From the first importation of tobacco into Europe, to Spain, round about 1528, folks tried various ways to get into the nicotine habit. By the Regency, folks had their choice of snuff, cigars, or pipes.
Now, snuff is a whole extensive subject I am not going to go into 
except to say that it leads to a snuff boxes, like those on the right, which are the delightful byproduct of a nasty habit. If I’d been living in the Georgian era I would have collected snuff boxes and carried them about full of little fruit pastilles. 
Were there cigarettes?
Well, no. Not really. Technically there was something fairly similar to cigarettes in Spain well before the Regency. They were called papelate and based on the 
South American custom of wrapping cut tobacco in rolled corn husks or bark or something other than a tobacco leaf. We have paintings of Spanish folks smoking this way, but no way to tell if papelate were routinely wrapped in paper.
The French, in the 1830s, saw the papelate, renamed it ‘cigarette’, and wrapped the tobacco in fine, thin paper. Voila. The rest is history.
Most significantly, the word cigarette is not used in English till 1842, so our Regency hero cannot step out onto the terrace to meditatively smoke a cigarette, overhear the heroine being reluctant with some man, and toss his cigarette down before he stomps off to be heroic.
Pipes were the perennial favorite. Folks caught on to the whole pipe thing from the first introduction of tobacco. As the Eighteenth Century nipped along and tobacco became less prohibitively expensive, the pipe slid down the social ladder a bit. Those long clay pipes became maybe a wee bit vulgar. A bit rustic. Not quite the fashionable way to indulge … which was snuff taking, which we aren't going to go into.
But I would not want to imply there was some universal disdain for the pipe. That’s not true. Here’s Lord Paget entertaining the Duke of Cumberland in 1808, the lot of them smoking their meershaums.
My characters are generally a clean-living lot who do not smoke, but Doyle has been known to enjoy a pipe now and then when he’s lolled back in some tavern, playing one of the criminal underclass.
And finally, we got cigars.
Cigars, which is to say the rolled leaf kinda tucked up neatly for smoking, were ancient in the New World when Columbus dropped by. This way of smoking came over to Europe with tobacco itself. Cheroot is another term. This means a cylindrical cigar, one made without the tapered ends. It would have existed in the Regency period but would probably have come from India or points east.
We have the rare Regency painting that shows men smoking cigars. 
Here's one to the right. See the luxury of the furniture, the fine clothes, and the supreme informality of the scene? That probably conveys something of how cigars figured in fashionable life.
We have a good many have period references. Byron, in 1813, writes in his letters:
“… the bluff burghers, puffing freedom out of their short tobacco pipes, though I prefer a cigar, or a hooka …”
and
“Seriously, I don’t care a cigar about it, and I don’t see why Sam should.”
In about the same time period, Pierce Egan, in Boxiana writes:
At a sporting dinner given to the Followers of the Fancy, at Oliver’s, a few days after the above fight, by one of the highest in the scientific circles, no want of game, it appears was discovered to render the table incomplete; and when the cloth was removed, the cigars ignited, the Kindly glass replenished, the merits and capabilities of various heroes became the animated subject of discussion.
We can almost see that dinner. This must have been a typical scene. Cigars and a bottle passed around the table would have definitely been part of our Regency period.
Okay. Here's my question.
Would you be willing to have your heroic character smoke? Is it a matter of indifference to you? Would you really dislike it? Or would you dislike it in real life but you don't mind if a fictional character does it?
Some lucky commenter will win a copy of any one of my books they choose, including the latest, Rogue Spy.
Don’t mind smoking if it is incidental to the action eg. He stepped onto the terrace to escape the crush of debutantes and enjoy a cigarillo. Or-the gentlemen enjoyed their port and cigars after the meal. It was a fact of life in historical settings. I prefer my real life hero to abstain from the practice – who enjoys kissing a mouth tasting of smoke?
Don’t mind smoking if it is incidental to the action eg. He stepped onto the terrace to escape the crush of debutantes and enjoy a cigarillo. Or-the gentlemen enjoyed their port and cigars after the meal. It was a fact of life in historical settings. I prefer my real life hero to abstain from the practice – who enjoys kissing a mouth tasting of smoke?
Don’t mind smoking if it is incidental to the action eg. He stepped onto the terrace to escape the crush of debutantes and enjoy a cigarillo. Or-the gentlemen enjoyed their port and cigars after the meal. It was a fact of life in historical settings. I prefer my real life hero to abstain from the practice – who enjoys kissing a mouth tasting of smoke?
Don’t mind smoking if it is incidental to the action eg. He stepped onto the terrace to escape the crush of debutantes and enjoy a cigarillo. Or-the gentlemen enjoyed their port and cigars after the meal. It was a fact of life in historical settings. I prefer my real life hero to abstain from the practice – who enjoys kissing a mouth tasting of smoke?
Don’t mind smoking if it is incidental to the action eg. He stepped onto the terrace to escape the crush of debutantes and enjoy a cigarillo. Or-the gentlemen enjoyed their port and cigars after the meal. It was a fact of life in historical settings. I prefer my real life hero to abstain from the practice – who enjoys kissing a mouth tasting of smoke?
Absolutely no smoking. I am going nowhere near a mouth that’s an ashtray.
Absolutely no smoking. I am going nowhere near a mouth that’s an ashtray.
Absolutely no smoking. I am going nowhere near a mouth that’s an ashtray.
Absolutely no smoking. I am going nowhere near a mouth that’s an ashtray.
Absolutely no smoking. I am going nowhere near a mouth that’s an ashtray.
I don’t mind it all that much in fiction, though I do prefer heroes who don’t smoke and drink, but I really, really dislike it in real life.
I don’t mind it all that much in fiction, though I do prefer heroes who don’t smoke and drink, but I really, really dislike it in real life.
I don’t mind it all that much in fiction, though I do prefer heroes who don’t smoke and drink, but I really, really dislike it in real life.
I don’t mind it all that much in fiction, though I do prefer heroes who don’t smoke and drink, but I really, really dislike it in real life.
I don’t mind it all that much in fiction, though I do prefer heroes who don’t smoke and drink, but I really, really dislike it in real life.
I have hated smoking since I was little and think it is a disgusting habit. However, in the time period, it was perfectly acceptable, and if it helps the author to set the scene it is okay.
I have hated smoking since I was little and think it is a disgusting habit. However, in the time period, it was perfectly acceptable, and if it helps the author to set the scene it is okay.
I have hated smoking since I was little and think it is a disgusting habit. However, in the time period, it was perfectly acceptable, and if it helps the author to set the scene it is okay.
I have hated smoking since I was little and think it is a disgusting habit. However, in the time period, it was perfectly acceptable, and if it helps the author to set the scene it is okay.
I have hated smoking since I was little and think it is a disgusting habit. However, in the time period, it was perfectly acceptable, and if it helps the author to set the scene it is okay.
My French-Canadian grandfather smoked cigars in his Victorian den, which (along with the constantly low-burning fireplace–it was in northern Michigan, where the seasons are pretty much winter and August) to me smelled cozy and “essence of Grampa.” My mother more likely would have said, “It reeks!” (My grandmother, a strong but traditional Victorian wife, would have said, “Now, Girlie … “)
I don’t think any of their ten children ever smoked more than socially, and I never did at all. (Loved the “mouth that’s an ashtray” comment.) But to me, cigars recall Grampa and home.
My French-Canadian grandfather smoked cigars in his Victorian den, which (along with the constantly low-burning fireplace–it was in northern Michigan, where the seasons are pretty much winter and August) to me smelled cozy and “essence of Grampa.” My mother more likely would have said, “It reeks!” (My grandmother, a strong but traditional Victorian wife, would have said, “Now, Girlie … “)
I don’t think any of their ten children ever smoked more than socially, and I never did at all. (Loved the “mouth that’s an ashtray” comment.) But to me, cigars recall Grampa and home.
My French-Canadian grandfather smoked cigars in his Victorian den, which (along with the constantly low-burning fireplace–it was in northern Michigan, where the seasons are pretty much winter and August) to me smelled cozy and “essence of Grampa.” My mother more likely would have said, “It reeks!” (My grandmother, a strong but traditional Victorian wife, would have said, “Now, Girlie … “)
I don’t think any of their ten children ever smoked more than socially, and I never did at all. (Loved the “mouth that’s an ashtray” comment.) But to me, cigars recall Grampa and home.
My French-Canadian grandfather smoked cigars in his Victorian den, which (along with the constantly low-burning fireplace–it was in northern Michigan, where the seasons are pretty much winter and August) to me smelled cozy and “essence of Grampa.” My mother more likely would have said, “It reeks!” (My grandmother, a strong but traditional Victorian wife, would have said, “Now, Girlie … “)
I don’t think any of their ten children ever smoked more than socially, and I never did at all. (Loved the “mouth that’s an ashtray” comment.) But to me, cigars recall Grampa and home.
My French-Canadian grandfather smoked cigars in his Victorian den, which (along with the constantly low-burning fireplace–it was in northern Michigan, where the seasons are pretty much winter and August) to me smelled cozy and “essence of Grampa.” My mother more likely would have said, “It reeks!” (My grandmother, a strong but traditional Victorian wife, would have said, “Now, Girlie … “)
I don’t think any of their ten children ever smoked more than socially, and I never did at all. (Loved the “mouth that’s an ashtray” comment.) But to me, cigars recall Grampa and home.
I don’t give it a second thought if the hero occasionally puffs on a cigar, but in real life, ugh! I hate cigars. I also remember reading a book or two where the hero smoked a hookah.
I don’t give it a second thought if the hero occasionally puffs on a cigar, but in real life, ugh! I hate cigars. I also remember reading a book or two where the hero smoked a hookah.
I don’t give it a second thought if the hero occasionally puffs on a cigar, but in real life, ugh! I hate cigars. I also remember reading a book or two where the hero smoked a hookah.
I don’t give it a second thought if the hero occasionally puffs on a cigar, but in real life, ugh! I hate cigars. I also remember reading a book or two where the hero smoked a hookah.
I don’t give it a second thought if the hero occasionally puffs on a cigar, but in real life, ugh! I hate cigars. I also remember reading a book or two where the hero smoked a hookah.
I’m with the majority of commenters. The hero and/or friend(s) can enjoy a cheroot in their den or on the terrace if that advances the storyline. My brother smokes one when on vacation.
I’m with the majority of commenters. The hero and/or friend(s) can enjoy a cheroot in their den or on the terrace if that advances the storyline. My brother smokes one when on vacation.
I’m with the majority of commenters. The hero and/or friend(s) can enjoy a cheroot in their den or on the terrace if that advances the storyline. My brother smokes one when on vacation.
I’m with the majority of commenters. The hero and/or friend(s) can enjoy a cheroot in their den or on the terrace if that advances the storyline. My brother smokes one when on vacation.
I’m with the majority of commenters. The hero and/or friend(s) can enjoy a cheroot in their den or on the terrace if that advances the storyline. My brother smokes one when on vacation.
I’m not a fan of a heroic character smoking. I really dislike it and think of the smell. I dislike it in real life too but if a fictional character does it to set up the period in time for a scene I will say ok.
I’m not a fan of a heroic character smoking. I really dislike it and think of the smell. I dislike it in real life too but if a fictional character does it to set up the period in time for a scene I will say ok.
I’m not a fan of a heroic character smoking. I really dislike it and think of the smell. I dislike it in real life too but if a fictional character does it to set up the period in time for a scene I will say ok.
I’m not a fan of a heroic character smoking. I really dislike it and think of the smell. I dislike it in real life too but if a fictional character does it to set up the period in time for a scene I will say ok.
I’m not a fan of a heroic character smoking. I really dislike it and think of the smell. I dislike it in real life too but if a fictional character does it to set up the period in time for a scene I will say ok.
My lead is Ouendat so a sharing of tobacco is quite normal and acceptable. Having said that, I haven’t actually written it in. But, I would. 🙂
My lead is Ouendat so a sharing of tobacco is quite normal and acceptable. Having said that, I haven’t actually written it in. But, I would. 🙂
My lead is Ouendat so a sharing of tobacco is quite normal and acceptable. Having said that, I haven’t actually written it in. But, I would. 🙂
My lead is Ouendat so a sharing of tobacco is quite normal and acceptable. Having said that, I haven’t actually written it in. But, I would. 🙂
My lead is Ouendat so a sharing of tobacco is quite normal and acceptable. Having said that, I haven’t actually written it in. But, I would. 🙂
Sounds fascinating. That’s another side of tobacco we don’t think about so much.
Sounds fascinating. That’s another side of tobacco we don’t think about so much.
Sounds fascinating. That’s another side of tobacco we don’t think about so much.
Sounds fascinating. That’s another side of tobacco we don’t think about so much.
Sounds fascinating. That’s another side of tobacco we don’t think about so much.
That’s my own thought, almost exactly. Taking snuff, smoking a cigar with friends, leaning back in a pub with a long clay pipe — all of these delineate the character.
Presumably the heroines don’t mind. I would.
That’s my own thought, almost exactly. Taking snuff, smoking a cigar with friends, leaning back in a pub with a long clay pipe — all of these delineate the character.
Presumably the heroines don’t mind. I would.
That’s my own thought, almost exactly. Taking snuff, smoking a cigar with friends, leaning back in a pub with a long clay pipe — all of these delineate the character.
Presumably the heroines don’t mind. I would.
That’s my own thought, almost exactly. Taking snuff, smoking a cigar with friends, leaning back in a pub with a long clay pipe — all of these delineate the character.
Presumably the heroines don’t mind. I would.
That’s my own thought, almost exactly. Taking snuff, smoking a cigar with friends, leaning back in a pub with a long clay pipe — all of these delineate the character.
Presumably the heroines don’t mind. I would.
And I have the impression that this sort of convivial cigar or pipe with company was an occasional indulgence — like your brother on vacation. In the Regency period smoking really would have been something a gentleman didn’t do in most public and domestic places.
And I have the impression that this sort of convivial cigar or pipe with company was an occasional indulgence — like your brother on vacation. In the Regency period smoking really would have been something a gentleman didn’t do in most public and domestic places.
And I have the impression that this sort of convivial cigar or pipe with company was an occasional indulgence — like your brother on vacation. In the Regency period smoking really would have been something a gentleman didn’t do in most public and domestic places.
And I have the impression that this sort of convivial cigar or pipe with company was an occasional indulgence — like your brother on vacation. In the Regency period smoking really would have been something a gentleman didn’t do in most public and domestic places.
And I have the impression that this sort of convivial cigar or pipe with company was an occasional indulgence — like your brother on vacation. In the Regency period smoking really would have been something a gentleman didn’t do in most public and domestic places.
In my Byron quote above, he expresses a preference for them.
I haven’t researched it, but I bet there was a small, wild, sophisticated set that used hookas.
In my Byron quote above, he expresses a preference for them.
I haven’t researched it, but I bet there was a small, wild, sophisticated set that used hookas.
In my Byron quote above, he expresses a preference for them.
I haven’t researched it, but I bet there was a small, wild, sophisticated set that used hookas.
In my Byron quote above, he expresses a preference for them.
I haven’t researched it, but I bet there was a small, wild, sophisticated set that used hookas.
In my Byron quote above, he expresses a preference for them.
I haven’t researched it, but I bet there was a small, wild, sophisticated set that used hookas.
I haven’t been in a position to show a character thinking about the smells of home or the smells of the past, I think. But the sense of smell is incredibly evocative.
The scent of tobacco would be one of those signature memories. Maybe I’ll use it sometime.
I haven’t been in a position to show a character thinking about the smells of home or the smells of the past, I think. But the sense of smell is incredibly evocative.
The scent of tobacco would be one of those signature memories. Maybe I’ll use it sometime.
I haven’t been in a position to show a character thinking about the smells of home or the smells of the past, I think. But the sense of smell is incredibly evocative.
The scent of tobacco would be one of those signature memories. Maybe I’ll use it sometime.
I haven’t been in a position to show a character thinking about the smells of home or the smells of the past, I think. But the sense of smell is incredibly evocative.
The scent of tobacco would be one of those signature memories. Maybe I’ll use it sometime.
I haven’t been in a position to show a character thinking about the smells of home or the smells of the past, I think. But the sense of smell is incredibly evocative.
The scent of tobacco would be one of those signature memories. Maybe I’ll use it sometime.
My characters are unlikely to smoke as a matter of self-protection (mine). It’s only a bit more than ten years since I quit, and even a mention of the topic makes me long for a cigarette. Really long for one. Like I’m longing right now, blast it!
My characters are unlikely to smoke as a matter of self-protection (mine). It’s only a bit more than ten years since I quit, and even a mention of the topic makes me long for a cigarette. Really long for one. Like I’m longing right now, blast it!
My characters are unlikely to smoke as a matter of self-protection (mine). It’s only a bit more than ten years since I quit, and even a mention of the topic makes me long for a cigarette. Really long for one. Like I’m longing right now, blast it!
My characters are unlikely to smoke as a matter of self-protection (mine). It’s only a bit more than ten years since I quit, and even a mention of the topic makes me long for a cigarette. Really long for one. Like I’m longing right now, blast it!
My characters are unlikely to smoke as a matter of self-protection (mine). It’s only a bit more than ten years since I quit, and even a mention of the topic makes me long for a cigarette. Really long for one. Like I’m longing right now, blast it!
We make allowances for the historical period, don’t we? This isn’t the least of the mental adjustments we make. Less frequent bathing and haphazard laundry comes to mind.
So many of these period differences we don’t bring to the reader’s mind. We don’t have to mention them. Smoking, however, is an active, on-stage sorta thing so it has more effect on how we see our hero.
We make allowances for the historical period, don’t we? This isn’t the least of the mental adjustments we make. Less frequent bathing and haphazard laundry comes to mind.
So many of these period differences we don’t bring to the reader’s mind. We don’t have to mention them. Smoking, however, is an active, on-stage sorta thing so it has more effect on how we see our hero.
We make allowances for the historical period, don’t we? This isn’t the least of the mental adjustments we make. Less frequent bathing and haphazard laundry comes to mind.
So many of these period differences we don’t bring to the reader’s mind. We don’t have to mention them. Smoking, however, is an active, on-stage sorta thing so it has more effect on how we see our hero.
We make allowances for the historical period, don’t we? This isn’t the least of the mental adjustments we make. Less frequent bathing and haphazard laundry comes to mind.
So many of these period differences we don’t bring to the reader’s mind. We don’t have to mention them. Smoking, however, is an active, on-stage sorta thing so it has more effect on how we see our hero.
We make allowances for the historical period, don’t we? This isn’t the least of the mental adjustments we make. Less frequent bathing and haphazard laundry comes to mind.
So many of these period differences we don’t bring to the reader’s mind. We don’t have to mention them. Smoking, however, is an active, on-stage sorta thing so it has more effect on how we see our hero.
Sometimes we want to add these things for realism. Sometimes for character development.
It’s not just in Historical Romance. Even writing a contemporary hero we probably add some behaviors we don’t like so much ourselves.
Sometimes we want to add these things for realism. Sometimes for character development.
It’s not just in Historical Romance. Even writing a contemporary hero we probably add some behaviors we don’t like so much ourselves.
Sometimes we want to add these things for realism. Sometimes for character development.
It’s not just in Historical Romance. Even writing a contemporary hero we probably add some behaviors we don’t like so much ourselves.
Sometimes we want to add these things for realism. Sometimes for character development.
It’s not just in Historical Romance. Even writing a contemporary hero we probably add some behaviors we don’t like so much ourselves.
Sometimes we want to add these things for realism. Sometimes for character development.
It’s not just in Historical Romance. Even writing a contemporary hero we probably add some behaviors we don’t like so much ourselves.
So even in fiction it would bother you. Something for authors to think about …
So even in fiction it would bother you. Something for authors to think about …
So even in fiction it would bother you. Something for authors to think about …
So even in fiction it would bother you. Something for authors to think about …
So even in fiction it would bother you. Something for authors to think about …
This is kinda what I think. I wouldn’t so much enjoy that sort of kiss in real life. In fiction, I don’t really think about it.
This is kinda what I think. I wouldn’t so much enjoy that sort of kiss in real life. In fiction, I don’t really think about it.
This is kinda what I think. I wouldn’t so much enjoy that sort of kiss in real life. In fiction, I don’t really think about it.
This is kinda what I think. I wouldn’t so much enjoy that sort of kiss in real life. In fiction, I don’t really think about it.
This is kinda what I think. I wouldn’t so much enjoy that sort of kiss in real life. In fiction, I don’t really think about it.
I really don’t like having to be politically correct when writing historicals, but to some extent it seems to be necessary. I prefer historical accuracy but, for example, when I read one of the lovely 50’s romantic suspense novels by Mary Stewart, I cringe at all the smoking (which was fine at the time she wrote them, but isn’t now). It doesn’t stop *me* from enjoying a story, but I don’t want to turn readers off. As for bad breath, we seem to be able to ignore morning breath in most romances, so I don’t see that smoker’s breath is much of an issue.
I really don’t like having to be politically correct when writing historicals, but to some extent it seems to be necessary. I prefer historical accuracy but, for example, when I read one of the lovely 50’s romantic suspense novels by Mary Stewart, I cringe at all the smoking (which was fine at the time she wrote them, but isn’t now). It doesn’t stop *me* from enjoying a story, but I don’t want to turn readers off. As for bad breath, we seem to be able to ignore morning breath in most romances, so I don’t see that smoker’s breath is much of an issue.
I really don’t like having to be politically correct when writing historicals, but to some extent it seems to be necessary. I prefer historical accuracy but, for example, when I read one of the lovely 50’s romantic suspense novels by Mary Stewart, I cringe at all the smoking (which was fine at the time she wrote them, but isn’t now). It doesn’t stop *me* from enjoying a story, but I don’t want to turn readers off. As for bad breath, we seem to be able to ignore morning breath in most romances, so I don’t see that smoker’s breath is much of an issue.
I really don’t like having to be politically correct when writing historicals, but to some extent it seems to be necessary. I prefer historical accuracy but, for example, when I read one of the lovely 50’s romantic suspense novels by Mary Stewart, I cringe at all the smoking (which was fine at the time she wrote them, but isn’t now). It doesn’t stop *me* from enjoying a story, but I don’t want to turn readers off. As for bad breath, we seem to be able to ignore morning breath in most romances, so I don’t see that smoker’s breath is much of an issue.
I really don’t like having to be politically correct when writing historicals, but to some extent it seems to be necessary. I prefer historical accuracy but, for example, when I read one of the lovely 50’s romantic suspense novels by Mary Stewart, I cringe at all the smoking (which was fine at the time she wrote them, but isn’t now). It doesn’t stop *me* from enjoying a story, but I don’t want to turn readers off. As for bad breath, we seem to be able to ignore morning breath in most romances, so I don’t see that smoker’s breath is much of an issue.
Ouch. Sorry sorry sorry … and that’s one aspect of the writing I had not even considered.
Congratulations on stopping.
Ouch. Sorry sorry sorry … and that’s one aspect of the writing I had not even considered.
Congratulations on stopping.
Ouch. Sorry sorry sorry … and that’s one aspect of the writing I had not even considered.
Congratulations on stopping.
Ouch. Sorry sorry sorry … and that’s one aspect of the writing I had not even considered.
Congratulations on stopping.
Ouch. Sorry sorry sorry … and that’s one aspect of the writing I had not even considered.
Congratulations on stopping.
I feel as though the 50s may have been some sort of all-time high for smoking.
Cigarettes are a very 20th century thing. (Mechanical cigarette rolling machine at the beginning of the century made smoking very cheap.)
I sat and thought a good long while before I put a pipe in Doyle’s hands. It seemed so suited to his acquired persona. So much the protective coloration he’d seek.
In the end, I did it for the characterization.
I feel as though the 50s may have been some sort of all-time high for smoking.
Cigarettes are a very 20th century thing. (Mechanical cigarette rolling machine at the beginning of the century made smoking very cheap.)
I sat and thought a good long while before I put a pipe in Doyle’s hands. It seemed so suited to his acquired persona. So much the protective coloration he’d seek.
In the end, I did it for the characterization.
I feel as though the 50s may have been some sort of all-time high for smoking.
Cigarettes are a very 20th century thing. (Mechanical cigarette rolling machine at the beginning of the century made smoking very cheap.)
I sat and thought a good long while before I put a pipe in Doyle’s hands. It seemed so suited to his acquired persona. So much the protective coloration he’d seek.
In the end, I did it for the characterization.
I feel as though the 50s may have been some sort of all-time high for smoking.
Cigarettes are a very 20th century thing. (Mechanical cigarette rolling machine at the beginning of the century made smoking very cheap.)
I sat and thought a good long while before I put a pipe in Doyle’s hands. It seemed so suited to his acquired persona. So much the protective coloration he’d seek.
In the end, I did it for the characterization.
I feel as though the 50s may have been some sort of all-time high for smoking.
Cigarettes are a very 20th century thing. (Mechanical cigarette rolling machine at the beginning of the century made smoking very cheap.)
I sat and thought a good long while before I put a pipe in Doyle’s hands. It seemed so suited to his acquired persona. So much the protective coloration he’d seek.
In the end, I did it for the characterization.
I think it was a review of the movie “Imitation Game” that had “Historical smoking” listed in the section about ratings, right along with “adult themes.” Heh. I don’t mind reading of some smoking. I think we let our 21st century attitudes influence our perceptions of history, but, if it’s the hero smoking, I must occasionally wonder about a HEA with a possibility of lung, mouth or throat cancer. (I feel that U.S. Grant displayed heroic qualities when he distained drugs as he was dying of throat cancer in order to write his memoirs so that he family had some sort of income.)
I think it was a review of the movie “Imitation Game” that had “Historical smoking” listed in the section about ratings, right along with “adult themes.” Heh. I don’t mind reading of some smoking. I think we let our 21st century attitudes influence our perceptions of history, but, if it’s the hero smoking, I must occasionally wonder about a HEA with a possibility of lung, mouth or throat cancer. (I feel that U.S. Grant displayed heroic qualities when he distained drugs as he was dying of throat cancer in order to write his memoirs so that he family had some sort of income.)
I think it was a review of the movie “Imitation Game” that had “Historical smoking” listed in the section about ratings, right along with “adult themes.” Heh. I don’t mind reading of some smoking. I think we let our 21st century attitudes influence our perceptions of history, but, if it’s the hero smoking, I must occasionally wonder about a HEA with a possibility of lung, mouth or throat cancer. (I feel that U.S. Grant displayed heroic qualities when he distained drugs as he was dying of throat cancer in order to write his memoirs so that he family had some sort of income.)
I think it was a review of the movie “Imitation Game” that had “Historical smoking” listed in the section about ratings, right along with “adult themes.” Heh. I don’t mind reading of some smoking. I think we let our 21st century attitudes influence our perceptions of history, but, if it’s the hero smoking, I must occasionally wonder about a HEA with a possibility of lung, mouth or throat cancer. (I feel that U.S. Grant displayed heroic qualities when he distained drugs as he was dying of throat cancer in order to write his memoirs so that he family had some sort of income.)
I think it was a review of the movie “Imitation Game” that had “Historical smoking” listed in the section about ratings, right along with “adult themes.” Heh. I don’t mind reading of some smoking. I think we let our 21st century attitudes influence our perceptions of history, but, if it’s the hero smoking, I must occasionally wonder about a HEA with a possibility of lung, mouth or throat cancer. (I feel that U.S. Grant displayed heroic qualities when he distained drugs as he was dying of throat cancer in order to write his memoirs so that he family had some sort of income.)
I would be willing to have a hero smoke, although he should not be a chain smoker. I have seen Regency-set historicals that use the hero’s smoking habit to establish his somewhat-disreputable rakish qualities and to explain his presence alone on the terrace (Liz Carlyle’s The Devil You Know comes immediately to mind). I have never been a smoker, but I used to be married to one (we’re still married, but he quit many years ago, thank goodness). It was something I was used to for a good portion of my life.
I would be willing to have a hero smoke, although he should not be a chain smoker. I have seen Regency-set historicals that use the hero’s smoking habit to establish his somewhat-disreputable rakish qualities and to explain his presence alone on the terrace (Liz Carlyle’s The Devil You Know comes immediately to mind). I have never been a smoker, but I used to be married to one (we’re still married, but he quit many years ago, thank goodness). It was something I was used to for a good portion of my life.
I would be willing to have a hero smoke, although he should not be a chain smoker. I have seen Regency-set historicals that use the hero’s smoking habit to establish his somewhat-disreputable rakish qualities and to explain his presence alone on the terrace (Liz Carlyle’s The Devil You Know comes immediately to mind). I have never been a smoker, but I used to be married to one (we’re still married, but he quit many years ago, thank goodness). It was something I was used to for a good portion of my life.
I would be willing to have a hero smoke, although he should not be a chain smoker. I have seen Regency-set historicals that use the hero’s smoking habit to establish his somewhat-disreputable rakish qualities and to explain his presence alone on the terrace (Liz Carlyle’s The Devil You Know comes immediately to mind). I have never been a smoker, but I used to be married to one (we’re still married, but he quit many years ago, thank goodness). It was something I was used to for a good portion of my life.
I would be willing to have a hero smoke, although he should not be a chain smoker. I have seen Regency-set historicals that use the hero’s smoking habit to establish his somewhat-disreputable rakish qualities and to explain his presence alone on the terrace (Liz Carlyle’s The Devil You Know comes immediately to mind). I have never been a smoker, but I used to be married to one (we’re still married, but he quit many years ago, thank goodness). It was something I was used to for a good portion of my life.
I’d really prefer they didn’t. The only smoking I don’t have a completely negative feeling about is smoking a pipe. I hate the smell of cigarettes and especially cigars, but the smell of some pipe tobaccos is quite nice. But I also think of pipe smoking as more for an older man’s thing, not the younger hero character.
I’d really prefer they didn’t. The only smoking I don’t have a completely negative feeling about is smoking a pipe. I hate the smell of cigarettes and especially cigars, but the smell of some pipe tobaccos is quite nice. But I also think of pipe smoking as more for an older man’s thing, not the younger hero character.
I’d really prefer they didn’t. The only smoking I don’t have a completely negative feeling about is smoking a pipe. I hate the smell of cigarettes and especially cigars, but the smell of some pipe tobaccos is quite nice. But I also think of pipe smoking as more for an older man’s thing, not the younger hero character.
I’d really prefer they didn’t. The only smoking I don’t have a completely negative feeling about is smoking a pipe. I hate the smell of cigarettes and especially cigars, but the smell of some pipe tobaccos is quite nice. But I also think of pipe smoking as more for an older man’s thing, not the younger hero character.
I’d really prefer they didn’t. The only smoking I don’t have a completely negative feeling about is smoking a pipe. I hate the smell of cigarettes and especially cigars, but the smell of some pipe tobaccos is quite nice. But I also think of pipe smoking as more for an older man’s thing, not the younger hero character.
I recently reread a Mary Stewart and was quite horrified by the number of times smoking was mentioned then I thought about it and realised at the time of the book – probably mid fifties – smoking was the norm for an awful lot of people. So a regency gentleman wandering out to blow a cloud would be perfectly normal and therefore should be quite acceptable. Sometimes trying to put modern day attitudes and actions into a historical setting can spoil the story but a modern hero puffing away would be a complete turn off !!
I recently reread a Mary Stewart and was quite horrified by the number of times smoking was mentioned then I thought about it and realised at the time of the book – probably mid fifties – smoking was the norm for an awful lot of people. So a regency gentleman wandering out to blow a cloud would be perfectly normal and therefore should be quite acceptable. Sometimes trying to put modern day attitudes and actions into a historical setting can spoil the story but a modern hero puffing away would be a complete turn off !!
I recently reread a Mary Stewart and was quite horrified by the number of times smoking was mentioned then I thought about it and realised at the time of the book – probably mid fifties – smoking was the norm for an awful lot of people. So a regency gentleman wandering out to blow a cloud would be perfectly normal and therefore should be quite acceptable. Sometimes trying to put modern day attitudes and actions into a historical setting can spoil the story but a modern hero puffing away would be a complete turn off !!
I recently reread a Mary Stewart and was quite horrified by the number of times smoking was mentioned then I thought about it and realised at the time of the book – probably mid fifties – smoking was the norm for an awful lot of people. So a regency gentleman wandering out to blow a cloud would be perfectly normal and therefore should be quite acceptable. Sometimes trying to put modern day attitudes and actions into a historical setting can spoil the story but a modern hero puffing away would be a complete turn off !!
I recently reread a Mary Stewart and was quite horrified by the number of times smoking was mentioned then I thought about it and realised at the time of the book – probably mid fifties – smoking was the norm for an awful lot of people. So a regency gentleman wandering out to blow a cloud would be perfectly normal and therefore should be quite acceptable. Sometimes trying to put modern day attitudes and actions into a historical setting can spoil the story but a modern hero puffing away would be a complete turn off !!
My husband smokes the occasional cigar, and that’s not bad to deal with. So a casual indulgence wouldn’t bother me, particularly as a form of male bonding. 🙂
My husband smokes the occasional cigar, and that’s not bad to deal with. So a casual indulgence wouldn’t bother me, particularly as a form of male bonding. 🙂
My husband smokes the occasional cigar, and that’s not bad to deal with. So a casual indulgence wouldn’t bother me, particularly as a form of male bonding. 🙂
My husband smokes the occasional cigar, and that’s not bad to deal with. So a casual indulgence wouldn’t bother me, particularly as a form of male bonding. 🙂
My husband smokes the occasional cigar, and that’s not bad to deal with. So a casual indulgence wouldn’t bother me, particularly as a form of male bonding. 🙂
I’m allergic to smoke, so I do not care for characters that smoke. I’ve seen “cigarillos” in books. Is that something available during the Regency?
I’m allergic to smoke, so I do not care for characters that smoke. I’ve seen “cigarillos” in books. Is that something available during the Regency?
I’m allergic to smoke, so I do not care for characters that smoke. I’ve seen “cigarillos” in books. Is that something available during the Regency?
I’m allergic to smoke, so I do not care for characters that smoke. I’ve seen “cigarillos” in books. Is that something available during the Regency?
I’m allergic to smoke, so I do not care for characters that smoke. I’ve seen “cigarillos” in books. Is that something available during the Regency?
Looking back, when I dated men who smoked, I didn’t like the bad breath at all but it was so common that I doubt I ever thought of criticizing. It’s only when computers came into offices and management discovered that cigarette smoke residue gunked up $10,000 machines pretty quickly and made them unusable that offices started to become non-smoking. Previous to that nonsmokers like me just put up with cloudy rooms and stinky clothes (nothing clings like smoke and no smoke clings like cigar smoke). Everybody knew smoking was bad for you but everybody but me did it, seemingly.
However, it would be ahistoric to not have men smoking as a common thing. I doubt regency folk thought too much about it, given that they were all living their evenings with reeking candles or fire for light. Some idiots even thought smoking had health-giving properties. So a man probably would smoke, but it seems to have been the custom to limit smoking to times when they weren’t with the ladies (maybe the ladies objected to the odor clinging to their finery; it doesn’t wash out easily). So if our hero steps out to blow a cloud, or has a cigar with the boys after dinner, I don’t like it — any more than I’d like stepping over horse mud in the streets or keeping jugs in the sideboard to pee into — but it’s part of the era and I think it’s ahistoric to leave it out. I will just shrug and hope hero came from a long lived line, took care of his teeth and didn’t overindulge.
Looking back, when I dated men who smoked, I didn’t like the bad breath at all but it was so common that I doubt I ever thought of criticizing. It’s only when computers came into offices and management discovered that cigarette smoke residue gunked up $10,000 machines pretty quickly and made them unusable that offices started to become non-smoking. Previous to that nonsmokers like me just put up with cloudy rooms and stinky clothes (nothing clings like smoke and no smoke clings like cigar smoke). Everybody knew smoking was bad for you but everybody but me did it, seemingly.
However, it would be ahistoric to not have men smoking as a common thing. I doubt regency folk thought too much about it, given that they were all living their evenings with reeking candles or fire for light. Some idiots even thought smoking had health-giving properties. So a man probably would smoke, but it seems to have been the custom to limit smoking to times when they weren’t with the ladies (maybe the ladies objected to the odor clinging to their finery; it doesn’t wash out easily). So if our hero steps out to blow a cloud, or has a cigar with the boys after dinner, I don’t like it — any more than I’d like stepping over horse mud in the streets or keeping jugs in the sideboard to pee into — but it’s part of the era and I think it’s ahistoric to leave it out. I will just shrug and hope hero came from a long lived line, took care of his teeth and didn’t overindulge.
Looking back, when I dated men who smoked, I didn’t like the bad breath at all but it was so common that I doubt I ever thought of criticizing. It’s only when computers came into offices and management discovered that cigarette smoke residue gunked up $10,000 machines pretty quickly and made them unusable that offices started to become non-smoking. Previous to that nonsmokers like me just put up with cloudy rooms and stinky clothes (nothing clings like smoke and no smoke clings like cigar smoke). Everybody knew smoking was bad for you but everybody but me did it, seemingly.
However, it would be ahistoric to not have men smoking as a common thing. I doubt regency folk thought too much about it, given that they were all living their evenings with reeking candles or fire for light. Some idiots even thought smoking had health-giving properties. So a man probably would smoke, but it seems to have been the custom to limit smoking to times when they weren’t with the ladies (maybe the ladies objected to the odor clinging to their finery; it doesn’t wash out easily). So if our hero steps out to blow a cloud, or has a cigar with the boys after dinner, I don’t like it — any more than I’d like stepping over horse mud in the streets or keeping jugs in the sideboard to pee into — but it’s part of the era and I think it’s ahistoric to leave it out. I will just shrug and hope hero came from a long lived line, took care of his teeth and didn’t overindulge.
Looking back, when I dated men who smoked, I didn’t like the bad breath at all but it was so common that I doubt I ever thought of criticizing. It’s only when computers came into offices and management discovered that cigarette smoke residue gunked up $10,000 machines pretty quickly and made them unusable that offices started to become non-smoking. Previous to that nonsmokers like me just put up with cloudy rooms and stinky clothes (nothing clings like smoke and no smoke clings like cigar smoke). Everybody knew smoking was bad for you but everybody but me did it, seemingly.
However, it would be ahistoric to not have men smoking as a common thing. I doubt regency folk thought too much about it, given that they were all living their evenings with reeking candles or fire for light. Some idiots even thought smoking had health-giving properties. So a man probably would smoke, but it seems to have been the custom to limit smoking to times when they weren’t with the ladies (maybe the ladies objected to the odor clinging to their finery; it doesn’t wash out easily). So if our hero steps out to blow a cloud, or has a cigar with the boys after dinner, I don’t like it — any more than I’d like stepping over horse mud in the streets or keeping jugs in the sideboard to pee into — but it’s part of the era and I think it’s ahistoric to leave it out. I will just shrug and hope hero came from a long lived line, took care of his teeth and didn’t overindulge.
Looking back, when I dated men who smoked, I didn’t like the bad breath at all but it was so common that I doubt I ever thought of criticizing. It’s only when computers came into offices and management discovered that cigarette smoke residue gunked up $10,000 machines pretty quickly and made them unusable that offices started to become non-smoking. Previous to that nonsmokers like me just put up with cloudy rooms and stinky clothes (nothing clings like smoke and no smoke clings like cigar smoke). Everybody knew smoking was bad for you but everybody but me did it, seemingly.
However, it would be ahistoric to not have men smoking as a common thing. I doubt regency folk thought too much about it, given that they were all living their evenings with reeking candles or fire for light. Some idiots even thought smoking had health-giving properties. So a man probably would smoke, but it seems to have been the custom to limit smoking to times when they weren’t with the ladies (maybe the ladies objected to the odor clinging to their finery; it doesn’t wash out easily). So if our hero steps out to blow a cloud, or has a cigar with the boys after dinner, I don’t like it — any more than I’d like stepping over horse mud in the streets or keeping jugs in the sideboard to pee into — but it’s part of the era and I think it’s ahistoric to leave it out. I will just shrug and hope hero came from a long lived line, took care of his teeth and didn’t overindulge.
The scent question of smoking intrigued me in this discussion. My mother always talked about how she loved the smell of a pipe with richly scented tobacco because she can remember her grandfather and father sitting, smoking, and savoring a little rest before going to bed.
I could take a hero who smokes the occasional cigar to be sociable, but I think I draw the line if he lit up at breakfast or needed one after intimacy.
The scent question of smoking intrigued me in this discussion. My mother always talked about how she loved the smell of a pipe with richly scented tobacco because she can remember her grandfather and father sitting, smoking, and savoring a little rest before going to bed.
I could take a hero who smokes the occasional cigar to be sociable, but I think I draw the line if he lit up at breakfast or needed one after intimacy.
The scent question of smoking intrigued me in this discussion. My mother always talked about how she loved the smell of a pipe with richly scented tobacco because she can remember her grandfather and father sitting, smoking, and savoring a little rest before going to bed.
I could take a hero who smokes the occasional cigar to be sociable, but I think I draw the line if he lit up at breakfast or needed one after intimacy.
The scent question of smoking intrigued me in this discussion. My mother always talked about how she loved the smell of a pipe with richly scented tobacco because she can remember her grandfather and father sitting, smoking, and savoring a little rest before going to bed.
I could take a hero who smokes the occasional cigar to be sociable, but I think I draw the line if he lit up at breakfast or needed one after intimacy.
The scent question of smoking intrigued me in this discussion. My mother always talked about how she loved the smell of a pipe with richly scented tobacco because she can remember her grandfather and father sitting, smoking, and savoring a little rest before going to bed.
I could take a hero who smokes the occasional cigar to be sociable, but I think I draw the line if he lit up at breakfast or needed one after intimacy.
Simply put, smoking STINKS. Most smokers don’t realize it, but it only takes one cigar to make the smoker REEK, hair and clothing and anyone forced to be near him/her. I’d prefer that the hero not smoke, because it takes away the romance entirely for me.
Simply put, smoking STINKS. Most smokers don’t realize it, but it only takes one cigar to make the smoker REEK, hair and clothing and anyone forced to be near him/her. I’d prefer that the hero not smoke, because it takes away the romance entirely for me.
Simply put, smoking STINKS. Most smokers don’t realize it, but it only takes one cigar to make the smoker REEK, hair and clothing and anyone forced to be near him/her. I’d prefer that the hero not smoke, because it takes away the romance entirely for me.
Simply put, smoking STINKS. Most smokers don’t realize it, but it only takes one cigar to make the smoker REEK, hair and clothing and anyone forced to be near him/her. I’d prefer that the hero not smoke, because it takes away the romance entirely for me.
Simply put, smoking STINKS. Most smokers don’t realize it, but it only takes one cigar to make the smoker REEK, hair and clothing and anyone forced to be near him/her. I’d prefer that the hero not smoke, because it takes away the romance entirely for me.
When writing historical fiction the author should not apply modern practices and mores. If something was the norm in the period then it should be included. This goes for racial slurs, chastisement of wives and children, jail, hanging, or transportation for criminals including children. Personally, I would stop reading a book if 21st Century habits and opinions were shown or expressed in a historical novel.
When writing historical fiction the author should not apply modern practices and mores. If something was the norm in the period then it should be included. This goes for racial slurs, chastisement of wives and children, jail, hanging, or transportation for criminals including children. Personally, I would stop reading a book if 21st Century habits and opinions were shown or expressed in a historical novel.
When writing historical fiction the author should not apply modern practices and mores. If something was the norm in the period then it should be included. This goes for racial slurs, chastisement of wives and children, jail, hanging, or transportation for criminals including children. Personally, I would stop reading a book if 21st Century habits and opinions were shown or expressed in a historical novel.
When writing historical fiction the author should not apply modern practices and mores. If something was the norm in the period then it should be included. This goes for racial slurs, chastisement of wives and children, jail, hanging, or transportation for criminals including children. Personally, I would stop reading a book if 21st Century habits and opinions were shown or expressed in a historical novel.
When writing historical fiction the author should not apply modern practices and mores. If something was the norm in the period then it should be included. This goes for racial slurs, chastisement of wives and children, jail, hanging, or transportation for criminals including children. Personally, I would stop reading a book if 21st Century habits and opinions were shown or expressed in a historical novel.
I detest smoking, yet I think that there are historical romances that make good use of smoking to help build a picture of the heroine –
– Sherry Thomas, Delicious – Verity smokes at the end of a hard day of labouring in the kitchen – I think this is a nice touch that reinforces the change in her circumstances and character
– Loretta Chase – The Last Hellion – Lydia’s smoking shows her level of commitment to her job as an investigative journalist, reinforces the idea that she is skilled at disguise – and feeds into a couple of great scenes in which cheroots play a pivotal role
So yes, regardless of how I feel about smoking in real life, I think it’s fine for a fictional hero / heroine to smoke – as long as the smoking shows something distinctive about the character, or even better, contributes to the plot.
I detest smoking, yet I think that there are historical romances that make good use of smoking to help build a picture of the heroine –
– Sherry Thomas, Delicious – Verity smokes at the end of a hard day of labouring in the kitchen – I think this is a nice touch that reinforces the change in her circumstances and character
– Loretta Chase – The Last Hellion – Lydia’s smoking shows her level of commitment to her job as an investigative journalist, reinforces the idea that she is skilled at disguise – and feeds into a couple of great scenes in which cheroots play a pivotal role
So yes, regardless of how I feel about smoking in real life, I think it’s fine for a fictional hero / heroine to smoke – as long as the smoking shows something distinctive about the character, or even better, contributes to the plot.
I detest smoking, yet I think that there are historical romances that make good use of smoking to help build a picture of the heroine –
– Sherry Thomas, Delicious – Verity smokes at the end of a hard day of labouring in the kitchen – I think this is a nice touch that reinforces the change in her circumstances and character
– Loretta Chase – The Last Hellion – Lydia’s smoking shows her level of commitment to her job as an investigative journalist, reinforces the idea that she is skilled at disguise – and feeds into a couple of great scenes in which cheroots play a pivotal role
So yes, regardless of how I feel about smoking in real life, I think it’s fine for a fictional hero / heroine to smoke – as long as the smoking shows something distinctive about the character, or even better, contributes to the plot.
I detest smoking, yet I think that there are historical romances that make good use of smoking to help build a picture of the heroine –
– Sherry Thomas, Delicious – Verity smokes at the end of a hard day of labouring in the kitchen – I think this is a nice touch that reinforces the change in her circumstances and character
– Loretta Chase – The Last Hellion – Lydia’s smoking shows her level of commitment to her job as an investigative journalist, reinforces the idea that she is skilled at disguise – and feeds into a couple of great scenes in which cheroots play a pivotal role
So yes, regardless of how I feel about smoking in real life, I think it’s fine for a fictional hero / heroine to smoke – as long as the smoking shows something distinctive about the character, or even better, contributes to the plot.
I detest smoking, yet I think that there are historical romances that make good use of smoking to help build a picture of the heroine –
– Sherry Thomas, Delicious – Verity smokes at the end of a hard day of labouring in the kitchen – I think this is a nice touch that reinforces the change in her circumstances and character
– Loretta Chase – The Last Hellion – Lydia’s smoking shows her level of commitment to her job as an investigative journalist, reinforces the idea that she is skilled at disguise – and feeds into a couple of great scenes in which cheroots play a pivotal role
So yes, regardless of how I feel about smoking in real life, I think it’s fine for a fictional hero / heroine to smoke – as long as the smoking shows something distinctive about the character, or even better, contributes to the plot.
In real life I am absolutely opposed to anybody smoking. Now, we’re talking historical fiction here and while it is fiction I always like it better when it depicts faithfully the habits, fashions, beliefs, etc… of the time. On the other hand I think we all tend to like our heroes to be “clean” (no smoking, no drugs, etc.. – except for Sherlock Holmes, ahem….but that’s another topic). My point is: as a reader I will not mind if the hero smokes, if it bothers me I’ll just use my selective memory to forget that aspect, after all, the story is much more than that!
In real life I am absolutely opposed to anybody smoking. Now, we’re talking historical fiction here and while it is fiction I always like it better when it depicts faithfully the habits, fashions, beliefs, etc… of the time. On the other hand I think we all tend to like our heroes to be “clean” (no smoking, no drugs, etc.. – except for Sherlock Holmes, ahem….but that’s another topic). My point is: as a reader I will not mind if the hero smokes, if it bothers me I’ll just use my selective memory to forget that aspect, after all, the story is much more than that!
In real life I am absolutely opposed to anybody smoking. Now, we’re talking historical fiction here and while it is fiction I always like it better when it depicts faithfully the habits, fashions, beliefs, etc… of the time. On the other hand I think we all tend to like our heroes to be “clean” (no smoking, no drugs, etc.. – except for Sherlock Holmes, ahem….but that’s another topic). My point is: as a reader I will not mind if the hero smokes, if it bothers me I’ll just use my selective memory to forget that aspect, after all, the story is much more than that!
In real life I am absolutely opposed to anybody smoking. Now, we’re talking historical fiction here and while it is fiction I always like it better when it depicts faithfully the habits, fashions, beliefs, etc… of the time. On the other hand I think we all tend to like our heroes to be “clean” (no smoking, no drugs, etc.. – except for Sherlock Holmes, ahem….but that’s another topic). My point is: as a reader I will not mind if the hero smokes, if it bothers me I’ll just use my selective memory to forget that aspect, after all, the story is much more than that!
In real life I am absolutely opposed to anybody smoking. Now, we’re talking historical fiction here and while it is fiction I always like it better when it depicts faithfully the habits, fashions, beliefs, etc… of the time. On the other hand I think we all tend to like our heroes to be “clean” (no smoking, no drugs, etc.. – except for Sherlock Holmes, ahem….but that’s another topic). My point is: as a reader I will not mind if the hero smokes, if it bothers me I’ll just use my selective memory to forget that aspect, after all, the story is much more than that!
Fascinating blog and comments! I confess that it never occurred to me that some readers would be so uncomfortable with smoking in an historical context. Perhaps it’s because I grew up when it was common and most evening events would be in a fug. Perhaps it’s because it is part of the times, especially the pipe. And snuff. To leave them out entirely is rather like everyone being vegetarian. 🙂
I agree about smoker’s breath, but also with whoever mentioned morning breath. We seem to be willing to suspend reality there so I’m happy to do it with the smoking — and the drinking though that doesn’t bother me at all. A brandy kiss can be quite delightful.
As a reader I’m willing to go with the flow on a lot of things. Characters, especially men, really don’t eat many vegetables in books but I don’t worry about their health over that. The coal fires could harm the lungs, especially with a slightly smoky chimney in a well-draft-proofed room. In most places the water wasn’t safe to drink, but characters down it greedily instead of getting some small beer, which was safe and low alcohol.
The idea of hookahs is interesting. I think some people associate them with illegal drugs but generally they use tobacco and might carry less risk. I’m sure they were used in Britain, brought back from Italy et al on the Grand Tour, and from the Middle East and India by merchants and diplomats.
Fascinating blog and comments! I confess that it never occurred to me that some readers would be so uncomfortable with smoking in an historical context. Perhaps it’s because I grew up when it was common and most evening events would be in a fug. Perhaps it’s because it is part of the times, especially the pipe. And snuff. To leave them out entirely is rather like everyone being vegetarian. 🙂
I agree about smoker’s breath, but also with whoever mentioned morning breath. We seem to be willing to suspend reality there so I’m happy to do it with the smoking — and the drinking though that doesn’t bother me at all. A brandy kiss can be quite delightful.
As a reader I’m willing to go with the flow on a lot of things. Characters, especially men, really don’t eat many vegetables in books but I don’t worry about their health over that. The coal fires could harm the lungs, especially with a slightly smoky chimney in a well-draft-proofed room. In most places the water wasn’t safe to drink, but characters down it greedily instead of getting some small beer, which was safe and low alcohol.
The idea of hookahs is interesting. I think some people associate them with illegal drugs but generally they use tobacco and might carry less risk. I’m sure they were used in Britain, brought back from Italy et al on the Grand Tour, and from the Middle East and India by merchants and diplomats.
Fascinating blog and comments! I confess that it never occurred to me that some readers would be so uncomfortable with smoking in an historical context. Perhaps it’s because I grew up when it was common and most evening events would be in a fug. Perhaps it’s because it is part of the times, especially the pipe. And snuff. To leave them out entirely is rather like everyone being vegetarian. 🙂
I agree about smoker’s breath, but also with whoever mentioned morning breath. We seem to be willing to suspend reality there so I’m happy to do it with the smoking — and the drinking though that doesn’t bother me at all. A brandy kiss can be quite delightful.
As a reader I’m willing to go with the flow on a lot of things. Characters, especially men, really don’t eat many vegetables in books but I don’t worry about their health over that. The coal fires could harm the lungs, especially with a slightly smoky chimney in a well-draft-proofed room. In most places the water wasn’t safe to drink, but characters down it greedily instead of getting some small beer, which was safe and low alcohol.
The idea of hookahs is interesting. I think some people associate them with illegal drugs but generally they use tobacco and might carry less risk. I’m sure they were used in Britain, brought back from Italy et al on the Grand Tour, and from the Middle East and India by merchants and diplomats.
Fascinating blog and comments! I confess that it never occurred to me that some readers would be so uncomfortable with smoking in an historical context. Perhaps it’s because I grew up when it was common and most evening events would be in a fug. Perhaps it’s because it is part of the times, especially the pipe. And snuff. To leave them out entirely is rather like everyone being vegetarian. 🙂
I agree about smoker’s breath, but also with whoever mentioned morning breath. We seem to be willing to suspend reality there so I’m happy to do it with the smoking — and the drinking though that doesn’t bother me at all. A brandy kiss can be quite delightful.
As a reader I’m willing to go with the flow on a lot of things. Characters, especially men, really don’t eat many vegetables in books but I don’t worry about their health over that. The coal fires could harm the lungs, especially with a slightly smoky chimney in a well-draft-proofed room. In most places the water wasn’t safe to drink, but characters down it greedily instead of getting some small beer, which was safe and low alcohol.
The idea of hookahs is interesting. I think some people associate them with illegal drugs but generally they use tobacco and might carry less risk. I’m sure they were used in Britain, brought back from Italy et al on the Grand Tour, and from the Middle East and India by merchants and diplomats.
Fascinating blog and comments! I confess that it never occurred to me that some readers would be so uncomfortable with smoking in an historical context. Perhaps it’s because I grew up when it was common and most evening events would be in a fug. Perhaps it’s because it is part of the times, especially the pipe. And snuff. To leave them out entirely is rather like everyone being vegetarian. 🙂
I agree about smoker’s breath, but also with whoever mentioned morning breath. We seem to be willing to suspend reality there so I’m happy to do it with the smoking — and the drinking though that doesn’t bother me at all. A brandy kiss can be quite delightful.
As a reader I’m willing to go with the flow on a lot of things. Characters, especially men, really don’t eat many vegetables in books but I don’t worry about their health over that. The coal fires could harm the lungs, especially with a slightly smoky chimney in a well-draft-proofed room. In most places the water wasn’t safe to drink, but characters down it greedily instead of getting some small beer, which was safe and low alcohol.
The idea of hookahs is interesting. I think some people associate them with illegal drugs but generally they use tobacco and might carry less risk. I’m sure they were used in Britain, brought back from Italy et al on the Grand Tour, and from the Middle East and India by merchants and diplomats.
I don’t mind if there is smoking in a story, I think it adds to the story sometimes!
I don’t mind if there is smoking in a story, I think it adds to the story sometimes!
I don’t mind if there is smoking in a story, I think it adds to the story sometimes!
I don’t mind if there is smoking in a story, I think it adds to the story sometimes!
I don’t mind if there is smoking in a story, I think it adds to the story sometimes!
In real life I have an intense dislike of smoking even though thought of my grandfather are tied up with pipe smoke. In fiction, it’s understandable that a hero would smoke. Different values during different times.
In real life I have an intense dislike of smoking even though thought of my grandfather are tied up with pipe smoke. In fiction, it’s understandable that a hero would smoke. Different values during different times.
In real life I have an intense dislike of smoking even though thought of my grandfather are tied up with pipe smoke. In fiction, it’s understandable that a hero would smoke. Different values during different times.
In real life I have an intense dislike of smoking even though thought of my grandfather are tied up with pipe smoke. In fiction, it’s understandable that a hero would smoke. Different values during different times.
In real life I have an intense dislike of smoking even though thought of my grandfather are tied up with pipe smoke. In fiction, it’s understandable that a hero would smoke. Different values during different times.
That’s exactly it. Part of what we’re doing in Historical Romance is visiting a different world.
That’s exactly it. Part of what we’re doing in Historical Romance is visiting a different world.
That’s exactly it. Part of what we’re doing in Historical Romance is visiting a different world.
That’s exactly it. Part of what we’re doing in Historical Romance is visiting a different world.
That’s exactly it. Part of what we’re doing in Historical Romance is visiting a different world.
We can use what a character smokes, and how and where, to tell us about him or her. As useful as coffee versus tea or what he reads.
We can use what a character smokes, and how and where, to tell us about him or her. As useful as coffee versus tea or what he reads.
We can use what a character smokes, and how and where, to tell us about him or her. As useful as coffee versus tea or what he reads.
We can use what a character smokes, and how and where, to tell us about him or her. As useful as coffee versus tea or what he reads.
We can use what a character smokes, and how and where, to tell us about him or her. As useful as coffee versus tea or what he reads.
Sherlock Holmes and his drug habit . . .
and therein lies an interesting parallel.
When Doyle wrote his works there was an entirely different attitude toward cocaine. When we read them, we apply different values. We read a ‘different story’, really.
Sherlock Holmes and his drug habit . . .
and therein lies an interesting parallel.
When Doyle wrote his works there was an entirely different attitude toward cocaine. When we read them, we apply different values. We read a ‘different story’, really.
Sherlock Holmes and his drug habit . . .
and therein lies an interesting parallel.
When Doyle wrote his works there was an entirely different attitude toward cocaine. When we read them, we apply different values. We read a ‘different story’, really.
Sherlock Holmes and his drug habit . . .
and therein lies an interesting parallel.
When Doyle wrote his works there was an entirely different attitude toward cocaine. When we read them, we apply different values. We read a ‘different story’, really.
Sherlock Holmes and his drug habit . . .
and therein lies an interesting parallel.
When Doyle wrote his works there was an entirely different attitude toward cocaine. When we read them, we apply different values. We read a ‘different story’, really.
Those are WONDERFUL examples. And great insight on how Thomas and Chase use smoking to make a point about their heroines. They are so clever.
Those are WONDERFUL examples. And great insight on how Thomas and Chase use smoking to make a point about their heroines. They are so clever.
Those are WONDERFUL examples. And great insight on how Thomas and Chase use smoking to make a point about their heroines. They are so clever.
Those are WONDERFUL examples. And great insight on how Thomas and Chase use smoking to make a point about their heroines. They are so clever.
Those are WONDERFUL examples. And great insight on how Thomas and Chase use smoking to make a point about their heroines. They are so clever.
I’m with you. Reading history, I want to see history.
When I’m writing I don’t delve into ALL the history available. I don’t go to situations where I’ll pull my reader out of the fictive haze. I pick and choose.
But at the very least I do try to avoid social anachronism.
I’m with you. Reading history, I want to see history.
When I’m writing I don’t delve into ALL the history available. I don’t go to situations where I’ll pull my reader out of the fictive haze. I pick and choose.
But at the very least I do try to avoid social anachronism.
I’m with you. Reading history, I want to see history.
When I’m writing I don’t delve into ALL the history available. I don’t go to situations where I’ll pull my reader out of the fictive haze. I pick and choose.
But at the very least I do try to avoid social anachronism.
I’m with you. Reading history, I want to see history.
When I’m writing I don’t delve into ALL the history available. I don’t go to situations where I’ll pull my reader out of the fictive haze. I pick and choose.
But at the very least I do try to avoid social anachronism.
I’m with you. Reading history, I want to see history.
When I’m writing I don’t delve into ALL the history available. I don’t go to situations where I’ll pull my reader out of the fictive haze. I pick and choose.
But at the very least I do try to avoid social anachronism.
I know many people feel this way in real life.
Interesting to see it carry over to the fictive world. And Romance would be where this preference hits, because we need out heroes to be appealing!
I know many people feel this way in real life.
Interesting to see it carry over to the fictive world. And Romance would be where this preference hits, because we need out heroes to be appealing!
I know many people feel this way in real life.
Interesting to see it carry over to the fictive world. And Romance would be where this preference hits, because we need out heroes to be appealing!
I know many people feel this way in real life.
Interesting to see it carry over to the fictive world. And Romance would be where this preference hits, because we need out heroes to be appealing!
I know many people feel this way in real life.
Interesting to see it carry over to the fictive world. And Romance would be where this preference hits, because we need out heroes to be appealing!
Oh dear —
Shannon, you are so right. NOT at the breakfast table. NOT after intimacy.
But there are scenes where smoking could be just the perfect action.
Oh dear —
Shannon, you are so right. NOT at the breakfast table. NOT after intimacy.
But there are scenes where smoking could be just the perfect action.
Oh dear —
Shannon, you are so right. NOT at the breakfast table. NOT after intimacy.
But there are scenes where smoking could be just the perfect action.
Oh dear —
Shannon, you are so right. NOT at the breakfast table. NOT after intimacy.
But there are scenes where smoking could be just the perfect action.
Oh dear —
Shannon, you are so right. NOT at the breakfast table. NOT after intimacy.
But there are scenes where smoking could be just the perfect action.
I had not thought thought of the ever-present and overwhelming smell of coal fires and wood fires and tallow candles.
I have a wood stove for heat in my house and I know I go about smelling of wood smoke all the time. (I tell myself it’s a pleasant smell.)
So the line between tobacco smokers and not wouldn’t be as sharp a divide as today, I think.
I had not thought thought of the ever-present and overwhelming smell of coal fires and wood fires and tallow candles.
I have a wood stove for heat in my house and I know I go about smelling of wood smoke all the time. (I tell myself it’s a pleasant smell.)
So the line between tobacco smokers and not wouldn’t be as sharp a divide as today, I think.
I had not thought thought of the ever-present and overwhelming smell of coal fires and wood fires and tallow candles.
I have a wood stove for heat in my house and I know I go about smelling of wood smoke all the time. (I tell myself it’s a pleasant smell.)
So the line between tobacco smokers and not wouldn’t be as sharp a divide as today, I think.
I had not thought thought of the ever-present and overwhelming smell of coal fires and wood fires and tallow candles.
I have a wood stove for heat in my house and I know I go about smelling of wood smoke all the time. (I tell myself it’s a pleasant smell.)
So the line between tobacco smokers and not wouldn’t be as sharp a divide as today, I think.
I had not thought thought of the ever-present and overwhelming smell of coal fires and wood fires and tallow candles.
I have a wood stove for heat in my house and I know I go about smelling of wood smoke all the time. (I tell myself it’s a pleasant smell.)
So the line between tobacco smokers and not wouldn’t be as sharp a divide as today, I think.
A ‘cigarillo’ is a very small cigar, one perhaps not much larger than a cigarette.
The word itself probably doesn’t date any earlier than the late 1820s, so a Regency gentleman shouldn’t be smoking them by that name.
But in the Regency, manufactured items were not so much standardized. If a man wanted very small cigars he could probably arrange to buy them. And they had small smokes similar to cigarillos in Spain a century and more earlier.
A ‘cigarillo’ is a very small cigar, one perhaps not much larger than a cigarette.
The word itself probably doesn’t date any earlier than the late 1820s, so a Regency gentleman shouldn’t be smoking them by that name.
But in the Regency, manufactured items were not so much standardized. If a man wanted very small cigars he could probably arrange to buy them. And they had small smokes similar to cigarillos in Spain a century and more earlier.
A ‘cigarillo’ is a very small cigar, one perhaps not much larger than a cigarette.
The word itself probably doesn’t date any earlier than the late 1820s, so a Regency gentleman shouldn’t be smoking them by that name.
But in the Regency, manufactured items were not so much standardized. If a man wanted very small cigars he could probably arrange to buy them. And they had small smokes similar to cigarillos in Spain a century and more earlier.
A ‘cigarillo’ is a very small cigar, one perhaps not much larger than a cigarette.
The word itself probably doesn’t date any earlier than the late 1820s, so a Regency gentleman shouldn’t be smoking them by that name.
But in the Regency, manufactured items were not so much standardized. If a man wanted very small cigars he could probably arrange to buy them. And they had small smokes similar to cigarillos in Spain a century and more earlier.
A ‘cigarillo’ is a very small cigar, one perhaps not much larger than a cigarette.
The word itself probably doesn’t date any earlier than the late 1820s, so a Regency gentleman shouldn’t be smoking them by that name.
But in the Regency, manufactured items were not so much standardized. If a man wanted very small cigars he could probably arrange to buy them. And they had small smokes similar to cigarillos in Spain a century and more earlier.
As you say … it’s an evocative action. It tells us about the character. It creates an atmosphere.
As you say … it’s an evocative action. It tells us about the character. It creates an atmosphere.
As you say … it’s an evocative action. It tells us about the character. It creates an atmosphere.
As you say … it’s an evocative action. It tells us about the character. It creates an atmosphere.
As you say … it’s an evocative action. It tells us about the character. It creates an atmosphere.
Somebody has a Master’s thesis waiting for them in a comparison of characters who smoke in Mills&Boon/HQN in the 1950s and 60 and current ones.
Somebody has a Master’s thesis waiting for them in a comparison of characters who smoke in Mills&Boon/HQN in the 1950s and 60 and current ones.
Somebody has a Master’s thesis waiting for them in a comparison of characters who smoke in Mills&Boon/HQN in the 1950s and 60 and current ones.
Somebody has a Master’s thesis waiting for them in a comparison of characters who smoke in Mills&Boon/HQN in the 1950s and 60 and current ones.
Somebody has a Master’s thesis waiting for them in a comparison of characters who smoke in Mills&Boon/HQN in the 1950s and 60 and current ones.
I don’t mind the smoking thing in fiction.
Maybe it’s from seeing smokers depicted so often in 18th Century taverns, sprawling with their long clay pipes. They look so relaxed and happy and at home.
I can’t help but think those men didn’t go through much tobacco, either. Those pipe bowls look as if they held maybe half a tablespoon.
I don’t mind the smoking thing in fiction.
Maybe it’s from seeing smokers depicted so often in 18th Century taverns, sprawling with their long clay pipes. They look so relaxed and happy and at home.
I can’t help but think those men didn’t go through much tobacco, either. Those pipe bowls look as if they held maybe half a tablespoon.
I don’t mind the smoking thing in fiction.
Maybe it’s from seeing smokers depicted so often in 18th Century taverns, sprawling with their long clay pipes. They look so relaxed and happy and at home.
I can’t help but think those men didn’t go through much tobacco, either. Those pipe bowls look as if they held maybe half a tablespoon.
I don’t mind the smoking thing in fiction.
Maybe it’s from seeing smokers depicted so often in 18th Century taverns, sprawling with their long clay pipes. They look so relaxed and happy and at home.
I can’t help but think those men didn’t go through much tobacco, either. Those pipe bowls look as if they held maybe half a tablespoon.
I don’t mind the smoking thing in fiction.
Maybe it’s from seeing smokers depicted so often in 18th Century taverns, sprawling with their long clay pipes. They look so relaxed and happy and at home.
I can’t help but think those men didn’t go through much tobacco, either. Those pipe bowls look as if they held maybe half a tablespoon.
I think it’s very reasonable to assign a certain raffishness to tobacco use. A certain sense that this was not for polite company.
And it is a way to get him out on the terrace, isn’t it?
I think it’s very reasonable to assign a certain raffishness to tobacco use. A certain sense that this was not for polite company.
And it is a way to get him out on the terrace, isn’t it?
I think it’s very reasonable to assign a certain raffishness to tobacco use. A certain sense that this was not for polite company.
And it is a way to get him out on the terrace, isn’t it?
I think it’s very reasonable to assign a certain raffishness to tobacco use. A certain sense that this was not for polite company.
And it is a way to get him out on the terrace, isn’t it?
I think it’s very reasonable to assign a certain raffishness to tobacco use. A certain sense that this was not for polite company.
And it is a way to get him out on the terrace, isn’t it?
Good Lord — ratings for ‘historical smoking’. What next?
(There’s some of those Regency dresses — perfectly accurate ones — that might qualify as ‘partial nudity’ I suppose.)
Good Lord — ratings for ‘historical smoking’. What next?
(There’s some of those Regency dresses — perfectly accurate ones — that might qualify as ‘partial nudity’ I suppose.)
Good Lord — ratings for ‘historical smoking’. What next?
(There’s some of those Regency dresses — perfectly accurate ones — that might qualify as ‘partial nudity’ I suppose.)
Good Lord — ratings for ‘historical smoking’. What next?
(There’s some of those Regency dresses — perfectly accurate ones — that might qualify as ‘partial nudity’ I suppose.)
Good Lord — ratings for ‘historical smoking’. What next?
(There’s some of those Regency dresses — perfectly accurate ones — that might qualify as ‘partial nudity’ I suppose.)
I think it also depends on when the hero or heroine lights up. (Chiming in on the people who weren’t comfortable with how often the Mary Stewart characters lit up during the story.)
Even in a contemporary, the timing can affect the story. At the end of one Susanna Kearsley story, I was enjoying the scene where the hero and heroine finally get together — except that the hero pitches away his cigarette right before he kisses the heroine, and I was thrown out of the story by the thought of kissing a man who had just been smoking. (Which was a pity, because it’s a good story.)
I think it also depends on when the hero or heroine lights up. (Chiming in on the people who weren’t comfortable with how often the Mary Stewart characters lit up during the story.)
Even in a contemporary, the timing can affect the story. At the end of one Susanna Kearsley story, I was enjoying the scene where the hero and heroine finally get together — except that the hero pitches away his cigarette right before he kisses the heroine, and I was thrown out of the story by the thought of kissing a man who had just been smoking. (Which was a pity, because it’s a good story.)
I think it also depends on when the hero or heroine lights up. (Chiming in on the people who weren’t comfortable with how often the Mary Stewart characters lit up during the story.)
Even in a contemporary, the timing can affect the story. At the end of one Susanna Kearsley story, I was enjoying the scene where the hero and heroine finally get together — except that the hero pitches away his cigarette right before he kisses the heroine, and I was thrown out of the story by the thought of kissing a man who had just been smoking. (Which was a pity, because it’s a good story.)
I think it also depends on when the hero or heroine lights up. (Chiming in on the people who weren’t comfortable with how often the Mary Stewart characters lit up during the story.)
Even in a contemporary, the timing can affect the story. At the end of one Susanna Kearsley story, I was enjoying the scene where the hero and heroine finally get together — except that the hero pitches away his cigarette right before he kisses the heroine, and I was thrown out of the story by the thought of kissing a man who had just been smoking. (Which was a pity, because it’s a good story.)
I think it also depends on when the hero or heroine lights up. (Chiming in on the people who weren’t comfortable with how often the Mary Stewart characters lit up during the story.)
Even in a contemporary, the timing can affect the story. At the end of one Susanna Kearsley story, I was enjoying the scene where the hero and heroine finally get together — except that the hero pitches away his cigarette right before he kisses the heroine, and I was thrown out of the story by the thought of kissing a man who had just been smoking. (Which was a pity, because it’s a good story.)
I hate smoking but it doesn’t disturb me if the characters smoke. I would never kiss anyone who did smoke but…if smoking is what the hero does, then at some point or the other they will kiss right after a cigarette. Me – Yuck…but if that is them it is fine.
I just read a Linda Howard book where the hero is looking in at the heroine (Rowena) while smoking a cigarette…..and it was perfect for that scene.
Those Mary Stewart’s are chock full of cigarette smoking aren’t they. But it was the thing to do at that time. The other thing that has always stuck me is how many drinks there were. And that a drink was always needed to settle nerves, soothe a situation, encourage talking.
Rosamunde Pilcher had the drink thing going but not much smoking.
The early Jayne Anne Krentz books have a fair amount of smoking but now…it is very seldom mentioned.
Interesting that cigarillo is a word that shouldn’t be used in a Regency because I’ve seen that word used over and over in Regencies. I thought it was used in The Toll House by Georgette Heyer that I just read. Guess I need to go look for that scene again.
Usually when I think of the word cigarillo I think of an ex military hero that fought in the Napoleonic wars.
You know…..the smoking thing is kind of like the sex with protection bit in current contemporary novels. They never used to mention protection much, now they tend to have much more safe sex. I’d noticed that a few years ago. Again if you read the old Jayne Anne Krentz back to back with the more modern books. No protection mentioned vs protection asked about and used.
I hate smoking but it doesn’t disturb me if the characters smoke. I would never kiss anyone who did smoke but…if smoking is what the hero does, then at some point or the other they will kiss right after a cigarette. Me – Yuck…but if that is them it is fine.
I just read a Linda Howard book where the hero is looking in at the heroine (Rowena) while smoking a cigarette…..and it was perfect for that scene.
Those Mary Stewart’s are chock full of cigarette smoking aren’t they. But it was the thing to do at that time. The other thing that has always stuck me is how many drinks there were. And that a drink was always needed to settle nerves, soothe a situation, encourage talking.
Rosamunde Pilcher had the drink thing going but not much smoking.
The early Jayne Anne Krentz books have a fair amount of smoking but now…it is very seldom mentioned.
Interesting that cigarillo is a word that shouldn’t be used in a Regency because I’ve seen that word used over and over in Regencies. I thought it was used in The Toll House by Georgette Heyer that I just read. Guess I need to go look for that scene again.
Usually when I think of the word cigarillo I think of an ex military hero that fought in the Napoleonic wars.
You know…..the smoking thing is kind of like the sex with protection bit in current contemporary novels. They never used to mention protection much, now they tend to have much more safe sex. I’d noticed that a few years ago. Again if you read the old Jayne Anne Krentz back to back with the more modern books. No protection mentioned vs protection asked about and used.
I hate smoking but it doesn’t disturb me if the characters smoke. I would never kiss anyone who did smoke but…if smoking is what the hero does, then at some point or the other they will kiss right after a cigarette. Me – Yuck…but if that is them it is fine.
I just read a Linda Howard book where the hero is looking in at the heroine (Rowena) while smoking a cigarette…..and it was perfect for that scene.
Those Mary Stewart’s are chock full of cigarette smoking aren’t they. But it was the thing to do at that time. The other thing that has always stuck me is how many drinks there were. And that a drink was always needed to settle nerves, soothe a situation, encourage talking.
Rosamunde Pilcher had the drink thing going but not much smoking.
The early Jayne Anne Krentz books have a fair amount of smoking but now…it is very seldom mentioned.
Interesting that cigarillo is a word that shouldn’t be used in a Regency because I’ve seen that word used over and over in Regencies. I thought it was used in The Toll House by Georgette Heyer that I just read. Guess I need to go look for that scene again.
Usually when I think of the word cigarillo I think of an ex military hero that fought in the Napoleonic wars.
You know…..the smoking thing is kind of like the sex with protection bit in current contemporary novels. They never used to mention protection much, now they tend to have much more safe sex. I’d noticed that a few years ago. Again if you read the old Jayne Anne Krentz back to back with the more modern books. No protection mentioned vs protection asked about and used.
I hate smoking but it doesn’t disturb me if the characters smoke. I would never kiss anyone who did smoke but…if smoking is what the hero does, then at some point or the other they will kiss right after a cigarette. Me – Yuck…but if that is them it is fine.
I just read a Linda Howard book where the hero is looking in at the heroine (Rowena) while smoking a cigarette…..and it was perfect for that scene.
Those Mary Stewart’s are chock full of cigarette smoking aren’t they. But it was the thing to do at that time. The other thing that has always stuck me is how many drinks there were. And that a drink was always needed to settle nerves, soothe a situation, encourage talking.
Rosamunde Pilcher had the drink thing going but not much smoking.
The early Jayne Anne Krentz books have a fair amount of smoking but now…it is very seldom mentioned.
Interesting that cigarillo is a word that shouldn’t be used in a Regency because I’ve seen that word used over and over in Regencies. I thought it was used in The Toll House by Georgette Heyer that I just read. Guess I need to go look for that scene again.
Usually when I think of the word cigarillo I think of an ex military hero that fought in the Napoleonic wars.
You know…..the smoking thing is kind of like the sex with protection bit in current contemporary novels. They never used to mention protection much, now they tend to have much more safe sex. I’d noticed that a few years ago. Again if you read the old Jayne Anne Krentz back to back with the more modern books. No protection mentioned vs protection asked about and used.
I hate smoking but it doesn’t disturb me if the characters smoke. I would never kiss anyone who did smoke but…if smoking is what the hero does, then at some point or the other they will kiss right after a cigarette. Me – Yuck…but if that is them it is fine.
I just read a Linda Howard book where the hero is looking in at the heroine (Rowena) while smoking a cigarette…..and it was perfect for that scene.
Those Mary Stewart’s are chock full of cigarette smoking aren’t they. But it was the thing to do at that time. The other thing that has always stuck me is how many drinks there were. And that a drink was always needed to settle nerves, soothe a situation, encourage talking.
Rosamunde Pilcher had the drink thing going but not much smoking.
The early Jayne Anne Krentz books have a fair amount of smoking but now…it is very seldom mentioned.
Interesting that cigarillo is a word that shouldn’t be used in a Regency because I’ve seen that word used over and over in Regencies. I thought it was used in The Toll House by Georgette Heyer that I just read. Guess I need to go look for that scene again.
Usually when I think of the word cigarillo I think of an ex military hero that fought in the Napoleonic wars.
You know…..the smoking thing is kind of like the sex with protection bit in current contemporary novels. They never used to mention protection much, now they tend to have much more safe sex. I’d noticed that a few years ago. Again if you read the old Jayne Anne Krentz back to back with the more modern books. No protection mentioned vs protection asked about and used.
OOps…I got my books mixed up. I meant to say The Unknown Ajax, not The Toll Gate. I’ve looked and it definitely says cigar, not cigarillo. Hmm… I’ll just have to read with a closer eye.
OOps…I got my books mixed up. I meant to say The Unknown Ajax, not The Toll Gate. I’ve looked and it definitely says cigar, not cigarillo. Hmm… I’ll just have to read with a closer eye.
OOps…I got my books mixed up. I meant to say The Unknown Ajax, not The Toll Gate. I’ve looked and it definitely says cigar, not cigarillo. Hmm… I’ll just have to read with a closer eye.
OOps…I got my books mixed up. I meant to say The Unknown Ajax, not The Toll Gate. I’ve looked and it definitely says cigar, not cigarillo. Hmm… I’ll just have to read with a closer eye.
OOps…I got my books mixed up. I meant to say The Unknown Ajax, not The Toll Gate. I’ve looked and it definitely says cigar, not cigarillo. Hmm… I’ll just have to read with a closer eye.
I do love Susanna Kearsley.
I hadn’t thought about the whole timing thing. One more layer of consideration for adding in the smoking.
I think I’ll put this on the list of stuff to ponder.
I do love Susanna Kearsley.
I hadn’t thought about the whole timing thing. One more layer of consideration for adding in the smoking.
I think I’ll put this on the list of stuff to ponder.
I do love Susanna Kearsley.
I hadn’t thought about the whole timing thing. One more layer of consideration for adding in the smoking.
I think I’ll put this on the list of stuff to ponder.
I do love Susanna Kearsley.
I hadn’t thought about the whole timing thing. One more layer of consideration for adding in the smoking.
I think I’ll put this on the list of stuff to ponder.
I do love Susanna Kearsley.
I hadn’t thought about the whole timing thing. One more layer of consideration for adding in the smoking.
I think I’ll put this on the list of stuff to ponder.
We want to portray reality; we want to build a picture in the reader’s mind that may not be entirely reality; we have to take modern sensibilities into account …
I mean, it’s enough to make you just take up knitting.
One of these days we’ll find out that tea or coffee does something dreadful to you. Imagine all the scenes that will then give off a different vibe.
We want to portray reality; we want to build a picture in the reader’s mind that may not be entirely reality; we have to take modern sensibilities into account …
I mean, it’s enough to make you just take up knitting.
One of these days we’ll find out that tea or coffee does something dreadful to you. Imagine all the scenes that will then give off a different vibe.
We want to portray reality; we want to build a picture in the reader’s mind that may not be entirely reality; we have to take modern sensibilities into account …
I mean, it’s enough to make you just take up knitting.
One of these days we’ll find out that tea or coffee does something dreadful to you. Imagine all the scenes that will then give off a different vibe.
We want to portray reality; we want to build a picture in the reader’s mind that may not be entirely reality; we have to take modern sensibilities into account …
I mean, it’s enough to make you just take up knitting.
One of these days we’ll find out that tea or coffee does something dreadful to you. Imagine all the scenes that will then give off a different vibe.
We want to portray reality; we want to build a picture in the reader’s mind that may not be entirely reality; we have to take modern sensibilities into account …
I mean, it’s enough to make you just take up knitting.
One of these days we’ll find out that tea or coffee does something dreadful to you. Imagine all the scenes that will then give off a different vibe.
I know even Heyer nods. And her research must have been tremendously difficult.
No internet.
I’m glad she got it right. (Assuming I got it right.)
I know even Heyer nods. And her research must have been tremendously difficult.
No internet.
I’m glad she got it right. (Assuming I got it right.)
I know even Heyer nods. And her research must have been tremendously difficult.
No internet.
I’m glad she got it right. (Assuming I got it right.)
I know even Heyer nods. And her research must have been tremendously difficult.
No internet.
I’m glad she got it right. (Assuming I got it right.)
I know even Heyer nods. And her research must have been tremendously difficult.
No internet.
I’m glad she got it right. (Assuming I got it right.)
I agree that there is a difference between cigarette smoke and pipe smoke. Pipe smoke evokes memories of a favourite great-uncle, who used to enjoy his pipe in the evening after dinner. Have to leave the room if someone is smoking cigarettes!
I agree that there is a difference between cigarette smoke and pipe smoke. Pipe smoke evokes memories of a favourite great-uncle, who used to enjoy his pipe in the evening after dinner. Have to leave the room if someone is smoking cigarettes!
I agree that there is a difference between cigarette smoke and pipe smoke. Pipe smoke evokes memories of a favourite great-uncle, who used to enjoy his pipe in the evening after dinner. Have to leave the room if someone is smoking cigarettes!
I agree that there is a difference between cigarette smoke and pipe smoke. Pipe smoke evokes memories of a favourite great-uncle, who used to enjoy his pipe in the evening after dinner. Have to leave the room if someone is smoking cigarettes!
I agree that there is a difference between cigarette smoke and pipe smoke. Pipe smoke evokes memories of a favourite great-uncle, who used to enjoy his pipe in the evening after dinner. Have to leave the room if someone is smoking cigarettes!
I was equally sure that Hugo smoked cigarillos in The Unknown Ajax, and was surprised to see that they were usually cigars. However, Google Book search does show one reference to his smoking a cigarillo, when he’s sitting on a horse block talking to John Joseph.
In the Toll-Gate, it’s John and his friend Babbacombe who smoke cigarillos, with which John “blows a cloud”, but it’s Joseph Lydd and Mr Stogumber who smoke pipes.
Both books are set not long after Waterloo, so it looks as though Heyer was wrong to use that word. Form memory she suggests that her soldier heroes pick up the habit while serving on the Peninsula.
I was equally sure that Hugo smoked cigarillos in The Unknown Ajax, and was surprised to see that they were usually cigars. However, Google Book search does show one reference to his smoking a cigarillo, when he’s sitting on a horse block talking to John Joseph.
In the Toll-Gate, it’s John and his friend Babbacombe who smoke cigarillos, with which John “blows a cloud”, but it’s Joseph Lydd and Mr Stogumber who smoke pipes.
Both books are set not long after Waterloo, so it looks as though Heyer was wrong to use that word. Form memory she suggests that her soldier heroes pick up the habit while serving on the Peninsula.
I was equally sure that Hugo smoked cigarillos in The Unknown Ajax, and was surprised to see that they were usually cigars. However, Google Book search does show one reference to his smoking a cigarillo, when he’s sitting on a horse block talking to John Joseph.
In the Toll-Gate, it’s John and his friend Babbacombe who smoke cigarillos, with which John “blows a cloud”, but it’s Joseph Lydd and Mr Stogumber who smoke pipes.
Both books are set not long after Waterloo, so it looks as though Heyer was wrong to use that word. Form memory she suggests that her soldier heroes pick up the habit while serving on the Peninsula.
I was equally sure that Hugo smoked cigarillos in The Unknown Ajax, and was surprised to see that they were usually cigars. However, Google Book search does show one reference to his smoking a cigarillo, when he’s sitting on a horse block talking to John Joseph.
In the Toll-Gate, it’s John and his friend Babbacombe who smoke cigarillos, with which John “blows a cloud”, but it’s Joseph Lydd and Mr Stogumber who smoke pipes.
Both books are set not long after Waterloo, so it looks as though Heyer was wrong to use that word. Form memory she suggests that her soldier heroes pick up the habit while serving on the Peninsula.
I was equally sure that Hugo smoked cigarillos in The Unknown Ajax, and was surprised to see that they were usually cigars. However, Google Book search does show one reference to his smoking a cigarillo, when he’s sitting on a horse block talking to John Joseph.
In the Toll-Gate, it’s John and his friend Babbacombe who smoke cigarillos, with which John “blows a cloud”, but it’s Joseph Lydd and Mr Stogumber who smoke pipes.
Both books are set not long after Waterloo, so it looks as though Heyer was wrong to use that word. Form memory she suggests that her soldier heroes pick up the habit while serving on the Peninsula.
Great post, Jo! I think smoking in a novel when it is historically accurate adds detail. I’ve never had a reader complain but then all my stories are set in the Georgian period (well and one medieval in which no one smoked). I’m a confirmed non-smoker but in the book I am currently writing, I have a pipe smoking old sailor and a snuff using French dandy as characters.
Great post, Jo! I think smoking in a novel when it is historically accurate adds detail. I’ve never had a reader complain but then all my stories are set in the Georgian period (well and one medieval in which no one smoked). I’m a confirmed non-smoker but in the book I am currently writing, I have a pipe smoking old sailor and a snuff using French dandy as characters.
Great post, Jo! I think smoking in a novel when it is historically accurate adds detail. I’ve never had a reader complain but then all my stories are set in the Georgian period (well and one medieval in which no one smoked). I’m a confirmed non-smoker but in the book I am currently writing, I have a pipe smoking old sailor and a snuff using French dandy as characters.
Great post, Jo! I think smoking in a novel when it is historically accurate adds detail. I’ve never had a reader complain but then all my stories are set in the Georgian period (well and one medieval in which no one smoked). I’m a confirmed non-smoker but in the book I am currently writing, I have a pipe smoking old sailor and a snuff using French dandy as characters.
Great post, Jo! I think smoking in a novel when it is historically accurate adds detail. I’ve never had a reader complain but then all my stories are set in the Georgian period (well and one medieval in which no one smoked). I’m a confirmed non-smoker but in the book I am currently writing, I have a pipe smoking old sailor and a snuff using French dandy as characters.
I don’t mind it, as long as it’s authentic.
If the hero and heroine are strolling along the garden path and he pulls out a cigar and lights up–that would bonk me right out of the book.
HOW did he light it? Was he carrying a lantern down the garden path? Are there Hogwarts-like hovering candles following them about? Is this an Alternate Universe where fire lizards coil around one’s neck as portable cigar lighters?
I have the impression that smoking was a male pass time not often done around the ladies. And not done on a pack-a-day stink-up-your-clothes scale. Occasional smoking cuts down a lot on horrible smoke-breath kisses (yuk!). Plus no modern cigarette additives!
I don’t mind it, as long as it’s authentic.
If the hero and heroine are strolling along the garden path and he pulls out a cigar and lights up–that would bonk me right out of the book.
HOW did he light it? Was he carrying a lantern down the garden path? Are there Hogwarts-like hovering candles following them about? Is this an Alternate Universe where fire lizards coil around one’s neck as portable cigar lighters?
I have the impression that smoking was a male pass time not often done around the ladies. And not done on a pack-a-day stink-up-your-clothes scale. Occasional smoking cuts down a lot on horrible smoke-breath kisses (yuk!). Plus no modern cigarette additives!
I don’t mind it, as long as it’s authentic.
If the hero and heroine are strolling along the garden path and he pulls out a cigar and lights up–that would bonk me right out of the book.
HOW did he light it? Was he carrying a lantern down the garden path? Are there Hogwarts-like hovering candles following them about? Is this an Alternate Universe where fire lizards coil around one’s neck as portable cigar lighters?
I have the impression that smoking was a male pass time not often done around the ladies. And not done on a pack-a-day stink-up-your-clothes scale. Occasional smoking cuts down a lot on horrible smoke-breath kisses (yuk!). Plus no modern cigarette additives!
I don’t mind it, as long as it’s authentic.
If the hero and heroine are strolling along the garden path and he pulls out a cigar and lights up–that would bonk me right out of the book.
HOW did he light it? Was he carrying a lantern down the garden path? Are there Hogwarts-like hovering candles following them about? Is this an Alternate Universe where fire lizards coil around one’s neck as portable cigar lighters?
I have the impression that smoking was a male pass time not often done around the ladies. And not done on a pack-a-day stink-up-your-clothes scale. Occasional smoking cuts down a lot on horrible smoke-breath kisses (yuk!). Plus no modern cigarette additives!
I don’t mind it, as long as it’s authentic.
If the hero and heroine are strolling along the garden path and he pulls out a cigar and lights up–that would bonk me right out of the book.
HOW did he light it? Was he carrying a lantern down the garden path? Are there Hogwarts-like hovering candles following them about? Is this an Alternate Universe where fire lizards coil around one’s neck as portable cigar lighters?
I have the impression that smoking was a male pass time not often done around the ladies. And not done on a pack-a-day stink-up-your-clothes scale. Occasional smoking cuts down a lot on horrible smoke-breath kisses (yuk!). Plus no modern cigarette additives!
Jumping in late…I always find heroes who make their appearance in a dark room behind a cloud of smoke impressive, mysterious and dangerous. I think smoking can add to the story. Don’t like it in real life but it can add to the story of a fictional character.
Jumping in late…I always find heroes who make their appearance in a dark room behind a cloud of smoke impressive, mysterious and dangerous. I think smoking can add to the story. Don’t like it in real life but it can add to the story of a fictional character.
Jumping in late…I always find heroes who make their appearance in a dark room behind a cloud of smoke impressive, mysterious and dangerous. I think smoking can add to the story. Don’t like it in real life but it can add to the story of a fictional character.
Jumping in late…I always find heroes who make their appearance in a dark room behind a cloud of smoke impressive, mysterious and dangerous. I think smoking can add to the story. Don’t like it in real life but it can add to the story of a fictional character.
Jumping in late…I always find heroes who make their appearance in a dark room behind a cloud of smoke impressive, mysterious and dangerous. I think smoking can add to the story. Don’t like it in real life but it can add to the story of a fictional character.
It’s fiction, and fiction is the suspension of relief.
If we can put ourselves into the minds of folks who run around over the tops of buildings or jump about swordfighting, (downright uncomfortable frankly,) I guess there’s no reason we shouldn’t find a smokey den of poker players a little sexy.
It’s fiction, and fiction is the suspension of relief.
If we can put ourselves into the minds of folks who run around over the tops of buildings or jump about swordfighting, (downright uncomfortable frankly,) I guess there’s no reason we shouldn’t find a smokey den of poker players a little sexy.
It’s fiction, and fiction is the suspension of relief.
If we can put ourselves into the minds of folks who run around over the tops of buildings or jump about swordfighting, (downright uncomfortable frankly,) I guess there’s no reason we shouldn’t find a smokey den of poker players a little sexy.
It’s fiction, and fiction is the suspension of relief.
If we can put ourselves into the minds of folks who run around over the tops of buildings or jump about swordfighting, (downright uncomfortable frankly,) I guess there’s no reason we shouldn’t find a smokey den of poker players a little sexy.
It’s fiction, and fiction is the suspension of relief.
If we can put ourselves into the minds of folks who run around over the tops of buildings or jump about swordfighting, (downright uncomfortable frankly,) I guess there’s no reason we shouldn’t find a smokey den of poker players a little sexy.
There you go. It’s part of the scene setting.
I have more trouble with the clothing folks have to wear, frankly. Those Georgian frills and boned bodices …
There you go. It’s part of the scene setting.
I have more trouble with the clothing folks have to wear, frankly. Those Georgian frills and boned bodices …
There you go. It’s part of the scene setting.
I have more trouble with the clothing folks have to wear, frankly. Those Georgian frills and boned bodices …
There you go. It’s part of the scene setting.
I have more trouble with the clothing folks have to wear, frankly. Those Georgian frills and boned bodices …
There you go. It’s part of the scene setting.
I have more trouble with the clothing folks have to wear, frankly. Those Georgian frills and boned bodices …
Lighting up a smoke, (or a candle,) is one of those difficult bits of stage business I would just as soon not have to deal with. I hate how it slows down the action.
In your case … I think I’d have some sort of lights in the garden. Lanterns? He leans over to light his cigarillo and gazes at her above the flame.
Lighting up a smoke, (or a candle,) is one of those difficult bits of stage business I would just as soon not have to deal with. I hate how it slows down the action.
In your case … I think I’d have some sort of lights in the garden. Lanterns? He leans over to light his cigarillo and gazes at her above the flame.
Lighting up a smoke, (or a candle,) is one of those difficult bits of stage business I would just as soon not have to deal with. I hate how it slows down the action.
In your case … I think I’d have some sort of lights in the garden. Lanterns? He leans over to light his cigarillo and gazes at her above the flame.
Lighting up a smoke, (or a candle,) is one of those difficult bits of stage business I would just as soon not have to deal with. I hate how it slows down the action.
In your case … I think I’d have some sort of lights in the garden. Lanterns? He leans over to light his cigarillo and gazes at her above the flame.
Lighting up a smoke, (or a candle,) is one of those difficult bits of stage business I would just as soon not have to deal with. I hate how it slows down the action.
In your case … I think I’d have some sort of lights in the garden. Lanterns? He leans over to light his cigarillo and gazes at her above the flame.