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Friday, March 12, 2010
Mother Needham
Not all women in history were honorable or even nice. Mother Needham was renowned as the keeper of a brothel in Park
Place. Her house was the most exclusive in 18th century London. She was friendly and engaging with potential employees revealing
her vicious character once they were under her roof. Ruthless if her girls were unable to pay her rental fees, she would then
commit them to debtors prison. And once they were no longer able to attract customers, she threw them to the street.
She procured her women from many sources, but she liked to target women from the country as illustrated in the Hogarth
print shown.
The Harlot's Progress A series of six engravings that shows the story of a young woman, Mary (or Moll) Hackabout, who arrives in London from the
country and becomes a prostitute.
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Thursday, March 11, 2010
Only A Click Away--Writing Advice & Irish Blessing
How many author interviews have you read where the interviewer asks the interviewee, "What one piece of advice
do you have for a new writer?" And the one asked usually always gives some form of the same answer--never give
up. Be persistent. Work consistently. Because, honestly, how many ways can this question be answered? For a different view,
take a look at this article: My Best Writing Advice
This fun research link is to the Irish blessing page on Island Ireland web site. However, this web site has
a wealth of information regarding the emerald isle.
Island Ireland: Irish Blessing & Prayers
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Monday, March 8, 2010
Sack Running, Anyone?
No question, Society's elite longed to be found at the most fashionable of diversions around London. One such amusement--The
Egyptian Hall in Picadilly, opened in 1812 by William Bullock. Egyptian hieroglyphics and statues covered the front.
An assortment of well-preserved small animals and insects along with curiosities from North and South America as well as
Africa could be found there. For a time, Napoleon's traveling carriage, and other relics--captured at Waterloo--were on
display.
Something a little less unpolished--Sack Running. Men completely enclosed, from their neck down, in
a sack. They were given a distance to run and the first one to reach the finish won the prize.
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Sunday, March 7, 2010
That Feeling
What a great quote this is.
"Every time I pick up a pen or sit down at the computer to create,
I still get that feeling. My family calls writing my addiction and obsession. I call it my privilege but, you know, they could
be right. When I'm not writing, I'm awfully unhappy and -- judging by my crankiness -- far from content."
Vicki Hinze
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Friday, March 5, 2010
Voice
I love fairy tales. I like the fairy tale feel, setting and theme in my stories―with an element of fantasy thrown
in. I like my hero/heroine to overcome some type of adversity. I love strong, traditional Alpha males. A hero who doesn't
give up easily and will admit to and learn from his mistakes. And heroines whose personal strength and sound judgment can
change the outcome of the story.
When I was very young, my favorite story was Snow White and Rose Red, by the
Brothers Grimm. I read that story over and over again, until I could practically recite it in my sleep. I liked several fairy
tales, but that one topped the list.
Years ago, I took a workshop on finding your writer's voice. At the
time I already had begun two stories, both Regency-set historicals, but had not finished either of them. I pretty much knew
what type of story I wanted to write, but I was new at writing, so I signed up for every workshop I possibly could fit into
my schedule. I wanted to learn everything about my craft or myself as a writer.
The instructor gave us a questionnaire
to complete and send back to her. There were other things we did throughout the workshop, but that questionnaire towards the
end of the workshop was the telling key. It asked questions about the type of stories and hero/heroines we enjoyed reading
or writing about at the time and throughout our formative years, among a multitude of other things. We could also tell her
what lines/publishers we were targeting. At the time, I didn't know, so I left that area blank. I just wanted to complete
a story and learn what I could. I didn't even tell her what sub-genre of story I had chosen to write. I wanted to see
where she thought my voice fit.
When I received the instructor's summation back, this is what she
told me: You would probably excel at writing traditional love stories for Harlequin Romance, Silhouette Romance or inspirational
romance. You would also do well with Regencies or historicals.
I think the feedback from that workshop
gave me more confidence in my choice of sub-genre than any other critique I have received thus far. Your voice is your voice.
It's you the writer on paper. Every writer has strengths and weaknesses, but your voice is what it is. And it's
been being developed over your lifetime.
Do you have a favorite story from your childhood? If so, I would love
to hear what it is. You can read my favorite here: Snow White and Rose Red__
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Thursday, March 4, 2010
Obsessions
"Writers end up writing about their obsessions. Things that haunt them; things they can't forget; stories they
carry in their bodies waiting to be released." --Natalie Goldberg
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Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Only A Click Away--Pacing & Regency Expressions
Do you find the rhythm of your story easily, or does the beat sometimes feel off? Do you barrel right through some scenes
only to find others sluggish and unmoving? Here's an interesting article on finding the right pace for your story:
Techniques to Establish Pacing
For a quick an easy reference, author Joanna Waugh, has an etymology of expressions complied on her web site.
This list of expressions has been invaluable to me when searching for the right words for a new character. I hope this link
is as helpful to you as it's been for me.
Joanna Waugh Expressions
What about you, do you have favorite research and writing you revisit often?
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Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Did You Know... Noble or Commoner?
Peers of the realm are the men and women who hold titles. They are the only people who can properly be described as
nobles. Even though the wife of a peer is called a peeress, unless she holds a peerage in her own right, she is a commoner
in the eyes of the law. Likewise are the children of peers, even if they hold a courtesy title. They are members of the aristocracy,
just not the peerage.
For more information:
Nancy Regency Researcher--Titles
Order of Precedence
Peerage Genealogies
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Monday, March 1, 2010
Hunting the Pig
How did people keep themselves entertained during the Regency era? Obviously, they didn't have televisions or video
games to stare blindly at for hours on end every day. We all know they liked to dance and be entertained with the musical
talents of whichever accomplished young lady happened to be around. But you can't fill your entire day with dancing and
music playing. So, how did they keep the boredom at bay? This month I thought I would touch upon some of the amusements of
the era. Some from country wakes and fairs, others are diversions found around London.
We'll begin with a
rustic pastime, Hunting the Pig. First they would shorten the pig's tail and then soap it. Then he is released so his
adversaries can chase him. Whomever catches him, holding him only by his stumpy tail, no contact with any other part, wins
the pig.
But if chasing after a soaped-up pig was not something that interested you, maybe something more subtle,
like pictures on display were more to your satisfaction. Beginning in 1807, you could visit Mr. Wigley's Great Room to
see his Panoramic View of St. Petersburg. The innovation of a 360 degree view enchanted many visitors. The cost—one
shilling.
So, which would you prefer? Hunting the pig or viewing the panorama? Me? I would definitely be a
viewer not only of the panorama, but also of the pig hunting...might be a fun spectator sport.
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