In general, historical romances are a favorite of mine, but for some reason, the regency period has always been my targeted area of interest.
So...why don't I write one?
Good question. Lame answer. I guess I'm kinda lazy about researching all the rules needed to write a "correct" regency book. While I love reading about polite society, the "Season", and the Ton, I don't have a grasp on all the elements to feel secure enough to write one.
My favorite regency book? The Lemon Cake by Judith Stafford. As I discard print books in favor of ebook, my print version the The Lemon Cake will be a keeper. I've read it many times and love how the elements of the rules of that time are woven into an enjoyable romance book.
I also like reading books that are around 50,000 words. Longer historical romances, though interesting, are too "slow" for me. I want a "fast" read. Just my own quirk in reading romances. That doesn't mean I won't read a longer book...because I've read lots of them...but my attention is always drawn to shorter books, especially regency romances.
And, I read other genres...especially since I write them!
There are lots of websites explaining the "ins" and "outs" of the regency era and I've listed one below. I could use that to help in writing a regency...but maybe that fear of making a mistake and having a reader point out my blunder makes me hesitate to try.
Resource for Readers of Regency Romance Novels: Good Ton http://thenonesuch.com/
Jane Austen writes the era to perfection. I love both the book and movie, Emma. The book below would certainly explain her point of view on regency romance rules.
But I still hesitate attempting to write a regency. Maybe that'll be a genre I'll enjoy just as a reader!
As a writer, is there a genre you hesitate to try writing in? Or, have you faced the challenge and created something you didn't think possible?
Readers, have you tried a new genre you didn't think you'd like?
http://www.mariannestephens.net
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15 comments:
Every time I write a Regency romance I say, "Never again" because of all the research needed. And yet, somehow or other...
Berengaria Brown
For me, its certain elements of paranormal. Sure I read the wolf shifters and vamps but lately I've read some fae stories and gargoyle stories and they have been great.
Marika
I started out writing historical romances so winding up published in an contemporary erotic romance was kind of a kick and one I found I enjoyed.
As a reader the one genre that took me completely by surprise was horror. I was hooked on the early work of Laurell K. Hamilton's Anita Blake series. I do love a kick-ass heroine:)
I also love to read Regency romances, Marianne, but will probably never write one. Mysteries are another favorite and I read a lot of them. I probably won't write a mystery, either. I like having genres to read that I don't write. It keeps my career and my reading hobby separate.
Best--Adele
I love Regency romances, too, Marianne. They are sweet.
I've always loved Regencies and tried to write a few early on. OMG, trying to get the lingo correct nearly killed me. That's when I decided to go for contemporary, paranormal, sci-fi, anything. I admire those who write Regencies!
I'm new to the Regency craze. Only started reading Regencies a few years ago, but I really like reading about that era. Like you, Marianne, I couldn't write one. Lots of research involved and Regency fans are rabid. If you write something inaccurate they'll call you out. I enjoy all historicals except Medievals. The research is one of the reaons I don't write historicals. I also feel more comfortable writing something I know, like contemporaries. I enjoy reading erotic romance too, and have tried to write some, but I don't have the knack of writing graphic sex that doesn't come off as porn. I admire all those wonderful erotic romance authors who can write graphic sex that's also emotional. It's good to read all sub-genres of romance. I believe it can help with your own writing.
well said. I can say with 100% certainty that I will never write a vampire or shifter story. and you can quote me on that! nice post!
I've never read a regency I guess because never appealed to me. May have to check that out just to expand my horizons. I like contemporary or ancient tales, with nothing in-between. I'd explore the possibilities, but just don't have time with writing and other life details!
I've written two historicals in the REgency period, and they are a challenge. I was most afraid of erotica, but my editors have persuaded me to try it. It's fun, especially to conquer something new.
I write Paranormal Romance, but LOVE reading all the other Romance genres too. I admire Regency and Historical authors who can bring those Periods to life. I love doing research ---yet I think Id have a hard time trying to figure out what belonged in the book and what didnt. Because of that, I dont think I'll ever attempt to write one. I'll leave it to the experts!
Hugs, Kari Thomas, www.authorkari.com
Historicals are definitely one I'd like to try...but...I'd hesitate to do so because I know there A) isn't a market for my favorite era, and b) I figure my readers would be as sticklers as I am for historical accuracy, and I'd blow it somewhere. :)But, never say never!
Historicals! I actually wrote a historical quickie and that's probablly the most I'll ever do. I love reading them, and do enjoy the history, but I'll stick to contemporary romance and paranormals. :)
Suspense. Love reading them, admire the author who twists plots together and keeps me guessing until the end. I'm determined to learn how to write one. Madeline Hunter and Julia Quinn's writing got me hooked on historicals. I read dozens and researched the Regency era for a couple years before writing my first one. Fortunately I love doing the research! It was scary to write about something so completely foreign but very rewarding. I have more confidence with each one I write.
Thanks to all who commented. Historical/regency romances seem to make some hesitate to write for the same reason I mentioned...fear of getting period facts correct.
I guess I'm not alone!
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