It was 30 years ago last month — March 1981 — when I put pen to paper and began writing my first novel. That book would eventually sell to a publisher of romance fiction, but to be honest, it was much more an historical saga with a touch of romance thrown in, influenced heavily by my love for the sagas that were popular at that time. (I devoured the Children of the Lion series by Peter Danielson; not always "G" rated nor biblically accurate but so entertaining.) I actually had to learn how to write a true romance while "on the job."
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.
After reading Francine Rivers' Mark of the Lion series (published in the mid 90's), I was on an ancient Rome kick for a while. I've also had my Regency England fascination and my Civil War fascination (I've read Gone with the Wind five times and many, many non-fiction books on the period).
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
First of all, Robin, I would love to meet you and spend some time talking writing with you. We live in the same city, so it would be very doable. We could meet at one of the local Moxie’s.
I actually wrote a 783-page Civil War-era novel when I was in my late 20’s. (I just turned 50). I was never able to get it published (a dozen rejection letters, and then I put my writing on hold to raise my kids.) Now, my kids are raised, and I’ve gone back to college…in pursuit of a History degree. I want to combine my loves of writing and history.
My favorite era is the WWII years. So, I LOVED “The Victory Club.” But I really enjoy the whole 30 years from WWI to the end of WWII. I love books set then, and that is what I would like to write.
Blessings,
Patti
Patti, I would be willing to meet with you, but would need to delay until this summer, perhaps late June. Email me in early June, and we'll try to set up a time. I love Moxie Java!!
I've set a number of books in the WWI to WWII period. Love it too.