The United States is at the beginning of a long, drawn-out, hysterically frantic election process that usually covers an entire year, gazillions of dollars, and more hyperbole than you’ll find in an entire series of fiction. So when I escape to 1830 to write about my scientific Ives family and my psychic Malcolms, what does my Muse choose to plot? An election.
I may end up killing my characters first, or throwing out the entire plot. Only time will tell. But in the meantime, I sketched up this lovely draft based on the interesting reform happening in 1830 England. I read about the various boroughs holding elections over a summer after the death of King George IV, when the new King asked for a new Parliament. Elections back then were nothing like those today. At the time, many aristocrats controlled “pocket” boroughs, some with as few as five voters. In other areas, the local landowner might buy a few rounds at the tavern and tell his tenants for whom to cast their votes—all very polite and leisurely and ruled by aristocrats, even though the Commons was supposed to be for the common man, right?
Except at this time of political upheaval, with the Industrial Revolution raising up a new middle class, they couldn’t even count the votes correctly, much less predict the 
winners. The need for reform was so popular that even the pocket boroughs swung to the reform party, unseating members who had been in the Commons for decades.
So here we had farmers rioting in the south, laborers rioting in the north, elections swinging widely against the aristocrats who held all the power… exciting times to place my characters in. I read the history books. I knew Lord Grey became prime minister on November 22, after the general election when the Whigs and reformists came into power. Silly me, I thought someone actually had to VOTE him in. I drafted up a plan for parties and election day shenanigans and parades and flag-waving…
And there was none of that. Obviously, resentment festered when Wellington, the Tory prime minister, stated he was unequivocally against reform. Not so obviously, the resentment was taken to back rooms and non-public forums to decide where to make their stand. And what did they choose? The Civil List—a list of government expenditures on the monarchy’s pensioners. They speechified all day, decided to vote on a committee to look into it (if you really want to put yourself to sleep, read about it here . They held a vote, and the Whigs voted for a committee. Giant yawn.
The next moment, Wellington resigns. No vote, no fanfare, just a polite farewell. A few days later, the king sends a polite letter appointing Earl Grey. Parliament says nice going old boy, and business went on as usual. Arggghhh! No flag waving, no riots, no parades… I even looked up the London newspapers hoping for a carriage-stoning or two. Nothing.
Where’s the high drama? How will I pull off an action-packed climax or even a ticking clock if all I have is a committee, a king and a letter that leisurely showed up one fine morning? I want to lie and cheat and change the way things were… History may be a great springboard for dramatic action, but sometimes, reality is a pain!
I can totally understand turning to alternative history. There was poor little Vicky, Queen Victoria-to-be, appointed heir to her elderly uncle, locked up in her ivory tower, and I can’t even have her come out to play with my characters’ kids. A little kidnapping, a carriage chase… give me something! 
How much reality do you want with your romantic fantasy? How much actual history do you need? Since I’m writing about a family of women with psychic gifts, I try to ground them in real history, but does anyone really care?
I LOVE this time period.
What I’ve noticed is that people who don’t know much about history tend to be inspired to go and read MORE history when a book presents them with a few facts from the era.
One thing I don’t like is when facts are changed in a way (movies, books, television shos) that gives people a completely incorrect idea of an era.
For example, the “first night” raping of Scottish brides by the English in Braveheart (a concept that was never put into practice!). Or the witch trials and burnings in Outlander – ages after that had been outlawed.
The US election process must be almost unbearable, and a terrible waste of money. Imagine how much good that money could be put towards instead…
I LOVE this time period.
What I’ve noticed is that people who don’t know much about history tend to be inspired to go and read MORE history when a book presents them with a few facts from the era.
One thing I don’t like is when facts are changed in a way (movies, books, television shos) that gives people a completely incorrect idea of an era.
For example, the “first night” raping of Scottish brides by the English in Braveheart (a concept that was never put into practice!). Or the witch trials and burnings in Outlander – ages after that had been outlawed.
The US election process must be almost unbearable, and a terrible waste of money. Imagine how much good that money could be put towards instead…
I LOVE this time period.
What I’ve noticed is that people who don’t know much about history tend to be inspired to go and read MORE history when a book presents them with a few facts from the era.
One thing I don’t like is when facts are changed in a way (movies, books, television shos) that gives people a completely incorrect idea of an era.
For example, the “first night” raping of Scottish brides by the English in Braveheart (a concept that was never put into practice!). Or the witch trials and burnings in Outlander – ages after that had been outlawed.
The US election process must be almost unbearable, and a terrible waste of money. Imagine how much good that money could be put towards instead…
I LOVE this time period.
What I’ve noticed is that people who don’t know much about history tend to be inspired to go and read MORE history when a book presents them with a few facts from the era.
One thing I don’t like is when facts are changed in a way (movies, books, television shos) that gives people a completely incorrect idea of an era.
For example, the “first night” raping of Scottish brides by the English in Braveheart (a concept that was never put into practice!). Or the witch trials and burnings in Outlander – ages after that had been outlawed.
The US election process must be almost unbearable, and a terrible waste of money. Imagine how much good that money could be put towards instead…
I LOVE this time period.
What I’ve noticed is that people who don’t know much about history tend to be inspired to go and read MORE history when a book presents them with a few facts from the era.
One thing I don’t like is when facts are changed in a way (movies, books, television shos) that gives people a completely incorrect idea of an era.
For example, the “first night” raping of Scottish brides by the English in Braveheart (a concept that was never put into practice!). Or the witch trials and burnings in Outlander – ages after that had been outlawed.
The US election process must be almost unbearable, and a terrible waste of money. Imagine how much good that money could be put towards instead…
*shows*
*shows*
*shows*
*shows*
*shows*
Nothing annoys me more than a story that is historically inaccurate. I remember reading a midaevel in which the nursemaid was literate and was writing letters to the antagonist and putting them in the castle mailbag. I mean, really, people! So yes, while the book can have events that are purely from the mind of the author, history needs to be respected.
Nothing annoys me more than a story that is historically inaccurate. I remember reading a midaevel in which the nursemaid was literate and was writing letters to the antagonist and putting them in the castle mailbag. I mean, really, people! So yes, while the book can have events that are purely from the mind of the author, history needs to be respected.
Nothing annoys me more than a story that is historically inaccurate. I remember reading a midaevel in which the nursemaid was literate and was writing letters to the antagonist and putting them in the castle mailbag. I mean, really, people! So yes, while the book can have events that are purely from the mind of the author, history needs to be respected.
Nothing annoys me more than a story that is historically inaccurate. I remember reading a midaevel in which the nursemaid was literate and was writing letters to the antagonist and putting them in the castle mailbag. I mean, really, people! So yes, while the book can have events that are purely from the mind of the author, history needs to be respected.
Nothing annoys me more than a story that is historically inaccurate. I remember reading a midaevel in which the nursemaid was literate and was writing letters to the antagonist and putting them in the castle mailbag. I mean, really, people! So yes, while the book can have events that are purely from the mind of the author, history needs to be respected.
The more I make up about my fictional characters, the more I try to make everything going on around them as accurate as possible. I drive myself nuts over this, but even if no one but me knows or cares, I feel better about getting the details right. Or at least not wrong😊
The more I make up about my fictional characters, the more I try to make everything going on around them as accurate as possible. I drive myself nuts over this, but even if no one but me knows or cares, I feel better about getting the details right. Or at least not wrong😊
The more I make up about my fictional characters, the more I try to make everything going on around them as accurate as possible. I drive myself nuts over this, but even if no one but me knows or cares, I feel better about getting the details right. Or at least not wrong😊
The more I make up about my fictional characters, the more I try to make everything going on around them as accurate as possible. I drive myself nuts over this, but even if no one but me knows or cares, I feel better about getting the details right. Or at least not wrong😊
The more I make up about my fictional characters, the more I try to make everything going on around them as accurate as possible. I drive myself nuts over this, but even if no one but me knows or cares, I feel better about getting the details right. Or at least not wrong😊
Authors love good fiction and tend to perpetuate it. 😉 And as you can tell from my rant, real life isn’t anywhere near as amusing as what our creative brains can produce. But yes, perpetuating untruths for the sake of fiction is bad writing.
And I like to think that newspapers would have gone bankrupt by now if it weren’t for our election process!
Authors love good fiction and tend to perpetuate it. 😉 And as you can tell from my rant, real life isn’t anywhere near as amusing as what our creative brains can produce. But yes, perpetuating untruths for the sake of fiction is bad writing.
And I like to think that newspapers would have gone bankrupt by now if it weren’t for our election process!
Authors love good fiction and tend to perpetuate it. 😉 And as you can tell from my rant, real life isn’t anywhere near as amusing as what our creative brains can produce. But yes, perpetuating untruths for the sake of fiction is bad writing.
And I like to think that newspapers would have gone bankrupt by now if it weren’t for our election process!
Authors love good fiction and tend to perpetuate it. 😉 And as you can tell from my rant, real life isn’t anywhere near as amusing as what our creative brains can produce. But yes, perpetuating untruths for the sake of fiction is bad writing.
And I like to think that newspapers would have gone bankrupt by now if it weren’t for our election process!
Authors love good fiction and tend to perpetuate it. 😉 And as you can tell from my rant, real life isn’t anywhere near as amusing as what our creative brains can produce. But yes, perpetuating untruths for the sake of fiction is bad writing.
And I like to think that newspapers would have gone bankrupt by now if it weren’t for our election process!
Oh no, a mailbag, honestly? I’m not a medieval historian but maybe there was some kind of courier bag? But a maid writing letters… gee gollikers, even I know better than that, sigh.
So okay, I won’t make up an election and a parade.
Oh no, a mailbag, honestly? I’m not a medieval historian but maybe there was some kind of courier bag? But a maid writing letters… gee gollikers, even I know better than that, sigh.
So okay, I won’t make up an election and a parade.
Oh no, a mailbag, honestly? I’m not a medieval historian but maybe there was some kind of courier bag? But a maid writing letters… gee gollikers, even I know better than that, sigh.
So okay, I won’t make up an election and a parade.
Oh no, a mailbag, honestly? I’m not a medieval historian but maybe there was some kind of courier bag? But a maid writing letters… gee gollikers, even I know better than that, sigh.
So okay, I won’t make up an election and a parade.
Oh no, a mailbag, honestly? I’m not a medieval historian but maybe there was some kind of courier bag? But a maid writing letters… gee gollikers, even I know better than that, sigh.
So okay, I won’t make up an election and a parade.
which is why we all love your books! That balance is hard to achieve–and I’m guessing we enjoy the challenge. (I’m currently reading a “cozy mystery” in which nothing happens for the first half of the book but the protag and all her friends are beautiful, have two careers that pay well and that they love, have hunky boyfriends with a wink of the eye… fantasy, any?)
which is why we all love your books! That balance is hard to achieve–and I’m guessing we enjoy the challenge. (I’m currently reading a “cozy mystery” in which nothing happens for the first half of the book but the protag and all her friends are beautiful, have two careers that pay well and that they love, have hunky boyfriends with a wink of the eye… fantasy, any?)
which is why we all love your books! That balance is hard to achieve–and I’m guessing we enjoy the challenge. (I’m currently reading a “cozy mystery” in which nothing happens for the first half of the book but the protag and all her friends are beautiful, have two careers that pay well and that they love, have hunky boyfriends with a wink of the eye… fantasy, any?)
which is why we all love your books! That balance is hard to achieve–and I’m guessing we enjoy the challenge. (I’m currently reading a “cozy mystery” in which nothing happens for the first half of the book but the protag and all her friends are beautiful, have two careers that pay well and that they love, have hunky boyfriends with a wink of the eye… fantasy, any?)
which is why we all love your books! That balance is hard to achieve–and I’m guessing we enjoy the challenge. (I’m currently reading a “cozy mystery” in which nothing happens for the first half of the book but the protag and all her friends are beautiful, have two careers that pay well and that they love, have hunky boyfriends with a wink of the eye… fantasy, any?)
Authors can invent fictional characters to their hearts’ content but history-wise I would appreciate accuracy.
Authors can invent fictional characters to their hearts’ content but history-wise I would appreciate accuracy.
Authors can invent fictional characters to their hearts’ content but history-wise I would appreciate accuracy.
Authors can invent fictional characters to their hearts’ content but history-wise I would appreciate accuracy.
Authors can invent fictional characters to their hearts’ content but history-wise I would appreciate accuracy.
A good historical tale can lead me to read actual history books, so I like it to be relatively close to the facts. Otherwise just right fiction without the pretense. The anachronisms also can lead to winging a book across the room.
History books have provided some perspective for the political circus here, a mixed bag of frightening (it could get much much worse) and hopeful (there could be some positive social change and progress).
Do love alternate universe historicals with magic.
A good historical tale can lead me to read actual history books, so I like it to be relatively close to the facts. Otherwise just right fiction without the pretense. The anachronisms also can lead to winging a book across the room.
History books have provided some perspective for the political circus here, a mixed bag of frightening (it could get much much worse) and hopeful (there could be some positive social change and progress).
Do love alternate universe historicals with magic.
A good historical tale can lead me to read actual history books, so I like it to be relatively close to the facts. Otherwise just right fiction without the pretense. The anachronisms also can lead to winging a book across the room.
History books have provided some perspective for the political circus here, a mixed bag of frightening (it could get much much worse) and hopeful (there could be some positive social change and progress).
Do love alternate universe historicals with magic.
A good historical tale can lead me to read actual history books, so I like it to be relatively close to the facts. Otherwise just right fiction without the pretense. The anachronisms also can lead to winging a book across the room.
History books have provided some perspective for the political circus here, a mixed bag of frightening (it could get much much worse) and hopeful (there could be some positive social change and progress).
Do love alternate universe historicals with magic.
A good historical tale can lead me to read actual history books, so I like it to be relatively close to the facts. Otherwise just right fiction without the pretense. The anachronisms also can lead to winging a book across the room.
History books have provided some perspective for the political circus here, a mixed bag of frightening (it could get much much worse) and hopeful (there could be some positive social change and progress).
Do love alternate universe historicals with magic.
Well, Pat, in Britain people stand for election and in America they run! I don’t know a lot about the 1830s, but I’m sure there were some local ructions somewhere.
I had a similar problem in reverse in Too Dangerous for a Lady. Readers tend to think of the Regency as tranquil, but the later years were a ferment of riot and revolution, which I used.
Jo
Well, Pat, in Britain people stand for election and in America they run! I don’t know a lot about the 1830s, but I’m sure there were some local ructions somewhere.
I had a similar problem in reverse in Too Dangerous for a Lady. Readers tend to think of the Regency as tranquil, but the later years were a ferment of riot and revolution, which I used.
Jo
Well, Pat, in Britain people stand for election and in America they run! I don’t know a lot about the 1830s, but I’m sure there were some local ructions somewhere.
I had a similar problem in reverse in Too Dangerous for a Lady. Readers tend to think of the Regency as tranquil, but the later years were a ferment of riot and revolution, which I used.
Jo
Well, Pat, in Britain people stand for election and in America they run! I don’t know a lot about the 1830s, but I’m sure there were some local ructions somewhere.
I had a similar problem in reverse in Too Dangerous for a Lady. Readers tend to think of the Regency as tranquil, but the later years were a ferment of riot and revolution, which I used.
Jo
Well, Pat, in Britain people stand for election and in America they run! I don’t know a lot about the 1830s, but I’m sure there were some local ructions somewhere.
I had a similar problem in reverse in Too Dangerous for a Lady. Readers tend to think of the Regency as tranquil, but the later years were a ferment of riot and revolution, which I used.
Jo
I definitely want accuracy in the historical background even in fiction, especially if it’s something easy to check. (No Michelangelo did NOT paint the Mona Lisa!)
As for those elections, they may not have had brass bands and parades, but there was probably quite a bit of horse trading going on in the clubs and drawing rooms—along with the kind of deal-making that nobody wants to show in the light of day. And some of the cartoons and broadsheets make today’s politicians look almost like ladies and gentlemen.
I definitely want accuracy in the historical background even in fiction, especially if it’s something easy to check. (No Michelangelo did NOT paint the Mona Lisa!)
As for those elections, they may not have had brass bands and parades, but there was probably quite a bit of horse trading going on in the clubs and drawing rooms—along with the kind of deal-making that nobody wants to show in the light of day. And some of the cartoons and broadsheets make today’s politicians look almost like ladies and gentlemen.
I definitely want accuracy in the historical background even in fiction, especially if it’s something easy to check. (No Michelangelo did NOT paint the Mona Lisa!)
As for those elections, they may not have had brass bands and parades, but there was probably quite a bit of horse trading going on in the clubs and drawing rooms—along with the kind of deal-making that nobody wants to show in the light of day. And some of the cartoons and broadsheets make today’s politicians look almost like ladies and gentlemen.
I definitely want accuracy in the historical background even in fiction, especially if it’s something easy to check. (No Michelangelo did NOT paint the Mona Lisa!)
As for those elections, they may not have had brass bands and parades, but there was probably quite a bit of horse trading going on in the clubs and drawing rooms—along with the kind of deal-making that nobody wants to show in the light of day. And some of the cartoons and broadsheets make today’s politicians look almost like ladies and gentlemen.
I definitely want accuracy in the historical background even in fiction, especially if it’s something easy to check. (No Michelangelo did NOT paint the Mona Lisa!)
As for those elections, they may not have had brass bands and parades, but there was probably quite a bit of horse trading going on in the clubs and drawing rooms—along with the kind of deal-making that nobody wants to show in the light of day. And some of the cartoons and broadsheets make today’s politicians look almost like ladies and gentlemen.
Glad to know a good tale will cause people to reach for the history books! I’ve been trying to add on-line links in my author notes so people can go to sources, but they don’t o much good in print. I’m hoping ebooks will make history more interactive!
And I love a dab of paranormal,too, but it has to be balanced by reality or it just comes off as silly.
Glad to know a good tale will cause people to reach for the history books! I’ve been trying to add on-line links in my author notes so people can go to sources, but they don’t o much good in print. I’m hoping ebooks will make history more interactive!
And I love a dab of paranormal,too, but it has to be balanced by reality or it just comes off as silly.
Glad to know a good tale will cause people to reach for the history books! I’ve been trying to add on-line links in my author notes so people can go to sources, but they don’t o much good in print. I’m hoping ebooks will make history more interactive!
And I love a dab of paranormal,too, but it has to be balanced by reality or it just comes off as silly.
Glad to know a good tale will cause people to reach for the history books! I’ve been trying to add on-line links in my author notes so people can go to sources, but they don’t o much good in print. I’m hoping ebooks will make history more interactive!
And I love a dab of paranormal,too, but it has to be balanced by reality or it just comes off as silly.
Glad to know a good tale will cause people to reach for the history books! I’ve been trying to add on-line links in my author notes so people can go to sources, but they don’t o much good in print. I’m hoping ebooks will make history more interactive!
And I love a dab of paranormal,too, but it has to be balanced by reality or it just comes off as silly.
I love that–stand or run. 😉 And yes, I fear romance has glossed over the casualties of war and economic failure. But even romance needs reality to balance it!
I love that–stand or run. 😉 And yes, I fear romance has glossed over the casualties of war and economic failure. But even romance needs reality to balance it!
I love that–stand or run. 😉 And yes, I fear romance has glossed over the casualties of war and economic failure. But even romance needs reality to balance it!
I love that–stand or run. 😉 And yes, I fear romance has glossed over the casualties of war and economic failure. But even romance needs reality to balance it!
I love that–stand or run. 😉 And yes, I fear romance has glossed over the casualties of war and economic failure. But even romance needs reality to balance it!
Yes, I’m quite sure there was a lot happening behind the scenes, and I tried to show a little of it, but that doesn’t make great story-telling for romance since the women wouldn’t be included. And my Malcolm women really like being included!
Yes, I’m quite sure there was a lot happening behind the scenes, and I tried to show a little of it, but that doesn’t make great story-telling for romance since the women wouldn’t be included. And my Malcolm women really like being included!
Yes, I’m quite sure there was a lot happening behind the scenes, and I tried to show a little of it, but that doesn’t make great story-telling for romance since the women wouldn’t be included. And my Malcolm women really like being included!
Yes, I’m quite sure there was a lot happening behind the scenes, and I tried to show a little of it, but that doesn’t make great story-telling for romance since the women wouldn’t be included. And my Malcolm women really like being included!
Yes, I’m quite sure there was a lot happening behind the scenes, and I tried to show a little of it, but that doesn’t make great story-telling for romance since the women wouldn’t be included. And my Malcolm women really like being included!
How much reality do I want with my romantic fantasy seems to depend on how close to some kind of reality the story is to begin with. If it’s supposed to be at least somewhat realistic and there are glaring mistakes or the timeperiod has been totally whitewashed, I get annoyed. I don’t mean that every gory detail should be there, but the past just isn’t always nice. Even the 1800s apparently wasn’t quite as civilised as it’s ofted depicted. Just watch Tony Robinson’s Gods and Monsters! (Now there would be some material for stories with magic and murder mysteries.)
If there’s magic and such going on in the story I don’t seem to mind quite as much if the story deviates from the reality a bit. And I if really want fantasy that doesn’t have too much to do with reality, I read paranormal, fantasy or steampunk stories.
How much reality do I want with my romantic fantasy seems to depend on how close to some kind of reality the story is to begin with. If it’s supposed to be at least somewhat realistic and there are glaring mistakes or the timeperiod has been totally whitewashed, I get annoyed. I don’t mean that every gory detail should be there, but the past just isn’t always nice. Even the 1800s apparently wasn’t quite as civilised as it’s ofted depicted. Just watch Tony Robinson’s Gods and Monsters! (Now there would be some material for stories with magic and murder mysteries.)
If there’s magic and such going on in the story I don’t seem to mind quite as much if the story deviates from the reality a bit. And I if really want fantasy that doesn’t have too much to do with reality, I read paranormal, fantasy or steampunk stories.
How much reality do I want with my romantic fantasy seems to depend on how close to some kind of reality the story is to begin with. If it’s supposed to be at least somewhat realistic and there are glaring mistakes or the timeperiod has been totally whitewashed, I get annoyed. I don’t mean that every gory detail should be there, but the past just isn’t always nice. Even the 1800s apparently wasn’t quite as civilised as it’s ofted depicted. Just watch Tony Robinson’s Gods and Monsters! (Now there would be some material for stories with magic and murder mysteries.)
If there’s magic and such going on in the story I don’t seem to mind quite as much if the story deviates from the reality a bit. And I if really want fantasy that doesn’t have too much to do with reality, I read paranormal, fantasy or steampunk stories.
How much reality do I want with my romantic fantasy seems to depend on how close to some kind of reality the story is to begin with. If it’s supposed to be at least somewhat realistic and there are glaring mistakes or the timeperiod has been totally whitewashed, I get annoyed. I don’t mean that every gory detail should be there, but the past just isn’t always nice. Even the 1800s apparently wasn’t quite as civilised as it’s ofted depicted. Just watch Tony Robinson’s Gods and Monsters! (Now there would be some material for stories with magic and murder mysteries.)
If there’s magic and such going on in the story I don’t seem to mind quite as much if the story deviates from the reality a bit. And I if really want fantasy that doesn’t have too much to do with reality, I read paranormal, fantasy or steampunk stories.
How much reality do I want with my romantic fantasy seems to depend on how close to some kind of reality the story is to begin with. If it’s supposed to be at least somewhat realistic and there are glaring mistakes or the timeperiod has been totally whitewashed, I get annoyed. I don’t mean that every gory detail should be there, but the past just isn’t always nice. Even the 1800s apparently wasn’t quite as civilised as it’s ofted depicted. Just watch Tony Robinson’s Gods and Monsters! (Now there would be some material for stories with magic and murder mysteries.)
If there’s magic and such going on in the story I don’t seem to mind quite as much if the story deviates from the reality a bit. And I if really want fantasy that doesn’t have too much to do with reality, I read paranormal, fantasy or steampunk stories.
I have always found political history as dry as dirt. I am a Canadian and we inherited our utterly boring political processes from the British so learning that they voted for a committee to look into things isn’t really all that surprising. Thus I’m all for a little “tweaking” of the actual history in my historical fiction. It’s called fiction for a reason right😉?
I have always found political history as dry as dirt. I am a Canadian and we inherited our utterly boring political processes from the British so learning that they voted for a committee to look into things isn’t really all that surprising. Thus I’m all for a little “tweaking” of the actual history in my historical fiction. It’s called fiction for a reason right😉?
I have always found political history as dry as dirt. I am a Canadian and we inherited our utterly boring political processes from the British so learning that they voted for a committee to look into things isn’t really all that surprising. Thus I’m all for a little “tweaking” of the actual history in my historical fiction. It’s called fiction for a reason right😉?
I have always found political history as dry as dirt. I am a Canadian and we inherited our utterly boring political processes from the British so learning that they voted for a committee to look into things isn’t really all that surprising. Thus I’m all for a little “tweaking” of the actual history in my historical fiction. It’s called fiction for a reason right😉?
I have always found political history as dry as dirt. I am a Canadian and we inherited our utterly boring political processes from the British so learning that they voted for a committee to look into things isn’t really all that surprising. Thus I’m all for a little “tweaking” of the actual history in my historical fiction. It’s called fiction for a reason right😉?
LOL, so you’d like me to unleash some American style idiocy on the poor Brits? 😉 It would shake things up, for certain!
LOL, so you’d like me to unleash some American style idiocy on the poor Brits? 😉 It would shake things up, for certain!
LOL, so you’d like me to unleash some American style idiocy on the poor Brits? 😉 It would shake things up, for certain!
LOL, so you’d like me to unleash some American style idiocy on the poor Brits? 😉 It would shake things up, for certain!
LOL, so you’d like me to unleash some American style idiocy on the poor Brits? 😉 It would shake things up, for certain!
I don’t mind if authors “fudge” a little on historical facts as long as it is not too blatant or obvious. Some authors will “fess up” to the license taken at the end of the book – and I appreciate that.
I’m more likely to notice errors in language or phrases that are too modern for the era. But I’m not a purist and unless there are just too many errors, it won’t spoil my enjoyment of the story. I recently read a novel by a new author that was set in the Regency period that had one character referring to “maintaining their cool.” But despite that error (which was pretty glaring), the author still did a good job of conveying the atmosphere of the times.
I’m a pretty forgiving reader. I want to enjoy what I’m reading and most of the time I do.
I don’t mind if authors “fudge” a little on historical facts as long as it is not too blatant or obvious. Some authors will “fess up” to the license taken at the end of the book – and I appreciate that.
I’m more likely to notice errors in language or phrases that are too modern for the era. But I’m not a purist and unless there are just too many errors, it won’t spoil my enjoyment of the story. I recently read a novel by a new author that was set in the Regency period that had one character referring to “maintaining their cool.” But despite that error (which was pretty glaring), the author still did a good job of conveying the atmosphere of the times.
I’m a pretty forgiving reader. I want to enjoy what I’m reading and most of the time I do.
I don’t mind if authors “fudge” a little on historical facts as long as it is not too blatant or obvious. Some authors will “fess up” to the license taken at the end of the book – and I appreciate that.
I’m more likely to notice errors in language or phrases that are too modern for the era. But I’m not a purist and unless there are just too many errors, it won’t spoil my enjoyment of the story. I recently read a novel by a new author that was set in the Regency period that had one character referring to “maintaining their cool.” But despite that error (which was pretty glaring), the author still did a good job of conveying the atmosphere of the times.
I’m a pretty forgiving reader. I want to enjoy what I’m reading and most of the time I do.
I don’t mind if authors “fudge” a little on historical facts as long as it is not too blatant or obvious. Some authors will “fess up” to the license taken at the end of the book – and I appreciate that.
I’m more likely to notice errors in language or phrases that are too modern for the era. But I’m not a purist and unless there are just too many errors, it won’t spoil my enjoyment of the story. I recently read a novel by a new author that was set in the Regency period that had one character referring to “maintaining their cool.” But despite that error (which was pretty glaring), the author still did a good job of conveying the atmosphere of the times.
I’m a pretty forgiving reader. I want to enjoy what I’m reading and most of the time I do.
I don’t mind if authors “fudge” a little on historical facts as long as it is not too blatant or obvious. Some authors will “fess up” to the license taken at the end of the book – and I appreciate that.
I’m more likely to notice errors in language or phrases that are too modern for the era. But I’m not a purist and unless there are just too many errors, it won’t spoil my enjoyment of the story. I recently read a novel by a new author that was set in the Regency period that had one character referring to “maintaining their cool.” But despite that error (which was pretty glaring), the author still did a good job of conveying the atmosphere of the times.
I’m a pretty forgiving reader. I want to enjoy what I’m reading and most of the time I do.
The thing is, even though Parliament and elections in the UK have changed a fair bit since then, the process of changing Prime Ministers is not so different today — a quiet coup in the back rooms of the ruling party — so British readers and others who know the Westminster system (eg Australians NZ’s Canadians) would notice how wrong it was. The Prime Minister isn’t elected by anyone except the other members of his party in Parliament. The people vote in a member for their electorate, who may or may not belong to a party, the majority party in Parliament then becomes the government and the parliamentarians of that party choose their leader. Very different from a US Presidential election.
The thing is, even though Parliament and elections in the UK have changed a fair bit since then, the process of changing Prime Ministers is not so different today — a quiet coup in the back rooms of the ruling party — so British readers and others who know the Westminster system (eg Australians NZ’s Canadians) would notice how wrong it was. The Prime Minister isn’t elected by anyone except the other members of his party in Parliament. The people vote in a member for their electorate, who may or may not belong to a party, the majority party in Parliament then becomes the government and the parliamentarians of that party choose their leader. Very different from a US Presidential election.
The thing is, even though Parliament and elections in the UK have changed a fair bit since then, the process of changing Prime Ministers is not so different today — a quiet coup in the back rooms of the ruling party — so British readers and others who know the Westminster system (eg Australians NZ’s Canadians) would notice how wrong it was. The Prime Minister isn’t elected by anyone except the other members of his party in Parliament. The people vote in a member for their electorate, who may or may not belong to a party, the majority party in Parliament then becomes the government and the parliamentarians of that party choose their leader. Very different from a US Presidential election.
The thing is, even though Parliament and elections in the UK have changed a fair bit since then, the process of changing Prime Ministers is not so different today — a quiet coup in the back rooms of the ruling party — so British readers and others who know the Westminster system (eg Australians NZ’s Canadians) would notice how wrong it was. The Prime Minister isn’t elected by anyone except the other members of his party in Parliament. The people vote in a member for their electorate, who may or may not belong to a party, the majority party in Parliament then becomes the government and the parliamentarians of that party choose their leader. Very different from a US Presidential election.
The thing is, even though Parliament and elections in the UK have changed a fair bit since then, the process of changing Prime Ministers is not so different today — a quiet coup in the back rooms of the ruling party — so British readers and others who know the Westminster system (eg Australians NZ’s Canadians) would notice how wrong it was. The Prime Minister isn’t elected by anyone except the other members of his party in Parliament. The people vote in a member for their electorate, who may or may not belong to a party, the majority party in Parliament then becomes the government and the parliamentarians of that party choose their leader. Very different from a US Presidential election.
Hmmm….interesting question. As several people have said – in paranormal, fantasy, steampunk…not sticking to the facts, ma’am is fine. Because after all….it is a totally fictional world.
For me if a book is a Regency it needs to be accurate. So many Regencies have written with so many accurate details over the past 70 years, if you don’t mostly stick to the facts it is obvious and casts doubts on the authenticity of the writing. I’ve probably read at least several thousand of them so I can usually tell if the truth has been altered.
True it is fiction so why should it matter…but it does. Moving a riot or uprising, luddite fracas, that doesn’t bother me because it was happening. Maybe not precisely where the story is set but it is OF the time period. When an author makes a note of the deviations and alterations, it shows they DO know their topic.
Actually anything from the Regency period onwards (Victorian, Edwardian, etc) needs to be factually correct. I think because I’ve read so much in those time periods, studied history, that even if it is fiction, the framework has to be correct.
Georgian and Medieval…the facts can be twisted more because I know less of the period. It doesn’t strain my brain when that happens. Though if the person does something that I know wasn’t a typical action of the time, well….. .
Hmmm….interesting question. As several people have said – in paranormal, fantasy, steampunk…not sticking to the facts, ma’am is fine. Because after all….it is a totally fictional world.
For me if a book is a Regency it needs to be accurate. So many Regencies have written with so many accurate details over the past 70 years, if you don’t mostly stick to the facts it is obvious and casts doubts on the authenticity of the writing. I’ve probably read at least several thousand of them so I can usually tell if the truth has been altered.
True it is fiction so why should it matter…but it does. Moving a riot or uprising, luddite fracas, that doesn’t bother me because it was happening. Maybe not precisely where the story is set but it is OF the time period. When an author makes a note of the deviations and alterations, it shows they DO know their topic.
Actually anything from the Regency period onwards (Victorian, Edwardian, etc) needs to be factually correct. I think because I’ve read so much in those time periods, studied history, that even if it is fiction, the framework has to be correct.
Georgian and Medieval…the facts can be twisted more because I know less of the period. It doesn’t strain my brain when that happens. Though if the person does something that I know wasn’t a typical action of the time, well….. .
Hmmm….interesting question. As several people have said – in paranormal, fantasy, steampunk…not sticking to the facts, ma’am is fine. Because after all….it is a totally fictional world.
For me if a book is a Regency it needs to be accurate. So many Regencies have written with so many accurate details over the past 70 years, if you don’t mostly stick to the facts it is obvious and casts doubts on the authenticity of the writing. I’ve probably read at least several thousand of them so I can usually tell if the truth has been altered.
True it is fiction so why should it matter…but it does. Moving a riot or uprising, luddite fracas, that doesn’t bother me because it was happening. Maybe not precisely where the story is set but it is OF the time period. When an author makes a note of the deviations and alterations, it shows they DO know their topic.
Actually anything from the Regency period onwards (Victorian, Edwardian, etc) needs to be factually correct. I think because I’ve read so much in those time periods, studied history, that even if it is fiction, the framework has to be correct.
Georgian and Medieval…the facts can be twisted more because I know less of the period. It doesn’t strain my brain when that happens. Though if the person does something that I know wasn’t a typical action of the time, well….. .
Hmmm….interesting question. As several people have said – in paranormal, fantasy, steampunk…not sticking to the facts, ma’am is fine. Because after all….it is a totally fictional world.
For me if a book is a Regency it needs to be accurate. So many Regencies have written with so many accurate details over the past 70 years, if you don’t mostly stick to the facts it is obvious and casts doubts on the authenticity of the writing. I’ve probably read at least several thousand of them so I can usually tell if the truth has been altered.
True it is fiction so why should it matter…but it does. Moving a riot or uprising, luddite fracas, that doesn’t bother me because it was happening. Maybe not precisely where the story is set but it is OF the time period. When an author makes a note of the deviations and alterations, it shows they DO know their topic.
Actually anything from the Regency period onwards (Victorian, Edwardian, etc) needs to be factually correct. I think because I’ve read so much in those time periods, studied history, that even if it is fiction, the framework has to be correct.
Georgian and Medieval…the facts can be twisted more because I know less of the period. It doesn’t strain my brain when that happens. Though if the person does something that I know wasn’t a typical action of the time, well….. .
Hmmm….interesting question. As several people have said – in paranormal, fantasy, steampunk…not sticking to the facts, ma’am is fine. Because after all….it is a totally fictional world.
For me if a book is a Regency it needs to be accurate. So many Regencies have written with so many accurate details over the past 70 years, if you don’t mostly stick to the facts it is obvious and casts doubts on the authenticity of the writing. I’ve probably read at least several thousand of them so I can usually tell if the truth has been altered.
True it is fiction so why should it matter…but it does. Moving a riot or uprising, luddite fracas, that doesn’t bother me because it was happening. Maybe not precisely where the story is set but it is OF the time period. When an author makes a note of the deviations and alterations, it shows they DO know their topic.
Actually anything from the Regency period onwards (Victorian, Edwardian, etc) needs to be factually correct. I think because I’ve read so much in those time periods, studied history, that even if it is fiction, the framework has to be correct.
Georgian and Medieval…the facts can be twisted more because I know less of the period. It doesn’t strain my brain when that happens. Though if the person does something that I know wasn’t a typical action of the time, well….. .
I like accuracy in my history and I agree, I’ve done more historical research after reading a book (Amanda Quick’s books that referred to female hysteria and how it was treated was an absolutely fascinating wiki-walk!!! LOL). Roberta Gellis’s books actually got me through which monarch came after the other during medieval times and I still think of those kings in terms of her books! 😉 She was the first historical author I started reading and I got spoiled for accuracy.
But I like entertainment too. So I don’t mind historicals that ignore history either – unless it’s a plot point – but who are accurate in their speech and clothing of the time period (please! No zippers before they were ever invented!!).
I’m a Canadian (of English birth) so while I grew up with the election process you’re referring to, I still find it confounding at times. But I have to admit to finding the US election process exhausting and far from entertaining. My British reserve kicks in and I’m appalled at some of the mud-slinging, rhetoric and waste of money that would feed soooo many of the less fortunate that they profess to wanting to help if elected. By the time the actual election rolls around I’ve lost interest.
I like accuracy in my history and I agree, I’ve done more historical research after reading a book (Amanda Quick’s books that referred to female hysteria and how it was treated was an absolutely fascinating wiki-walk!!! LOL). Roberta Gellis’s books actually got me through which monarch came after the other during medieval times and I still think of those kings in terms of her books! 😉 She was the first historical author I started reading and I got spoiled for accuracy.
But I like entertainment too. So I don’t mind historicals that ignore history either – unless it’s a plot point – but who are accurate in their speech and clothing of the time period (please! No zippers before they were ever invented!!).
I’m a Canadian (of English birth) so while I grew up with the election process you’re referring to, I still find it confounding at times. But I have to admit to finding the US election process exhausting and far from entertaining. My British reserve kicks in and I’m appalled at some of the mud-slinging, rhetoric and waste of money that would feed soooo many of the less fortunate that they profess to wanting to help if elected. By the time the actual election rolls around I’ve lost interest.
I like accuracy in my history and I agree, I’ve done more historical research after reading a book (Amanda Quick’s books that referred to female hysteria and how it was treated was an absolutely fascinating wiki-walk!!! LOL). Roberta Gellis’s books actually got me through which monarch came after the other during medieval times and I still think of those kings in terms of her books! 😉 She was the first historical author I started reading and I got spoiled for accuracy.
But I like entertainment too. So I don’t mind historicals that ignore history either – unless it’s a plot point – but who are accurate in their speech and clothing of the time period (please! No zippers before they were ever invented!!).
I’m a Canadian (of English birth) so while I grew up with the election process you’re referring to, I still find it confounding at times. But I have to admit to finding the US election process exhausting and far from entertaining. My British reserve kicks in and I’m appalled at some of the mud-slinging, rhetoric and waste of money that would feed soooo many of the less fortunate that they profess to wanting to help if elected. By the time the actual election rolls around I’ve lost interest.
I like accuracy in my history and I agree, I’ve done more historical research after reading a book (Amanda Quick’s books that referred to female hysteria and how it was treated was an absolutely fascinating wiki-walk!!! LOL). Roberta Gellis’s books actually got me through which monarch came after the other during medieval times and I still think of those kings in terms of her books! 😉 She was the first historical author I started reading and I got spoiled for accuracy.
But I like entertainment too. So I don’t mind historicals that ignore history either – unless it’s a plot point – but who are accurate in their speech and clothing of the time period (please! No zippers before they were ever invented!!).
I’m a Canadian (of English birth) so while I grew up with the election process you’re referring to, I still find it confounding at times. But I have to admit to finding the US election process exhausting and far from entertaining. My British reserve kicks in and I’m appalled at some of the mud-slinging, rhetoric and waste of money that would feed soooo many of the less fortunate that they profess to wanting to help if elected. By the time the actual election rolls around I’ve lost interest.
I like accuracy in my history and I agree, I’ve done more historical research after reading a book (Amanda Quick’s books that referred to female hysteria and how it was treated was an absolutely fascinating wiki-walk!!! LOL). Roberta Gellis’s books actually got me through which monarch came after the other during medieval times and I still think of those kings in terms of her books! 😉 She was the first historical author I started reading and I got spoiled for accuracy.
But I like entertainment too. So I don’t mind historicals that ignore history either – unless it’s a plot point – but who are accurate in their speech and clothing of the time period (please! No zippers before they were ever invented!!).
I’m a Canadian (of English birth) so while I grew up with the election process you’re referring to, I still find it confounding at times. But I have to admit to finding the US election process exhausting and far from entertaining. My British reserve kicks in and I’m appalled at some of the mud-slinging, rhetoric and waste of money that would feed soooo many of the less fortunate that they profess to wanting to help if elected. By the time the actual election rolls around I’ve lost interest.
If it weren’t for the Brits knowing their own election process, I might consider fudging and writing a note, because most Americans would buy my version hook, line, and sinker!
And when I write my first draft, I really don’t pay attention to word choice too much. It’s more important finding out what happens. And then after so many re-readings, sometimes those words get stuck in my head and I’m blind to the anachronism. So I can be forgiving to some extend. My copy editors have saved my rear much too often!
If it weren’t for the Brits knowing their own election process, I might consider fudging and writing a note, because most Americans would buy my version hook, line, and sinker!
And when I write my first draft, I really don’t pay attention to word choice too much. It’s more important finding out what happens. And then after so many re-readings, sometimes those words get stuck in my head and I’m blind to the anachronism. So I can be forgiving to some extend. My copy editors have saved my rear much too often!
If it weren’t for the Brits knowing their own election process, I might consider fudging and writing a note, because most Americans would buy my version hook, line, and sinker!
And when I write my first draft, I really don’t pay attention to word choice too much. It’s more important finding out what happens. And then after so many re-readings, sometimes those words get stuck in my head and I’m blind to the anachronism. So I can be forgiving to some extend. My copy editors have saved my rear much too often!
If it weren’t for the Brits knowing their own election process, I might consider fudging and writing a note, because most Americans would buy my version hook, line, and sinker!
And when I write my first draft, I really don’t pay attention to word choice too much. It’s more important finding out what happens. And then after so many re-readings, sometimes those words get stuck in my head and I’m blind to the anachronism. So I can be forgiving to some extend. My copy editors have saved my rear much too often!
If it weren’t for the Brits knowing their own election process, I might consider fudging and writing a note, because most Americans would buy my version hook, line, and sinker!
And when I write my first draft, I really don’t pay attention to word choice too much. It’s more important finding out what happens. And then after so many re-readings, sometimes those words get stuck in my head and I’m blind to the anachronism. So I can be forgiving to some extend. My copy editors have saved my rear much too often!
I think most of us read like this, but that’s the challenge. Sure, if I know enough about a subject, I can fudge a little. But I challenge myself to learn new bits of history to present the reader–and I have to get those right! I want people to learn the truth and maybe get a little curious and read more.
I think most of us read like this, but that’s the challenge. Sure, if I know enough about a subject, I can fudge a little. But I challenge myself to learn new bits of history to present the reader–and I have to get those right! I want people to learn the truth and maybe get a little curious and read more.
I think most of us read like this, but that’s the challenge. Sure, if I know enough about a subject, I can fudge a little. But I challenge myself to learn new bits of history to present the reader–and I have to get those right! I want people to learn the truth and maybe get a little curious and read more.
I think most of us read like this, but that’s the challenge. Sure, if I know enough about a subject, I can fudge a little. But I challenge myself to learn new bits of history to present the reader–and I have to get those right! I want people to learn the truth and maybe get a little curious and read more.
I think most of us read like this, but that’s the challenge. Sure, if I know enough about a subject, I can fudge a little. But I challenge myself to learn new bits of history to present the reader–and I have to get those right! I want people to learn the truth and maybe get a little curious and read more.
I’m not a Brit but I’m equally appalled at our current election process. I think we’re descending to Neanderthals, not that I’m opinionated or anything.
And yes, Roberta fired my imagination for history! I was already researching the British monarchy because I’d read so much British lit and had never been taught the history. Roberta made it real, and I dug in with much greater enthusiasm.
We really don’t have word count for that level of history these days, which is rather sad.
I’m not a Brit but I’m equally appalled at our current election process. I think we’re descending to Neanderthals, not that I’m opinionated or anything.
And yes, Roberta fired my imagination for history! I was already researching the British monarchy because I’d read so much British lit and had never been taught the history. Roberta made it real, and I dug in with much greater enthusiasm.
We really don’t have word count for that level of history these days, which is rather sad.
I’m not a Brit but I’m equally appalled at our current election process. I think we’re descending to Neanderthals, not that I’m opinionated or anything.
And yes, Roberta fired my imagination for history! I was already researching the British monarchy because I’d read so much British lit and had never been taught the history. Roberta made it real, and I dug in with much greater enthusiasm.
We really don’t have word count for that level of history these days, which is rather sad.
I’m not a Brit but I’m equally appalled at our current election process. I think we’re descending to Neanderthals, not that I’m opinionated or anything.
And yes, Roberta fired my imagination for history! I was already researching the British monarchy because I’d read so much British lit and had never been taught the history. Roberta made it real, and I dug in with much greater enthusiasm.
We really don’t have word count for that level of history these days, which is rather sad.
I’m not a Brit but I’m equally appalled at our current election process. I think we’re descending to Neanderthals, not that I’m opinionated or anything.
And yes, Roberta fired my imagination for history! I was already researching the British monarchy because I’d read so much British lit and had never been taught the history. Roberta made it real, and I dug in with much greater enthusiasm.
We really don’t have word count for that level of history these days, which is rather sad.
I’m with the majority. I want my history accurate. I know that you will be accurate, you will find your drama elsewhere in the process, somewhere other than the actual change in government.
Here in mid-Missouri, where I have been Gerrymandered into a district that usually denies my vote, I could sometimes wish for an election process with more rational activity and less storm, drama, (and chicanery?). But, as Jo Beverley says in the U. S. we RUN for election with all the drama we can make up out of whole cloth at times.
Keep the stories flowing, and continue to be as accurate as possible. I like even my fantasies to be probable. The scientific Ives must remain scientific as per their eras. The Malcolms may be a bit off accuracy, but not is any way that would shock their “real” neighbors into disbelief.
I’m with the majority. I want my history accurate. I know that you will be accurate, you will find your drama elsewhere in the process, somewhere other than the actual change in government.
Here in mid-Missouri, where I have been Gerrymandered into a district that usually denies my vote, I could sometimes wish for an election process with more rational activity and less storm, drama, (and chicanery?). But, as Jo Beverley says in the U. S. we RUN for election with all the drama we can make up out of whole cloth at times.
Keep the stories flowing, and continue to be as accurate as possible. I like even my fantasies to be probable. The scientific Ives must remain scientific as per their eras. The Malcolms may be a bit off accuracy, but not is any way that would shock their “real” neighbors into disbelief.
I’m with the majority. I want my history accurate. I know that you will be accurate, you will find your drama elsewhere in the process, somewhere other than the actual change in government.
Here in mid-Missouri, where I have been Gerrymandered into a district that usually denies my vote, I could sometimes wish for an election process with more rational activity and less storm, drama, (and chicanery?). But, as Jo Beverley says in the U. S. we RUN for election with all the drama we can make up out of whole cloth at times.
Keep the stories flowing, and continue to be as accurate as possible. I like even my fantasies to be probable. The scientific Ives must remain scientific as per their eras. The Malcolms may be a bit off accuracy, but not is any way that would shock their “real” neighbors into disbelief.
I’m with the majority. I want my history accurate. I know that you will be accurate, you will find your drama elsewhere in the process, somewhere other than the actual change in government.
Here in mid-Missouri, where I have been Gerrymandered into a district that usually denies my vote, I could sometimes wish for an election process with more rational activity and less storm, drama, (and chicanery?). But, as Jo Beverley says in the U. S. we RUN for election with all the drama we can make up out of whole cloth at times.
Keep the stories flowing, and continue to be as accurate as possible. I like even my fantasies to be probable. The scientific Ives must remain scientific as per their eras. The Malcolms may be a bit off accuracy, but not is any way that would shock their “real” neighbors into disbelief.
I’m with the majority. I want my history accurate. I know that you will be accurate, you will find your drama elsewhere in the process, somewhere other than the actual change in government.
Here in mid-Missouri, where I have been Gerrymandered into a district that usually denies my vote, I could sometimes wish for an election process with more rational activity and less storm, drama, (and chicanery?). But, as Jo Beverley says in the U. S. we RUN for election with all the drama we can make up out of whole cloth at times.
Keep the stories flowing, and continue to be as accurate as possible. I like even my fantasies to be probable. The scientific Ives must remain scientific as per their eras. The Malcolms may be a bit off accuracy, but not is any way that would shock their “real” neighbors into disbelief.
I hate spotting mistakes and inaccuracies in a novel whatever the genre. They always pull me out of the story and too many completely spoil a book for me even if it is a good story in other ways. By all means, push the boundaries and include events that could just have been possible and characters that aren’t necessarily typical people of their time, but don’t mess with well known historical facts. Authors who are lazy about doing their research or who just don’t seem to care about trying to present a reasonably authentic picture of their period soon lose me as a customer.
I hate spotting mistakes and inaccuracies in a novel whatever the genre. They always pull me out of the story and too many completely spoil a book for me even if it is a good story in other ways. By all means, push the boundaries and include events that could just have been possible and characters that aren’t necessarily typical people of their time, but don’t mess with well known historical facts. Authors who are lazy about doing their research or who just don’t seem to care about trying to present a reasonably authentic picture of their period soon lose me as a customer.
I hate spotting mistakes and inaccuracies in a novel whatever the genre. They always pull me out of the story and too many completely spoil a book for me even if it is a good story in other ways. By all means, push the boundaries and include events that could just have been possible and characters that aren’t necessarily typical people of their time, but don’t mess with well known historical facts. Authors who are lazy about doing their research or who just don’t seem to care about trying to present a reasonably authentic picture of their period soon lose me as a customer.
I hate spotting mistakes and inaccuracies in a novel whatever the genre. They always pull me out of the story and too many completely spoil a book for me even if it is a good story in other ways. By all means, push the boundaries and include events that could just have been possible and characters that aren’t necessarily typical people of their time, but don’t mess with well known historical facts. Authors who are lazy about doing their research or who just don’t seem to care about trying to present a reasonably authentic picture of their period soon lose me as a customer.
I hate spotting mistakes and inaccuracies in a novel whatever the genre. They always pull me out of the story and too many completely spoil a book for me even if it is a good story in other ways. By all means, push the boundaries and include events that could just have been possible and characters that aren’t necessarily typical people of their time, but don’t mess with well known historical facts. Authors who are lazy about doing their research or who just don’t seem to care about trying to present a reasonably authentic picture of their period soon lose me as a customer.
Some of the elections in the UK of the day did include brawls. Some did include the equivalent of a brass band with the candidates offering free beer. There is a section about contested elections that gives more detail about some of the excitement that could accompany elections. There wasn’t much in the rotten boroughs or the ones owned by a big landlord but there were some where the contestants spent thousands of pounds and did all sorts of things to garner the votes. I am not sure I didn’t read about some one using a fife and drum to raise interest. Of course there is also the early report of the Duchess of Devonshire and some friends going out and kissing voters for a vote for their candidate. Did you look particularly for contested elections? I like the background history to be correct as well as the marriage and peerage laws.
Our own election process is a circus. The best man doesn’t always win.
Some of the elections in the UK of the day did include brawls. Some did include the equivalent of a brass band with the candidates offering free beer. There is a section about contested elections that gives more detail about some of the excitement that could accompany elections. There wasn’t much in the rotten boroughs or the ones owned by a big landlord but there were some where the contestants spent thousands of pounds and did all sorts of things to garner the votes. I am not sure I didn’t read about some one using a fife and drum to raise interest. Of course there is also the early report of the Duchess of Devonshire and some friends going out and kissing voters for a vote for their candidate. Did you look particularly for contested elections? I like the background history to be correct as well as the marriage and peerage laws.
Our own election process is a circus. The best man doesn’t always win.
Some of the elections in the UK of the day did include brawls. Some did include the equivalent of a brass band with the candidates offering free beer. There is a section about contested elections that gives more detail about some of the excitement that could accompany elections. There wasn’t much in the rotten boroughs or the ones owned by a big landlord but there were some where the contestants spent thousands of pounds and did all sorts of things to garner the votes. I am not sure I didn’t read about some one using a fife and drum to raise interest. Of course there is also the early report of the Duchess of Devonshire and some friends going out and kissing voters for a vote for their candidate. Did you look particularly for contested elections? I like the background history to be correct as well as the marriage and peerage laws.
Our own election process is a circus. The best man doesn’t always win.
Some of the elections in the UK of the day did include brawls. Some did include the equivalent of a brass band with the candidates offering free beer. There is a section about contested elections that gives more detail about some of the excitement that could accompany elections. There wasn’t much in the rotten boroughs or the ones owned by a big landlord but there were some where the contestants spent thousands of pounds and did all sorts of things to garner the votes. I am not sure I didn’t read about some one using a fife and drum to raise interest. Of course there is also the early report of the Duchess of Devonshire and some friends going out and kissing voters for a vote for their candidate. Did you look particularly for contested elections? I like the background history to be correct as well as the marriage and peerage laws.
Our own election process is a circus. The best man doesn’t always win.
Some of the elections in the UK of the day did include brawls. Some did include the equivalent of a brass band with the candidates offering free beer. There is a section about contested elections that gives more detail about some of the excitement that could accompany elections. There wasn’t much in the rotten boroughs or the ones owned by a big landlord but there were some where the contestants spent thousands of pounds and did all sorts of things to garner the votes. I am not sure I didn’t read about some one using a fife and drum to raise interest. Of course there is also the early report of the Duchess of Devonshire and some friends going out and kissing voters for a vote for their candidate. Did you look particularly for contested elections? I like the background history to be correct as well as the marriage and peerage laws.
Our own election process is a circus. The best man doesn’t always win.
To Patricia Rice
I mentioned your 1830 topic to my husband (right now, whilst we’re shopping for Easter stuff!).
He suggested, if you haven’t already, reading about Captain Swing, he’s a historical figure. Also the book entitled ‘The Rugged Trousered Philanthropist’ and articles on Trade Unions. I’m typing as he speaks, apologies for my errors. (My husband did English lit, American studies and Philosophy in Uni and he loves History).
To Patricia Rice
I mentioned your 1830 topic to my husband (right now, whilst we’re shopping for Easter stuff!).
He suggested, if you haven’t already, reading about Captain Swing, he’s a historical figure. Also the book entitled ‘The Rugged Trousered Philanthropist’ and articles on Trade Unions. I’m typing as he speaks, apologies for my errors. (My husband did English lit, American studies and Philosophy in Uni and he loves History).
To Patricia Rice
I mentioned your 1830 topic to my husband (right now, whilst we’re shopping for Easter stuff!).
He suggested, if you haven’t already, reading about Captain Swing, he’s a historical figure. Also the book entitled ‘The Rugged Trousered Philanthropist’ and articles on Trade Unions. I’m typing as he speaks, apologies for my errors. (My husband did English lit, American studies and Philosophy in Uni and he loves History).
To Patricia Rice
I mentioned your 1830 topic to my husband (right now, whilst we’re shopping for Easter stuff!).
He suggested, if you haven’t already, reading about Captain Swing, he’s a historical figure. Also the book entitled ‘The Rugged Trousered Philanthropist’ and articles on Trade Unions. I’m typing as he speaks, apologies for my errors. (My husband did English lit, American studies and Philosophy in Uni and he loves History).
To Patricia Rice
I mentioned your 1830 topic to my husband (right now, whilst we’re shopping for Easter stuff!).
He suggested, if you haven’t already, reading about Captain Swing, he’s a historical figure. Also the book entitled ‘The Rugged Trousered Philanthropist’ and articles on Trade Unions. I’m typing as he speaks, apologies for my errors. (My husband did English lit, American studies and Philosophy in Uni and he loves History).
Love you, Sue, you’ve made me smile this morning! I’d love to see honesty and justice in our legal system, but I think we’d need to develop robots and computers to carry it out. People are too human. So I take my need for rationality into my books… and give it psychic powers. Okay, so maybe I’m not rational either!
Love you, Sue, you’ve made me smile this morning! I’d love to see honesty and justice in our legal system, but I think we’d need to develop robots and computers to carry it out. People are too human. So I take my need for rationality into my books… and give it psychic powers. Okay, so maybe I’m not rational either!
Love you, Sue, you’ve made me smile this morning! I’d love to see honesty and justice in our legal system, but I think we’d need to develop robots and computers to carry it out. People are too human. So I take my need for rationality into my books… and give it psychic powers. Okay, so maybe I’m not rational either!
Love you, Sue, you’ve made me smile this morning! I’d love to see honesty and justice in our legal system, but I think we’d need to develop robots and computers to carry it out. People are too human. So I take my need for rationality into my books… and give it psychic powers. Okay, so maybe I’m not rational either!
Love you, Sue, you’ve made me smile this morning! I’d love to see honesty and justice in our legal system, but I think we’d need to develop robots and computers to carry it out. People are too human. So I take my need for rationality into my books… and give it psychic powers. Okay, so maybe I’m not rational either!
Thank you! We’ll form a small, hard-core club of traditionalists and hope everyone else joins in. History is important!
Thank you! We’ll form a small, hard-core club of traditionalists and hope everyone else joins in. History is important!
Thank you! We’ll form a small, hard-core club of traditionalists and hope everyone else joins in. History is important!
Thank you! We’ll form a small, hard-core club of traditionalists and hope everyone else joins in. History is important!
Thank you! We’ll form a small, hard-core club of traditionalists and hope everyone else joins in. History is important!
Oh, I totally understand the initial election process could be as colorful and as full of insults and mudslinging–almost–as a US election. And the one that summer of 1830 was a doozie (and yes, that word is anachronistic to the time ) since the Catholics were allowed to vote. But I wrote myself into a corner by thinking the representatives elected had a chance to vote for the Prime Minister. I didn’t research far enough ahead. I wrote two stories that had almost no relation to the elections that summer because I was establishing the families and blinding my marquess and other tortures in preparation for the November session, which I thought would be more exciting. Stupid me.
Oh, I totally understand the initial election process could be as colorful and as full of insults and mudslinging–almost–as a US election. And the one that summer of 1830 was a doozie (and yes, that word is anachronistic to the time ) since the Catholics were allowed to vote. But I wrote myself into a corner by thinking the representatives elected had a chance to vote for the Prime Minister. I didn’t research far enough ahead. I wrote two stories that had almost no relation to the elections that summer because I was establishing the families and blinding my marquess and other tortures in preparation for the November session, which I thought would be more exciting. Stupid me.
Oh, I totally understand the initial election process could be as colorful and as full of insults and mudslinging–almost–as a US election. And the one that summer of 1830 was a doozie (and yes, that word is anachronistic to the time ) since the Catholics were allowed to vote. But I wrote myself into a corner by thinking the representatives elected had a chance to vote for the Prime Minister. I didn’t research far enough ahead. I wrote two stories that had almost no relation to the elections that summer because I was establishing the families and blinding my marquess and other tortures in preparation for the November session, which I thought would be more exciting. Stupid me.
Oh, I totally understand the initial election process could be as colorful and as full of insults and mudslinging–almost–as a US election. And the one that summer of 1830 was a doozie (and yes, that word is anachronistic to the time ) since the Catholics were allowed to vote. But I wrote myself into a corner by thinking the representatives elected had a chance to vote for the Prime Minister. I didn’t research far enough ahead. I wrote two stories that had almost no relation to the elections that summer because I was establishing the families and blinding my marquess and other tortures in preparation for the November session, which I thought would be more exciting. Stupid me.
Oh, I totally understand the initial election process could be as colorful and as full of insults and mudslinging–almost–as a US election. And the one that summer of 1830 was a doozie (and yes, that word is anachronistic to the time ) since the Catholics were allowed to vote. But I wrote myself into a corner by thinking the representatives elected had a chance to vote for the Prime Minister. I didn’t research far enough ahead. I wrote two stories that had almost no relation to the elections that summer because I was establishing the families and blinding my marquess and other tortures in preparation for the November session, which I thought would be more exciting. Stupid me.
Chloe, hug your husband! I used the Swing Riots in the first book, Magic in the Stars! Because this is romance about aristocrats, I can’t go into all the lovely details of the actual riots, only their effect. And I stupidly thought all these reformists would be marching the streets of London, demanding the ouster of the conservative government and fighting to put the reformists into place–the petitions against slavery literally poured into the Lords at this period. But once they sent their representatives to town, everyone went back to sleep.
Chloe, hug your husband! I used the Swing Riots in the first book, Magic in the Stars! Because this is romance about aristocrats, I can’t go into all the lovely details of the actual riots, only their effect. And I stupidly thought all these reformists would be marching the streets of London, demanding the ouster of the conservative government and fighting to put the reformists into place–the petitions against slavery literally poured into the Lords at this period. But once they sent their representatives to town, everyone went back to sleep.
Chloe, hug your husband! I used the Swing Riots in the first book, Magic in the Stars! Because this is romance about aristocrats, I can’t go into all the lovely details of the actual riots, only their effect. And I stupidly thought all these reformists would be marching the streets of London, demanding the ouster of the conservative government and fighting to put the reformists into place–the petitions against slavery literally poured into the Lords at this period. But once they sent their representatives to town, everyone went back to sleep.
Chloe, hug your husband! I used the Swing Riots in the first book, Magic in the Stars! Because this is romance about aristocrats, I can’t go into all the lovely details of the actual riots, only their effect. And I stupidly thought all these reformists would be marching the streets of London, demanding the ouster of the conservative government and fighting to put the reformists into place–the petitions against slavery literally poured into the Lords at this period. But once they sent their representatives to town, everyone went back to sleep.
Chloe, hug your husband! I used the Swing Riots in the first book, Magic in the Stars! Because this is romance about aristocrats, I can’t go into all the lovely details of the actual riots, only their effect. And I stupidly thought all these reformists would be marching the streets of London, demanding the ouster of the conservative government and fighting to put the reformists into place–the petitions against slavery literally poured into the Lords at this period. But once they sent their representatives to town, everyone went back to sleep.
I remember one where the butler was lending the Countess romance novels! Boy, did that lead off my scathing Amazon review.
I remember one where the butler was lending the Countess romance novels! Boy, did that lead off my scathing Amazon review.
I remember one where the butler was lending the Countess romance novels! Boy, did that lead off my scathing Amazon review.
I remember one where the butler was lending the Countess romance novels! Boy, did that lead off my scathing Amazon review.
I remember one where the butler was lending the Countess romance novels! Boy, did that lead off my scathing Amazon review.
Patricia, this was fascinating, especially as I’ve just finished a Middlemarch book club session. Please keep us updated as you work through the political unexcitement problem.
Patricia, this was fascinating, especially as I’ve just finished a Middlemarch book club session. Please keep us updated as you work through the political unexcitement problem.
Patricia, this was fascinating, especially as I’ve just finished a Middlemarch book club session. Please keep us updated as you work through the political unexcitement problem.
Patricia, this was fascinating, especially as I’ve just finished a Middlemarch book club session. Please keep us updated as you work through the political unexcitement problem.
Patricia, this was fascinating, especially as I’ve just finished a Middlemarch book club session. Please keep us updated as you work through the political unexcitement problem.
Well, I’d designed my election for Parliament to elect the Prime Minister. Unfortunately, in 1830, the king appointed him! Hence, my great disappointment.
Well, I’d designed my election for Parliament to elect the Prime Minister. Unfortunately, in 1830, the king appointed him! Hence, my great disappointment.
Well, I’d designed my election for Parliament to elect the Prime Minister. Unfortunately, in 1830, the king appointed him! Hence, my great disappointment.
Well, I’d designed my election for Parliament to elect the Prime Minister. Unfortunately, in 1830, the king appointed him! Hence, my great disappointment.
Well, I’d designed my election for Parliament to elect the Prime Minister. Unfortunately, in 1830, the king appointed him! Hence, my great disappointment.
LOL, that was a fantasy novel, surely!
LOL, that was a fantasy novel, surely!
LOL, that was a fantasy novel, surely!
LOL, that was a fantasy novel, surely!
LOL, that was a fantasy novel, surely!
I agree completely Sonya. I’ve learned so much over the years from my reading. Having left school at a very early age I’m self educated and it’s all from the books I read. As you say, as soon as I read something interesting I’m off to check out more in that era.
We have elections here next weekend to choose a government. I’ve never seen such disinterest in a vote!!! Our country is in such a mess and one party is worse than the other at the moment.
I agree completely Sonya. I’ve learned so much over the years from my reading. Having left school at a very early age I’m self educated and it’s all from the books I read. As you say, as soon as I read something interesting I’m off to check out more in that era.
We have elections here next weekend to choose a government. I’ve never seen such disinterest in a vote!!! Our country is in such a mess and one party is worse than the other at the moment.
I agree completely Sonya. I’ve learned so much over the years from my reading. Having left school at a very early age I’m self educated and it’s all from the books I read. As you say, as soon as I read something interesting I’m off to check out more in that era.
We have elections here next weekend to choose a government. I’ve never seen such disinterest in a vote!!! Our country is in such a mess and one party is worse than the other at the moment.
I agree completely Sonya. I’ve learned so much over the years from my reading. Having left school at a very early age I’m self educated and it’s all from the books I read. As you say, as soon as I read something interesting I’m off to check out more in that era.
We have elections here next weekend to choose a government. I’ve never seen such disinterest in a vote!!! Our country is in such a mess and one party is worse than the other at the moment.
I agree completely Sonya. I’ve learned so much over the years from my reading. Having left school at a very early age I’m self educated and it’s all from the books I read. As you say, as soon as I read something interesting I’m off to check out more in that era.
We have elections here next weekend to choose a government. I’ve never seen such disinterest in a vote!!! Our country is in such a mess and one party is worse than the other at the moment.
Yes, for me historical accuracy is important. The main theme of the early 19th century political history in England is the development and refining of the unwritten rules governing the constitutional monarch – what they could and could not do. If I remember, George IV hated some of his ministers and interfered frequently. “Sailor Billy” was much more pragmatic? (The Royal Navy was the branch of the armed forces where promotion was based on merit as well as influence, following Samuel Pepys’ reforms). Victoria put the final rule in place by accepting “responsible government” (a Canadian invention).
Political decisions were cloaked in polite gestures, but the conflict between a monarch (and Tories) who ruled with little concern for the masses and an aristocracy (Whigs) who realized the dangers of class barriers and fought for a more equal democracy was very real – very much like the 1% vs the 99% today. Women were involved – I suspect that there is a direct line from the fight to abolish slavery and to increase the numbers eligible to vote and the suffragettes of the later part of that century.
Yes, for me historical accuracy is important. The main theme of the early 19th century political history in England is the development and refining of the unwritten rules governing the constitutional monarch – what they could and could not do. If I remember, George IV hated some of his ministers and interfered frequently. “Sailor Billy” was much more pragmatic? (The Royal Navy was the branch of the armed forces where promotion was based on merit as well as influence, following Samuel Pepys’ reforms). Victoria put the final rule in place by accepting “responsible government” (a Canadian invention).
Political decisions were cloaked in polite gestures, but the conflict between a monarch (and Tories) who ruled with little concern for the masses and an aristocracy (Whigs) who realized the dangers of class barriers and fought for a more equal democracy was very real – very much like the 1% vs the 99% today. Women were involved – I suspect that there is a direct line from the fight to abolish slavery and to increase the numbers eligible to vote and the suffragettes of the later part of that century.
Yes, for me historical accuracy is important. The main theme of the early 19th century political history in England is the development and refining of the unwritten rules governing the constitutional monarch – what they could and could not do. If I remember, George IV hated some of his ministers and interfered frequently. “Sailor Billy” was much more pragmatic? (The Royal Navy was the branch of the armed forces where promotion was based on merit as well as influence, following Samuel Pepys’ reforms). Victoria put the final rule in place by accepting “responsible government” (a Canadian invention).
Political decisions were cloaked in polite gestures, but the conflict between a monarch (and Tories) who ruled with little concern for the masses and an aristocracy (Whigs) who realized the dangers of class barriers and fought for a more equal democracy was very real – very much like the 1% vs the 99% today. Women were involved – I suspect that there is a direct line from the fight to abolish slavery and to increase the numbers eligible to vote and the suffragettes of the later part of that century.
Yes, for me historical accuracy is important. The main theme of the early 19th century political history in England is the development and refining of the unwritten rules governing the constitutional monarch – what they could and could not do. If I remember, George IV hated some of his ministers and interfered frequently. “Sailor Billy” was much more pragmatic? (The Royal Navy was the branch of the armed forces where promotion was based on merit as well as influence, following Samuel Pepys’ reforms). Victoria put the final rule in place by accepting “responsible government” (a Canadian invention).
Political decisions were cloaked in polite gestures, but the conflict between a monarch (and Tories) who ruled with little concern for the masses and an aristocracy (Whigs) who realized the dangers of class barriers and fought for a more equal democracy was very real – very much like the 1% vs the 99% today. Women were involved – I suspect that there is a direct line from the fight to abolish slavery and to increase the numbers eligible to vote and the suffragettes of the later part of that century.
Yes, for me historical accuracy is important. The main theme of the early 19th century political history in England is the development and refining of the unwritten rules governing the constitutional monarch – what they could and could not do. If I remember, George IV hated some of his ministers and interfered frequently. “Sailor Billy” was much more pragmatic? (The Royal Navy was the branch of the armed forces where promotion was based on merit as well as influence, following Samuel Pepys’ reforms). Victoria put the final rule in place by accepting “responsible government” (a Canadian invention).
Political decisions were cloaked in polite gestures, but the conflict between a monarch (and Tories) who ruled with little concern for the masses and an aristocracy (Whigs) who realized the dangers of class barriers and fought for a more equal democracy was very real – very much like the 1% vs the 99% today. Women were involved – I suspect that there is a direct line from the fight to abolish slavery and to increase the numbers eligible to vote and the suffragettes of the later part of that century.
and from as far as my research has taken me, you are right on the mark. The fight for votes for the common man came first, which probably instigated the suffragettes later. Haven’t gone that far yet!
and from as far as my research has taken me, you are right on the mark. The fight for votes for the common man came first, which probably instigated the suffragettes later. Haven’t gone that far yet!
and from as far as my research has taken me, you are right on the mark. The fight for votes for the common man came first, which probably instigated the suffragettes later. Haven’t gone that far yet!
and from as far as my research has taken me, you are right on the mark. The fight for votes for the common man came first, which probably instigated the suffragettes later. Haven’t gone that far yet!
and from as far as my research has taken me, you are right on the mark. The fight for votes for the common man came first, which probably instigated the suffragettes later. Haven’t gone that far yet!
I love the links, even in paper books. Thank you for making the effort to include them!
Also pardon the right/write error. Clearly not enough tea consumed before trying to communicate.
I love the links, even in paper books. Thank you for making the effort to include them!
Also pardon the right/write error. Clearly not enough tea consumed before trying to communicate.
I love the links, even in paper books. Thank you for making the effort to include them!
Also pardon the right/write error. Clearly not enough tea consumed before trying to communicate.
I love the links, even in paper books. Thank you for making the effort to include them!
Also pardon the right/write error. Clearly not enough tea consumed before trying to communicate.
I love the links, even in paper books. Thank you for making the effort to include them!
Also pardon the right/write error. Clearly not enough tea consumed before trying to communicate.