How Much Research Does it Take?

How Much Research Does it Take?

READERS ASK: how much research does it take to produce an historical romance?

MY ANSWER: it depends on many aspects.

It depends on how much the author already knows about the setting, the era, the political climate, well-known (at least to those versed in history) events that coincide with the book’s time line.

My Writing Process, Part 1

My Writing Process, Part 1

Authors (and their writing methods) are as unique in their methods as in their fingerprints.

Beginning writers may study books, attend courses, learn from highly successful authors in one way or another, but eventually–through trial and error–they’ll figure out what works for them. There are no right ways, no magic bullets, no fantastic formulas, just as there are no wrong ways. Just as we all might set out from Atlanta, destination, Chicago–we’ll all get there taking a variety of personally selected routes. We’ll fly. Or drive. Take the interstate or back roads. Some will push through with 16 hour days, while others spend more time visiting stops along the way and arrive much later. Nothing wrong with any of it.

Given authors are individual about the process they use to create a book, I want to share my own methods–in case it piques your curiosity. In this Part 1 of a 2-part blog article, I’ll share the first half of my process: Branding, Software (Scrivener), Ideas are Everywhere, and 7-Point Story Structure.

Mail Order Brides in the 19th Century American West

Mail Order Brides in the 19th Century American West

Fans of Mail-Order Bride Romances adore reading about courageous women who left home, headed west, and risked everything for a brighter future. We admire brave men who sent for a bride with no more courtship than letters could provide. We enjoy the conflict, hurdles, and challenges the characters face before earning their happy ending.

Did any of this stuff happen in real history?

Yes.

Did real life mail-order bride arrangements become love-matches?

Sometimes.