I can't remember a time in school when history wasn't my favorite subject. I have always been fascinated to read about other places and other times. I want to know the way people did things and why they did things. I want to know. I want to learn. I want to absorb.
A couple of years ago, I got on a Tudor kick. I could not read enough or watch enough about that time and place. I found every film and documentary on Netflix about the Tudors. I read all of Philippa Gregory's novels about the Tudors. I'm sure some people expected me to end up writing a book set in England during the reign of Henry VIII, but I wasn't tempted. It was enough just to learn. For a while, I was a walking encyclopedia on all things Tudor.
Although I have written books set in England during both the Regency and Victorian eras and have set a couple of books in the South, pre- and post-Civil War, most of my historical novels are set in Idaho or the Mountain West from the 1860's to the 1930's. That's because I love the history of this area. So many good stories to tell about brave, brave people — like my ancestors — who carved new lives out of a rugged and not always welcoming land.
What are some of your favorite time periods to read about? What are some of your favorite historical settings? What author(s) made you a fan of historical fiction? I'd love to know.
~robin
Good morning Robin! The classic GONE WITH THE WIND remains a favorite (and not just because I live near the setting for the story *wink*)--have to admit I LOVE the characters (especially Mammy) and the gorgeous dresses the young ladies wore. ~ While my oldest sister worked at the Jonesboro Visitor's Center (which also houses the GONE WITH THE WIND museum) she got so tickled when folks would stop by actually wanting to see Tara or where Rhett Butler was buried - - guess they were convinced it was ALL real! ~ I have many favorite historical fiction authors--of course my VERY favorites are you ladies on this blog. :)
ReplyDeleteBlessings from Georgia, Patti Jo
Hi Robin, I enjoyed reading your post.
ReplyDeleteAs a student,I preferred English History over Aus History, (far more romantic) so the Tudors were a big part of my learning. I was fascinated by the lineage of the Royals and still am today, especially as Wills and Kate are about to step into the History Book as Britain's favourite Royal Couple.(smile)
I became interested in Historical Novels, when I was given "The Pullman Series" as a gift from one of my daughters. I had never heard of Judy, but by coming acquainted with her and her novels, I was introduced to Writes Passage and found ALL of you lovely ladies and your books. A new dimension added to my life!
This may be a good opportunity to tell you this Robin.
The other day, I wandered into the hospital shop(as you do!) and made my way to the book stall. I couldn't believe my eyes. There were two of your books just begging me to buy them. I snaffled them up before anyone could take them..Stand in line Folks!
Oh yes, I'd better tell you the titles..." The Magic" and "Dream Tide" so I will spend some quality time reading!!(and I have lots of it at the moment..time I mean!)
Cheers,
Rosie.
Great question, Robin! I've always loved history, too. Christy by Catherine Marshal and Jane Eyre are my all-time favorites.
ReplyDeleteCathy
I think my first 'historical' author was Louisa May Alcott -- which is kind of funny since she wasn't writing a historical at the time! LOL. But I remember devouring her books and then getting a biography about her that totally turned me into a history lover (at least as far as reading fiction goes!).
ReplyDeleteI really enjoy books set in the mid to late 1800's. (after the civil war) And I have to confess that one of the reasons for that is because I can pretty much guarantee that my beloved characters won't be hit with a war in their life time. LOL. I know, the book is over, they live happily every after but I'm left wondering about the next thirty years and the children they have. I want everybody safe and happy. I get that attached to my characters.
Also enjoy the medieval time period, but honestly, once I'm committed to an author I'll time travel with her anywhere!
Patti Jo, I think my grandmother saw the GWTW movie every time it came to Idaho from 1939 until her death in 1963. I love the characters too. Even Scarlett because she's a survivor.
ReplyDeleteOh dear. Rosie, those books you bought are my old secular fiction. I trust they were used books since they are no longer supposed to be in print from the publisher. I prefer they not be read since they no longer represent what I write. I'm flattered you bought them but...
Cathy, I adore Christy! I've read it multiple times. Catherine Marshall's non fiction is wonderful too.
ReplyDeleteKav, as a kid I loved both Little Women and Jo's Boys. Still love them. My oldest daughter's middle name is Jo, named for that character.
Robin, have no fears! I realised they were written earlier, because I read the date. BTW, mine did have a cover and yes, they were used books selling for 50cents. I hasten to say the price is no reflection on your contents or type of book.(smile) I bought them simply because you wrote them.(big smile) If you would rather I didn't recycle them, then that's fine, just tell me what you would like me to do. I know you write differently now, but that just goes to show, you can write anything you want, because you have the ability to do that and you are a very successful author! Thanks for enlightening me.
ReplyDeleteCheers,
Rosie.:0)
My favorite reading eras are all over the place. I love the Regency and Victorian time periods. I also love medievals. (History was my second major after English . . . or would that be a major in English and a minor in History?)
ReplyDeleteBut I think the time period that fascinates me the most is part of American History -- Prohibition and the Great Depression. Matter of fact, I have a WIP set in 1930 Chicago and Wisconsin although it's collecting dust right now.
Rosie, I feel better now. As long as you know what you're getting. I was so poorly edited back then. You'll definitely see I had a lot to learn. Not to mention the content. {{blush}} No, please don't recycle them. When you're done, just toss them. That's my preference. And thanks for understanding.
ReplyDeletePeggy, I love the 30s too. My RITA winner, The Shepherd's Voice, was set during the Great Depression. I also wrote one medieval. I remember spending an entire day trying to learn if forks were in use yet at the time of my story.
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