Publishing Date

I have a probable publishing date for my Regency Sweet Romance. February 2012. At this point they couldn't give me a definite time. But I'm excited to know that it's really going to happen, even if it is almost a year away.

Young Women of the Regency

     The well-bred girls of the nobility and gentry were considered school children until they were seventeen. They dressed simply and were not to speak in public unless spoken to first. Then at eighteen all that would change with their first season in London. There would be new gowns of all descriptions including ball gowns,  walking dresses and morning gowns.

     The season began with her debut at St. James Palace. Then an  endless round of parties and balls. The desire of every young lady was a voucher to the exclusive Almack's club where she would be seen by the cream of eligible Regency bachelors. To be betrothed at the end of her first season was every girl's dream, although it sometimes took a second and third. It was during this time that families hoped for suitable alliances amongst others of the same class. Wealth might be important, but rank was supreme and a title most desirable. All this was to be accomplished in the five months time.

     For most women, her greatest aim was to be married. Spinsterhood was frowned upon and a single woman's life was bound by many restrictions. She could be 'auntie' to her nieces and nephews or live with her parents. Life had to be lived carefully so that scandal was not brought upon the family. But you can be sure there was some rebels who lived their lives as they saw fit.

Regency England

     In 1811 King George the third was no longer able to rule England due to his 'madness' now known to be caused by the disease Porphyria. His son George became the Regent, or the ruling power. The period lasted until the death of George the third in 1821 when the Regent became George IV. I have found variations on these dates in different articles and books. Jane Austen began to write her novels in 1797 which is usually included in this era.

     The war with Napoleon was being waged in Europe as well as the American War of 1812 -1814. In 1815, the end of the Napoleonic war, soldiers came home to an economic depression. Riots raged amongst the laboring poor across the country because of unstable prices and working conditions.

     In the midst of all this most of the the nobility continued their lives as usual. The Prince Regent the most extravagant of all. He built luxurious homes including the Pavillions which he regularly redecorated at the slightest whim.

  Next time Romance in the Regency.

Historical Fiction and Why it's My Favorite Read

   I started reading historical novels as a teenager and they are still my favorites. Georgette Heyer is a particular love of mine. Her humor and cant terms of the Regency period in England caught my attention first. Also her grasp of the mores and culture of the time are fascinating to me.

   Then there are the stories of Jane Austen. I have read them all, and I have to admit they are a bit wordy for me. But the stories are delightful and I love the movies that have been made from them. The costumes, the architecture and furnishings all spark my imagination

    Who has not swooned over Colin Firth as the inimitable Mr. Darcy. Or loved Ciaran Hinds as Captain Wentworth in 'Perusasion'. Then there is Hugh Grant and Emma Thompson in 'Sense and Sensibility'.

   I could go on and on, but I shall just say these are the reasons I have chosen to write about the Regency Period. I'll tell you more about it next week.

Write-Write-Edit-Edit-Edit

   While I am waiting to hear from my publisher I am editing,editing, editing my next book. For every word you write you edit three times, at least that's how it seems to me.
   I guess there are some authors, who are so practiced or talented, they can write, edit once and it's done. I am neither practiced or that talented. I am sure I will be editing my book even after that beautiful hardback copy is in my hands.
   I do belong to a wonderful small critique group. I would never have made it this far without them. I am  thankful for their gift of seeing forgotten commas, lack of emotion, unnecessary words, etc. They find  all these after I have edited the pages at least three times.
   The best thing about this group is we cheer each other on, hold each other's hand in the down times, and celebrate the good times. What a blessing.
  

The Waiting Game

   There is nothing like the thrill of 'the call' and signing your first contract. Unless it's the third and the fourth, etc. The shock is simply amazing. It takes days, actually weeks, to come down to earth. Each new step in the process is exciting and a little scary. Will I do it right? My insecurities are showing.
   One morning, you open your e-mail and there is the editorial letter. How many pages? Less than two. Not too bad. Nothing big, just minor stuff. Revisions sent back and accepted. Yeah.
   Now I'm in another waiting period. Waiting to see my manuscript in print. Is that when it becomes real? I'm waiting to see.

New Beginnings

   There's a new look to my blog, a new energy in my life and a new venture in my writing.
    Late in December, while I was with my critique group, I received a phone call from Avalon Books. Their question took my breath away. "Is your book Deverell's Dilemma still available?" When I could speak I assured her it was. "Would you like a contract with Avalon Books?" Would I like a contract? I could hardly contain myself. "Yes," I gasped. I heard a soft chuckle on the other side of the line.
   Meanwhile my partners were listening intently. When I hung up I was in shock. "They want my book." Pandemonium broke loose. Screaming and jumping and hugs all around. Needless to say not much was accomplished after that. It was days before I could think straight.
  It is all a bit surreal yet. Maybe when I get my publishing date or see my book cover I'll believe it. I'll let you know.