I’m so glad to be back aboard the ship on this fine Wednesday. When Sin asked me to fill in for her this week I admit I had some performance anxiety. Fortunately, it has been a while since I’ve written much of anything, so I pulled some muse from the wonderful reading I’ve indulged in over the last couple of months. I have enjoyed reading some fabulous historical romance in my absence. I’ve discovered some authors that are new to me, and revisited some old favorites. I was pleasantly surprised at the original plots in most of the books I added to my library.

In my prolific journey, I seriously contemplated what it would entail to write a historical romance. Some of you who write in the historical genre may find my insight amusing, and off base, but a girl can always dream. I admire any writer who has a historical voice.

While riding the sigh express I formulated my recipe for writing a historical holiday romance. Most of my ingredients are light hearted and silly, but who wants their romance to be all stiff and pampas? Okay,  so stiff comes in handy with appropriate timing. Read the following recipe at your own risk, parts of it do not require an oven to get a rise in temperature. 













A rake that doesn’t fall into the sap trap as soon as he spies the heroine across the ballroom. He must remain a rake until I’m ready for him not to be. It is an added plus if he is a blue blood, perferrably a Duke or an Earl. Although I do find a historical romance with a honest man of means to be quite enticing.  l also prefer a hero who is tall and muscular in all the appropriate places. *wink* Also an added plus is a man who rides a fine steed well. There is a lot to be said about a hero who is comfortable and in control in the saddle. Giddy up. 

A red lacy chemise

The smell of sandalwood and crisp winter air

An un-chaperoned sleigh ride.

Some hot mulled cider with a splash of brandy.

A furry muff. (To warm the heroine’s hands on the sleigh ride of course.) Stay with me, you can slip into the gutter later.

A long, sensual, earth-moving kiss.

A roaring fire.

A letter that links two destinies.

A small dog that has a deep affection for humans of the male persuasion. (especially rakes who hate dogs.)

A skeleton in the closet.

A Christmas Ball at the estate of the heroes’ last paramour.

A gift and some mistletoe.

A missing silver bell.

A bed with a canopy. (because I like canopies…okay)

A steamy hot love scene that takes place in a copper bathtub and rocks Rudolph off the roof.

A heartbreaking discovery.

Some forgiveness.

A happily ever after.

Use all ingredients in a word format to total 100K. Let gel at room temperature for one month in a file entitled "Historical Dandy" then contemplate revisions. Distribute with wild abandon. Serves a multitude of readers. Sighs optional.