Top 5 Reasons I Love Reading Historical Romances

TOP 5 REASONS I LOVE READING HISTORICAL ROMANCES

1. Chilvary - There's nothing like a dashing hero who can be both obstinate and gentle, who isn't afraid to show a little courtly romance... But let's face it, men were brutal in the past. Of course they faced many dangerous situations then, like foes who carried massive swords or villains who conspired to thwart them anyway they could. Yet there is nothing grandure than a hero rescuing a maiden from a tower!

2. Maidens - I love heroines who could be dainty and demure, yet kickass and who doesn't give up. A heroine who gets her man! Being a woman was hard in those days. She had to submit to her hero and yet she had to be strong, perhaps even willful enough to challenge him from time to time.

3. Passion - People were so passionate about what was important to them. Nothing would stand in their way when they wanted something or someone. A hero would defend his land, woman, or people to his death if need be. Sigh, to be so fervent...

4. Attire - Clothing was not as simple as now a days. Depending upon the status of a person, their garments could be very simple. I would rather be a noble who had to dress to impress. Even though they wore clothing loose, they'd add items to embellish the look. I'd wear a long overdress, sewn with beautiful bodice and sleeves (I would probably have to ask someone to sew it for me - alas I cannot sew!) I would wear my hair long and fasionable. Although, I don't want to think about when the weather warmed. It probably got really hot wearing all those layers.

5. Beliefs - In days gone by, people were so supersitious. I suppose I am too, which is why I can connect with the ancients. I love folkelore and the tall tales of mystical creatures coming to destroy the village.

What are your reasons for loving and enjoying historical romance?

~Kara

In honor of my upcoming release of "One & Only" I wanted to share with you one of my favorite Scottish romances, Claimed By A Charmer. It's free at Smashwords until 9/15!

https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/135678
Promotional price: $0.00
Coupon Code: PH29L
Expires: September 15, 2012

What kind of character would you be?

After writing my last book, One & Only (and truly being sad to leave the characters) it got me to thinking, what kind of character would I be if I were written into a story?

For me, I would have to say I'd be an elegant lady in medieval times. I would have to be from a wealthy family, because let's face it - unless you were born of a noble household or married into one, life was pretty darn difficult (and dirty) lol. I would have to have servants, who I would treat kindly, because an elegant lady treats everyone with kindness. I am not sure though that I'd be amiable to the obey thy lord. I have never obeyed anyone, lest of all my husband (who I adore, and he knows all he has to do is ask...) I dislike being commanded. That would probably be the only flaw in choosing that character. I suppose I would have to be extra sweet to my lord, laird, or king so he would purchase me fabulous material for my gowns.

So who would you be? Would you be a villain? What era would you want to be in? Contemporary? Whose author's characters do you relate to? For me it would have to be Julie Garwood's because she writes such elegant medieval ladies. If I had chosen contemporary, I would have to say Lizzie T. Leaf's characters are pretty awesome, and if I wanted to be kick-ass or vampish, I'd have to say Marie Treanor's characters would suit me.

Writing characters can be fun, but oftentimes it is difficult for writers to let them go. The good news is, for the next couple of months, I'll be sharing my story, One & Only with you, and hope you enjoy it.

Fondly,
Kara Griffin



Image credit: aspenphoto / 123RF Stock Photo

Writing historical sex scenes

In writing my latest historical romance, I got to thinking about sex in medieval times. I'm sharing a link below with some interesting facts. As I read it, I thought -- I am so glad I did not exist then. Sex is far more interesting now than it was then! Or at least it is more creative, sensual, and meaningful. Writing fiction allows us to stretch the truth a little and not be so confined to the actuality of what sex was like then. At least I hope most authors are taking creative freedome, lol, in writing scenes related to sex.

In the regency/Georgian era, there were so many rules for a young lady to follow. Even then sex was so shushed and hidden. I hope readers know that were we to "tame" it down and stick with the veritable facts when it comes to writing sex scenes, we'd be bored to tears.

Read more at:

Sex In Medieval Times

What do you think? Should authors take creative liberties when writing historical character's sex scenes? Would love to hear your feedback.

Kara

Get the Pith Trilogy now on Amazon!
Warrior's Pledge
Claimed By A Charmer
Lass' Valor

Coming in paperback soon, a new Scottish romance!

Hi all, in honor of my BD, I'm giving away FREE copies of Claimed By A Charmer. Douglas and Isabel are perhaps my most favorite characters. If you would like to get it, go to Smashwords and enter this coupon:

Promotional price: $0.00
Coupon Code: TL48M
Expires: July 11, 2012

"Claimed by a Charmer is charming, sweet and an enjoyable romantic read." I hope you enjoy this story as much as I enjoyed writing it. Please share if you'd like with your friends.