Kalen’s comment on Friday about being tired of Regency spies got me to thinking.
What Regency plots are readers tired of?
One of the things that strikes terror into my heart is the idea that the Regency genre might run out of plots. For example, one of the tried and true Regency plots is the lord and the governess plot. You know, the spunky governess comes to care for the lord’s unruly children and winds up married to the lord. I love that plot. I have a whole book with such a plot in my head, but I doubt that any publisher would buy it in today’s market. Unless I could give it a great twist. Maybe not even then.
Several of my plots have been “Marriage of Convenience” plots – The Mysterious Miss M, The Wagering Widow, The Improper Wife, The Marriage Bargain. Obviously that is another plot I’m fond of. Are readers sick of that one? When I first wrote The Mysterious Miss M editors said that readers would never accept a prostitute heroine, but now it seems like there are lots of Regencies out there with prostitute or courtesan heroines. Did the readers change or were those editors simply mistaken? And was it my heroine who made that book popular or was it because I used that marriage of convenience plot?
I always wondered if the traditional Regency lines were hampered by overuse of some of the popular plots – the marriage of convenience, governess and lord, unmarried duke and the ingenue in her first season, bookish spinster and debauched rakehell. What are some others?
Ironically, though, I started reading fewer traditional regencies when they started to widen the plots into suspense, mystery, paranormal. Were other readers saturated by the “traditional” plots or did they miss them, like I did?
Presently I read very few regency-set novels, but it is because I’m afraid of contaminating my fragile muse. I’m afraid I’ll either mimic others’ great ideas or I’ll be struck wordless by others’ creativity….
After I finish writing my next Harlequin Mills & Boon and my next Warner, I’ll have to seriously think about these issues. I have a fledgling Regency plot floating around in my head. It has a bit of paranormal in it, but by the time I get to writing those books, will the appetite for paranomal be satiated?
Do other Regency writers worry about such things or is it just me? I’m always afraid I will never have another story idea….
Writing Regency romance is my passion, though. I don’t ever want to stop. How do we keep the Regency genre fresh? Is it by reinventing the tried and true plots or by expanding the genre into new directions? Will the Regency ever lose its position as a popular time period in romance? Gosh I hope not!
So, tell me… What Regency plots are you tired of? Which ones do you never get tired of? Do you like it when Regency spreads itself into other genres? And, last of all, do you think the Regency genre is here to stay?
Good morning, Riskies. Great post, Diane!
What Regency plots are you tired of?
None so far, so long as character is not sacrificed for intricate plot.
Which ones do you never get tired of?
Marriage of convenience, long acquaintance but sudden love interest, etc.
Basically any plot that puts the hero and heroine in close uncomfortable circumstances. It makes for complex characters, emotionally charged atmosphere, and personality growth/change.
Even traditional plots work for me when they’re done well (e.g. Mary Balogh).
Do you like it when Regency spreads itself into other genres?
I liked Amanda Quick’s psychic genres. I like mysteries and suspense. I’m not into vampire, werewolves, or time travel yet.
And, last of all, do you think the Regency genre is here to stay?
The publishing industry has been predicting the demise of Regencies for a long time, but given the deep interest of readers I see on various boards and blogs, I can’t imagine The extended Regency genre disappearing.
Georgian and Victorian are popular, too. For some reason nothing between the medieval and 1700s is popular.
How do we keep the Regency genre fresh?
I’m really looking forward to reading what others have to say on this.
I’m not tired of any particular plot. There are some I like more than others, but almost any plot will work for me if it’s well-executed. For example, I’m rarely a fan of “debauched womanizing rake tamed by the love of a pure innocent ingenue” stories, especially with large age gaps between the hero and heroine, because most of the time they just strike me as icky, somehow, and when it seems like the heroine’s main appeal is her youth and innocence, why should I believe they’ll be happy and the hero will remain faithful in the long run? But the last romance I read was Georgette Heyer’s VENETIA, which takes that basic set-up but makes me believe the characters belong together and would never be quite as happy with anyone else, so I enjoyed it.
Basically, I’m tired of Regencies I can’t believe. That means actual historical inaccuracies (major ones and/or ones I know can be easily researched–I don’t expect everyone to know as much nitpicky military detail as I’ve picked up), anything where it feels like the characters are just 21st century people in fancy dress, or plots/concepts that are just too over-the-top, which includes a good number of spy and paranormal stories. But not all of them. There are always exceptions.
So I’m not tired of any particular plot, and I really miss some of those old-school trad Regency plots like governess-lord that you don’t see so often anymore. I just want believable, appealing characters, historical accuracy, and good writing with an appealing voice. Plot is lower down on the list.
Susan Wilbanks said: “I just want believable, appealing characters, historical accuracy, and good writing with an appealing voice. Plot is lower down on the list.”
Wow! That sums it up for me, too. As I said in another post, my all time favorite stories are CHARACTER DRIVEN. But that doesn’t mean I don’t enjoy a good spy story (Jenna P’s DESIRE NEVER DIES, for example), or a marriage of convenience story, or any of the other “tried and true” plot lines. If it is well written, then it will be read and enjoyed.
One of my favorite plots is when the hero or heroine is in love with his/her sibling’s best friend. I especially love it when the sibling initially opposes the relationship.
Woo Hoo, Ladies! You are singing my song! I am much bigger on characters than plot. I love my characters!! Come to think of it, my governess plot was pretty character driven…..
Susan, I’m not real fond of the older rake/ingenue plot either, but I loved Venetia. Venetia was a bit older than a girl in her first come-out, though. Venetia is my favorite Heyer book.
Manuelita, I proposed a plot about the heroine falling in love with the best friend of the man she was supposed to marry, but the editors nixed it. I may resurrect it and try again someday.
Basically, I’m tired of Regencies I can’t believe.
What Susan said!!! Maybe I spoke too soon when I said I was sick to death of spies. What I’m sick to death of is spy stories that make no sense, or that don’t feel real. I see way too many dukes and such acting for the Home Office in ways that I just don’t buy as period. Give me a scrappy commoner, a younger son, etc. who is a brilliant code breaker, or who can pull a Scarlet Pimpernel with the best of them. THAT I’d buy in hardback! And I’ll still buy spies from authors I love and trust, as well as ones that seem to have a new spin (Jenna’s book is on my list for my next trip to the store).
There are no new plots. It’s an old adage and remains true. It’s not the plot I buy for, it’s the craft of the story, the feeling of being transported to another world, etc. Like Susan, I pretty much loathe the older hero/ingénue heroine storyline, but Venetia is my favorite Heyer book. *SHRUG* Any plot done well can work. It’s the “done well” I’m so desperately looking for.
I’m really not tired of any, and if I happen to hit on a couple of books with the same sort of plot device, then I’ll just spread them out. However, I can’t think of a time where I needed to do that, so guess I haven’t had that problem. LOL
The way I figure it, like they said in my English class, even with inventions for that matter, there is no new ideas anymore. Just like there really is not such thing as an invention today, just improvements on objects that already have been invented. But while there might not be all that many new ideas out there, it’s all a matter of how someone makes it new and different, and that’s the fun part! 🙂
Venetia was a bit older than a girl in her first come-out, though.
I think that’s part of why Venetia works–despite her sheltered background, she’s clearly an adult. Also, I get the impression Damerel fell in love with her despite her innocence, not because of it.
I see way too many dukes and such acting for the Home Office in ways that I just don’t buy as period.
Yes, this. I think part of my problem, with spy plots and in general, is I just know the era too well. I spot out-and-out errors and things that just don’t feel period, and they spoil my enjoyment of the story. But I can’t bring myself to regret my knowledge–I get too much pleasure out of being a history geek, and when I do find a story that feels right, my enjoyment is that much greater.
I’d love to read a spy story with an exploring officer in the Peninsular War, but I know all too well that the setting alone would be a tough sell.
The plot that I tired of was the London Season story. The one where the heroine comes to London and needs to find a wealthy husband to help her family and the hero is the rich, cynical aristocrat tired of being courted for his wealth.
The classic and delightful version of that is Georgette Heyer’s Arabella. But there was a time when it seemed that every other traditional Regency I picked up had basically the same setup and never done with the same panache.
I can’t write that plot (and some others) because I don’t know how to make it fresh. But I am willing to believe that there are other authors out there who do.
One I’m REALLY tired of is the gambling gambit–the father owes money because he gambles so he offers up his daughter. Just ugh.
Oh, Anonymous!
I’ve used versions of that plot in The Mysterious Miss M and The Wagering Widow! I hope I gave it enough of a twist to make it something even you would like.
I know what you mean, though.
On thing that heartens me is that none of you thought you would get tired of reading Regencies! Yay!
Years and years ago, when I was young, thinking about writing and had discovered Georgette Heyer, I clipped an article about the ‘staying power or death of the Regency’ from a Romantic Times magazine (when it was still on regular paper). I just moved my study and had that poor yellowed paper still on my bulletin board. . . as a reminder that the Regency is sort of like that Energizer bunny, it just keeps going and going and going.
When I was teaching school, people always asked how I could teach the same grade year after year. Didn’t it get boring? Of course not. It wwas different children with different needs and different ways to respond to the lessons we would do. That’s the way I feel about plot lines — new characters, new author, new book.
Regencies, trads especially, are my favorite things to read when I’m in stress-mode, working on my own books, or just need something to read that I know will be good. Even those that tread a little close to nonaccuracy suit my mood better than most other types of books.
So, write on, Riskies!!
I love marriage of convenience plots! One thing I like about them is that they’re much truer to the period than so many of those “Yes, I slept with you, and you’re wonderful, and I secretly love you, but I won’t marry you for my own flimsy reasons, even though it will likely mean subjecting our child to being raised with the stigma of illegitimacy” heroines. 🙂
Cara
What a coincidence! I started Venetia this past weekend. Earlier, I used to think These Old Shades, Grand Sophy, and Arabella were my favorites, but now, Venetia is going to go to the top of that list.
reminder that the Regency is sort of like that Energizer bunny
Terry, perfect analogy! Thanks for the image.
I secretly love you, but I won’t marry you for my own flimsy reasons
Hilarious, Cara, and as usual very well said. BTW, where have Todd and Bertie disappeared to? Haven’t heard a peep from them in a few days.
Hi Keira! Thanks for asking about me! 🙂 I just had a very busy week last week…the end of vacation and first week of the new semester. While this week is the first week of classes…and we’ve started rehearsing our latest play…I think you get the idea.
Anyway, I will try to do better about reading and commenting from now on. As for Bertie–I know he’s around here somewhere, because I keep tripping over his walking stick. (Bertie, would you please keep that in the closet when you aren’t using it?!)
About Regency plots: I think a couple of people said it very well, that no plot is really original; but two books with the same basic plot can differ tremendously in how they handle it, and how much originality they bring to the idea. I don’t get tired of plots; but I do sometimes get tired of seeing the same old plot done not particularly well.
The comment by Anonymous reminded me of a cute incident a year or so ago. We were talking to our friend Heather about Regency plots, and the daughter-traded-for-gambling-debts plot came up; at which point Heather leaned over her sleeping daughter, who was about six months old or so, and said (please imagine a suitable talking-to-baby tone): “But we won’t trade you for gambling debts! No we won’t!”
Todd-who-would-take-the-gentleman’s-library-first
Todd,
Love the Heather story. Now, every once in a while after the six months period, I could imagine. . . no, I wouldn’t/couldn’t/shouldn’t?
Todd-who-would-take-the-gentleman’s-library-first
Welcome back, Todd. Glad to have to my daily quota of laughs back.
Bertie is probably assuming that your butler will retrieve his walking stick and put it away.
Soon it will be midterm week and you’ll be the one relaxing while your poor students are sweating. 🙂
My comment verification word is laard. SNIFF!
Some days… Sigh!
Now, every once in a while after the six months period, I could imagine. . .
Hmm… Well, all I can say is if I had the bad luck to have certain kids (who shall remain nameless), I’d go to Vegas and deliberately get into debt so I had an excuse to give them away! 🙂
Cara
(who’s joking. honest.)
Bertie is probably assuming that your butler will retrieve his walking stick and put it away.
He certainly ought.
As to gambling debts… When my great friend Reginald Bathsnope turned twelve, we (and a few other like-minded lads) played a celebratory game of hazard all night. Reggie ended up owing me thirteen-thousand, seven-hundred and forty-nine guineas, two shillings and sixpence.
He, of course, didn’t have the money to pay me, so in exchange, I offered him my sister, who was thirteen, and highly annoying. Of course, Reggie refused. Though to be honest, I do not think it was so much his honourable nature, but rather Sophia’s shrill voice, which convinced him he would rather lose a fortune than gain a sister.
Come to think on it…he never did pay me.
I suppose it is too late to collect now.
Bertie the Beau
Keira wrote:
Soon it will be midterm week and you’ll be the one relaxing while your poor students are sweating. 🙂
But then I have to grade them. 🙂
Actually, next week is Martin Luther King Day, so I get a day off teaching. I think we should honor our great citizens every week. If not twice a week.
Cara wrote:
Well, all I can say is if I had the bad luck to have certain kids (who shall remain nameless), I’d go to Vegas and deliberately get into debt so I had an excuse to give them away! 🙂
Oooh, I think I know the nameless kids that you’re talking about! 🙂
Todd-who’s-going-to-Vegas-baby-Vegas
Bertie, Old Thing,
We don’t actually have a butler, you know.
I think that your offer to trade your sister in return for other people’s gambling debts is very creative, and may in fact qualify as a truly original Regency plot. I trust that anyone who uses it will pay you royalties.
BTW, I have calculated that at 5% interest compounded annually, your friend now owes you 318,618,127 guineas, 7 shillings, and 3 ha’pennies. So you might look up his descendents to see if they are independently wealthy.
Todd-who-enjoys-exponentiating
I love marriage of convenience plots. Although I am starting to get a little tired of it all working out in the space of a fortnight after the wedding. I actually find it a little more fascinating when it takes awhile for the hero and heroine to work it out (like a couple years). As someone else already said (Cara King?), marriage of conveniences among the nobility/wealthy was much more likely.
In both historical and contemporary, I will tend not read a book that always has “the one night of passion led to…” sort of plot. I distrust relationships based on that, one night–seems rather shallow.
But generally, if the writing is good and the characters are interested, I can go with any book. If the book is written by an author whose other books I’ve enjoyed, I’ll probably buy the book, even if it’s one of my lesser favourite plots.
I sure hope Regencies stay around. I’m very sad that Signet, Harlequin, and Zebra (seemed to have) stopped publishing their series. (Actually, it made me mad). It seems to be the only period I seem to consistently like; that and Victorian (as opposed to the Wild West; same dates, totally different feel, in my opinion).
I just found this blog and love the discussion. It’s very interesting so far.
Glad you’ve joined us, Glencora!
I distrust relationships based on that, one night–seems rather shallow.
I agree. That seems to happen a lot in guy movies — the hero meets a babe, he sleeps with her, and then of course he has a lifelong passion for her and will risk his life to save her — all based on that! It’s just so unreal. 🙂
One of my husband’s favorite Regencies is Sheila Simonson’s “Lady Elizabeth’s Comet” — partly because it does take the hero & heroine so long to really fall in love and build and relationship!
Cara