Guest Blog: Charlene Roberts: Writing the Sweet Regency Romance - What the (BLEEP) Was I Thinking?

I love trying different genres of writing—it gives me an idea of strengths and weaknesses. I discovered that one genre that works for me is historical, as I love reading about the past from different countries. England is still my favorite.

Recently, a publisher’s call for sweet Regency stories caught my interest, and I was excited in writing a novel. However, the reality was harder than I realized.

It’s always important to get your facts correct, and nothing is truer than Regency culture. It’s more than dress code, dances, carriages and living arrangements—the words have to be strictly correct as well. For instance, I didn’t know that contractions (I’m, We’ll, You’re) were forbidden in Regency language, along with the usual—no bad words used by ladies, no swearing by men in front of the ladies. Yet at the same time, Regency-correct words had to be used to create romantic tension.

The same rule applied for body language; ladies were supposed to be demure, soft-spoken, gentle creatures (I, for one, would not survive in this era!), but by using their bodies (hands, eyes, tilting their head, a smile), they can convey their interest to a potential marriage partner.

Oh yes, the ultimate goal of any young lady of standing—the suitable husband, and the myriad ways of catching one. These ladies were great schemers! And all was accomplished while keeping their noble honor intact.

I gotta say I admire Regency folks; they managed to get so much done with cultural limitations. And it limited me as well—for a gal who likes to write erotic romance, writing the sweet Regency romance was a serious mind-bender! Everything I'd used before to write my novels was shrunk into small box of strict Regency knowledge, and I have to say it was pretty difficult for me, but a great challenge.

Now, my observations are based on sweet Regency stories; for the daring noblemen and women who enjoy breaking the rules without getting caught, then we go beyond sweet into the sensual category, but that’s another story.

BIO:

Charlene Roberts lives in Toronto, Canada. Her writing career started after helping a friend type her historical novel. When she became a member of her local writing group, she pursued her love of the written word until her first sale and hasn't looked back since.
 

She has worked as a Script Supervisor, Book Reviewer for Romantic Times, modelled and now works as an Administrative Assistant at a consulting company. However her love of creating stories for others to read and enjoy still remains her first and foremost passion. 

BLURB:Festive Persuasion

Blush sensuality level: This is a sweet romance (kisses only, no sexual content).

A false rumor about Lord Trevor Normandale’s tenuous connection to a murder circulates within the ton. He and his family have successfully defeated the lie, but at a cost; he has made the painful decision to relinquish any hope of pursuing Lady Sophia Weston, as Lord Trevor is afraid the lady will not look upon him favorably again.

Lady Sophia tolerates persistent visits from Lord Walter Talbot, yet she knows that her heart belongs to Lord Trevor, despite his stubborn honor to stay away.

During the Christmas season, Lady Sophia must show Lord Trevor—through gentle persuasion—that her feelings for him have not changed, and fight off Lord Walter, who will do anything to win her affections.

http://charlenelroberts.wordpress.com