Finding Inspiration in the Past
Well, it's nearly midnight on Sunday night, I just finished about seven hours of homework and now I have to come up with a blog. What to do, what to do? *looks around living room for inspiration* I got nothing. Except that my living room is a total mess. Now I'm tired and depressed.
I'll have to revert to time travel. Stay with me here. This weekend I hopped in my little white, two-seater time machine (equipped with a newly rebuilt transmission *sigh*) and went back in time to the American Revolution. Translated, I visited Colonial Williamsburg. I love this place. It's gorgeous, beautifully preserved and awe inspiring when you understand the world changing events that happened in those homes, taverns and streets.
My first trip back in time happened last summer, during a heat wave, with the Captain and Vixen 
Tiff. We had a blast, admired the scenery (ahem) and sweated a lot. This time was the same in that I sweated (sweat?) my arse off and admired the scenery (he was on a horse!) but the difference was experiencing it with my daughter. We watched a series of scenes meant to show the struggle of the people to choose sides, the inevitability of the war, the suffering that resulted from choices in some cases forced upon people, and the triumph of winning independence. That last was accompanied by cannon fire and my ears are still ringing.
What made this all more powerful was explaining it to Isabelle. And in doing so, realizing how hard it must have been when you didn't know the outcome. It was easy for us to join in with the crowd cheering for revolution, but we know how it ended. Sort of like watching poker on tv and yelling for the guy to go all in. It's easy to say do it when you can see everyone else's cards.
So, since I should probably tie this into writing, for those writing history, do you research more than facts, societal norms, and cravats? Do you do your best to understand how your characters would have felt and thought at that time? Is it hard to forget all that you know and put yourself in that place?
And on a personal note, do you think I should use this picture of Isabelle, sitting next to Mrs. Arianna Randolph, as my Christmas card this year? That mopcap was so cute!
Books by the Crew
32 comments:
Damn, that's a good blog...I think we should all have to write under such consequences. (Never mind that I think the rest of you generally do. *grins*)
Yes. I think you should write characters making TOUGH, UNCERTAIN decisions. And, I think it would be interesting to have characters who are on the "other" side, who have just as compelling reasons for doing what they're doing...making us, in fact, root for them as well, even though we know the outcome.
I would love to read more Revolutionary War romance again--if it was done right. It was such an interesting, uncertain time...and I think it's an excellent period to have a FIESTY heroine who believes in women's rights as well as freedom for all, and not be so anachronistic.
Okay, I admit it's because I'd love to have Jefferson, Washington, and other famous guys in the novel, being heroic yet flawed. Though Eloisa said in her historical workshop to be careful in doing that. People write letters about their ancestors. "So and so DID NOT do that. He was a good man." Totally understandable, but I'd still love to read it. *I* wouldn't think less of my founding fathers. I love their flaws too...it makes all they did all the more heroic. PLUS...I think there is a side that isn't tapped into often in historical novels.
Primary letters show the honorable, idealistic side and thinking of the period. In the Civil War, later I admit, Sullivan Ballou has the best letter. Such characterization--a man who KNOWS he is not going to live through this war but knows it's the right thing to do. He must go with his conscience.
Lately it's been the cooler, more "interesting" thing to have a hero very flawed who seeks redemption (I love them)--but this type of guy is interesting too. I'd love to read the romance of old George or Thom. To fall in love with an Idealist would also be a passionate, heady thing.
Well, I can't top Hellion's thoughtful response (what the hell was in the rum?) or your really fantastic insight Terri. I love the analogies you made and am now feeling even more Monday morningish stupid than ever. We always know the outcome in romance, HEA or bust, but the journey there is what keeps us engaged. I read a Georgian-set book recently that mentioned panniers and wigs, and while I do think the author tried to get into the mindset, to me it felt like it could have been any historical in any time period. It's critical to understand what people went through to live (and love) in the past. And the research can be overwhelming. But it must be done, even if you never use it.
And on the personal note, great picture, but we miss Isabelle's beautiful smile. :)
Yeah sure, you got nothing [rolls eyes] Good blog.
I love that place. I totally want to do it again, sans heatwave.
I'm not topping those two on monday morn. It is hard to get into a mindset and portray events and experiences not how we view them but how a character of that time period would have viewed such things.
*five hours later, EXHAUSTED* Dude, guys, if I'd had to respond to this NOW instead of 1 am, I would have said: Terri, kick ass blog. I got nothin'.
Then I'd go off for some Pepsi.
Tiff, Maggie--you guys are brill. And I'm sure your historical detail kicks ass. I too have read plenty of wallpaper historicals, where I thought: really, they couldn't have talked about...anything? *sighs* Historical romance writing is HARD. I commend you guys that do it!!!
Geez, what is it with Mondays? Can I go back to bed and come back later.
I've said it before (and people tried to shoot me), and I guess I'll say it again (ducking and running for cover). But I think if you're going to decide to write historicals, then you have to do the research and pay attention to detail in your work. You don't have to write a history lesson, or a tutorial into your WIP, but I think that in places where you would normally be including scenic details, or backstory, that stuff has to be accurate. Some people say it doesn't matter to them how accurate the author is about the historical facts and details as long as the romance is riveting and written well, and that surely is important. But when those things aren't paid attention to, it takes me out of the story no matter how well written the rest of it is.
So yeah, what was the question again?
Wonderful responses, all. And J.K., no worries. I totally understand. LOL! The devil is in the details after all, but my point is it won't matter if you know what the vehicle was called, how it worked and how many men it took to build it if you don't understand how the hero driving it perceived things.
We tend to filter things through our own perceptions and that's what I find so fascinating about getting into the head of a character, knowing exactly how they would react in any given situation. We have to alter our perception to pull this off no matter the time period, but in historicals it's even more difficult IMHO.
Maggie - I do have some of her smiling face. And one of her making a sad face with her head in the stocks. Is that what that was called? When their hands and head were sort of stuck between two boards? Sorry, I guess I haven't done enough research. LOL!
I agree with JK and I agree with everyone else that this is a great blog.
But, I think that any details in a story need to be accurate. I don't know if there is any way to determine how someone would feel in a situation like war but I think our job is to try to figure that out.
On a side note, I love the mopcap of Isabelle, but I would love to see her beautiful face too! :)
Ok, I left all the other pictures on the comp at home. LOL! But I'll put them up on my own blog later in the week. I promise!
Marnee - You have an even more interesting situation since not only is your heroine in the Regency but she's a witch. That puts a whole new twist on things. LOL!
*grumble* I knew I was missing the point in my post. What Terri said about using your historical details within the perspective of the character, blah blah. I'm really bad today. It's a great post and you make great points. Me, not so much. But I'm here in spirit.
Okay, going now.
No worries, J.K. Have a steaming and rum soaked cup of coffee and it will all be better. :)
I'll say. I got distracted last night researching how long it would take to travel from my hero's countryhouse in Maidenhead, Berkshire, to Banburyshire, in Oxfordshire.
This required looking into how fast a carriage can travel without hurting the horses and how far they can go in one day, with the weather being the way it is.....
Sheesh. I didn't get to write anything last night because I was looking into it.
Then I had to figure out if the hills/mountains in the Cotswolds would affect travel.
I went to bed.
And THAT is why I could never write historical romance. LOL!
I think research is very essential not only to historical aspects of writing, but for location of story as well.
It's difficult to place yourself in your character's place when they are experiencing situations you have never experienced.For example, this weekend I was trying to write a scene where my heroine runs away from home at the age of sixteen. I know she's terribly frightened of being alone on the streets, but I've never been there, so placing myself in that situation and getting the sounds, smells, and street situations accurate is a task in itself.
*grumbles* I can't see the pics again today so I can't see Isabelle in her mop hat:(
Great blog!
Lisa - That's why I cop out on location setting for my stuff. I either write about a fictional town in a region in which I live or have lived, or set it in a real place I've been to and can get to again. I realize that takes the imagination out of it, but there's enough other stuff - like created entirely new people - that I figure I shouldn't overtax the old noggin'. LOL!
Sorry you can't see the pics. My mom's work place blocked the pics but let the blog come through. You get one virus that takes out your entire system and people get all squirrelly on you.
ITA with with everyone else said! LOL Is that a copout?!
I LOVE historicals just because when you read a really good one it immerses you in that time. And I think the reason it does that and it's really good is because the author paid attention to the small details and created that world for me (well, for everyone really, but I like to think they're writing just for me!). I wouldn't be able to come up with the details right now off the top of my head, but if they weren't there I bet the book would suffer - and that author wouldn't be a keeper or an autobuy for me.
I also would love a good Revolutionary War romance. When I was a teen they came out with those John Jakes mini-series. The only two I can remember are The Bastard and The Rebel. Man I loved those series. I was a tiny bit infatuated with Don Johnson.
As for Colonial Williamsburg... I'm trying Terri!!!! I really, really want to go there. I've been on the sites and everything. I think it would be so cool. It's just pricier than I thought it would be. I don't know why, but I always think going someplace educational will always be cheaper! Isn't that funny. It's like... hey, I'm learning here you're not gonna charge me are you?!
I love Colonial Williamsburg. One of my kids got to be a part of militia training when we were there in '96. That was so much fun. :-) Your girl looks uber cute!
Part of what I love about writing historicals is the research. But if I'm not careful, I can get swallowed in the quagmire. Making characters believable in historicals is critical and I strive to do this. The best thing I love to do is visit historical places so I can get a feel for what life might have been like for my imaginary friends. Knowing I have to be wary of judging based on my modern thoughts. Historical diaries are the best way to get around this.
Awesome blog, Terrio!
Irish - It is a bit expensive but I have a link for a hotel that is right in town but much cheaper than most others. And it's nice! I'll send it your way.
Kathy - diaries would be great sources. Didn't even think of that. And so interesting to read even if you're not writing Historical.
In one of the skits acted out Saturday, a young woman read a letter written by her beau. Then he showed up to propose to her. It was very sweet if not exactly an Oscar caliber performance. LOL!
I love historicals. I couldn't write one to save my soul from hell, but I admire the hell out of historical writers. Like true admiration. Hellion took Eloisa's historical workshop and one thing Hellion told me was that don't overwhelm yourself in historical information. Stick to one thing that you know really well and go from there. Otherwise you get all bogged down with the history and not with the story.
It's so fascinating to listen to writers talk about writing their historicals.
There are many problems with me writing historicals. I'm too sarcastic for my own good really. I like characters to make mistakes and have sex with no regrets or worries that they are ruined. Scandal is my middle name. My historicals would be a horrible combination of constant scandal and sex. And that wouldn't be a good historical. I've thought about it but historicals are too light for my voice. If I'm not writing about blood and torture my writing voice goes into seizures.
Great blog and comments everyone!
One of the things I liked best about Joanna Bourne's The Spymaster's Lady was that it gave the reader a ifferent perspective on the Napoleonic wars.
Terri, you really should read Elswyth Thane's Williamsburg series. Dawn's Early Light, the first book, is set in Williamsburg just before and during the Revolutionary War, and the love story of Tibby Mawes and Julian Day is a great one.
Sin - you need to read Claiming the Courtesan by Anna Campbell (if you haven't already). I think it's right up your alley and no one is going to call that book light.
Janga - I've never heard of those. But I'll look them up right away, thank you. I loved it back in the late 80s and early 90s when we could find historicals set during the early years in America anywhere you looked. I sure hope those make a come back soon.
And Joanna definitely inhabited that character. I've never seen internal dialogue done so perfectly to the voice of a character. That was amazing. And thank goodness we don't have to wait much longer for the follow up.
I have both of Anna's books. I loved them both. A Christmas present from Mattycakes.
Oh, Tiff, I totally forgot to mention that you're favorite was in the scene too. He played the guy that almost got tarred and feathered. It was a close one but he chose to apologize for speaking against the Revolution and then announced he would be leaving town. The poor wayward soul. LOL!
But you guys would have loved it! I've never HAZZAH'D so much in one day! LOL!
If you're writing historical, you HAVE to do the work that goes with it.
Crap I've had to look up:
-food, both from time period and region (as well as season—can’t eat cabbage in the fall)
-how to get from point A to B ... via horse. This takes two steps. 1) you need a mileage scale of England, and then 2) you need to figure out how long it takes in a car and translate that time to running horsies, walking horsies, trotting horsies. That’s three equations. I stink at math equations.
-words, Words, WORDS! So you can't use the word “jerked,” “mesmerized,” etc., because they didn't exist in 1804 England. And you can't use a description using "banana" because they didn't have any at the time. (You know how it sounds when you eat a banana?--well, it HAD to do with a really sexy scene. I changed it to "mixing Christmas pudding with bare hands" kind of sound)
I've been writing and rewriting my book for 5 years. Today I finally finished. I’m tired and I’m hoping that what I’ve learned in the process will stick, because I too, Terri, suffer CRS.
And yes, use that pic of Isabelle … cutie pie.
J - that cabbage thing was pointing out by the cook at the Governor's Palace on Sat. He said you wouldn't get any leafy green veggies outside of a short part of the year. Of course, that's different from England but we forget they didn't have everything year round the way we do.
I'm not sure I want to know what made that sound. LOL! But WHOOOOOHOOOOOOO! that you got it done! Here's to celebrating with you in August and more celebrations in the future.
LYG!
Thanks, Pie. I LYG too. Can't wait for SF. We're going to laugh our arses off.
Hey, I know there's a big debate on anachronisms when it comes to Historicals, but what about Prochronisms? (when stuff that happens way back when is percieved by a modern sensibility i.e., women's rights in early 19th cent, etc)?
I think if we're writing for a modern audience, we have to consider where their minds are, no? But how to remain true to the era with that in mind is a fine damn line.
And I don't really care if a 19th century character eats cabbage soup in the fall, but I know others do. Unless it's glaring--like thong underware in the Victorian period, I'm so not gonna notice.
Oh and Terri, her body was covered in mud, and he put his hand on her breast.
I said I didn't want to know! LOL! Now I'm so curious to read this. Not that I wasn't before but now I'm *really* curious.
Yeah, I rarely notice if something is out of whack by a few years. Minor details at least. And that Prochronism (I learned a new word!) would mean walking a fine line. Giving the reader accuracy and giving them what they want is not always the same thing.
Again - why I DON'T write historicals. But thanks so much to those of you who do. Now, I get an ARC, right? :)
I can never keep up! I need to start waking up at 5:30 to view and comment on here.... ;)
My own opinion is that it's important to research the facts but if something is a little off, it's not the complete end of the world. Not that I'm saying it's ok to commit mistakes all over the place. I guess I'd agree with Terri that is something is slightly off I don't write the story off.
Interesting about the womens rights... I've been researching that particular item for my novel and boy does it get frustrating and confusing! Espeically because I want to write about certain items like they were a Big Deal but they really weren't.
Oh gawd and the words. Omg the words! I freak out about using incorrect words ALL THE TIME. Makes me wonder...do we have to research every word? Obviously no, but again, where you do draw the line?
Steph - I'd get nabbed on the word thing all the time. It's like this weekend when the people in costume kept saying "Good day" as they walked by. And my reaction was always to say "Hello." Then I started to wonder, when did people start saying hello? Am I supposed to say "Good day" back?! I was getting stressed about it. LOL! There's just too much to know!
Why, oh why, do I stare at my computer screen for hours at a time? Words? Words? Words? Historical words? OMG! Add a word origin dictionary to my pile, please. Along with a normal dictionary, synonym finder, etc... I even have a Pirate Primer in my collection. Arrrr!
I really want to meet up with you guys at SF. Your a salty crew and I'll bet a belly full of laughs.
Unfortunately, Kathy, you'll have to settle for just me. But I was hoping to catch up to the cool chicks from the playground too so maybe we could help each other out. LOL!
Post a Comment