Andrea/Cara here, As most of our readers know, I'm a big fan of historical mysteries, and the Regency-set series by Tracy Grant featuring Malcolm and Suzanne Rannoch is one of my favorites. So I'm delighted to welcome Tracy back to the Word Wenches to tell us a little about her love of history and how she weaves it into her intricate plots. Like the Wenches, Tracy loves research and is an expert on the people and places that makes the Regency such a fascinating era. From the cloak and dagger spy intrigues of the Napoleonic Wars to the details of Mayfair's elegant ballroom, she paints a vivid picture of a time of upheaval and fundamental change, and how individuals react to those challenges. So, please join me in welcoming Tracy as I hand the proverbial pen to her!
Writing about real historical figures in a way that is historically accurate and yet also brings them to life as vibrant individuals is one of the things I find most challenging as an historical novelist. I find it particularly challenging with very well known figures about whom readers may have a lot of assumptions and whom many other novelists have dramatized. Talleyrand, Metternich, and Josephine Bonaparte come to mind among those I’ve written about. But perhaps none more so than Arthur Wellesley, Duke of Wellington.
Wellington is an iconic figure in the Regency era. Even people who know little about the time period recognize his name. Integrating this icon into the world of my fictional intelligence agents Malcolm and Suzanne Rannoch seemed daunting at first. To step from reading his letters, looking at pictures, reading books about him to actually putting words in his mouth was an intimidating leap. In the end I had to draw a breath, take the plunge, and let him live and breathe on the page along with my fictional characters. In fact, from the moment in my Waterloo novel, Imperial Scandal, where Wellington informs Malcolm that an indiscreet letter to a British officer’s wife who has just died a mysterious death was written by the Prince of Orange, I found the duke quite easy to write. At least my version of the Duke of Wellington, which I hope bears some relationship to the many-faceted reality. Wellington was a complex man, and he has a complex relationship with Malcolm, a diplomat and spy who is often pressed into the service of military intelligence. Malcolm is a negotiator and a progressive reformer. Wellington is a soldier with a conservative bent. They differ on many issues, from Catholic Emancipation to the best course for post-Waterloo Europe. Yet Malcolm has a great deal of respect for Wellington and Wellington, though he is anything but effusive with praise, has respect for Malcolm. Which doesn’t mean Malcolm entirely trusts Wellington when the duke becomes entangled in (fictional) murder investigations both at the time of Waterloo and later in Paris (in The Paris Affair).
My new release, London Gambit, takes place in June 1818, three years after Waterloo. The story begins with Malcolm called to a shipping warehouse where a friend’s runaway nephew has stumbled across a dead body. On the same night, Suzanne is called away from a Mayfair entertainment to tend to an injured man who has slipped out of Paris one step ahead of Royalist pursuit. In fever-wracked delirium, the man warns her of a plot to rescue Napoleon from St. Helena. A plan that could upend Suzanne’s world, for she was once a Bonapartist agent herself.
As I developed these two plot strands, which intertwine in unexpected ways, I found echoes of Waterloo reverberating through the story. For Malcolm and Suzanne; for their friends, Bow Street Runner Jeremy Roth and former intelligence agent Harry Davenport , who both fought at Waterloo; for Harry's wife Cordelia who nursed the wounded along with Suzanne; for Raoul O’Roarke who is Suzanne’s former spymaster and Malcolm’s father (yes, their lives are complicated) who fought on the French side; for Malcolm’s spymaster Lord Carfax, who still fears Bonapartist plots; for the murdered warehouse thief, himself a veteran of the battle. From the first, I knew I wanted Wellington to be part of the book for a host of character and thematic reasons. But in 1818, Wellington was still British ambassador to France and based in Paris. I always struggle with how far I can go having historical figures involved in fictional events. I try to stick to having real historical characters only do things they might have done. But Wellington certainly visited England while he was ambassador to Paris, so I decided fairly early on I could have him present in the book.
More challenging was the fact that I found myself wanting more and more to have the denouement revolve round the Waterloo anniversary. And what I really wanted was to set it at one of the banquets Wellington did in fact give for veterans on the battle’s anniversary at his London residence, Apsley House. But though Welllington bought Apsley House from his elder brother Richard in 1817 (to help Richard out of financial difficulties) he probably didn’t give his first banquet for Waterloo veterans at Apsley House until 1820, and the first of his banquets took place in a dining room that could only seat 35, so the guests were limited to senior officers.
After the Waterloo Gallery was completed in 1830, up to 85 guests could attend, including guests who had not been present at the battle, but the guest list was limited to men. There’s a painting of the banquet in 1836 by William Salter (capturing the moment when Wellington proposed a toast to the sovereign, after which the band played the national anthem) that shows some ladies standing by the door, including Wellington’s niece, Emily Harriet, who was married to Fitzroy Somerset, his military secretary at Waterloo (also a character in London Gambit), and a “Miss Somerset” who may be their daughter who was a baby at the time of Waterloo, born in Brussels in the weeks before the battle. Perhaps they had been dining separately in the house and joined the gentlemen for the toast.
After some debate, I decided Wellington could have come to London on the third anniversary of Waterloo and given a dinner at Apsley House. And since the dinner would be fictional, I could have the guest list include women and other characters I needed present. I dithered some more but in the end I centered the denouement around this fictional dinner with an historical note explaining the liberties I’d taken. Wellington acquired several additional scenes in the book during the revisions. Once again, Malcolm respects the duke (and in fact has a great deal of affection for him, more perhaps than he’d admit to) but isn’t entirely sure he trusts him. Now, as I plan the next book in the series, I’m wondering how the duke’s path may next intertwine with that of Malcolm and Suzanne.
Do you have a favorite novel featuring Wellington? How far do you think writers should go in fictionalizing history? Writers, how do you approach these issues? And what real historical characters do you find particularly challenging to bring to life on paper? I'll be giving away an e-book copy of London Gambit to one winner, chosen at random from those who leave comments here between now and Thursday evening.
I love it when real people turn up in fiction, as long as they bear at least a plausible resemblance to the historical figure. Of course, the really good ones, like Robert Graves’ I Claudius, capture the imagination so completely that reality had better conform to fiction if it wants to be believed.
So far I’ve only used people who are real but more or less unknown. The British Consul in Rome, in my first book, has the right name, but I couldn’t find out much about him so I more or less made him up out of whole cloth.
In the book I’ve just started working on, I am planning on using Nelson and Lady Hamilton when they were in England so I’m busily reading biographies.
One of the things I always wonder about is how much knowledge I can assume on the part of readers. I tend to assume that if I know something, everybody knows it, but sometimes I get blank stares from people.
I love it when real people turn up in fiction, as long as they bear at least a plausible resemblance to the historical figure. Of course, the really good ones, like Robert Graves’ I Claudius, capture the imagination so completely that reality had better conform to fiction if it wants to be believed.
So far I’ve only used people who are real but more or less unknown. The British Consul in Rome, in my first book, has the right name, but I couldn’t find out much about him so I more or less made him up out of whole cloth.
In the book I’ve just started working on, I am planning on using Nelson and Lady Hamilton when they were in England so I’m busily reading biographies.
One of the things I always wonder about is how much knowledge I can assume on the part of readers. I tend to assume that if I know something, everybody knows it, but sometimes I get blank stares from people.
I love it when real people turn up in fiction, as long as they bear at least a plausible resemblance to the historical figure. Of course, the really good ones, like Robert Graves’ I Claudius, capture the imagination so completely that reality had better conform to fiction if it wants to be believed.
So far I’ve only used people who are real but more or less unknown. The British Consul in Rome, in my first book, has the right name, but I couldn’t find out much about him so I more or less made him up out of whole cloth.
In the book I’ve just started working on, I am planning on using Nelson and Lady Hamilton when they were in England so I’m busily reading biographies.
One of the things I always wonder about is how much knowledge I can assume on the part of readers. I tend to assume that if I know something, everybody knows it, but sometimes I get blank stares from people.
I love it when real people turn up in fiction, as long as they bear at least a plausible resemblance to the historical figure. Of course, the really good ones, like Robert Graves’ I Claudius, capture the imagination so completely that reality had better conform to fiction if it wants to be believed.
So far I’ve only used people who are real but more or less unknown. The British Consul in Rome, in my first book, has the right name, but I couldn’t find out much about him so I more or less made him up out of whole cloth.
In the book I’ve just started working on, I am planning on using Nelson and Lady Hamilton when they were in England so I’m busily reading biographies.
One of the things I always wonder about is how much knowledge I can assume on the part of readers. I tend to assume that if I know something, everybody knows it, but sometimes I get blank stares from people.
I love it when real people turn up in fiction, as long as they bear at least a plausible resemblance to the historical figure. Of course, the really good ones, like Robert Graves’ I Claudius, capture the imagination so completely that reality had better conform to fiction if it wants to be believed.
So far I’ve only used people who are real but more or less unknown. The British Consul in Rome, in my first book, has the right name, but I couldn’t find out much about him so I more or less made him up out of whole cloth.
In the book I’ve just started working on, I am planning on using Nelson and Lady Hamilton when they were in England so I’m busily reading biographies.
One of the things I always wonder about is how much knowledge I can assume on the part of readers. I tend to assume that if I know something, everybody knows it, but sometimes I get blank stares from people.
I love I, Claudius, Lillian! I find writing lesser known people a bit less daunting but it’s own sort of challenge because as you say there tends to be little information to work with. Already excited for your book with Nelson and Lady Hamilton! It is hard to know how much one can assume readers know. I tend to assume I have to explain the same things about my real historical characters as I would if they were fictional characters. But I do, for instance, assume people know who Napoleon is…
I love I, Claudius, Lillian! I find writing lesser known people a bit less daunting but it’s own sort of challenge because as you say there tends to be little information to work with. Already excited for your book with Nelson and Lady Hamilton! It is hard to know how much one can assume readers know. I tend to assume I have to explain the same things about my real historical characters as I would if they were fictional characters. But I do, for instance, assume people know who Napoleon is…
I love I, Claudius, Lillian! I find writing lesser known people a bit less daunting but it’s own sort of challenge because as you say there tends to be little information to work with. Already excited for your book with Nelson and Lady Hamilton! It is hard to know how much one can assume readers know. I tend to assume I have to explain the same things about my real historical characters as I would if they were fictional characters. But I do, for instance, assume people know who Napoleon is…
I love I, Claudius, Lillian! I find writing lesser known people a bit less daunting but it’s own sort of challenge because as you say there tends to be little information to work with. Already excited for your book with Nelson and Lady Hamilton! It is hard to know how much one can assume readers know. I tend to assume I have to explain the same things about my real historical characters as I would if they were fictional characters. But I do, for instance, assume people know who Napoleon is…
I love I, Claudius, Lillian! I find writing lesser known people a bit less daunting but it’s own sort of challenge because as you say there tends to be little information to work with. Already excited for your book with Nelson and Lady Hamilton! It is hard to know how much one can assume readers know. I tend to assume I have to explain the same things about my real historical characters as I would if they were fictional characters. But I do, for instance, assume people know who Napoleon is…
Really interesting post! Through your series I’ve become very interested in Wellington and some of his staff. And also very interested in Talleyrand and Metternich. You have brought them to life for me in a way other books hadn’t. Please don’t enter me into the drawing for London Gambit as I already have it and absolutely loved it!
Really interesting post! Through your series I’ve become very interested in Wellington and some of his staff. And also very interested in Talleyrand and Metternich. You have brought them to life for me in a way other books hadn’t. Please don’t enter me into the drawing for London Gambit as I already have it and absolutely loved it!
Really interesting post! Through your series I’ve become very interested in Wellington and some of his staff. And also very interested in Talleyrand and Metternich. You have brought them to life for me in a way other books hadn’t. Please don’t enter me into the drawing for London Gambit as I already have it and absolutely loved it!
Really interesting post! Through your series I’ve become very interested in Wellington and some of his staff. And also very interested in Talleyrand and Metternich. You have brought them to life for me in a way other books hadn’t. Please don’t enter me into the drawing for London Gambit as I already have it and absolutely loved it!
Really interesting post! Through your series I’ve become very interested in Wellington and some of his staff. And also very interested in Talleyrand and Metternich. You have brought them to life for me in a way other books hadn’t. Please don’t enter me into the drawing for London Gambit as I already have it and absolutely loved it!
A really good question, Lillian. I’m the same way, but I’ve learned it’s better to give a basic background of the real people even if you think it’s obvious. Not everyone is a history nerd like all of us! But then, of course, there’s a fine line between doing an info dump and having the facts come out naturally. Writing is always a challenge!
A really good question, Lillian. I’m the same way, but I’ve learned it’s better to give a basic background of the real people even if you think it’s obvious. Not everyone is a history nerd like all of us! But then, of course, there’s a fine line between doing an info dump and having the facts come out naturally. Writing is always a challenge!
A really good question, Lillian. I’m the same way, but I’ve learned it’s better to give a basic background of the real people even if you think it’s obvious. Not everyone is a history nerd like all of us! But then, of course, there’s a fine line between doing an info dump and having the facts come out naturally. Writing is always a challenge!
A really good question, Lillian. I’m the same way, but I’ve learned it’s better to give a basic background of the real people even if you think it’s obvious. Not everyone is a history nerd like all of us! But then, of course, there’s a fine line between doing an info dump and having the facts come out naturally. Writing is always a challenge!
A really good question, Lillian. I’m the same way, but I’ve learned it’s better to give a basic background of the real people even if you think it’s obvious. Not everyone is a history nerd like all of us! But then, of course, there’s a fine line between doing an info dump and having the facts come out naturally. Writing is always a challenge!
Talleyrand and Metternich are fascinating people. Through research I did on the Congress of Vienna, I found so many fascinating real-life people that make perfect secondary characters in historical fiction. Tsar Alexander is another one.
And yes—Tracy does a marvelous job of bringing the people and the era to life, doesn’t she!
Talleyrand and Metternich are fascinating people. Through research I did on the Congress of Vienna, I found so many fascinating real-life people that make perfect secondary characters in historical fiction. Tsar Alexander is another one.
And yes—Tracy does a marvelous job of bringing the people and the era to life, doesn’t she!
Talleyrand and Metternich are fascinating people. Through research I did on the Congress of Vienna, I found so many fascinating real-life people that make perfect secondary characters in historical fiction. Tsar Alexander is another one.
And yes—Tracy does a marvelous job of bringing the people and the era to life, doesn’t she!
Talleyrand and Metternich are fascinating people. Through research I did on the Congress of Vienna, I found so many fascinating real-life people that make perfect secondary characters in historical fiction. Tsar Alexander is another one.
And yes—Tracy does a marvelous job of bringing the people and the era to life, doesn’t she!
Talleyrand and Metternich are fascinating people. Through research I did on the Congress of Vienna, I found so many fascinating real-life people that make perfect secondary characters in historical fiction. Tsar Alexander is another one.
And yes—Tracy does a marvelous job of bringing the people and the era to life, doesn’t she!
Thanks, Kate! I particularly love writing Wellongton’s staff, especially Fitzroy Somerset who is also in London Gambit.
Thanks, Kate! I particularly love writing Wellongton’s staff, especially Fitzroy Somerset who is also in London Gambit.
Thanks, Kate! I particularly love writing Wellongton’s staff, especially Fitzroy Somerset who is also in London Gambit.
Thanks, Kate! I particularly love writing Wellongton’s staff, especially Fitzroy Somerset who is also in London Gambit.
Thanks, Kate! I particularly love writing Wellongton’s staff, especially Fitzroy Somerset who is also in London Gambit.
Talleyrand is another character who intimidated me but was surprisingly easy to write when I got started. A reader recently said I made her fall a bit for Metternich, which was very cool!
Talleyrand is another character who intimidated me but was surprisingly easy to write when I got started. A reader recently said I made her fall a bit for Metternich, which was very cool!
Talleyrand is another character who intimidated me but was surprisingly easy to write when I got started. A reader recently said I made her fall a bit for Metternich, which was very cool!
Talleyrand is another character who intimidated me but was surprisingly easy to write when I got started. A reader recently said I made her fall a bit for Metternich, which was very cool!
Talleyrand is another character who intimidated me but was surprisingly easy to write when I got started. A reader recently said I made her fall a bit for Metternich, which was very cool!
I enjoy how you weave your fictional characters around real people and real events. I really enjoyed Imperial Scandal and how you used Lady Richmond’s ball to show the emotions of the characters against the real events. It was your book that had me looking up Fouche and how he had so much power both during and after the terrors and how he seemed to always land on his feet.
I enjoy how you weave your fictional characters around real people and real events. I really enjoyed Imperial Scandal and how you used Lady Richmond’s ball to show the emotions of the characters against the real events. It was your book that had me looking up Fouche and how he had so much power both during and after the terrors and how he seemed to always land on his feet.
I enjoy how you weave your fictional characters around real people and real events. I really enjoyed Imperial Scandal and how you used Lady Richmond’s ball to show the emotions of the characters against the real events. It was your book that had me looking up Fouche and how he had so much power both during and after the terrors and how he seemed to always land on his feet.
I enjoy how you weave your fictional characters around real people and real events. I really enjoyed Imperial Scandal and how you used Lady Richmond’s ball to show the emotions of the characters against the real events. It was your book that had me looking up Fouche and how he had so much power both during and after the terrors and how he seemed to always land on his feet.
I enjoy how you weave your fictional characters around real people and real events. I really enjoyed Imperial Scandal and how you used Lady Richmond’s ball to show the emotions of the characters against the real events. It was your book that had me looking up Fouche and how he had so much power both during and after the terrors and how he seemed to always land on his feet.
From your series, Fitzroy Somerset is my favorite of Wellington’s staff. I also enjoyed your portrayal of Sir Charles Stuart. I’d like to learn more about Sir Colquhoun Grant. I know he’s in Imperial Scandal and mentioned in London Gambit. I haven’t been able to find much on him searching the internet.
From your series, Fitzroy Somerset is my favorite of Wellington’s staff. I also enjoyed your portrayal of Sir Charles Stuart. I’d like to learn more about Sir Colquhoun Grant. I know he’s in Imperial Scandal and mentioned in London Gambit. I haven’t been able to find much on him searching the internet.
From your series, Fitzroy Somerset is my favorite of Wellington’s staff. I also enjoyed your portrayal of Sir Charles Stuart. I’d like to learn more about Sir Colquhoun Grant. I know he’s in Imperial Scandal and mentioned in London Gambit. I haven’t been able to find much on him searching the internet.
From your series, Fitzroy Somerset is my favorite of Wellington’s staff. I also enjoyed your portrayal of Sir Charles Stuart. I’d like to learn more about Sir Colquhoun Grant. I know he’s in Imperial Scandal and mentioned in London Gambit. I haven’t been able to find much on him searching the internet.
From your series, Fitzroy Somerset is my favorite of Wellington’s staff. I also enjoyed your portrayal of Sir Charles Stuart. I’d like to learn more about Sir Colquhoun Grant. I know he’s in Imperial Scandal and mentioned in London Gambit. I haven’t been able to find much on him searching the internet.
I haven’t read any of Tracy’s books. I DO like the idea of mixing the real with the fictional, showing the characteristics of both, when it is well done. But in general, I prefer to focus on the fictional characters. This is PURELY a personal preference, though. I will read any well-written book, but I am more likely to visit those that keep real life mainly in the background.
I haven’t read any of Tracy’s books. I DO like the idea of mixing the real with the fictional, showing the characteristics of both, when it is well done. But in general, I prefer to focus on the fictional characters. This is PURELY a personal preference, though. I will read any well-written book, but I am more likely to visit those that keep real life mainly in the background.
I haven’t read any of Tracy’s books. I DO like the idea of mixing the real with the fictional, showing the characteristics of both, when it is well done. But in general, I prefer to focus on the fictional characters. This is PURELY a personal preference, though. I will read any well-written book, but I am more likely to visit those that keep real life mainly in the background.
I haven’t read any of Tracy’s books. I DO like the idea of mixing the real with the fictional, showing the characteristics of both, when it is well done. But in general, I prefer to focus on the fictional characters. This is PURELY a personal preference, though. I will read any well-written book, but I am more likely to visit those that keep real life mainly in the background.
I haven’t read any of Tracy’s books. I DO like the idea of mixing the real with the fictional, showing the characteristics of both, when it is well done. But in general, I prefer to focus on the fictional characters. This is PURELY a personal preference, though. I will read any well-written book, but I am more likely to visit those that keep real life mainly in the background.
I enjoyed the representation of Wellington in the Temeraire series by Naomi Novik in which she incorporates dragons fighting Napolean’s forces who also have a military force of dragons on their side.
The descriptions of the fighting and the funny, touching and sometimes heartbreaking situations and dialogue from the talking dragons shows Novik to be a great storyteller. Her fiction fits in extremely well with the real battles that she connects to it. She follows the Napoleonic invasions as they happened in history with this extra military force of sensational and deadly dragon maneuvering.
I like the clarity of historic events presented by an author with the fictional story overlaying it. To recognize historic events clearly delineated within the novel is great fun.
I enjoyed the representation of Wellington in the Temeraire series by Naomi Novik in which she incorporates dragons fighting Napolean’s forces who also have a military force of dragons on their side.
The descriptions of the fighting and the funny, touching and sometimes heartbreaking situations and dialogue from the talking dragons shows Novik to be a great storyteller. Her fiction fits in extremely well with the real battles that she connects to it. She follows the Napoleonic invasions as they happened in history with this extra military force of sensational and deadly dragon maneuvering.
I like the clarity of historic events presented by an author with the fictional story overlaying it. To recognize historic events clearly delineated within the novel is great fun.
I enjoyed the representation of Wellington in the Temeraire series by Naomi Novik in which she incorporates dragons fighting Napolean’s forces who also have a military force of dragons on their side.
The descriptions of the fighting and the funny, touching and sometimes heartbreaking situations and dialogue from the talking dragons shows Novik to be a great storyteller. Her fiction fits in extremely well with the real battles that she connects to it. She follows the Napoleonic invasions as they happened in history with this extra military force of sensational and deadly dragon maneuvering.
I like the clarity of historic events presented by an author with the fictional story overlaying it. To recognize historic events clearly delineated within the novel is great fun.
I enjoyed the representation of Wellington in the Temeraire series by Naomi Novik in which she incorporates dragons fighting Napolean’s forces who also have a military force of dragons on their side.
The descriptions of the fighting and the funny, touching and sometimes heartbreaking situations and dialogue from the talking dragons shows Novik to be a great storyteller. Her fiction fits in extremely well with the real battles that she connects to it. She follows the Napoleonic invasions as they happened in history with this extra military force of sensational and deadly dragon maneuvering.
I like the clarity of historic events presented by an author with the fictional story overlaying it. To recognize historic events clearly delineated within the novel is great fun.
I enjoyed the representation of Wellington in the Temeraire series by Naomi Novik in which she incorporates dragons fighting Napolean’s forces who also have a military force of dragons on their side.
The descriptions of the fighting and the funny, touching and sometimes heartbreaking situations and dialogue from the talking dragons shows Novik to be a great storyteller. Her fiction fits in extremely well with the real battles that she connects to it. She follows the Napoleonic invasions as they happened in history with this extra military force of sensational and deadly dragon maneuvering.
I like the clarity of historic events presented by an author with the fictional story overlaying it. To recognize historic events clearly delineated within the novel is great fun.
VERY cool! Metternich really was quite a character. So complex, but also a little endearing in how he wore his heart on his sleeve.
VERY cool! Metternich really was quite a character. So complex, but also a little endearing in how he wore his heart on his sleeve.
VERY cool! Metternich really was quite a character. So complex, but also a little endearing in how he wore his heart on his sleeve.
VERY cool! Metternich really was quite a character. So complex, but also a little endearing in how he wore his heart on his sleeve.
VERY cool! Metternich really was quite a character. So complex, but also a little endearing in how he wore his heart on his sleeve.
Sue, you’re in for a treat! Tracy’s series really is wonderful. And the real life characters are done very well—they truly work within the story
Sue, you’re in for a treat! Tracy’s series really is wonderful. And the real life characters are done very well—they truly work within the story
Sue, you’re in for a treat! Tracy’s series really is wonderful. And the real life characters are done very well—they truly work within the story
Sue, you’re in for a treat! Tracy’s series really is wonderful. And the real life characters are done very well—they truly work within the story
Sue, you’re in for a treat! Tracy’s series really is wonderful. And the real life characters are done very well—they truly work within the story
I very much enjoyed the early books in the Temerarie series too, and thought Novak did a very good job at blending real history with her fantasy world.
I very much enjoyed the early books in the Temerarie series too, and thought Novak did a very good job at blending real history with her fantasy world.
I very much enjoyed the early books in the Temerarie series too, and thought Novak did a very good job at blending real history with her fantasy world.
I very much enjoyed the early books in the Temerarie series too, and thought Novak did a very good job at blending real history with her fantasy world.
I very much enjoyed the early books in the Temerarie series too, and thought Novak did a very good job at blending real history with her fantasy world.
He definitely had a romantic side, which got in his way at times, but does make him wonderfully human. Actually, Wellington, who comes across as far less of a romantic, still got in his own share of romantic entanglements…-
He definitely had a romantic side, which got in his way at times, but does make him wonderfully human. Actually, Wellington, who comes across as far less of a romantic, still got in his own share of romantic entanglements…-
He definitely had a romantic side, which got in his way at times, but does make him wonderfully human. Actually, Wellington, who comes across as far less of a romantic, still got in his own share of romantic entanglements…-
He definitely had a romantic side, which got in his way at times, but does make him wonderfully human. Actually, Wellington, who comes across as far less of a romantic, still got in his own share of romantic entanglements…-
He definitely had a romantic side, which got in his way at times, but does make him wonderfully human. Actually, Wellington, who comes across as far less of a romantic, still got in his own share of romantic entanglements…-
I really enjoy writing Sir Charles Stuart. I read enough about him through letters to feel I have a sense of him. Colquhoun Grant intrigues me as well, but I haven’t been able to find much about him either.
I really enjoy writing Sir Charles Stuart. I read enough about him through letters to feel I have a sense of him. Colquhoun Grant intrigues me as well, but I haven’t been able to find much about him either.
I really enjoy writing Sir Charles Stuart. I read enough about him through letters to feel I have a sense of him. Colquhoun Grant intrigues me as well, but I haven’t been able to find much about him either.
I really enjoy writing Sir Charles Stuart. I read enough about him through letters to feel I have a sense of him. Colquhoun Grant intrigues me as well, but I haven’t been able to find much about him either.
I really enjoy writing Sir Charles Stuart. I read enough about him through letters to feel I have a sense of him. Colquhoun Grant intrigues me as well, but I haven’t been able to find much about him either.
I loved writing the Duchess of Richmond’s ball, Kim (though as an iconic event it was also intimidating). Fouché’s ability to land on his feet was truly remarkable!
I loved writing the Duchess of Richmond’s ball, Kim (though as an iconic event it was also intimidating). Fouché’s ability to land on his feet was truly remarkable!
I loved writing the Duchess of Richmond’s ball, Kim (though as an iconic event it was also intimidating). Fouché’s ability to land on his feet was truly remarkable!
I loved writing the Duchess of Richmond’s ball, Kim (though as an iconic event it was also intimidating). Fouché’s ability to land on his feet was truly remarkable!
I loved writing the Duchess of Richmond’s ball, Kim (though as an iconic event it was also intimidating). Fouché’s ability to land on his feet was truly remarkable!
Thanks Cara/Andrea! Sue, I think it’s interesting how readers of historical fiction have different preferences about real people and events. Personally, while I really enjoy real historical characters and events, as a writer and in general as a reader, I prefer fictional central characters – I think in large part because they are more likely to have happy endings :-).
Thanks Cara/Andrea! Sue, I think it’s interesting how readers of historical fiction have different preferences about real people and events. Personally, while I really enjoy real historical characters and events, as a writer and in general as a reader, I prefer fictional central characters – I think in large part because they are more likely to have happy endings :-).
Thanks Cara/Andrea! Sue, I think it’s interesting how readers of historical fiction have different preferences about real people and events. Personally, while I really enjoy real historical characters and events, as a writer and in general as a reader, I prefer fictional central characters – I think in large part because they are more likely to have happy endings :-).
Thanks Cara/Andrea! Sue, I think it’s interesting how readers of historical fiction have different preferences about real people and events. Personally, while I really enjoy real historical characters and events, as a writer and in general as a reader, I prefer fictional central characters – I think in large part because they are more likely to have happy endings :-).
Thanks Cara/Andrea! Sue, I think it’s interesting how readers of historical fiction have different preferences about real people and events. Personally, while I really enjoy real historical characters and events, as a writer and in general as a reader, I prefer fictional central characters – I think in large part because they are more likely to have happy endings :-).
I confess I haven’t read the Tremaire books, though I keep hearing wonderful things about them. They sound fascinating – thanks for the recommendation, Patricia!
I confess I haven’t read the Tremaire books, though I keep hearing wonderful things about them. They sound fascinating – thanks for the recommendation, Patricia!
I confess I haven’t read the Tremaire books, though I keep hearing wonderful things about them. They sound fascinating – thanks for the recommendation, Patricia!
I confess I haven’t read the Tremaire books, though I keep hearing wonderful things about them. They sound fascinating – thanks for the recommendation, Patricia!
I confess I haven’t read the Tremaire books, though I keep hearing wonderful things about them. They sound fascinating – thanks for the recommendation, Patricia!
I definitely can see the difficulty in trying to explain the who, what, and significance of historical people and events without it being an info dump.
This is my assumption…if you are a “young” reader (meaning someone new to regencies), the chances of knowing the significance and meaning of the Duchess of Richmond’s ball before Waterloo would be minimal. (just as an example….)
I wouldn’t even assume that “young” readers would know who Napoleon was. In British History he was very important. In American History…not so much.
After all, as one post I read on another forum said, the American Revolution only got 2 paragraphs in an British History book used to teach history in Britain! To Americans….that is vitally important and gets chapters in history books! It is all a matter of perspective.
But I do totally agree….having “real” people act in character is vitally important to me in a historical romance. Unless of course you are doing an alternate reality or a steampunk kind of story.
I’ve never thought about how difficult to put words in Wellington’s mouth might be. Usually he is just a tiny bit player where he comes and stands looking at the injured officer, dancing with a lady, etc. It is easy to put a few words in his mouth and be “in character”. But to be in scene after scene. Much harder.
I enjoyed this post and what it got me to remembering and thinking about it…
I definitely can see the difficulty in trying to explain the who, what, and significance of historical people and events without it being an info dump.
This is my assumption…if you are a “young” reader (meaning someone new to regencies), the chances of knowing the significance and meaning of the Duchess of Richmond’s ball before Waterloo would be minimal. (just as an example….)
I wouldn’t even assume that “young” readers would know who Napoleon was. In British History he was very important. In American History…not so much.
After all, as one post I read on another forum said, the American Revolution only got 2 paragraphs in an British History book used to teach history in Britain! To Americans….that is vitally important and gets chapters in history books! It is all a matter of perspective.
But I do totally agree….having “real” people act in character is vitally important to me in a historical romance. Unless of course you are doing an alternate reality or a steampunk kind of story.
I’ve never thought about how difficult to put words in Wellington’s mouth might be. Usually he is just a tiny bit player where he comes and stands looking at the injured officer, dancing with a lady, etc. It is easy to put a few words in his mouth and be “in character”. But to be in scene after scene. Much harder.
I enjoyed this post and what it got me to remembering and thinking about it…
I definitely can see the difficulty in trying to explain the who, what, and significance of historical people and events without it being an info dump.
This is my assumption…if you are a “young” reader (meaning someone new to regencies), the chances of knowing the significance and meaning of the Duchess of Richmond’s ball before Waterloo would be minimal. (just as an example….)
I wouldn’t even assume that “young” readers would know who Napoleon was. In British History he was very important. In American History…not so much.
After all, as one post I read on another forum said, the American Revolution only got 2 paragraphs in an British History book used to teach history in Britain! To Americans….that is vitally important and gets chapters in history books! It is all a matter of perspective.
But I do totally agree….having “real” people act in character is vitally important to me in a historical romance. Unless of course you are doing an alternate reality or a steampunk kind of story.
I’ve never thought about how difficult to put words in Wellington’s mouth might be. Usually he is just a tiny bit player where he comes and stands looking at the injured officer, dancing with a lady, etc. It is easy to put a few words in his mouth and be “in character”. But to be in scene after scene. Much harder.
I enjoyed this post and what it got me to remembering and thinking about it…
I definitely can see the difficulty in trying to explain the who, what, and significance of historical people and events without it being an info dump.
This is my assumption…if you are a “young” reader (meaning someone new to regencies), the chances of knowing the significance and meaning of the Duchess of Richmond’s ball before Waterloo would be minimal. (just as an example….)
I wouldn’t even assume that “young” readers would know who Napoleon was. In British History he was very important. In American History…not so much.
After all, as one post I read on another forum said, the American Revolution only got 2 paragraphs in an British History book used to teach history in Britain! To Americans….that is vitally important and gets chapters in history books! It is all a matter of perspective.
But I do totally agree….having “real” people act in character is vitally important to me in a historical romance. Unless of course you are doing an alternate reality or a steampunk kind of story.
I’ve never thought about how difficult to put words in Wellington’s mouth might be. Usually he is just a tiny bit player where he comes and stands looking at the injured officer, dancing with a lady, etc. It is easy to put a few words in his mouth and be “in character”. But to be in scene after scene. Much harder.
I enjoyed this post and what it got me to remembering and thinking about it…
I definitely can see the difficulty in trying to explain the who, what, and significance of historical people and events without it being an info dump.
This is my assumption…if you are a “young” reader (meaning someone new to regencies), the chances of knowing the significance and meaning of the Duchess of Richmond’s ball before Waterloo would be minimal. (just as an example….)
I wouldn’t even assume that “young” readers would know who Napoleon was. In British History he was very important. In American History…not so much.
After all, as one post I read on another forum said, the American Revolution only got 2 paragraphs in an British History book used to teach history in Britain! To Americans….that is vitally important and gets chapters in history books! It is all a matter of perspective.
But I do totally agree….having “real” people act in character is vitally important to me in a historical romance. Unless of course you are doing an alternate reality or a steampunk kind of story.
I’ve never thought about how difficult to put words in Wellington’s mouth might be. Usually he is just a tiny bit player where he comes and stands looking at the injured officer, dancing with a lady, etc. It is easy to put a few words in his mouth and be “in character”. But to be in scene after scene. Much harder.
I enjoyed this post and what it got me to remembering and thinking about it…
I love the mix between historical fiction and real people in novels and have read many books like Katherine by Anya Seton and the Lanny Budd series by Upton Sinclair, etc.. However, I recently read a novel which changed the life story of its real main characters and I felt that was outside of the line between history and fiction. There is an obligation when you write about historical events to do your research and not just change history because it makes for an exciting ending. One reason I read historical fiction is because it makes me research the truth behind the characters; it introduces me to new places and times; it is fun to read. Regency romances are a fascinating look at the real people like the future George the Fourth, the Napoleonic wars, and even the American Revolution as seen by the British and the stories of love and romance.
I love the mix between historical fiction and real people in novels and have read many books like Katherine by Anya Seton and the Lanny Budd series by Upton Sinclair, etc.. However, I recently read a novel which changed the life story of its real main characters and I felt that was outside of the line between history and fiction. There is an obligation when you write about historical events to do your research and not just change history because it makes for an exciting ending. One reason I read historical fiction is because it makes me research the truth behind the characters; it introduces me to new places and times; it is fun to read. Regency romances are a fascinating look at the real people like the future George the Fourth, the Napoleonic wars, and even the American Revolution as seen by the British and the stories of love and romance.
I love the mix between historical fiction and real people in novels and have read many books like Katherine by Anya Seton and the Lanny Budd series by Upton Sinclair, etc.. However, I recently read a novel which changed the life story of its real main characters and I felt that was outside of the line between history and fiction. There is an obligation when you write about historical events to do your research and not just change history because it makes for an exciting ending. One reason I read historical fiction is because it makes me research the truth behind the characters; it introduces me to new places and times; it is fun to read. Regency romances are a fascinating look at the real people like the future George the Fourth, the Napoleonic wars, and even the American Revolution as seen by the British and the stories of love and romance.
I love the mix between historical fiction and real people in novels and have read many books like Katherine by Anya Seton and the Lanny Budd series by Upton Sinclair, etc.. However, I recently read a novel which changed the life story of its real main characters and I felt that was outside of the line between history and fiction. There is an obligation when you write about historical events to do your research and not just change history because it makes for an exciting ending. One reason I read historical fiction is because it makes me research the truth behind the characters; it introduces me to new places and times; it is fun to read. Regency romances are a fascinating look at the real people like the future George the Fourth, the Napoleonic wars, and even the American Revolution as seen by the British and the stories of love and romance.
I love the mix between historical fiction and real people in novels and have read many books like Katherine by Anya Seton and the Lanny Budd series by Upton Sinclair, etc.. However, I recently read a novel which changed the life story of its real main characters and I felt that was outside of the line between history and fiction. There is an obligation when you write about historical events to do your research and not just change history because it makes for an exciting ending. One reason I read historical fiction is because it makes me research the truth behind the characters; it introduces me to new places and times; it is fun to read. Regency romances are a fascinating look at the real people like the future George the Fourth, the Napoleonic wars, and even the American Revolution as seen by the British and the stories of love and romance.
What is really great about reading romance novels set in the Regency period for me is learning about historical events and the real people who made history. A lot of my friends don’t believe me when I tell them that I learned that (when in a conversation and they ask me how I knew that) by reading a Historical Romance Novel. They think the books are all just smut. I stopped getting offended a long time ago and learn something new every time a read a new Historical Romance.
What is really great about reading romance novels set in the Regency period for me is learning about historical events and the real people who made history. A lot of my friends don’t believe me when I tell them that I learned that (when in a conversation and they ask me how I knew that) by reading a Historical Romance Novel. They think the books are all just smut. I stopped getting offended a long time ago and learn something new every time a read a new Historical Romance.
What is really great about reading romance novels set in the Regency period for me is learning about historical events and the real people who made history. A lot of my friends don’t believe me when I tell them that I learned that (when in a conversation and they ask me how I knew that) by reading a Historical Romance Novel. They think the books are all just smut. I stopped getting offended a long time ago and learn something new every time a read a new Historical Romance.
What is really great about reading romance novels set in the Regency period for me is learning about historical events and the real people who made history. A lot of my friends don’t believe me when I tell them that I learned that (when in a conversation and they ask me how I knew that) by reading a Historical Romance Novel. They think the books are all just smut. I stopped getting offended a long time ago and learn something new every time a read a new Historical Romance.
What is really great about reading romance novels set in the Regency period for me is learning about historical events and the real people who made history. A lot of my friends don’t believe me when I tell them that I learned that (when in a conversation and they ask me how I knew that) by reading a Historical Romance Novel. They think the books are all just smut. I stopped getting offended a long time ago and learn something new every time a read a new Historical Romance.
Sorry…autocorrect..name is Jaci Tobin
Sorry…autocorrect..name is Jaci Tobin
Sorry…autocorrect..name is Jaci Tobin
Sorry…autocorrect..name is Jaci Tobin
Sorry…autocorrect..name is Jaci Tobin
Great points, Vicki! I think as much as possible it’s good to explain by context. I probably wouldn’t put in a long paragraph explaining who Napoleon was, but I’d have a sentence such as “ever since his defeat at Waterloo, there had been plots to rescue the former French emperor from his exile on the island of St. Helena.” Which hopefully would give some context even to reader who’d never heard of Napoleon.
Writing scenes with Wellington is definitely a challenge, even more so embroiling him in fictional plots. But it’s a fun challenge!
Great points, Vicki! I think as much as possible it’s good to explain by context. I probably wouldn’t put in a long paragraph explaining who Napoleon was, but I’d have a sentence such as “ever since his defeat at Waterloo, there had been plots to rescue the former French emperor from his exile on the island of St. Helena.” Which hopefully would give some context even to reader who’d never heard of Napoleon.
Writing scenes with Wellington is definitely a challenge, even more so embroiling him in fictional plots. But it’s a fun challenge!
Great points, Vicki! I think as much as possible it’s good to explain by context. I probably wouldn’t put in a long paragraph explaining who Napoleon was, but I’d have a sentence such as “ever since his defeat at Waterloo, there had been plots to rescue the former French emperor from his exile on the island of St. Helena.” Which hopefully would give some context even to reader who’d never heard of Napoleon.
Writing scenes with Wellington is definitely a challenge, even more so embroiling him in fictional plots. But it’s a fun challenge!
Great points, Vicki! I think as much as possible it’s good to explain by context. I probably wouldn’t put in a long paragraph explaining who Napoleon was, but I’d have a sentence such as “ever since his defeat at Waterloo, there had been plots to rescue the former French emperor from his exile on the island of St. Helena.” Which hopefully would give some context even to reader who’d never heard of Napoleon.
Writing scenes with Wellington is definitely a challenge, even more so embroiling him in fictional plots. But it’s a fun challenge!
Great points, Vicki! I think as much as possible it’s good to explain by context. I probably wouldn’t put in a long paragraph explaining who Napoleon was, but I’d have a sentence such as “ever since his defeat at Waterloo, there had been plots to rescue the former French emperor from his exile on the island of St. Helena.” Which hopefully would give some context even to reader who’d never heard of Napoleon.
Writing scenes with Wellington is definitely a challenge, even more so embroiling him in fictional plots. But it’s a fun challenge!
It can be so tricky, Mary, because of course just by having real historical people interact with ones fictional characters one is changing history a bit. I really struggle with where the line falls of what is acceptable (I went back and forth a bunch about using the Waterloo banquet before it would have actually taken place). For me, I try to stick to having real historical characters do things they *might* have done. And I always include an historical note explaining anything I’ve changed.
It can be so tricky, Mary, because of course just by having real historical people interact with ones fictional characters one is changing history a bit. I really struggle with where the line falls of what is acceptable (I went back and forth a bunch about using the Waterloo banquet before it would have actually taken place). For me, I try to stick to having real historical characters do things they *might* have done. And I always include an historical note explaining anything I’ve changed.
It can be so tricky, Mary, because of course just by having real historical people interact with ones fictional characters one is changing history a bit. I really struggle with where the line falls of what is acceptable (I went back and forth a bunch about using the Waterloo banquet before it would have actually taken place). For me, I try to stick to having real historical characters do things they *might* have done. And I always include an historical note explaining anything I’ve changed.
It can be so tricky, Mary, because of course just by having real historical people interact with ones fictional characters one is changing history a bit. I really struggle with where the line falls of what is acceptable (I went back and forth a bunch about using the Waterloo banquet before it would have actually taken place). For me, I try to stick to having real historical characters do things they *might* have done. And I always include an historical note explaining anything I’ve changed.
It can be so tricky, Mary, because of course just by having real historical people interact with ones fictional characters one is changing history a bit. I really struggle with where the line falls of what is acceptable (I went back and forth a bunch about using the Waterloo banquet before it would have actually taken place). For me, I try to stick to having real historical characters do things they *might* have done. And I always include an historical note explaining anything I’ve changed.
I fell in love with history through reading historical novels, Jaci – and then went on to major in history in college. My professors actually were very intrigued by the fact that I was studying history because I wanted to write historical fiction!
I fell in love with history through reading historical novels, Jaci – and then went on to major in history in college. My professors actually were very intrigued by the fact that I was studying history because I wanted to write historical fiction!
I fell in love with history through reading historical novels, Jaci – and then went on to major in history in college. My professors actually were very intrigued by the fact that I was studying history because I wanted to write historical fiction!
I fell in love with history through reading historical novels, Jaci – and then went on to major in history in college. My professors actually were very intrigued by the fact that I was studying history because I wanted to write historical fiction!
I fell in love with history through reading historical novels, Jaci – and then went on to major in history in college. My professors actually were very intrigued by the fact that I was studying history because I wanted to write historical fiction!
I love history and then I love historical romance (especially the Regency period). I too get funny looks when I mention something and then say I read it in a historical romance. I left school in my mid teens to go working even though I loved school. I have learned so much through my reading over the years. I call myself self-educated. I do enjoy a mixture of fictional and real life characters. If they appeal to me I look them up and study them a bit. Also I’ve learned so much geography through historical novels and that was a weak point with me at school. What more can I say?! I loveeeee reading!!
I love history and then I love historical romance (especially the Regency period). I too get funny looks when I mention something and then say I read it in a historical romance. I left school in my mid teens to go working even though I loved school. I have learned so much through my reading over the years. I call myself self-educated. I do enjoy a mixture of fictional and real life characters. If they appeal to me I look them up and study them a bit. Also I’ve learned so much geography through historical novels and that was a weak point with me at school. What more can I say?! I loveeeee reading!!
I love history and then I love historical romance (especially the Regency period). I too get funny looks when I mention something and then say I read it in a historical romance. I left school in my mid teens to go working even though I loved school. I have learned so much through my reading over the years. I call myself self-educated. I do enjoy a mixture of fictional and real life characters. If they appeal to me I look them up and study them a bit. Also I’ve learned so much geography through historical novels and that was a weak point with me at school. What more can I say?! I loveeeee reading!!
I love history and then I love historical romance (especially the Regency period). I too get funny looks when I mention something and then say I read it in a historical romance. I left school in my mid teens to go working even though I loved school. I have learned so much through my reading over the years. I call myself self-educated. I do enjoy a mixture of fictional and real life characters. If they appeal to me I look them up and study them a bit. Also I’ve learned so much geography through historical novels and that was a weak point with me at school. What more can I say?! I loveeeee reading!!
I love history and then I love historical romance (especially the Regency period). I too get funny looks when I mention something and then say I read it in a historical romance. I left school in my mid teens to go working even though I loved school. I have learned so much through my reading over the years. I call myself self-educated. I do enjoy a mixture of fictional and real life characters. If they appeal to me I look them up and study them a bit. Also I’ve learned so much geography through historical novels and that was a weak point with me at school. What more can I say?! I loveeeee reading!!
Teresa, I love how historical fiction can send one into researching more about the history. As a child I was always asking my parents about the history behind the historical fiction I loved and then heading to the library or encyclopedia (way before internet). I’m excited for my daughter to do the same.
Teresa, I love how historical fiction can send one into researching more about the history. As a child I was always asking my parents about the history behind the historical fiction I loved and then heading to the library or encyclopedia (way before internet). I’m excited for my daughter to do the same.
Teresa, I love how historical fiction can send one into researching more about the history. As a child I was always asking my parents about the history behind the historical fiction I loved and then heading to the library or encyclopedia (way before internet). I’m excited for my daughter to do the same.
Teresa, I love how historical fiction can send one into researching more about the history. As a child I was always asking my parents about the history behind the historical fiction I loved and then heading to the library or encyclopedia (way before internet). I’m excited for my daughter to do the same.
Teresa, I love how historical fiction can send one into researching more about the history. As a child I was always asking my parents about the history behind the historical fiction I loved and then heading to the library or encyclopedia (way before internet). I’m excited for my daughter to do the same.
I agree. I like using real people as “color” but prefer the freedom of developing characters,which is much harder to do if you use real people. Too constricting !
I agree. I like using real people as “color” but prefer the freedom of developing characters,which is much harder to do if you use real people. Too constricting !
I agree. I like using real people as “color” but prefer the freedom of developing characters,which is much harder to do if you use real people. Too constricting !
I agree. I like using real people as “color” but prefer the freedom of developing characters,which is much harder to do if you use real people. Too constricting !
I agree. I like using real people as “color” but prefer the freedom of developing characters,which is much harder to do if you use real people. Too constricting !
I did too. And yes, one can learn wonderful history through novels. For example, Bernard Cornwell’s Richard Sharpe book on the battle of Waterloo is extremely accurate.
I did too. And yes, one can learn wonderful history through novels. For example, Bernard Cornwell’s Richard Sharpe book on the battle of Waterloo is extremely accurate.
I did too. And yes, one can learn wonderful history through novels. For example, Bernard Cornwell’s Richard Sharpe book on the battle of Waterloo is extremely accurate.
I did too. And yes, one can learn wonderful history through novels. For example, Bernard Cornwell’s Richard Sharpe book on the battle of Waterloo is extremely accurate.
I did too. And yes, one can learn wonderful history through novels. For example, Bernard Cornwell’s Richard Sharpe book on the battle of Waterloo is extremely accurate.
Amen to the I love reading, Teresa! From early childhood on. I always had my nose in a book. And they are still a source of wonder and joy.
Amen to the I love reading, Teresa! From early childhood on. I always had my nose in a book. And they are still a source of wonder and joy.
Amen to the I love reading, Teresa! From early childhood on. I always had my nose in a book. And they are still a source of wonder and joy.
Amen to the I love reading, Teresa! From early childhood on. I always had my nose in a book. And they are still a source of wonder and joy.
Amen to the I love reading, Teresa! From early childhood on. I always had my nose in a book. And they are still a source of wonder and joy.
Yes! Cornwell’s “Waterloo” is a great book! So is Heyer’s “An Infamous Army.”
Yes! Cornwell’s “Waterloo” is a great book! So is Heyer’s “An Infamous Army.”
Yes! Cornwell’s “Waterloo” is a great book! So is Heyer’s “An Infamous Army.”
Yes! Cornwell’s “Waterloo” is a great book! So is Heyer’s “An Infamous Army.”
Yes! Cornwell’s “Waterloo” is a great book! So is Heyer’s “An Infamous Army.”
“Constricting” is a great way of putting it. You have to take a leap with real historical people and fill in the bits you don’t (and there always are those bits, even with people as well known as Wellington). When I was writing “Vienna Waltz,” I realized I needed to mentally cast modern actors as the real historical people, as I do with my fictional characters, to make them come alive for me. If I envisioned the fictional characters are actors and the real characters as portraits, the real characters were too static for me.
“Constricting” is a great way of putting it. You have to take a leap with real historical people and fill in the bits you don’t (and there always are those bits, even with people as well known as Wellington). When I was writing “Vienna Waltz,” I realized I needed to mentally cast modern actors as the real historical people, as I do with my fictional characters, to make them come alive for me. If I envisioned the fictional characters are actors and the real characters as portraits, the real characters were too static for me.
“Constricting” is a great way of putting it. You have to take a leap with real historical people and fill in the bits you don’t (and there always are those bits, even with people as well known as Wellington). When I was writing “Vienna Waltz,” I realized I needed to mentally cast modern actors as the real historical people, as I do with my fictional characters, to make them come alive for me. If I envisioned the fictional characters are actors and the real characters as portraits, the real characters were too static for me.
“Constricting” is a great way of putting it. You have to take a leap with real historical people and fill in the bits you don’t (and there always are those bits, even with people as well known as Wellington). When I was writing “Vienna Waltz,” I realized I needed to mentally cast modern actors as the real historical people, as I do with my fictional characters, to make them come alive for me. If I envisioned the fictional characters are actors and the real characters as portraits, the real characters were too static for me.
“Constricting” is a great way of putting it. You have to take a leap with real historical people and fill in the bits you don’t (and there always are those bits, even with people as well known as Wellington). When I was writing “Vienna Waltz,” I realized I needed to mentally cast modern actors as the real historical people, as I do with my fictional characters, to make them come alive for me. If I envisioned the fictional characters are actors and the real characters as portraits, the real characters were too static for me.
I love the interplay of real and fictional characters in Tracy’s books, and I have inadvertently absorbed a lot of history. It was only when I was reading about the 200th anniversary of Waterloo, that I realized I knew all kinds of details about the battle, the events surrounding it.
I especially enjoy Tracy’s real-life female characters, like Wilhemine, the Duchess of Sagan and her sister Dorothee, and Ladies Sarah and Georgiana Lennox. I wonder if you have more leeway with them, since often less is recorded about their lives?
I love the interplay of real and fictional characters in Tracy’s books, and I have inadvertently absorbed a lot of history. It was only when I was reading about the 200th anniversary of Waterloo, that I realized I knew all kinds of details about the battle, the events surrounding it.
I especially enjoy Tracy’s real-life female characters, like Wilhemine, the Duchess of Sagan and her sister Dorothee, and Ladies Sarah and Georgiana Lennox. I wonder if you have more leeway with them, since often less is recorded about their lives?
I love the interplay of real and fictional characters in Tracy’s books, and I have inadvertently absorbed a lot of history. It was only when I was reading about the 200th anniversary of Waterloo, that I realized I knew all kinds of details about the battle, the events surrounding it.
I especially enjoy Tracy’s real-life female characters, like Wilhemine, the Duchess of Sagan and her sister Dorothee, and Ladies Sarah and Georgiana Lennox. I wonder if you have more leeway with them, since often less is recorded about their lives?
I love the interplay of real and fictional characters in Tracy’s books, and I have inadvertently absorbed a lot of history. It was only when I was reading about the 200th anniversary of Waterloo, that I realized I knew all kinds of details about the battle, the events surrounding it.
I especially enjoy Tracy’s real-life female characters, like Wilhemine, the Duchess of Sagan and her sister Dorothee, and Ladies Sarah and Georgiana Lennox. I wonder if you have more leeway with them, since often less is recorded about their lives?
I love the interplay of real and fictional characters in Tracy’s books, and I have inadvertently absorbed a lot of history. It was only when I was reading about the 200th anniversary of Waterloo, that I realized I knew all kinds of details about the battle, the events surrounding it.
I especially enjoy Tracy’s real-life female characters, like Wilhemine, the Duchess of Sagan and her sister Dorothee, and Ladies Sarah and Georgiana Lennox. I wonder if you have more leeway with them, since often less is recorded about their lives?
I’ve read a number of novels where Wellington is mentioned but isn’t written in as a character. Not having read anything biographical about Wellington and Waterloo, your novel sounds quite intriguing. One of the biggest reasons I love reading historical fiction is simply because I learn so much about history in an interesting way. None of this dry history as taught in those boring history classes we all suffered through in school. 🙂
Congratulations on taking the time to do some real in-depth research before writing your book. I applaud you.
I’ve read a number of novels where Wellington is mentioned but isn’t written in as a character. Not having read anything biographical about Wellington and Waterloo, your novel sounds quite intriguing. One of the biggest reasons I love reading historical fiction is simply because I learn so much about history in an interesting way. None of this dry history as taught in those boring history classes we all suffered through in school. 🙂
Congratulations on taking the time to do some real in-depth research before writing your book. I applaud you.
I’ve read a number of novels where Wellington is mentioned but isn’t written in as a character. Not having read anything biographical about Wellington and Waterloo, your novel sounds quite intriguing. One of the biggest reasons I love reading historical fiction is simply because I learn so much about history in an interesting way. None of this dry history as taught in those boring history classes we all suffered through in school. 🙂
Congratulations on taking the time to do some real in-depth research before writing your book. I applaud you.
I’ve read a number of novels where Wellington is mentioned but isn’t written in as a character. Not having read anything biographical about Wellington and Waterloo, your novel sounds quite intriguing. One of the biggest reasons I love reading historical fiction is simply because I learn so much about history in an interesting way. None of this dry history as taught in those boring history classes we all suffered through in school. 🙂
Congratulations on taking the time to do some real in-depth research before writing your book. I applaud you.
I’ve read a number of novels where Wellington is mentioned but isn’t written in as a character. Not having read anything biographical about Wellington and Waterloo, your novel sounds quite intriguing. One of the biggest reasons I love reading historical fiction is simply because I learn so much about history in an interesting way. None of this dry history as taught in those boring history classes we all suffered through in school. 🙂
Congratulations on taking the time to do some real in-depth research before writing your book. I applaud you.
I haven’t read any of Tracy’s books but I do love historical mysteries (especially Victorian but also some Regencies). Wellington has probably been mentioned in some books that I’ve read, maybe in Jane Austen sequels.
I haven’t read any of Tracy’s books but I do love historical mysteries (especially Victorian but also some Regencies). Wellington has probably been mentioned in some books that I’ve read, maybe in Jane Austen sequels.
I haven’t read any of Tracy’s books but I do love historical mysteries (especially Victorian but also some Regencies). Wellington has probably been mentioned in some books that I’ve read, maybe in Jane Austen sequels.
I haven’t read any of Tracy’s books but I do love historical mysteries (especially Victorian but also some Regencies). Wellington has probably been mentioned in some books that I’ve read, maybe in Jane Austen sequels.
I haven’t read any of Tracy’s books but I do love historical mysteries (especially Victorian but also some Regencies). Wellington has probably been mentioned in some books that I’ve read, maybe in Jane Austen sequels.