One of the new topics I've enjoyed including in the 2nd Edition has been an overview of the "popularity as a setting" for each historical time period and for many sub-categories. Whether it was the opportunity to delve into the appeal of arranged marriages or the appeal of opposing cultures, each topic increased my enthusiasm for the possibilities of a historical setting. Below is a partial sample on the topic of popularity as a setting for the Medieval Period:
The feudal system of the early middle ages provides the backdrop
for perhaps the second most popular historical romance setting (after the
Regency) – the medieval romance. Why do readers love a medieval romance?
“Perhaps
it is the notion of chivalry, a valuing of womanhood and virtues such as truth,
honor and valor. A knight who rises to duty, and the maiden who would take her
place at his side.”
Walker goes on to predict a comeback for the medieval-set
historical romance and notes the resurgence is driven in part to the rise of
self-published medieval romances, which may be ahead of the market interests of
traditional publishers.
There are many more reasons for the appeal of medieval romances,
one of them being arranged marriages. Readers love, love, love arranged
marriage stories. And, although an
arranged marriage is not a trope exclusive to the medieval time period, it is
certainly a setting in which it applies. As later discussed in more
detail, marriage in medieval times, at least for the nobility, was primarily an
alliance of land, wealth and lineage. But from this less than romantic
beginning arises a story that defies the odds when it comes to finding love.
On the appeal of arranged marriages, author Madeline Hunter, in
her article with USA Today, Romance Unlaced: Historical Authors on Arranged Marriages, says:
“…an arranged marriage
can be among the most romantic and even most empowering situations in which to
put a romance's main characters.”
Other writers expand upon what appeals about a forced marriage
between strangers:
“Even before sex, or
without sex in the book, the two people are forced to leap a lot of normal
stages of intimacy. Cut to the chase, in fact. This is particularly powerful in
historicals where society's taboos against intimacy could be so much stronger."
– Jo Beverly
5
“… since we always make
our heroes sexually appealing, it adds to the 'thrill' of the situation. Who
hasn't dreamt of having permissible sex with a hot stranger?" – Callie
Hutton
5
“The appeal of these
stories centers around hopefulness, the idea that individuals can learn and
grow and that a couple can evolve.” – Jo Goodman
5
"They're really
high-stakes stories — strangers forced into a relationship who must figure out
a way to make it work. All relationships are hard work, but arranged marriages
especially so. And the trope sure keeps the relationship front and center in
the book.” – Vanessa Kelly
All this and more make an arranged marriage trope part of the
medieval romance’s appeal.
The medieval setting covers a long and event-filled time period.
While some medieval stories have a vague sense of time and place, others are intertwined
with very specific events.
***
The Medieval Scottish Highlands setting is also enormously popular. Although,
to be accurate, many of the popular historical romances set in the Scottish
Highlands take place much later, such as with Diana Gabaldon’s Outlander,
which is set during the Jacobite risings of the 18th century. But
many others are set in the medieval times. Undeniably, the Scottish Highlands,
and especially a Highland hero, the Laird, holds vast appeal, and I cannot
resist this delicious quote that sums up why:
“They are hunkalicious, wear provocative skirts and have sexy accents .”
Yes, that about says it all. In another excellent USA Today
article by historical romance writer Madeline Hunter, Romance Unlaced: Exploring the Appeal of Scottish Heroes, there is this inclusion of an intriguing
quote by author Paula Quinn:
"As a writer and a
reader, there's nothing more intriguing than a Highland hero. It's association
by terrain, by culture, and by sound. Scotland is a land of rugged, timeless
beauty and windswept moors, resilient against centuries of subjugation. The
terrain makes Scottish heroes hard, tough and robust. Their culture makes them
proud, fearless and loyal. In my opinion, a Highlander is the ultimate alpha
male, confident in his own power and appreciative of the strength in his woman
... His deep, melodic burr doesn't hurt his appeal either."
Ah, yes, that Scottish burr. Writing an accent is often one of
the most challenging techniques a historical romance writer will come across.
Quinn and others give advice on how to handle the accent and dialect. The
consensus seems to be to use sparingly, if possible, for a variety of reasons.
As author Jennifer Ashley points out:
“First, I didn't want to
see my manuscript page peppered with apostrophes. Second, educated, upper-crust
Scots don't always speak with heavy Scottish accents. Many people confuse the
Glaswegian accent with the Highland, and it's very different.”
All this, the dialogue, the highlander’s passion and loyalty for
his (or her) clan, the drama of the historical backdrop and more is why a
Scottish historical romance appeals.
Stay tuned for more news to come!
Very interesting! I As a historical writer (and fan of historical novels) I was interested to hear your take on the accent - that's always a question for me when I'm writing. To write accents or not? It seems contemporary novels tend not to write them (using other modes to convey accents such as narration) whereas I've often come across written accents in dialogue in older books.
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Thanks for your comment Bessie. :) Yes, I'm always interested too in how other writers handle the accent and I've only tried it myself by limiting it to secondary characters. That is interesting that you've observed it used more often in older books. I think you're right!
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