and you won’t find the answer here. Instead I’ll refer you to two other blogs that have debated this issue quite beautifully and don’t need any assistance from me. My only comment was, “You know accuracy in romance is like religion and politics–a powderkeg of argument and controversy!”
As a writer I make an effort to research historical facts, but not to obsession. I studied English titles and forms of address. When I pick a setting, I search it to see who the famous people were and if there were any wars going on at that time. I study renderings of clothing and the dances that were popular. I research the foods that were widely appreciated. I discover the makers of furnishings and the architectural styles that were widespread.
But will all that studying and Googling and note taking be apparent to my readers? Most likely not. My stories are almost entirely character-driven. (My contest entries all invariably say, “Excellent characterization.”) I use history as wallpaper.
What is a wallpaper historian? Romantic Times columnist Teri Brisbin (June 2004 Issue #244) describes it as follows, “There are many historical details provided throughout the story–in its characters and settings and scenery–but they are nonrestrictive details.”
I’ll mention the Chippendale desk and the Aubusson rug. I’ll talk about the neoclassical architecture and the minuet. I’ll do my best to make certain everything is accurate. (For example in Seducing the Widow, a Georgian period romance, the hero and heroine have a love scene hindered by panniers) But it’s all wallpaper, a pretty background for a beautiful love story.
Here are the links to the other blogs I mentioned (See the entries dated yesterday):
Enjoy!
