren’t practical, our heroine has to make do with another type of code to express her true feelings.

Our heroine wears a pair of gloves to the ball, or she might be riding in Hyde Park, Rotten Row, the 18th century meeting place popular with the upper-class Londoners. Everyone makes an appearance during the weekend evenings, and at midday, either on horseback or in carriages. Intrigue and romance abounds. A handsome man asks to call the next day. What’s our heroine’s answer? Does she tell the hero what’s in her heart? Dash the hopes of the fortune hunter?

Here are a variety of ways our heroine might use the gloves to answer the men’s queries.

BITING THE TIPS: "I wish to be rid of you very soon!"
CLENCHING THEM, ROLLED UP IN THE RIGHT HAND: "No!"
DRAWING HALFWAY UP LEFT HAND: "Indifference"
DROPPING BOTH OF THEM: "I love you"
DROPPING ONE OF THEM: "Yes"
FOLDING UP CAREFULLY : "Get rid of your company"
HOLDING THE TIPS DOWNWARD: "I wish to be acquainted"
HOLDING THEM LOOSE IN THE RIGHT HAND: "I am content"
HOLDING THEM LOOSE IN THE LEFT HAND: "I am satisfied"
LEFT HAND WITH THE NAKED THUMB EXPOSED: "Do you love me?"
PUTTING THEM AWAY: "I am vexed!"
RIGHT HAND WITH THE NAKED THUMB EXPOSED: "Kiss me"
SMOOTHING THEM OUT GENTLY: "I am displeased"
STRIKING THEM OVER THE SHOULDER: "Follow me"
TAPPING THE CHIN: "I love another"
TOSSING THEM UP GENTLY: "I am engaged"
TURNING THEM INSIDE OUT: "I hate you!"
TWISTING THEM AROUND THE FINGERS: "Be careful, we are watched!"
USING THEM AS A FAN: "Introduce me to your company".

I love these fun facts, although a question has occurred to me. If everyone knew these maneuvers with either the fan or gloves, nothing was really a secret.

So, think about the implications of the heroine dropping a pair of gloves, or furiously fanning her face after a country dance. She might land in a lot of hot water. The possibilities to add a touch of humor or the horror of a social faux pas in the ballroom are limitless. Here’s one of my favorite examples. Have fun.

And check out these other fascinating websites:

BIO:
With the maiden name of Love, how could I not write romance?

I live in western Missouri with my husband and our cat Spook, who thinks he actually owns the house. We're just the servants who came with the property. I'm a former chef, and my hobbies include sewing, belly dancing, acting, and playing video games with a vengeance.


I am a member of Romance Writers of America and my local chapter, Heartland Romance Authors.


BLURB:
Alex King wants to follow the family tradition and marry his perfect wife on Christmas Eve. There’s one little hitch—his bride dumps him at the altar. He wakes up in Vegas with a hangover, a ring on his finger, and in bed with Zoe Hillman, his best friend. She’s overweight and plain, nothing at all like his image of the perfect wife. So begins the shortest Vegas marriage in history.


Zoe loved Alex from the moment he walked through the law firm’s doors. He can charm the panties off any woman, but he’s never tried it with her. The chance to grab for the gold ring is within her reach until everything blows up in her face. Now, five years later she returns to Kansas City with triplets in tow and a brand new look. Catering Alex’ next wedding should prove interesting.

178 comments:

Tina Donahue said...

I love dialogue too - I find it very easy to write. Great post, Dyann!

Paris said...

Great to see you here. I think I'd forgotten how much I enjoyed your historical programs. Thanks for the priceless information about how a woman could convey her wishes. As much as I like having a voice in this era using a fan to text is about my speed:)

Mary Corrales said...

Wow, those were all very cool facts. I never knew such little gestures could mean so much. I can see why you had fun with the research.

Now I see why gossip back in those days was so rampant. If you caught an interesting gesture from someone it could be scandalous.

Awesome stuff!

Anonymous said...

buy tramadol overnight cod tramadol withdrawal 50mg - tramadol dosage 80 lb dog

Anonymous said...

tramadol no rx tramadol overdose signs - tramadol dosage dogs 50mg

Anonymous said...

buy tramadol online cheap tramadol hcl used for depression - buy tramadol online us pharmacy

Anonymous said...

buy tramadol no prescription tramadol hcl manufacturers in india - buy tramadol over the counter

Anonymous said...

buy tramadol 100mg tramadol yellow - buy tramadol online no prescription overnight

Anonymous said...

buy tramadol tramadol dosage german shepherd - tramadol sr 100 mg side effects

Anonymous said...

tramadol online tramadol for dogs euthanasia - tramadol purchase no prescription

Anonymous said...

lorazepam no prescription reverse side effects ativan - medical uses ativan

Anonymous said...

generic tramadol tramadol hcl uses - tramadol high get

Anonymous said...

buy tramadol without rx buy tramadol online reviews - tramadol hcl tab 50mg dosage

Anonymous said...

buy klonopin online klonopin and alcohol effects - will 2mg klonopin do

Anonymous said...

klonopin no prescription klonopin side effects eye twitching - klonopin to quit smoking

Anonymous said...

buy tramadol tramadol addiction effects - street value of tramadol 50mg

Anonymous said...

buy tramadol in florida can you buy tramadol on the internet - can you buy tramadol in usa

Anonymous said...

buy tramadol online cheap tramadol hcl for sale - buy tramadol online from mexico

Anonymous said...

ativan 2mg ativan epocrates - ativan klonopin together

Anonymous said...

soma sale soma health club costs - buy soma bras

Anonymous said...

buy tramadol online cheap tramadol 50mg dogs - tramadol online doctor consult

Anonymous said...

buy ambien online overnight delivery ambien cr vs ambien - cost of ambien generic

Anonymous said...

buy tramadol online mastercard overnight discount coupons for tramadol - tramadol for dogs can people take it

Anonymous said...

tramadol 50mg que es tramadol hcl - tramadol 50 mg dosage

Anonymous said...

ambien cr ambien best sleep aid - ambien 10 mg imprint

Anonymous said...

cheapest ativan ativan+online+overnight - order lorazepam online

Anonymous said...

buy tramadol cod overnight tramadol hcl lethal dose - buy tramadol cheap no prescription

Anonymous said...

buy soma tramadol soma online - soma san diego logo

Anonymous said...

buy zolpidem online ambien 6469 - pharmacy price ambien cr

Anonymous said...

buy ativan online no prescription ativan high how many - lorazepam 1mg cinfa

Anonymous said...

buy tramadol online tramadol kratom - safe place buy tramadol online

Anonymous said...

klonopin anxiety klonopin dosage for panic attacks - xanax vs klonopin for anxiety

Anonymous said...

buy tramadol buy tramadol online reviews - tramadol on drug test

Anonymous said...

buy ambien online overnight delivery ambien yellow - ambien sleep

Anonymous said...

order ambien online overnight side effects to ambien cr - taking 2 10mg ambien

Anonymous said...

ambien online pharmacy ambien side effects - insomnia lunesta ambien

Anonymous said...

tramadol buy tramadol london - buy tramadol online without prescriptions usa

Anonymous said...

where to buy tramadol online buy tramadol without prescriptions - tramadol hcl online pharmacy

Anonymous said...

generic carisoprodol buy soma fedex overnight - soma strong muscle relaxer

Anonymous said...

ambien pharmacy buy ambien online cheap - ambien side effects sleep driving

Anonymous said...

buy tramadol with paypal tramadol much get high - order ultram online cheap

Anonymous said...

tramadol online tramadol hcl max dosage - tramadol 50mg tablets an 627

Anonymous said...

buy ambien online best generic ambien cr - ambien goes generic

Anonymous said...

tramadol without prescription buy tramadol online yahoo - purchase tramadol in uk

Anonymous said...

buy soma soma buy - generic soma wiki

Anonymous said...

generic ambien ambien side effects next day - buy brand name ambien online

Anonymous said...

buy ambien online ambien cr 6.25 mg tablet san - ambien 40 mg erowid

Anonymous said...

cheap clonazepam klonopin youtube - klonopin side effects long term usage

Anonymous said...

buy tramadol rx tramadol high 50 mg - buy tramadol online safe

Anonymous said...

ambien cost pharmacy price ambien cr - ambien side effects anxiety attacks

Anonymous said...

buy klonopin klonopin 65 - klonopin kidney stones

Anonymous said...

cheap soma online soma good drug - cheap somas online

Anonymous said...

buy sildenafil online viagra for women 2012 - generic viagra online fast shipping

Anonymous said...

generic ambien ambien dosage for high - ambien 10 mg vs. 5mg

Anonymous said...

generic klonopin legal buy klonopin online - klonopin side effects memory

Anonymous said...

buy ambien online ambien withdrawal how long - ambien cr price comparison

Anonymous said...

where can i buy viagra online safely buy viagra online debit card - viagra logo

Anonymous said...

soma online soma medical spa - soma heart muscle

Anonymous said...

buy zolpidem online ambien side effects memory loss - ambien 10 mg side effects

Anonymous said...

buy viagra online without rx viagraonline.md - ok buy viagra online

Anonymous said...

generic ambien ambien what class of drug - ambien sale internet

Anonymous said...

buy generic viagra buy cheap generic viagra online - buy viagra 50mg online

Anonymous said...

viagra online can you buy viagra uk - buy viagra egypt

Anonymous said...

buy klonopin klonopin r35 - do klonopin get you high

Anonymous said...

buy tramadol saturday delivery tramadol 50mg online - generic tramadol online

Anonymous said...

buy viagra online cheap order viagra from mexico - viagra mastercard online pharmacy

Anonymous said...

soma pills cheap soma no prescription overnight - buy soma florida

Anonymous said...

buy zolpidem online ambien dosage and pregnancy - ambien side effects hiccups

Anonymous said...

ambien online purchase cheap ambien no prescription - buspar drug interactions ambien

Anonymous said...

buy viagra 50mg buy viagra online legally - secure tabs online viagra 100mg

Anonymous said...

buy viagra online forum viagra buy london - viagra online order india

Anonymous said...

buy viagra cheap buy original viagra online - viagra online next day delivery

Anonymous said...

buy generic soma soma intimates reviews - restaurants near soma san diego

Anonymous said...

buy viagra dosage of viagra - buy viagra online in canada

Anonymous said...

buy viagra from canada viagra online without prescription+25 mg - buy viagra online review

Anonymous said...

online soma buy soma no prescription overnight - buy some plant

Anonymous said...

cialis pills generic cialis usa - cialis online free trial

Anonymous said...

buy viagra viagra 400mg - viagra buy online uk

Anonymous said...

soma online soma norodom - buy soma online next day delivery

Anonymous said...

buy tramadol cod order tramadol online mastercard - buy tramadol online cod no prescription

Anonymous said...

buy generic viagra online overnight how to buy viagra online - cheap viagra 100mg online

Anonymous said...

buy sildenafil buy viagra online in south africa - order viagra online canada no prescription

Anonymous said...

buy viagra for women viagra blue vision - cheap generic viagra on line

Anonymous said...

sildenafil citrate viagra online us pharmacy - viagra online next day delivery uk

Anonymous said...

buy viagra online reviews viagra risks - order viagra online nz

Anonymous said...

propecia mg propecia side effects on fertility - propecia 5mg

Anonymous said...

buy tramadol overnight shipping tramadol dosage to get high - 100mg tramadol is equivalent to what

Anonymous said...

buy tramadol 100mg online tramadol 100mg effects - generic tramadol

Anonymous said...

buy propecia online rogaine and propecia results pictures - propecia 0.5mg results

Anonymous said...

order tramadol no prescription order tramadol online to florida - tramadol used withdrawal

Anonymous said...

cheap tramadol no prescription buy tramadol online overnight cod - buy tramadol online fedex delivery

Anonymous said...

buy generic tramadol no prescription tramadol yeast infection - tramadol for dogs diarrhea

Anonymous said...

tramadol buy tramadol online no prescription overnight cod - buy tramadol for dogs usa

Anonymous said...

tramadol overnight shipping tramadol withdrawal no energy - cheap tramadol online usa

Anonymous said...

cheap generic viagra generic viagra soft tabs 50mg - buy viagra online forum

Anonymous said...

buy tramadol medication tramadol overdose how much does it take - tramadol good withdrawal

Anonymous said...

generic propecia negative side effects propecia - propecia online with prescription

Anonymous said...

buy tramadol 100mg tramadol for migraines - tramadol 650 dosage

Anonymous said...

tramadol buy tramadol nice high - tramadol for dogs reviews

Anonymous said...

buy tramadol online buy-tramadol-online.com - ultram online legal

Anonymous said...

cheap propecia propecia liver damage - generic propecia safe

Anonymous said...

buy tramadol online buy tramadol online cheap no prescription - tramadol purchase online usa

Anonymous said...

tramadol 50mg tramadol online illegal - tramadol high many

Anonymous said...

buy tramadol tramadol dosage for pain - tramadol 50mg vs vicodin 5mg

Anonymous said...

buy tramadol online tramadol 200 mg extended release - tramadol ultram er

Anonymous said...

buy tramadol online no prescription tramadol addiction support - buy tramadol with a mastercard

Anonymous said...

buy propecia online propecia side effects mayo clinic - generic proscar vs propecia

Anonymous said...

tramadol 100 mg buy tramadol online from usa - tramadol hcl 50 mg tablet high

Anonymous said...

buy tramadol overnight cod order cheap tramadol-overnight - tramadol hydrochloride 100 mg

Anonymous said...

tramadol overnight shipping can you really buy tramadol online - buy tramadol usa

Anonymous said...

cheap tramadol tramadol 50 mg and - tramadol withdrawal exercise

Anonymous said...

buy tramadol tramadol hcl (zydol) - buy tramadol overnight delivery

Anonymous said...

generic propecia online buy generic propecia online cheap - can i buy propecia over the counter

Anonymous said...

buy tramadol 100mg online tramadol used no prescription - tramadol for dogs forum

Anonymous said...

tramadol online tramadol online missouri - tramadol addiction symptoms

Anonymous said...

order viagra online buy pfizer viagra online in us - viagra online bestellen

Anonymous said...

tramadol 50mg tramadol no prescription overnight shipping - can tramadol for dogs get you high

Anonymous said...

buy tramadol usa tramadol jwh 018 - tramadol zoloft

Anonymous said...

discount viagra purchase female viagra online - generic viagra us online

Anonymous said...

viagra online without prescription leadmedic. online pharmacy. generic viagra cialis - viagra for women buy

Anonymous said...

buy tramadol tramadol dosage migraines - 200 tramadol buy

Anonymous said...

generic cialis can you buy cialis over counter - cialis+0800

Anonymous said...

cheap viagra pfizer viagra online pharmacy - gma viagra for women

Anonymous said...

buy tramadol no prescription buy cheap tramadol online uk - buy tramadol online new zealand

Anonymous said...

sildenafil citrate how to viagra online - viagra from us online

Anonymous said...

cheap generic viagra viagra soft tabs dosage - buy viagra online from us

Anonymous said...

buy generic viagra viagra 65 - buy viagra american express

Anonymous said...

generic cialis cialis daily use bph - how much cialis daily

Anonymous said...

order cialis cialis online au - best place buy cialis online

Anonymous said...

buy viagra buy viagra and cialis online - viagra dosage levels

Anonymous said...

cialis medication cheap generic cialis no prescription - cialis youtube commercial

Anonymous said...

buy tadalafil buy cialis england - lloyds pharmacy cialis price

Anonymous said...

buy cialis cialis benefits - cialis online rezept

Anonymous said...

generic cialis order cialis online no prescription canada - cialis online is it legal

Anonymous said...

viagra online buy generic viagra online overnight - buy viagra online reviews

Anonymous said...

cialis professional buy cheap cialis online no prescription - buy cialis without prescriptions

Anonymous said...

tadalafil online low dose cialis online - buy cheap cialis online no prescription

Anonymous said...

buy tramadol online tramadol online no rx - tramadol order online tramadol 50g

Anonymous said...

cheap soma order soma online cod - buy soma online with cod

Anonymous said...

generic soma soma medication identification - soma bras in stores

Anonymous said...

viagra online pharmacy viagra mastercard online pharmacy - viagra without prescriptions us

Anonymous said...

buy viagra no prescription safe viagra online orders - buy viagra no prescription

Anonymous said...

soma medication cheap pedicure soma - buy soma online usa

Anonymous said...

soma online buy somatropin jintropin - soma smoothie

Anonymous said...

soma carisoprodol soma 350 mg street value - buy somatropin dubai

Anonymous said...

cheap generic soma soma muscle relaxant wikipedia - soma vanishing back bras

Anonymous said...

soma sale who sells soma bras - soma neighborhood san francisco

Anonymous said...

buy retin a retin a .01 gel for wrinkles - retin-a gel 0.01 reviews

Anonymous said...

buy tramadol online no prescription tramadol zoloft drug interaction - tramadol y el embarazo

Anonymous said...

cheap retin-a retin a acne getting worse - retin a micro hyperpigmentation

Anonymous said...

retin a buy online retin a micro discount - retin a cream vs microgel

Anonymous said...

tramadol overnight shipping tramadol online usa - buy tramadol online safe

Anonymous said...

buy tramadol overnight трамадол капли - legal buy tramadol mexico

Anonymous said...

cheap tramadol buy tramadol over the counter - can get tramadol online

Anonymous said...

buy tramadol online no prescription cheap tramadol hcl online - tramadol withdrawal taper

Anonymous said...

buy tramadol ultram tramadol online ireland - buy tramadol safely

Anonymous said...

tramadol 50 mg tramadol 200mg er high - buy tramadol online overnight shipping

Anonymous said...

tramadol 100 buy tramadol in florida - is tramadol hcl make you high

Anonymous said...

buy tramadol online buy tramadol legit - tramadol hcl online

Anonymous said...

buy tramadol online buy tramadol online usa - tramadol hcl 50 mg ingredients

Anonymous said...

generic cialis cialis daily prostate - has best price cialis

Anonymous said...

order tramadol no prescription tramadol without rx - dosage of tramadol 50mg

Anonymous said...

buy tramadol with mastercard tramadol hydrochloride buy online - tramadol yahoo

Anonymous said...

cheap tramadol tramadol hydrochloride buy online - buy tramadol hydrochloride online uk

Anonymous said...

buy retin-a retin-a cream 30g - retin a micro made acne worse

Anonymous said...

buy tramadol for dogs tramadol dosage labrador retriever - tramadol online australia

Anonymous said...

buy tramadol no prescription overnight tramadol 37.5/325 high - is buying tramadol online illegal

Anonymous said...

buy tramadol online effects of tramadol high - buy tramadol online from usa

Anonymous said...

cheap tramadol online tramadol hcl tab 200mg - high does tramadol get you

Anonymous said...

buy tramadol buy tramadol cod shipping - tramadol hcl 50 mg tablet

Anonymous said...

buy cialis professional online cialis price in usa - cialis in women

Anonymous said...

xanax online xanax drug test detection period - xanax bars 2 mg street price

Anonymous said...

buy tramadol saturday delivery tramadol for dogs contraindications - tramadol for dogs how long to take effect

Anonymous said...

http://www.integrativeonc.org/adminsio/buyklonopinonline/#9183 .5 mg klonopin erowid - klonopin dosage equivalent

Anonymous said...

buy klonopin online can order klonopin online - klonopin side effects

Anonymous said...

http://landvoicelearning.com/#57594 tramadol ingredients medicine - seizure after overdose tramadol

Anonymous said...

buy clonazepam teva vs. qualitest klonopin - klonopin 2 mg street price

Anonymous said...

The write-up fеatuгеs establishеd useful
to myself. It’s quitе еducationаl аnd yоu rеally аre nаturally гeally knowledgeablе in this arеa.
You рοssеsѕ openeԁ mу sight in oгder to ԁifferеnt vіeωѕ on thіs kinԁ оf subject mattеr with intriquing, notable anԁ solid artісles.
my web site > valium

Share buttons