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Monthly Archives: June 2010

Random Stuff About Like, Stuff

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First, let me pile on to Amanda and mention that I will be at the RomCon conference. I will be chairing a panel on the anti-hero so woot! Awesome! If you’re going to be at RomCon, come find me and say hi so I don’t feel lonely. I am still coming to terms with the fact that I will have to wear something besides jeans. My hair, however, should be pretty spiffy as I have a beautifying appointment this weekend.

I also learned yesterday that my 2004 historical The Spare is being re-issued in October 2010. I found this out when I came home to find a stack of cover flats in the mail that were, how odd, a little different from the original cover. The original print run of this book was on the very small side, so small that I heard from people right away that they could not find the book even when it was freshly released. I’ve not seen used copies at a very reasonable price, so buying the re-issue might be cost-effective for some of you. (HINT!!)

Stuff about Waterloo

Google Books for Waterloo, 1814 to 1820 — LOTS of poetry. Today, the public response to something like this would be YouTube videos. And, of course, there would have been reporters embedded with the troops.

This is Sir Cecil Cakebeef reporting live from the camp of the Guard Dragoons just outside the charming little village of Waterloo. I’m speaking here with M. Albert DeFrenchman who’s just told me that he’s moved his cows out of Belgium and locked the barn. He’s written a poem entitled, Les Miserables complete with lyrics. My translator, Henri here (wearing the false mustache) explains that the poem is a lamentation on butter gone bad.

The Journal of the Three days of the Battle of Waterloo by an Eyewitness. Translated from the French. This book is from Oxford’s Bodelian library. ::swoon:: Having scanned through, I suspect the hand of an Englishman in this French journal.

Parliamentary Debate — on Waterloo prize money. Damn. Politics.

Anecdotes of the Duke of Wellington from The Scots Magazine,

Official Bulletins of the Battle of Waterloo – Not English ones, all the other guys.

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History/Historicals

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Happy Tuesday, everyone! It’s a busy day here, bailing out from some heavy rains and flooding yesterday (my garage is a mess) and recuperating from my ballet class’s recital last weekend. My little students danced their routine perfectly, and were adorable in the bargain, and I’m so proud of them! Now I have to take more dance classes myself so I can keep up with them when lessons resume in July…

I’m also starting a new book which needs lots of research (it’s set in the world of the late Elizabethan theater!), and have been reading a lot lately, so I had a hard time summoning up the brain power to think of a blog topic for today. After reading Diane’s great history post yesterday, I thought of something I’d love to hear Risky visitors’ opinions about. I recently came across a review of my Laurel McKee book Countess of Scandal that said the reviewer didn’t like anything about it because she hates “real history” in historicals.

Now, like every writer, I wish every single reader would love-love-love all my books–as impossible as that dream is! But I certainly know there will always be people who don’t–I don’t like every book I read by any means, after all. But I puzzled over this one. If a reader doesn’t like history, wouldn’t they read romantic contemporary comedy, or romantic suspense, or vampire stories, or something else? I don’t like stories about serial killers, so I don’t read them.

But then I realized something–I tend to get lost in my own world of weird obsessions a lot (True Blood, salad caprese, finding the perfect pair of leopard-print shoes, or whatever), and my biggest obsession of all is history. It’s why I read historical romance and historical fiction and most of the non-fiction I choose. I love falling deep into a different world and feeling like I’m really there. As a reader, and a writer, it’s what I enjoy the most–using real events to create conflict and drama (as Diane did with Waterloo, or as my Laurel books do with Georgian Ireland!), and to believe in a setting and the characters who belong there (even if they’re the rebels of the era).

Yet maybe I do get lost too much in my own interests. Maybe other people want pretty clothes and fancy estates and that’s it. As I start this new project, though, it’s something I need to think about more as I work out the plot. Is this something people would want to read?

So, now it’s your turn! Why do you read historicals? What do you like to see in the stories? What plots or characters do you find yourself drawn to? What would you like to see more of?

And speaking of history–next month I’ll be at RomCon in Denver, and will be taking part in a workshop called “Stripping the Heroine,” all about what the well-dressed romance heroine will be wearing (I do like pretty clothes in historicals, too!). I’m so excited about it–it means I get new gowns!!! If you’re there too, come and find me and say hi (Risky Carolyn will be there, as well…)

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June 14, 1815

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This week marks the 195th anniversary of the Battle of Waterloo, a battle that figures prominently in history and also in our Regency Historicals. The first book in my Three Soldiers Series, Gallant Officer, Forbidden Lady, ends at Waterloo. Book number two, Chivalrous Captain, Rebel Mistress, begins there, smack in the middle of the battle.

I wondered what the two men whose names are nearly synonymous with the battle were doing on June 14, 1815. Both, I discovered, were writing dispatches.


Napoleon’s was in the form a a proclamation to his troops.

“Soldiers: This day is the anniversary of Marengo and Friedland, which twice
decided the destiny of Europe. Then, as after the battles of Austerlitz and
Wagram, we were too generous. We believed in the protestations and oaths of
princes to whom we left their thrones. Now, however, leagued together, they
strike at the independence and sacred rights of France…After having swallowed up twelve millions of Poles, twelve millions of Italians, one million Saxons, and six
millions of Belgians, they now wish to devour the States of the second order
among the Germans. Madmen! one moment of prosperity has bewildered them. To
oppress and humble the people of France is out of their power; once entering our
territory, there they will find their doom. Soldiers: We have forced marches
before us, battles to fight, and dangers to encounter; but firm in resolution,
victory must be ours. The honor and happiness of our country are at stake! and,
in short, Frenchmen, the moment is arrived when we must conquer or die!”

Napoleon knew he was days away from engaging the Prussians and one can understand his need to inspire his troops. Still, his words are brimming with arrogance, of the certainty of his superiority.

Napoleon had the advantage. He knew he was on the attack. The Allies knew only that engagement was imminent; at this point, they did not know where or when Napoleon would meet them.

Because of this, Wellington’s dispatches of June 14, 1815, deal with more practical matters. On this day he wrote to other Allied leaders, including Prince Metternich. In his dispatch to Metternich, Wellington, like Napoleon, is looking forward in time and planning for the occupation of France. He proposes a plan that will increase the cooperation of the conquered people, ceding control to Louis XVIII. He also reiterates his characteristic policy of reimbursing the citizenry of any property the army may need to take from him.


Wellington writes:

…It tends to make partisans instead of enemies of those who shall have
given their property for the subsistence of the several armies. Every man who
shall have in his possession a voucher or receipt on the part of the officers of
Louis XVIII. will feel an interest in the success of the cause, in proportion as
he shall value the property taken from him.
…It will put an end to very disagreeable discussions between the Commanders of the several armies, myself particularly, and Louis XVIII. His Majesty…will naturally claim to take possession of the country which shall fall into the hands of the Allies… His Majesty Louis XVIII. and the Allies, will appoint officers to govern that country….By adopting this system, which is the most simple and, as I have above shown, the most beneficial to the allied armies, we should at the same time hold out something to France to which the public opinion might attach itself….We should avoid the evil of seizing the public treasures in France; an evil which it will be very difficult to avoid under any other system, and which will be fatal to the discipline and reputation of the allied armies, and will give but too much reason to the French people to believe that the Allies have forgotten, or have omitted to act upon, the system laid down in their public declarations and their
treaties.

It appears that Wellington had no intention for the Allies to “swallow up” France, but rather to restore the country to the monarchy.

Neither Napoleon nor Wellington could have known the outcome of the ultimate battle. Moreover, neither one could have known that this battle would take a prominent place in history as one of the greatest battles of all time.

My friends Kristine Hughes and Victoria Hinshaw are attending this year’s Waterloo reinactment and I’m so envious I could just…..something. Check out their activities on Number One London blog.

So…what are you writing today? Any dispatches or proclamations?

Don’t forget to visit me at Diane’s blog on Thursday when I’ll give away another signed copy of Gallant Officer, Forbidden Lady. I’ll announce last week’s winner there tomorrow.

Blogging at DianeGaston.com

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The Riskies Welcome Guest Blogger Carrie Lofty!

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(Carrie will give a free download of Song of Seduction to one lucky commenter today!)

Austria, 1804

Eight years ago, composer Arie De Voss claimed his late mentor’s final symphony as his own and became an icon. But fame has a price; fear of discovery now poisons his attempts to compose a redemptive masterpiece. Until a new muse appears, intoxicating and inspiring him…

Mathilda Heidel renounced her own musical gift to marry, seeking a quiet life to escape the shame surrounding her birth. Sudden widowhood finds her tempted by song once more. An unexpected introduction to her idol, Arie De Voss, renews Mathilda’s passion for the violin–and ignites a passion for the man himself.

But when lust and lies reach a crescendo, Arie will be forced to choose: love or truth?

***

My latest historical romance, Song of Seduction, was released by Carina Press last week, and I know that many readers and writers have questions about Harlequin’s brand new digital-first venture. I can only speak for my experiences, but I also dragged my lovely editor, Deborah Nemeth, to give us her point of view too.

I submitted Song of Seduction to Carina on its first day open for acquisitions. The tagline “Where no great story goes untold!” really caught my attention. For three years I’d tried finding a good home for my Austrian-set historical romance. Editors loved my voice and the characters, but the setting was a deal-breaker.

Carina seemed different, with the full weight of Harlequin at its back to ensure the venture had a fighting chance. When Executive Editor Angela James offered to acquire Song of Seduction and make it part of the initial batch of Carina offereings for the June 7th launch, I was thrilled.

Working with Deborah Nemeth was also a thrill. She adored my story, which had so long been overlooked because of its unusual setting. Her editorial direction helped resolve a few pesky places that had been bugging me for ages. The romance is stronger because of her input.

To be honest, there’s no telling how well all of this will go. Carina Press is, at its heart, an experiment. But they’ve taken a chance on my story and given me the tools to make it a success. If those same chances are being taken across the whole of Carina Press’s literary offerings, then as readers we’re all in for a treat! I couldn’t ask for more.

Now I’ll turn it over to Deborah. What types of manuscripts are you interested in acquiring?

***

As much as I love romance, I enjoy having the freedom to acquire and edit in any genre, from straight mysteries and SFF to love stories that don’t have a traditional romance structure/ending. Carina gives authors this same freedom from genre constraints while enabling them to benefit from Harlequin’s publishing expertise.

With regard to acquistions, I want to see strong, flawed characters who are passionate about their goals. I like stories to take off from the first page and mount to a grand finale, engaging my emotions, although with a mystery the engagement may be more cerebral. I acquire all heat levels from sweet to erotica, all lengths over 15K words. I’m open to most genres–anything but young adult, inspirational, or super-gory horror (but there are other Carina editors who’ll love to read your inspy or horror ms).

–I like mysteries to be clever, whether cozy or hard-boiled or procedural, with or without romantic elements
–I’m seeking richly detailed, well-researched historical fiction or historical romance with dialogue that subtly conveys the period flavor while still being readable and natural-sounding. I’m wide-open when it comes to time periods, settings, and characters–centurions, knights, Saracens, Vikings, princes, artists, explorers, Moguls, concubines, mandarins, privateers. Regency bucks, cowboys, samurai, sheriffs, courtesans, bootleggers, squadron leaders.
–I’m looking for all sorts of SFF, from epic fantasies, space operas, and steampunk to paranormals featurings shifters, vamps, demons, witches, ghosts, psychics, djinn, and fae.
–In a thriller/suspense novel I look for fast-paced action and plenty of plot twists.
–I enjoy both angsty women’s fiction and lighthearted romantic comedies/chick lit.
–In a contemporary romance I like to see a strong, well-structured conflict, something beyond a misunderstanding or a character’s determination not to commit.
–I’m seeking multi-cultural fiction that explores challenges posed by different traditions. A former resident of Puerto Rico, I’m particularly attracted to Latin cultures, but I’m interested in all types of heritages as well as interracial romances and fiction depicting any immigrant experience.
–I’m open to GLBT fiction in all genres and heat levels.
–Genre blends are welcome: historical paranormal, m/m fantasy, paranormal suspense, and so on. I’d love to acquire a space opera, steampunk, or historical mystery with a really cool sleuth to base a series on.

I accept direct submissions. Send your query in the body of an email and attach a full, polished ms and synopsis in .rtf or .doc files to deborahnemetheditor AT gmail.com

***

About Carrie Lofty

Born in California and raised in the Midwest, Carrie Lofty met her English husband while studying abroad–the best souvenir! Since completing a master’s degree in history, she’s been devoted to raising their two precious daughters, managing the blog Unusual Historicals, and writing romance. Also look for her “Dark Age Dawning” trilogy of hot-n-dirty apocalyptic romances co-written with Ann Aguirre under the name Ellen Connor. Nightfall kicks it off in June 2011, available from Berkley Sensation. You can catch up with Carrie on Twitter and Facebook.

About Deborah Nemeth

Since Deborah began reading before her fourth birthday and stops only when she absolutely has to, it was probably inevitable that she would major in English literature and eventually become and editor, a profession she’s pursued for five years. As an utter bookslut, she loves to read all sorts of things, from SFF to mysteries to historical romance. Over the years she’s lived in Ohio, Michigan, Chicago, and Puerto Rico, though she spends most of her time in places such as 19th century Bath and Middle Earth. Currently she lives in the Mid-Atlantic with her husband (a candidate for sainthood) and two beautiful daughters. You can follow her on Twitter.

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Don’t Stand So Close To Me

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Don’t Stand So/
Don’t Stand So/
Don’t Stand So Close To Me.

The Framptons have all been engaged recently in watching the new Doctor Who, and it’s a fascinating exercise in sexual tension and relationship-building.

Each Doctor has a companion, a human person who helps them in the whole Saving The World thing. This season, Doctor Who’s companion is Amy Pond, a feisty Scot who thinks nothing of dashing after vampires and facing danger in the teeth (so to speak) and all that.

And there’s sexual tension; after all, the Doctor is a young, smart, witty, handsome, tall guy who has all the answers; she’s young, smart, witty, beautiful and although she doesn’t have all the answers, she does ask questions. Which is, of course, intriguing to our Doctor.

But one interesting direction of the series is how close the two stand to one another. So close, in fact, that if it were in real life, you would think they were invading each other’s personal spaces. The doctor likes to speak rapidly into Amy’s ear, and she often leans up (he’s TALL!) to bite out some question to him.

Much, in fact, like our heroes and heroines, who are constantly getting in one another’s faces. As someone who visualizes the action in her head as she writes, this is really helpful to imagine what it feels like to be sparring with the object of one’s affection (even if you haven’t acknowledged him or her as such). Standing too close, invading the space around a person, makes the person feel “discomfort, anger, or anxiety.” Although it doesn’t lead to those feelings unless it then leads to warmth in certain regions and a desire to kiss the other person. In our books, at least (and in Doctor Who, where there was a KISS! Swoony!)

Have you ever deliberately shortened or lengthened someone else’s personal space? How does invasion of personal space make you feel? Which author has written the best demonstration of how personal space can affect the love story, in your opinion?

Megan

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