By Delia DeLeest
The problem with writing a well-researched historical book is that our perspectives get a bit skewed. Because it's such common knowledge to us, we assume that others are familiar with it also.
This was brought home to me a couple weeks ago when I had mentioned to a writer friend that I had the desire to have one of my characters go to Rudolph Valentino's funeral. She asked me what Rudolph had done in the 1920s to make him famous. I'd just assumed that everyone knew of Rudolph Valentino, one of Hollywood's very first movie sex symbols. His death at the early age of 31 threw tens of thousands into mourning and caused at least one reported suicide. He was like Zac Efron or Brad Pitt, only more so. Valentino was HUGE.
Many people have heard of him, even now, but fewer know of his work--fewer still have even seen a Rudolph Valentino movie. (If you get the chance to, jump on it. The Sheik and Son of the Sheik are incredible). But because I have immersed myself into all things Twenties, I forget that most people have no recollection of pop culture beyond the Reagan years. (Reagan? Who's Reagan?)
What I discovered is that I have to give the reader a mini history lesson, hopefully without them realizing that they're learning something. Teachers throughout history have discovered that students learn when they're having fun, and I think of myself as a teacher whose responsibility is to help others discover the same fun and excitement of the 1920s that I have found.
In IT TAKES MOXIE, my 1920s romance from The Wild Rose Press, I had Moxie referring to Aimee Semple McPherson. If you're a regular reader at Unusual Historicals, you'll be familiar with the name because of what I've written about her in past posts. But I have to assume that most of my readers aren't UH readers and had to fill them in on information that anyone alive in 1927 would already know. This is how I did it:
"So you sell houses and don't have time to dance. Sounds like a pretty boring life to me. We’ll have to do something about that."
"I think you already have."
"No, I don't mean the gun stuff." She shook her head vigorously. "I mean I should teach you how to Charleston or something. Dancing is good for your body and good for your soul."
"Who are you now, Aimee Semple McPherson?"
"Hey, I'm not some loony missionary. The only thing Aimee and I have in common is that I kidnapped you and she kidnapped herself. Oh, and she got caught, I'm not planning on that happening to me."
"I'm pretty certain it wasn't in her plans either."
Moxie gave a dismissive wave of her hand and continued her lecture on the benefits of dance. "I'm serious, Ben. Dancing is a lot of fun and a great way to get rid of stress in your life."
"You are the stress in my life. If I could get rid of you, I'd be just fine."
"Bah. Don't be such a wet blanket. Now, the best way to learn how to dance is--" Moxie sniffed the air suspiciously. "Do you smell smoke?" She turned and looked in the back seat. "Ben, the car's on fire!"
What did we learn here? Besides the fact that Ben has some serious car troubles, we've learned that Aimee Semple McPherson was a missionary and that there was a mysterious kidnapping where she kidnapped herself. For the average reader, that's enough information to keep the story going.
The curious reader will have some questions. What kind of missionary was she? And how on earth can a person kidnap themselves? They'll pull up trusty Google and look Aimee up. They'll read her fascinating story on Wikipedia or some other online resource. Maybe they'll discover that Faye Dunaway played Sister Aimee in the 1976 movie The Disappearance of Aimee and decide they want to watch it. They get pulled into the whole crazy drama of the thing and the next thing you know, we've got another Roaring Twenties convert.
When that happens, I can go to sleep happy, knowing I've enlightened another person to the crazy fun that is the 1920s.
Thursdays on Unusual Historicals mean excerpts! Here's one from Delia DeLeest. She writes:
To go along with my post yesterday on popular games of the 1920s, I thought I'd post an excerpt from my Wild Rose Press release It Takes Moxie. This is almost, word for word, from a conversation I was an unwilling participant of when a group of people were trying to convince me to join club they were a part of. My husband said I'd be nuts to not share it with the rest of the world. Ben and Moxie are on the run from thieves and gangsters, but that doesn't stop them from making a few new friends along the way.
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The man was old, veteran of the Revolutionary War old, Methuselah old. He may have known King Tut personally. He was stooped over, his clothes clinging to his bony frame in a last ditch effort to prevent him from totally crumbling into a pile of dust at their feet. He gave them a good-natured, though a bit gummy, smile.
"I said, you have something of mine," he repeated.
"We do?" Ben looked at Moxie accusingly.
"Don't look at me like that. I didn't take anything of his. I've never seen him before."
"Our cribbage peg. It slipped off our table and bounced under your chair. The girls and I play cribbage here every afternoon." He gestured towards a table of elderly woman, one of whom gave them a little wave. Ben gave her a weak smile in return. "I was wondering if I could bother you to move your chair so I could get the peg."
"Let me get it for you," Moxie offered.
"I'll get it."
Ben and Moxie both reached under the chair at the same time and banged their heads. Ben quickly pulled back and managed to crack his head on the bottom of the table in the process.
"Are you all right? Let me look at you." Moxie jumped out of her chair and fingered his head looking for a lump.
Ben used his arm to push Moxie away. "I'm fine. Don't try to help me anymore. Please." He scooped the peg off the floor and placed it into the old man's gnarled paw.
"Thank you kindly. Say, would you folks be interested in joining our little group? We meet here at one o'clock every weekday. There used to be more of us, but our charter members keep dying. We could use some fresh blood."
A picture of the man in a Dracula cape attempting to bite, or in his case, gum, someone's neck, had Moxie erupting into a bubble of giggles.
Ben looked at her curiously, then shook his head. "Thanks for the offer, old bean, but we're just passing through. We don't live around here."
"That's too bad. The girls and I would have loved to have you and your wife join us."
"She's not my-"
"Maybe we'll have to start our own cribbage group at home, won't we, Honey?"
"Moxie-"
"So sorry, but we have to be going," Moxie explained to the old man. "My husband and I have a lot of driving ahead of us yet, don't we dear?"
We have a winner for Delia DeLeest's Eye of the Beholder giveaway: Cindi Hoppes wins an e-copy of Eye of the Beholder and Shelley Munro wins a print copy of It Takes Moxie. Contact Delia to get your free e-book. Your prize must be claimed by next Sunday or another winner will be drawn. Please stop back later to let us know what you thought of her novel! Congratulations!
Our guest for Sunday Promos this week is our long-time contributor Delia DeLeest. Her newest book from The Wild Rose Press is called Eye of the Beholder, set in the aftermath of WWI.
A marriage of convenience isn't what Adeline Pierce had in mind for her life, especially since she was practically engaged to the man of her dreams. But, time is running out for her critically ill brother, who needs to move to a warm dry climate or face certain death. A move of that magnitude requires a lot of money--money her family doesn't have. When Will Denning, a man physically and emotionally scarred from his time in the trenches during World War I, offers her family the money they need in exchange for her hand in marriage, she feels she has no other option. Learning to love Will is hard enough, but it's made even more difficult by the fact that her former love is determined to do whatever it takes to drive them apart, including murder.
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Tell us a little about your life.
I've lived on the big island of Hawaii for the last couple years. After spending our entire lives in the Midwest, my husband and I decided we'd had enough of Wisconsin winters, packed up the family and headed to paradise. I now live less than a half mile from the beach with my husband, four kids, two cats and a dog. My home isn't a quiet place. :D
What genre is your favorite to write? Is this also your favorite to read?
I love writing early twentieth century, especially the 1920s. It's such a perfect time period for me to write in, historical yet with enough modern conveniences to not cramp my style. At this time, I find very little written during the twenties, but when I do, I devour it excitedly. I also enjoy romantic comedies set in any time period, including paranormals.
When did you start writing?
When my youngest child started kindergarten four years ago, I realized I had a lot of time on my hands. I could either clean house, or write. Writing won.
How does your family feel about your writing?
My husband is my biggest cheerleader. He comes home from work and always asks what I've written that day. The house could be a pigsty and the laundry undone, but as long as I've got something written he's good with it. I love that about him! My kids are so used to me living in my characters lives they think nothing of it anymore.
How long did it take to sell your first book? How did it feel?
I sold It Takes Moxie in the spring of 2007 after starting writing in late 2004. I was helping out at my husband's office when I opened the e-mail offering my a contract. When I started jumping around squealing, everyone there guessed what had happened and started congratulating me. My husband and I went out to dinner to celebrate and he was telling everyone at the restaurant I was going to be published. We did the same thing last week when I got the first print copies of It Takes Moxie in the mail. He sold a book to one of the restaurant patrons while we were there. I think I'm going to make him my publicist.
What does your work area look like?
When I was a kid, my dad called me a rock-a-billy because I was always rocking in a rocking chair. I still put many miles on my chair, I can't think unless I'm rocking back and forth. So, instead of a desk, I do all my writing while rocking a million miles a minute in my rocking chair. I keep a small tv tray next to my chair to hold any reference books I may need along with a bag of potato chips for sustenance.
If you could write a story about your life, what would the title be?
Living On the Edge of Insanity. I think that sums up my view on life - sucky things are going to happen in life, you might as well learn to laugh at it.
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Prize Draw: Leave a comment and you're in with a chance to receive one of two great books: a e-book version of Eye of the Beholder or a print copy of Delia's first release, It Takes Moxie. The winners will be chosen at random next Sunday. Be sure to check back next week to find out who has won!
Delia DeLeest and Jacquie Rogers have been nominated by Long & Short Reviews for best long novels of the year, Delia for It Takes Moxie (ebook) and Jacquie for Faery Special Romances (ebook and print). You can vote here. Good luck, ladies!
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Vicki Gaia's newest release, a contemporary titled Gracie and the Bad Hat is now available through Amazon in print and Kindle. Gracie has been receiving excellent reviews, this one from Kathy Samuels of Romance Reviews Today: "GRACIE AND THE BAD HAT is a heartwarming and charming odyssey through the up-and-down rollercoaster that is love." Vicki has also started her MySpace page.
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Join us Sunday when our guest will be Harlequin author Annie Burrows, who will talk about her newest release My Lady Innocent, set in 15th century England. And don't forget to comment here for your chance to win a copy of Carrie Lofty's debut short story, "Sundial."
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Have a good weekend. If you have an announcement to make for next week, email Carrie! See you next week...
Jennifer Linforth is pleased to announced the sale of her first book, Madrigal, to Highland Press. Madrigal is the first of three books in a series that continues Gaston Leroux's The Phantom of the Opera. Release information will be forthcoming. Congratulations, Jennifer!
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Sandra Schwab garnered two good blogger reviews, the first for The Lily Brand:
The story is intense and dark, as Troy struggles with his hate and anger, and Lillian with her guilt and fear. Their characterizations are very believable, particularly in how they remember what happened and in how they react and show (or don't show) their emotions. --Darla
A second reviewer said of Castle of the Wolf: "...it was great fun!"
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Delia DeLeest also received a great review, this one for her debut It Takes Moxie from The Wild Rose Press.
This book is utterly captivating. Ms. DeLeest has crafted a novel full of fun, dry wit, humor, adventure and romance. There is nothing boring or slow about this book. It is fast-paced and filled with hilarious situations and delightful dialogue that had me laughing out loud and my husband asking what was so funny.
--Lily, The Long and The Short Of It
In other Moxie news, our selected winner for a free copy never claimed hers, so we've drawn a new name. Congratulations to Morgan St. John! Contact Delia by e-mail to get her your home addresses. Prize must be claimed within one week or another winner will be drawn. Please stop back later to let us know what you thought of her debut book.
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Stop by Sunday when our guest blogger will be Jennifer Macaire of Calderwood Books!
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Happy Friday, and have a good weekend! Remember, if you don't get your announcements to me, I can give you your dues! If you have an announcement to make for next week, email Carrie! See you next week...
We have a winner for Delia's It Takes Moxie release party: Cia Leah! Contact Delia by e-mail to get her your home addresses. Prize must be claimed by next Sunday or another winner will be drawn. Please stop back later to let us know what you thought of her debut book. Congratulations!
Carrie Lofty has proposed an article to RWR (Romance Writers Report) about unusual historicals. Authors like Gaelen Foley, Madeline Baker, Jade Lee, Hope Tarr, and Diana Groe have already signed up to participate, as well as our UH contributors. Editors and agents are on board too. If you'd like to be included in the mailing list for a research questionnaire (no more than 5-10 questions), please email Carrie!
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Michelle Styles' new release, Taken By the Viking, has been earning great reviews. From CataRomance:Readers looking for historical romances that are densely plotted, meticulously researched and highly evocative ought to look no further than Michelle Styles. Blazing with all the passion and intrigue that she has become renowned for, Michelle Styles' latest Mills & Boon Historical Romance, Taken by the Viking is a sensuous tale that will beguile and captivate romance readers everywhere. [It] combines courageous heroes, valiant heroines, powerful romance and heart pounding action in an unforgettable tale that will captivate, beguile and enthrall.
And from The Pink Heart Society:
Michelle Styles is a wonderful historical novelist whose spellbinding tales of romance, adventure and intrigue never fail to hold readers spellbound from beginning to end. Writing with plenty of skill, style and alacrity, Michelle Styles paints a vivid picture of the Viking era and makes her readers feel as if they are living the story next to her characters rather than just reading it. Michelle Styles combines history, passion and suspense in an engrossing tale that cements her position as one of the finest writers of the genre.
Great job, Michelle! And for those of you who'd like to know more about this newest novel, we'll be featuring Michelle in a Q&A about Taken By a Viking on Sunday.
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Also on Sunday, we'll announce the winner of a free copy of Delia Deleest's It Takes Moxie. Visit the release party to post a comment and enter to win.
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Happy Friday, and have a good weekend! Remember, if you don't get your announcements to me, I can give you your dues! If you have an announcement to make for next week, email Carrie! See you next week...
Today we welcome Delia Deleest for the book release party of her debut novel, It Takes Moxie, published by The Wild Rose Press. Congratulations on your success!
It was supposed to be simple. Moxie Hamilton was going to kidnap an unsuspecting driver just long enough to get to an out-of-town train station and buy a ticket to Chicago. She didn't factor in the stolen diamonds, being chased by a gun-wielding thug, or falling in love with her kidnap victim. The last one was probably one of her worst ideas, especially since she had a fiancé waiting for her in Chicago. Getting kidnapped wasn't high on Ben Kincaid's list of things to do, but that didn't stop Moxie from pulling a gun on him and ordering him to take her out of town. From the steamy heat of St. Augustine, Florida to the crime-ridden streets of prohibition Chicago and everywhere in between, Ben and Moxie leave a trail of chaos in a cross-country caper that will change their lives forever.
What is the most challenging part about writing 20th century historicals?
Many people don't realize that many things were invented much earlier than they think that were. I've had people question my use of certain types of telephones, features on cars and my use of slang terms they hadn't realized were already in use in the twenties. And then there was, what I call, The Great Betty Boop Discovery. I made the mistake of assuming Betty had been around in the twenties and put her in one of my manuscripts. Fortunately, an issue of Smithsonian magazine set me straight before it became to late to change it. Betty Boop didn't come into being until 1930. Who woulda thunk?
What about this book in particular?
It's hard to write comedy. Sometimes what I think is funny, other people just don't 'get'. I can usually see humor in most situations, the trick is to convey that humor so other people can see it also.
What is it about the 1920's that makes you want to write during that period?
My first manuscript was a western, set in 1865. I soon became frustrated with the fact that everytime my characters wanted to meet up or even talk to each other, someone had to saddle a horse. But, the modern conveniences of a contemporary would fill a lot of my plot ideas full of holes. The twenties are a happy medium. My characters can easily jump in a car, go to the hospital or date without a chaparone without nasty things like cell phones, DNA samples or the internet messing up my plots.
Give us a tidbit of history that surprised you when researching It Takes Moxie?
While doing research for Moxie, I had the privilege of interviewing a collector of old cars. He showed me cars from his collection that had some of the most fascinating features, including a side compartment used solely for storing golf clubs! I'd always thought of old cars as being basic and uncomfortable, boy was I wrong! Some of the amenities of eighty year old cars would put today's vehicles to shame.
What advice would you give to anyone trying to write or sell 20th century historicals?
Early 20th century is slowly starting to be acknowledged as real history and no longer just the time when grandma grew up. I believe that in the next five years, books set in the beginning of the last century are going to be the big sellers. People are looking for something new and different, and early 20th century fits that criteria to a "T".
What is your favorite genre or period to read?
I love romantic comedy. I'm not too picky about the time period, I just like reading a book that can make me laugh.
Favorite book from the past year?
Boy, I can't name just one, there's been so many good ones over the last year. I'm guessing it was probably something written by Katie MacAlister, I'm a real groupie.
Five books from your TBR pile?
I'm working my way through rereading Sarah Strohmeyer's Bubbles books. Morag's Perfidia is also sitting here waiting for me. I'm saving it for the middle of November--I'm heading over to Oahu for Thanksgiving weekend and am hoping to spend some time with her then. I want Perfidia to be fresh in my mind when I see her so we can have a good gab session about it.
Tell us what part of It Takes Moxie is your favorite: the scene or element that, when you read it, leaves you feeling most satisfied?
I love the scene where Moxie gets in the brawl with the moonshiners girlfriend at the fair. Description and action are very difficult for me to write, so you can imagine how hard a fight scene between two women and an orange and purple teddy bear was for me to do. I struggled with that scene for days, and I think it turned out wonderfully. Well, I always laugh when I read it, so that must count for something!
What's up next for you?
Eye of the Beholder, another 1920's era book, is set to come out the beginning of next year. It's about a man who was physically injured during a WWI bomb blast and a woman who marries him with the understanding that he will pay for her little brother's medical treatment. Their chance at happiness is threatened by her old boyfriend, who refuses to accept their marriage. I based Will, the hero, on Gerard Butler's Phantom of the Opera, so I'm totally in love with him. It made my editor cry (in a good way, of course) so I'm hoping others will enjoy reading it also.
Thanks for your thoughtful answers, Delia! Ask your own question or leave a comment for the chance to win a copy of It Takes Moxie. One random commenter will be chosen this time next week. Check back to see if you've won!
UPDATE: You want to know where to buy a copy, right? Here's the link.
Many people have heard of him, even now, but fewer know of his work--fewer still have even seen a Rudolph Valentino movie. (If you get the chance to, jump on it. The Sheik and Son of the Sheik are incredible). But because I have immersed myself into all things Twenties, I forget that most people have no recollection of pop culture beyond the Reagan years. (Reagan? Who's Reagan?)
In IT TAKES MOXIE, my 1920s romance from The Wild Rose Press, I had Moxie referring to Aimee Semple McPherson. If you're a regular reader at Unusual Historicals, you'll be familiar with the name because of what I've written about her in past posts. But I have to assume that most of my readers aren't UH readers and had to fill them in on information that anyone alive in 1927 would already know. This is how I did it:
What did we learn here? Besides the fact that Ben has some serious car troubles, we've learned that Aimee Semple McPherson was a missionary and that there was a mysterious kidnapping where she kidnapped herself. For the average reader, that's enough information to keep the story going.
