Monthly Archives: January 2010

I am old-fashioned

Updated on January 9, 2010 by Elena Greene

I was always taught to be quiet and respectful of others during movies and especially at live performances (unless they are the sort that invite audience participation).

Yet I’ve been surprised, at my children’s last few school concerts, to find that parents of similar age to myself will chat through the performance, maybe shutting up only when their own child is featured. Although most of the audience members at the local Binghamton Philharmonic concerts are well-behaved, I sometimes hear people humming along or crackling candy wrappers at untoward moments. While I will practically burst my eyeballs to hold back a sneeze until a break between movements!

I’m noticing this sort of thing a lot more in movie theatres, too. And it’s not children or teenagers who seem to be the worst offenders; it’s adults who seem to think everyone around them should be delighted with their running commentary on the film. If you try to shush them, they behave as if you are the one being rude. I googled around a bit and found that audience behavior seems to be a growing problem, at all sorts of entertainment venues. For instance, the San Diego Opera has posted a set of Golden Rules of Opera Etiquette to try to address it.

But maybe I’m not so old-fashioned. During the Regency and earlier periods, the theatre and opera were places to see and be seen. People socialized and often didn’t pay much attention to what was going on on the stage, unless they were heckling the performers or throwing something at them!

Yet at some point this changed. In my googling around, I ran across a book called FASHIONABLE ACTS: Opera and Elite Culture in London, 1780-1880. A review by OPERA America Newsline states that “In a reassessment of British aristocratic culture, Jennifer Hall-Witt demonstrates how the transformation of audience behavior at London’s Italian opera – from the sociable, interactive spectatorship of the 1780s to the quiet, polite listening of the 1870s – served as a barometer of the aristocracy’s changing authority.” It looks interesting–even if the review makes my way of behaving at performances sound so stodgy! Has anyone read it?

So do people talking through movies, concerts, plays, etc…, bug you, too? Why do they do it?

Elena

Best Reads, 2009-Style

Updated on January 8, 2010 by megan

Yes, I am a week late with this. Mea culpa; too much celebrating on New Year’s Eve.

As I pondered my faves from last year, I realized that there weren’t very many Regency-set historicals on the list. I have been reading a lot more paranormal, urban fantasy, mystery and straight-up fantasy than historical lately. I think that’s because historicals move more slowly than those other books, and I’ve read so many of those in my lifetime that I am in the mood for something different, and faster-paced.

Thanks to the avidbookreader, I was introduced to mystery authors Ken Bruen and Jo Nesbo. Bruen writes Irish noir–his Jack Taylor series features a frequently unlikeable private detective (of sorts) who battles many issues and solves some crimes along the way. Nesbo’s Harry Hole series is about a recovering alcoholic who serves on the police force. Both of the series’ books solve a crime particular to the book as well as continue a much larger story arc that will presumably get solved at the end of the series.

Thanks to Carolyn (yay for word-of-mouth recommendations), I started reading Brent Weeks‘ Shadow trilogy. Whoa. These books are so incredibly written and plotted it’s amazing. There are twists and turns you wouldn’t normally expect in this kind of densely-plotted world-building series. I am saving the last book in the trilogy for when I really need it, and am psyched to read his new series, coming out in 2010.

In historical, I continue to devour Elizabeth Hoyt‘s books, although I haven’t caught up to her latest release yet (I have it in the TBR pile). I like how she makes her characters so immediate and real without anachronism.

I read the first of Ilona Andrews‘ Edge series, which is urban fantasy that’s set in a rural setting. Rural fantasy? Anyway, this has got it all: Drama, humor, magic, a totally foxy hero, a kick-ass but humble heroine and real-life problems. I also continued reading her Magic series, and there are more of those coming in 2010 also.

This year, I read Tessa Dare‘s Goddess of the Hunt, which was deliciously satisfying; the story is intriguing, but it’s the characters and the zesty writing that really tickled my fancy.

I read the first in Jim Butcher’s Calderon series, which is up to about six installments thus far. I can’t wait until my son is old enough to read this, too, it’s got all kinds of swashbuckling adventure and in-depth characters who have passion.

Patricia Briggs‘ Mercy Thompson series had its best installment thus far, at least in my opinion, with Bone Crossed. Mercy is becoming a richer, more layered character with each successive book.

And speaking of rich and layered, Julia Spencer-Fleming‘s Millers Kill series continues to astound me. Yes, it’s a mystery series, but it’s also a helluva great love story.

(As I think about it, I realize I have many historicals on the TBR pile. Whew. For a minute I was worried I was losing my passion, but no, I’m just delving into new genres).

Thanks, as always, to people who mention how much they love certain books; I’m finding, more and more, that word-of-mouth is how I discover things, and it means so much more when it comes from someone you trust.

Hope your 2010 reading is awesome! If you care to share, what are you looking forward to most this year?

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged Megan | 6 Replies

Up, Up and Away!

Updated on January 7, 2010 by Janet Mullany

Today’s the anniversary of the first crossing of the English Channel in 1785 by intrepid balloonists Jean Pierre Blanchard of France and Dr. John Jeffries, an expatriate Bostonian. Blanchard had made his first balloon ascents in London in the previous year, and also made some parachuting experiments. Jeffries was the money behind the venture and Blanchard seems to have had a rather ambivalent attitude toward his sponsor. He made an attempt to claim that their combined weight was too much for the balloon, suggesting Jeffries should stay on land, but it was discovered that the Frenchman was wearing a belt of lead weights.

They left from Dover at about 1:00 in the afternoon and landed in France a couple of hours later in a tree outside Calais but the trip did not go as smoothly as planned. The two aviators found the balloon losing altitude and had to rid themselves not only of ballast but any extraneous weight including books, food, scientific instruments and even their clothes, thus becoming the first male strippers in flight. Neither of them could swim.

Here’s Jeffries’ account of the flight:

Heaven crowned my utmost wishes with success: I cannot describe to you the magnificence and beauty of our voyage…When two-thirds from the French coast we were again falling rapidly towards the sea, on which occasion my noble little captain gave orders, and set the example, by beginning to strip our aerial car, first of our silk and finery: this not giving us sufficient release, we cast one wing, then the other; after which I was obliged to unscrew and cast away our moulinet; yet still approaching the sea very fast, and the boats being much alarmed for use, we cast away, first one anchor, then the other, after which my little hero stripped and threw away his coat (great one). On this I was compelled to follow his example. He next cast away his trowsers. We put on our cork jackets and were, God knows how, as merry as grigs to think how we should splatter in the water. We had a fixed cord, &c to mount into our upper story; and I believe both of us, as though inspired, felt ourselves confident of success in the event.

They were both feted, made honorary citizens of Calais and Louis XVI awarded Blanchard a substantial pension. Blanchard continued with his balloon and parachute experiments, including the first American ascent in 1793 from Philadelphia. His wife Sophie Blanchard also made her name as a balloonist. Sadly–or perhaps they appreciated dying with their boots on–they both died in ballooning accidents.

Jeffries, however, never flew again, returning to America and resuming the medical practice so rudely interrupted by the War of Independence.

Here’s a very nice paper cut out model of the balloon (with paper dolls!) on sale at fiddlersgreen.net and more information.

Have you done anything brave, innovative, or just plain daft recently? (and, yes, writing is all of the above).

Posted in Risky Regencies | Tagged Uncategorized | 12 Replies

London City or What’s in a Name

Updated on January 6, 2010 by carolyn

Happy New Year everyone! I hope everyone is having a bright and shiny January!

Back in the day, when I lived in Berkeley, California and did not have children or a car, I was within walking distance of some of the finest bookstores in the world. Meaning, Moe’s, Cody’s, Shakespeare and Company, the University of California Press, and the Holmes Bookstore (in Oakland.) Of those, Moe’s is, I believe, still open. Holmes was actually not really walking distance, it being about 1o miles from my house but I was poor and sometimes walked there on a weekend. Holmes was three stories of books, new on the ground floor, used on all the others. You can imagine the heaven that was.

I was able to pick up some very interesting, odd and useful books for my research library. And I made it a habit to always buy one (used) book about which I knew absolutely nothing. That’s where the odd portion of my library comes into play.

There’s a confession I need to make. A deep dark secret about Carolyn. I love me some weird sh*t. Vacation pictures. I LOVE looking at people’s vacation pictures. Old family photos, even if they’re not my family. The older the better. I get into looking at the way people are sitting, where they’re looking, how they’re arranged, the background, what they’re wearing etc and I love ephemera of all sorts. Give me a crate of really old papers and I am a happy girl.

My mind slips back to the past. What were the people saying right before they sat for that photo?

Please don’t let Uncle John smile like a dork.
Does this bustle make my butt look fat?
I’m hungry.
Are we done yet?
I wonder if I hid the ax well enough?

At any rate, one of my books is London City, Its History, Streets, Traffic, Buildings, People by W.J. Loftie, BA, FSA illustrated by W. Luker, Jr, from original drawings, engraved by Ch. Guillaume et Cie, Paris. The publication date is 1891.

One of the very interesting things about this book is the many many pages in the back that make up a List of Subscribers. Beginning with Her Majesty Victoria, Queen of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, and Empress of India.

I find I am fascinated by the way the Queen’s title is denoted. Another fascinating one is Field Marshall His Royal Highness The Duke of Cambridge

So many fascinating names, streets and locations:

Abbott, Saunders, Major-General, 2 Petersham Terrace, Queen’s Gate, S.W.

Abethell, Mrs. John, Muswell Hill, Horsney, N.

Abrahams, Joseph H., 93 The Grove, Camberwell, S.E.

Here’s a great name:

Angier, Theo. V.S., Walsingham House, Piccadilly, W.; The Woodlands, Thames Ditton; and 118 Bishopsgate Street Within, E.C.

Seriously. Angier. Is that a great name or what? And check out his addresses! Bishopsgate Street Within. Within sounds so completely dreamy. Like you would call on this guy and be admitted into this whole amazing house — within. With hidden stairs and desks with secret drawers.

Blanchworth Poultry Farm Company, Dursley, Gloustershire.
Brand, H. Shelley, Foochow Club, Foochow China.

Now tell me, Harry Potter aside, don’t you agree Dursley is a great name for a village?

How about this one:

Dadwell, Deputy F., C.C. 51 Bishopsgate Street Without, E.C.

Perhaps Deputy F. Dadwell stands guard over the Angiers Within? And here’s two addresses that should be familiar to Regency England:

Hubbard, Henry Lainson, 76 Upper Berkeley Street, Portman Square, W.

James, Coram, 45 Wigmore Street, Cavendish Square, W. I had a character in a book of mine who lived almost exactly here! Mr. Coram James had some serious money.

Croix, Madam La, Lymington

Ah, Madam La Croix! Just what are you up to?

Who, pray tell, is C.W. Dalbiac, Swandean, Kent.? That last name is teh awesome.

Jacob, Charles J., The Library, Basingstoke. He lives in a library?

Rothschild, Lord, Tring Park, Tring. Oooh. That just freaking gives me chills.

Here’s a name to make you think: Rubenstein, Mrs. Belle, 56 West Cromwell Road, South Kensington, S.W.

Just down the street from Mr. Angier:

S.S. “Scot,” Union Line, Cape of Good Hope, Natal, and East African Royal Mail Steamer; Offices, South African House, 94-96 Bishopsgate Street Within, E.C.

Scott, Miss, 30 Cumberland Terrace, Regent’s Park, N.W.

Scott, Sydney C., Hatherleigh, The Avenue, Gipsy Hill, S.E.

Thonger, Charles W., 22 De Grey Road, Leeds. De Gray Road. Imagine living on De Gray Road.

Threfall, Thomas, 19 Holland Park, W.

Wardleworth, T.R., 18 and 18A Brown Street, Manchester

Welter, H., 59 Rue Bonaparte, Paris.

Winfield, Samuel Henry, The Hall, Stoke Ferry, Norfolk

The sad thing is (for you guys) is I could peruse this list all night long.

Still, I do believe it’s aimless trolling like this that gives a writer’s brain ideas. Addresses that have just the right flavor. Names that aren’t so obviously ENGLISH that you want to cringe, and yet, English.

It’s a sickness. But I don’t mind much.

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged Names | 19 Replies

Romance Disney-Style

Updated on January 5, 2010 by Amanda McCabe/Laurel McKee

How was everyone’s holiday? Here it was good but very cold (and still getting colder! I am sooo ready for springtime). I had a great time burrowing in with new books and DVDs, working on the WIP (did I mention it’s due in February? Yep, 3 1/2 weeks away), dressing my Poodle in her Snuggie for Dogs, and eating candy. But I did manage to make it out to see a couple of movies, including the totally adorable Princess and the Frog.

This probably won’t surprise you, given my deep love for things like Hello Kitty and bright pink shoes, but I am a Disney movie fanatic. Beauty and the Beast remains my all-time favorite, not only for its sheer gorgeousness but because Belle has brown hair and likes to read books. Princess and the Frog isn’t quite Beauty and the Beast great (for one thing, the songs aren’t especially memorable, plus it’s hard to beat the Beast as a hero), but it is very charming. Roger Ebert called it “sprightly and high-spirited” which is a very good description.

The setting of 1920s New Orleans is stupendous, one of the best I’ve seen in a Disney movie. But what’s a Disney fairy-tale without great characters? Tiana and Prince Naveen fit the bill very well, and one thing I was struck by is how romance novel-esque they were (except for the being frogs part. That might be a bit hard to pull off, even for a paranormal author!). Tiana is the most self-sufficient and independent of all the Disney “princesses.” She works two waitress jobs to save for her dream of owning her own restaurant. She is focused and hard-working, and she takes no nonsense. But this is also her weakness, as she never slows down to enjoy life or the people around her. She doesn’t stop to consider love.

Prince Naveen is exactly the opposite. His character arc is not quite as well-developed as Tiana’s, but at least he has one, unlike, say, Cinderella’s prince. His whole character was being handsome and owning a castle. Naveen has been cut off by his royal parents for being a fluff-off party boy. He just wants to enjoy life, and has never worked at anything. Now he has to either marry a rich girl or (gasp!) get a job.

You see how this is fitting together? They each have strengths (and weaknesses) the other lacks, and their journey to discover this fact, from dislike to love, is wonderful. When Naveen decides he will get a job (or 2 or 3!) to get Tiana her restaurant, you know its true love–if they can defeat the evil, scary villain and turn back into humans again. Plus Tiana has some great clothes, always very important. I especially liked her streamlined, flapper-ish wedding gown at St. Louis Cathedral.

This is one of the things I enjoy most in writing romance fiction. Creating 2 characters and discovering what it is that makes them perfect for each other. What is it about them that will enable them to not only fall in love, but stay in love through all life’s trials? Though none of my characters have ever been turned into amphibians before!