Last year when I was researching Notorious Atherton, I blogged here about the plethora of princesses I discovered while creating my imaginary one. Even though I know I’m basically creating historical fantasy when I write romance, I like my history grounded in reality. I prefer to draw on actual events so that there is some possibility the characters could have experienced the trauma I put them through.
When I gave much-maligned Nick Atherton his notorious history, I knew that piracy in the Caribbean was well past its peak even when Nick was in his youth. If you look at this list of pirates you can see Jean Lafitte and his crew were the last of a dying breed. Most of the ones operating in the late 1700s and early 1800s were little better than Billy the Kid and many of them infested rivers, not the high seas.
But just because Nick’s pirate adventures didn’t make the annals of history, there is certainly plenty of evidence that they could have happened. The British Navy had its fair share of cruel commanders and inhumane conditions, as witnessed by the mutiny on the Bounty, which occurred in 1789, right about the time Nick’s crew ditched ship. There were further mutinies in the ports of England in 1797.
The British Navy was certainly still a presence in the Caribbean during the 1790’s—they conquered the French colonies there in 1793. And by 1795, impressment had practically become an imperative to keep the Navy’s ships operational, so Nick’s fate was not exactly uncommon.
That seemed sufficient grounding for Nick’s notorious adventures. How much importance do you place on backstory that never really appears on the page? Do you like knowing that the author has done her research or do you prefer to just sink into the story and let the real world go away? I will admit, there are days when I'm grateful just to be taken away on a wild ride as long as reality doesn't wake me up!
Hi, Pat,
My two cents on your question: it depends on how much I already know (or think I know) about the historical period. As a reader, I’m happiest if I know very little. Then I can just enjoy the story and I don’t particularly care about the author’s research. On the other hand, it’s always fun to read author notes at the end.
Kathy/Kate Emerson
Hi, Pat,
My two cents on your question: it depends on how much I already know (or think I know) about the historical period. As a reader, I’m happiest if I know very little. Then I can just enjoy the story and I don’t particularly care about the author’s research. On the other hand, it’s always fun to read author notes at the end.
Kathy/Kate Emerson
Hi, Pat,
My two cents on your question: it depends on how much I already know (or think I know) about the historical period. As a reader, I’m happiest if I know very little. Then I can just enjoy the story and I don’t particularly care about the author’s research. On the other hand, it’s always fun to read author notes at the end.
Kathy/Kate Emerson
Hi, Pat,
My two cents on your question: it depends on how much I already know (or think I know) about the historical period. As a reader, I’m happiest if I know very little. Then I can just enjoy the story and I don’t particularly care about the author’s research. On the other hand, it’s always fun to read author notes at the end.
Kathy/Kate Emerson
Hi, Pat,
My two cents on your question: it depends on how much I already know (or think I know) about the historical period. As a reader, I’m happiest if I know very little. Then I can just enjoy the story and I don’t particularly care about the author’s research. On the other hand, it’s always fun to read author notes at the end.
Kathy/Kate Emerson
Like you I often just want someone to take me away from the modern world and into another time and place. So long as the historical fudging isn’t blatant my ride is a good one.
I do love stories around actual events. It takes an important event and makes it more human.
Like you I often just want someone to take me away from the modern world and into another time and place. So long as the historical fudging isn’t blatant my ride is a good one.
I do love stories around actual events. It takes an important event and makes it more human.
Like you I often just want someone to take me away from the modern world and into another time and place. So long as the historical fudging isn’t blatant my ride is a good one.
I do love stories around actual events. It takes an important event and makes it more human.
Like you I often just want someone to take me away from the modern world and into another time and place. So long as the historical fudging isn’t blatant my ride is a good one.
I do love stories around actual events. It takes an important event and makes it more human.
Like you I often just want someone to take me away from the modern world and into another time and place. So long as the historical fudging isn’t blatant my ride is a good one.
I do love stories around actual events. It takes an important event and makes it more human.
Maybe we all need to forget our history books so we can enjoy the fantasy more often, but yeah, turning off the brain is hard.
Lovely to see you dropping by this morning, Kathy and Louisa. Even nicer that you agree with me.
Maybe we all need to forget our history books so we can enjoy the fantasy more often, but yeah, turning off the brain is hard.
Lovely to see you dropping by this morning, Kathy and Louisa. Even nicer that you agree with me.
Maybe we all need to forget our history books so we can enjoy the fantasy more often, but yeah, turning off the brain is hard.
Lovely to see you dropping by this morning, Kathy and Louisa. Even nicer that you agree with me.
Maybe we all need to forget our history books so we can enjoy the fantasy more often, but yeah, turning off the brain is hard.
Lovely to see you dropping by this morning, Kathy and Louisa. Even nicer that you agree with me.
Maybe we all need to forget our history books so we can enjoy the fantasy more often, but yeah, turning off the brain is hard.
Lovely to see you dropping by this morning, Kathy and Louisa. Even nicer that you agree with me.
It depends a bit on how well known the background facts are.If it is a blatant flight of fancy which would be well nigh impossible then the story can be annoying but then a little bit of fantasy doesn’t do any harm and after all it is fiction we are reading and as long as the story doesn’t drag and the characters are believable what the heck !
It depends a bit on how well known the background facts are.If it is a blatant flight of fancy which would be well nigh impossible then the story can be annoying but then a little bit of fantasy doesn’t do any harm and after all it is fiction we are reading and as long as the story doesn’t drag and the characters are believable what the heck !
It depends a bit on how well known the background facts are.If it is a blatant flight of fancy which would be well nigh impossible then the story can be annoying but then a little bit of fantasy doesn’t do any harm and after all it is fiction we are reading and as long as the story doesn’t drag and the characters are believable what the heck !
It depends a bit on how well known the background facts are.If it is a blatant flight of fancy which would be well nigh impossible then the story can be annoying but then a little bit of fantasy doesn’t do any harm and after all it is fiction we are reading and as long as the story doesn’t drag and the characters are believable what the heck !
It depends a bit on how well known the background facts are.If it is a blatant flight of fancy which would be well nigh impossible then the story can be annoying but then a little bit of fantasy doesn’t do any harm and after all it is fiction we are reading and as long as the story doesn’t drag and the characters are believable what the heck !
Thank you, Jo! Now all I have to do is hope Nick and Nora are believable.
Thank you, Jo! Now all I have to do is hope Nick and Nora are believable.
Thank you, Jo! Now all I have to do is hope Nick and Nora are believable.
Thank you, Jo! Now all I have to do is hope Nick and Nora are believable.
Thank you, Jo! Now all I have to do is hope Nick and Nora are believable.
I like to think there has been a bit of research done. It is really irritating when reading a historical to suddenly see a blatant mistake, especially with dates and places. It makes me irritated and I find it hard to finish the book. On the other hand, flights of fancy are wonderfully soothing and I really like them. Some authors never seem to make mistakes, and others do. I suppose it is just like real life.
I like to think there has been a bit of research done. It is really irritating when reading a historical to suddenly see a blatant mistake, especially with dates and places. It makes me irritated and I find it hard to finish the book. On the other hand, flights of fancy are wonderfully soothing and I really like them. Some authors never seem to make mistakes, and others do. I suppose it is just like real life.
I like to think there has been a bit of research done. It is really irritating when reading a historical to suddenly see a blatant mistake, especially with dates and places. It makes me irritated and I find it hard to finish the book. On the other hand, flights of fancy are wonderfully soothing and I really like them. Some authors never seem to make mistakes, and others do. I suppose it is just like real life.
I like to think there has been a bit of research done. It is really irritating when reading a historical to suddenly see a blatant mistake, especially with dates and places. It makes me irritated and I find it hard to finish the book. On the other hand, flights of fancy are wonderfully soothing and I really like them. Some authors never seem to make mistakes, and others do. I suppose it is just like real life.
I like to think there has been a bit of research done. It is really irritating when reading a historical to suddenly see a blatant mistake, especially with dates and places. It makes me irritated and I find it hard to finish the book. On the other hand, flights of fancy are wonderfully soothing and I really like them. Some authors never seem to make mistakes, and others do. I suppose it is just like real life.
I’m a stickler for historical accuracy, plausibility, etc., but then again, I write historical fiction. I don’t feel like everything needs to be documented, but genuine implausibilities drive me crazy. So yeah. I like it best when authors go for getting things right. 🙂
I’m a stickler for historical accuracy, plausibility, etc., but then again, I write historical fiction. I don’t feel like everything needs to be documented, but genuine implausibilities drive me crazy. So yeah. I like it best when authors go for getting things right. 🙂
I’m a stickler for historical accuracy, plausibility, etc., but then again, I write historical fiction. I don’t feel like everything needs to be documented, but genuine implausibilities drive me crazy. So yeah. I like it best when authors go for getting things right. 🙂
I’m a stickler for historical accuracy, plausibility, etc., but then again, I write historical fiction. I don’t feel like everything needs to be documented, but genuine implausibilities drive me crazy. So yeah. I like it best when authors go for getting things right. 🙂
I’m a stickler for historical accuracy, plausibility, etc., but then again, I write historical fiction. I don’t feel like everything needs to be documented, but genuine implausibilities drive me crazy. So yeah. I like it best when authors go for getting things right. 🙂
What I don’t see much anymore is author’s notes. I loved them pointing out what was real, a little bit more about it, and sometimes a reference or two. Some even noted when they play fast and lose with time lines.
For the most part I slip into the fantasy and just let the history flow over me. A really egregious error does disturb me. But I think the web with all the critique sites and reviews must make authors pretty careful of making huge errors.
What I don’t see much anymore is author’s notes. I loved them pointing out what was real, a little bit more about it, and sometimes a reference or two. Some even noted when they play fast and lose with time lines.
For the most part I slip into the fantasy and just let the history flow over me. A really egregious error does disturb me. But I think the web with all the critique sites and reviews must make authors pretty careful of making huge errors.
What I don’t see much anymore is author’s notes. I loved them pointing out what was real, a little bit more about it, and sometimes a reference or two. Some even noted when they play fast and lose with time lines.
For the most part I slip into the fantasy and just let the history flow over me. A really egregious error does disturb me. But I think the web with all the critique sites and reviews must make authors pretty careful of making huge errors.
What I don’t see much anymore is author’s notes. I loved them pointing out what was real, a little bit more about it, and sometimes a reference or two. Some even noted when they play fast and lose with time lines.
For the most part I slip into the fantasy and just let the history flow over me. A really egregious error does disturb me. But I think the web with all the critique sites and reviews must make authors pretty careful of making huge errors.
What I don’t see much anymore is author’s notes. I loved them pointing out what was real, a little bit more about it, and sometimes a reference or two. Some even noted when they play fast and lose with time lines.
For the most part I slip into the fantasy and just let the history flow over me. A really egregious error does disturb me. But I think the web with all the critique sites and reviews must make authors pretty careful of making huge errors.
I became interested in the regency from author’s notes. I can enjoy a story as long as I am not hit in the face with errors. The more errors, the less I enjoy the story.If it seems that the author is prone to errors, I just don’t read her books any more, which is why I have more trouble with Regency set stories than contemporary or Victorian.
It is legal errors that get me. There were less than 300 peers in the house of Lords in 1800, but more than that number of dukes alone in fiction. That sort of thing isn’t a problem. Having a duke give his dukedom to a bastard son, is a problem.
There may not have been many pirates around the Caribbean but there were many off the Barbary coast and other places in the Mediterranean.
I became interested in the regency from author’s notes. I can enjoy a story as long as I am not hit in the face with errors. The more errors, the less I enjoy the story.If it seems that the author is prone to errors, I just don’t read her books any more, which is why I have more trouble with Regency set stories than contemporary or Victorian.
It is legal errors that get me. There were less than 300 peers in the house of Lords in 1800, but more than that number of dukes alone in fiction. That sort of thing isn’t a problem. Having a duke give his dukedom to a bastard son, is a problem.
There may not have been many pirates around the Caribbean but there were many off the Barbary coast and other places in the Mediterranean.
I became interested in the regency from author’s notes. I can enjoy a story as long as I am not hit in the face with errors. The more errors, the less I enjoy the story.If it seems that the author is prone to errors, I just don’t read her books any more, which is why I have more trouble with Regency set stories than contemporary or Victorian.
It is legal errors that get me. There were less than 300 peers in the house of Lords in 1800, but more than that number of dukes alone in fiction. That sort of thing isn’t a problem. Having a duke give his dukedom to a bastard son, is a problem.
There may not have been many pirates around the Caribbean but there were many off the Barbary coast and other places in the Mediterranean.
I became interested in the regency from author’s notes. I can enjoy a story as long as I am not hit in the face with errors. The more errors, the less I enjoy the story.If it seems that the author is prone to errors, I just don’t read her books any more, which is why I have more trouble with Regency set stories than contemporary or Victorian.
It is legal errors that get me. There were less than 300 peers in the house of Lords in 1800, but more than that number of dukes alone in fiction. That sort of thing isn’t a problem. Having a duke give his dukedom to a bastard son, is a problem.
There may not have been many pirates around the Caribbean but there were many off the Barbary coast and other places in the Mediterranean.
I became interested in the regency from author’s notes. I can enjoy a story as long as I am not hit in the face with errors. The more errors, the less I enjoy the story.If it seems that the author is prone to errors, I just don’t read her books any more, which is why I have more trouble with Regency set stories than contemporary or Victorian.
It is legal errors that get me. There were less than 300 peers in the house of Lords in 1800, but more than that number of dukes alone in fiction. That sort of thing isn’t a problem. Having a duke give his dukedom to a bastard son, is a problem.
There may not have been many pirates around the Caribbean but there were many off the Barbary coast and other places in the Mediterranean.
Interesting about the author notes. Maybe we could start adding our history lessons there for those of us who enjoy knowing the reality? Thanks for mentioning that.
And yes, all those eligible dukes running around are quite a fantasy, aren’t they?
I like the idea that reviewers know enough of their time period to call authors on playing fast and loose with real laws. I know some of the laws got ignored, but author certainly ought to be aware of them!
Interesting about the author notes. Maybe we could start adding our history lessons there for those of us who enjoy knowing the reality? Thanks for mentioning that.
And yes, all those eligible dukes running around are quite a fantasy, aren’t they?
I like the idea that reviewers know enough of their time period to call authors on playing fast and loose with real laws. I know some of the laws got ignored, but author certainly ought to be aware of them!
Interesting about the author notes. Maybe we could start adding our history lessons there for those of us who enjoy knowing the reality? Thanks for mentioning that.
And yes, all those eligible dukes running around are quite a fantasy, aren’t they?
I like the idea that reviewers know enough of their time period to call authors on playing fast and loose with real laws. I know some of the laws got ignored, but author certainly ought to be aware of them!
Interesting about the author notes. Maybe we could start adding our history lessons there for those of us who enjoy knowing the reality? Thanks for mentioning that.
And yes, all those eligible dukes running around are quite a fantasy, aren’t they?
I like the idea that reviewers know enough of their time period to call authors on playing fast and loose with real laws. I know some of the laws got ignored, but author certainly ought to be aware of them!
Interesting about the author notes. Maybe we could start adding our history lessons there for those of us who enjoy knowing the reality? Thanks for mentioning that.
And yes, all those eligible dukes running around are quite a fantasy, aren’t they?
I like the idea that reviewers know enough of their time period to call authors on playing fast and loose with real laws. I know some of the laws got ignored, but author certainly ought to be aware of them!
I enjoy the author notes at the end of a book too. In Jo Beverley’s new book Seduction In Silk, her note really helped me appreciate some facts of the period. I always appreciate adding to my historical knowledge. I agree that the story and fiction needs to flow and not be hindered by too much detail.
I enjoy the author notes at the end of a book too. In Jo Beverley’s new book Seduction In Silk, her note really helped me appreciate some facts of the period. I always appreciate adding to my historical knowledge. I agree that the story and fiction needs to flow and not be hindered by too much detail.
I enjoy the author notes at the end of a book too. In Jo Beverley’s new book Seduction In Silk, her note really helped me appreciate some facts of the period. I always appreciate adding to my historical knowledge. I agree that the story and fiction needs to flow and not be hindered by too much detail.
I enjoy the author notes at the end of a book too. In Jo Beverley’s new book Seduction In Silk, her note really helped me appreciate some facts of the period. I always appreciate adding to my historical knowledge. I agree that the story and fiction needs to flow and not be hindered by too much detail.
I enjoy the author notes at the end of a book too. In Jo Beverley’s new book Seduction In Silk, her note really helped me appreciate some facts of the period. I always appreciate adding to my historical knowledge. I agree that the story and fiction needs to flow and not be hindered by too much detail.
I like what I call – semiaccuracy. I am not a stickler – if things are a little off, I can live with it if the plot is well developed and the characters are people with whom I would like to spend time. I would not want to read a book where someone in the Regency period whips out a fax machine to send a message. And it is annoying to me when characters from a period novel speak in a manner that is normal today but would not have been normal then. I like the historical notes at the end of books, it makes me feel as if the author wanted to share their knowledge because it is so interesting.
I like what I call – semiaccuracy. I am not a stickler – if things are a little off, I can live with it if the plot is well developed and the characters are people with whom I would like to spend time. I would not want to read a book where someone in the Regency period whips out a fax machine to send a message. And it is annoying to me when characters from a period novel speak in a manner that is normal today but would not have been normal then. I like the historical notes at the end of books, it makes me feel as if the author wanted to share their knowledge because it is so interesting.
I like what I call – semiaccuracy. I am not a stickler – if things are a little off, I can live with it if the plot is well developed and the characters are people with whom I would like to spend time. I would not want to read a book where someone in the Regency period whips out a fax machine to send a message. And it is annoying to me when characters from a period novel speak in a manner that is normal today but would not have been normal then. I like the historical notes at the end of books, it makes me feel as if the author wanted to share their knowledge because it is so interesting.
I like what I call – semiaccuracy. I am not a stickler – if things are a little off, I can live with it if the plot is well developed and the characters are people with whom I would like to spend time. I would not want to read a book where someone in the Regency period whips out a fax machine to send a message. And it is annoying to me when characters from a period novel speak in a manner that is normal today but would not have been normal then. I like the historical notes at the end of books, it makes me feel as if the author wanted to share their knowledge because it is so interesting.
I like what I call – semiaccuracy. I am not a stickler – if things are a little off, I can live with it if the plot is well developed and the characters are people with whom I would like to spend time. I would not want to read a book where someone in the Regency period whips out a fax machine to send a message. And it is annoying to me when characters from a period novel speak in a manner that is normal today but would not have been normal then. I like the historical notes at the end of books, it makes me feel as if the author wanted to share their knowledge because it is so interesting.
I love to be swept away to a different time and place by a story. I do prefer that the historcial facts are accurate, however I can happily ignore minor inconsistencies if that is the only problem wih the writing. In other words, I’ll forgive a lot for a great story as long as I can lose myself for awhile.
I love to be swept away to a different time and place by a story. I do prefer that the historcial facts are accurate, however I can happily ignore minor inconsistencies if that is the only problem wih the writing. In other words, I’ll forgive a lot for a great story as long as I can lose myself for awhile.
I love to be swept away to a different time and place by a story. I do prefer that the historcial facts are accurate, however I can happily ignore minor inconsistencies if that is the only problem wih the writing. In other words, I’ll forgive a lot for a great story as long as I can lose myself for awhile.
I love to be swept away to a different time and place by a story. I do prefer that the historcial facts are accurate, however I can happily ignore minor inconsistencies if that is the only problem wih the writing. In other words, I’ll forgive a lot for a great story as long as I can lose myself for awhile.
I love to be swept away to a different time and place by a story. I do prefer that the historcial facts are accurate, however I can happily ignore minor inconsistencies if that is the only problem wih the writing. In other words, I’ll forgive a lot for a great story as long as I can lose myself for awhile.
I love everyone’s comments and the wenches are paying attention. More author notes coming up! Although I think we all do our best to pay attention to historical accuracy, but maybe I can whisper some of the sticklers over to my fantasy side.
I love everyone’s comments and the wenches are paying attention. More author notes coming up! Although I think we all do our best to pay attention to historical accuracy, but maybe I can whisper some of the sticklers over to my fantasy side.
I love everyone’s comments and the wenches are paying attention. More author notes coming up! Although I think we all do our best to pay attention to historical accuracy, but maybe I can whisper some of the sticklers over to my fantasy side.
I love everyone’s comments and the wenches are paying attention. More author notes coming up! Although I think we all do our best to pay attention to historical accuracy, but maybe I can whisper some of the sticklers over to my fantasy side.
I love everyone’s comments and the wenches are paying attention. More author notes coming up! Although I think we all do our best to pay attention to historical accuracy, but maybe I can whisper some of the sticklers over to my fantasy side.
I want a reasonably accurate framework. Within that, there are lots of gray or unknown areas where we can develop our stories as long as what we imagine is more or less plausible.
And I still write author’s notes when they seem relevant. *G*
I want a reasonably accurate framework. Within that, there are lots of gray or unknown areas where we can develop our stories as long as what we imagine is more or less plausible.
And I still write author’s notes when they seem relevant. *G*
I want a reasonably accurate framework. Within that, there are lots of gray or unknown areas where we can develop our stories as long as what we imagine is more or less plausible.
And I still write author’s notes when they seem relevant. *G*
I want a reasonably accurate framework. Within that, there are lots of gray or unknown areas where we can develop our stories as long as what we imagine is more or less plausible.
And I still write author’s notes when they seem relevant. *G*
I want a reasonably accurate framework. Within that, there are lots of gray or unknown areas where we can develop our stories as long as what we imagine is more or less plausible.
And I still write author’s notes when they seem relevant. *G*
As Carolyn mentioned, I always do author’s notes. I’m glad they’re appreciated. For me it’s mostly a way to dump information I’ve come across while researching the book, but which would have bogged down the story if I’d included them.
If authors are going to dance around plausibility, I do like an author note that shows that they’ve thought about it!
Jo
As Carolyn mentioned, I always do author’s notes. I’m glad they’re appreciated. For me it’s mostly a way to dump information I’ve come across while researching the book, but which would have bogged down the story if I’d included them.
If authors are going to dance around plausibility, I do like an author note that shows that they’ve thought about it!
Jo
As Carolyn mentioned, I always do author’s notes. I’m glad they’re appreciated. For me it’s mostly a way to dump information I’ve come across while researching the book, but which would have bogged down the story if I’d included them.
If authors are going to dance around plausibility, I do like an author note that shows that they’ve thought about it!
Jo
As Carolyn mentioned, I always do author’s notes. I’m glad they’re appreciated. For me it’s mostly a way to dump information I’ve come across while researching the book, but which would have bogged down the story if I’d included them.
If authors are going to dance around plausibility, I do like an author note that shows that they’ve thought about it!
Jo
As Carolyn mentioned, I always do author’s notes. I’m glad they’re appreciated. For me it’s mostly a way to dump information I’ve come across while researching the book, but which would have bogged down the story if I’d included them.
If authors are going to dance around plausibility, I do like an author note that shows that they’ve thought about it!
Jo
I love the fact you take time to research and appreciate all you have spent on reference books to give us that bit of realism. A story must have plausibility for me otherwise I get so hung up in “this is not right” that I lose the ability to suspend disbelief and enjoy my respite from my reality. I know that sounds contradictory, but I can only wander into a make-believe world so far. This includes fantasy/magic and time travel, which I love, but still some elements of reality need to exist to ground the story into a way that resonates with me.
I love author’s notes as that is a way to educate me about history and acknowledge that the readers want to know just a little bit more than fits in the story. If your publishers are fussy about page count, then the link to your website with the extra bits there is most appreciated.
I love the fact you take time to research and appreciate all you have spent on reference books to give us that bit of realism. A story must have plausibility for me otherwise I get so hung up in “this is not right” that I lose the ability to suspend disbelief and enjoy my respite from my reality. I know that sounds contradictory, but I can only wander into a make-believe world so far. This includes fantasy/magic and time travel, which I love, but still some elements of reality need to exist to ground the story into a way that resonates with me.
I love author’s notes as that is a way to educate me about history and acknowledge that the readers want to know just a little bit more than fits in the story. If your publishers are fussy about page count, then the link to your website with the extra bits there is most appreciated.
I love the fact you take time to research and appreciate all you have spent on reference books to give us that bit of realism. A story must have plausibility for me otherwise I get so hung up in “this is not right” that I lose the ability to suspend disbelief and enjoy my respite from my reality. I know that sounds contradictory, but I can only wander into a make-believe world so far. This includes fantasy/magic and time travel, which I love, but still some elements of reality need to exist to ground the story into a way that resonates with me.
I love author’s notes as that is a way to educate me about history and acknowledge that the readers want to know just a little bit more than fits in the story. If your publishers are fussy about page count, then the link to your website with the extra bits there is most appreciated.
I love the fact you take time to research and appreciate all you have spent on reference books to give us that bit of realism. A story must have plausibility for me otherwise I get so hung up in “this is not right” that I lose the ability to suspend disbelief and enjoy my respite from my reality. I know that sounds contradictory, but I can only wander into a make-believe world so far. This includes fantasy/magic and time travel, which I love, but still some elements of reality need to exist to ground the story into a way that resonates with me.
I love author’s notes as that is a way to educate me about history and acknowledge that the readers want to know just a little bit more than fits in the story. If your publishers are fussy about page count, then the link to your website with the extra bits there is most appreciated.
I love the fact you take time to research and appreciate all you have spent on reference books to give us that bit of realism. A story must have plausibility for me otherwise I get so hung up in “this is not right” that I lose the ability to suspend disbelief and enjoy my respite from my reality. I know that sounds contradictory, but I can only wander into a make-believe world so far. This includes fantasy/magic and time travel, which I love, but still some elements of reality need to exist to ground the story into a way that resonates with me.
I love author’s notes as that is a way to educate me about history and acknowledge that the readers want to know just a little bit more than fits in the story. If your publishers are fussy about page count, then the link to your website with the extra bits there is most appreciated.