The past few weeks, since getting back from RWA Conference in NYC, have gone by in a flash. I've been trying to catch up with everything at home, at work and with my writing. Giving my head time to absorb all that I have learned and doing a bit of research on the Regency in Georgette Heyer's Regency World, The Guide to the people, places and society in Georgette Heyer's Regency novels, by Jennifer Kloester.
I had the great pleasure of attending a class given by Jennifer Kloester and Sabrina Jeffries, called Keeping it Real: Regency Research Georgette Heyer Could Believe In. Not only that, but I'd won the book in a silent auction during the historical conference, given by the Beau Monde, at the Beau Monde's soiree the day before. After happily digesting all that both Ms. Kloester and Ms. Jeffries discussed, I presented my newly acquired book to Ms. Kloester, in the hopes that she would sign it for me. I was not alone. Books came out of the woodwork and expectant faces proved that the Regency is still a most beloved era of history.
Offering my thanks to Ms. Kloester and Ms. Jeffries for the excellent class, I held the book close to my heart and left the room with a gigantic smile on my face. What a great conference memory! What a magnificent book! Jennifer Kloester had the Heyer family's blessing during the research and writing of this book. And Sally Houghton created a wonderful Georgette Heyer website for Ms. Heyer's continued fan base.
To writers, readers of Georgette Heyer's books and Regency lovers everywhere, please run out and buy this book. You won't regret it!
I was charmed by Ms. Kloester's accent, wit and knowledge. And Georgette Heyer's Regency World reflects all that and more.
Since conference, a wonderful event occurred as I've been devouring the contents of this book. A new blog went live on facebook, one you'd be crazy to ignore. I'm talking about the divine Ballroom Blog, hosted by Lady Heliotrope Beaufetheringstone, or Lady B and authors: Katharine Ashe, Sabrina Darby, Tessa Dare, Gaelen Foley, Sarah MacLean and Miranda Neville. An example of the delight found there: a blog about constructing Regency Paper Dolls online.
Anyone who knows me, knows how much I love research. Do you like to research? Life calls for research everyday. There are maps to locate for a quick trip or vacation, online shopping, music, the list goes on. Be it online or via books, what do you look for?
That's a sticky point for me: research. I love reading historicals but I am not ever going to write them. Too much work!
ReplyDeleteLove your blog!! Wish I had your patience!
Happy Research!
Like you I love to research. I am especially fond of that moment when you find just the perfect tidbit of information! It is like earning a prize. All of my hard work paid off!
ReplyDeleteHey Christine! Thanks for the kudos and for stopping in today!
ReplyDeleteAs for research, I'm sure you do it, whether you realize it or not, when you write your contemporaries. I love it when something I've researched enhances the ideas created in the storyline. As Stephanie said, it is like winning a prize! ;)
Hi Stephanie! Researching is hard work but it always seems to bring an element to the story that grounds it in the period or place.
ReplyDeleteI love the way you compare research with winning a prize! Thanks!
No. I do not. I can do it. I was a research librarian before I became a youth services librarian. What I like about writing fantasy is you make stuff up.
ReplyDeleteEven with contemporary, there is research.
I love to read historical and I am very glad there are people like you who enjoy that part of the process. I couldn't do it.
I don't read historicals but I admire the writers. Ninety percent of a lawyer's work is research, tedious research. Maybe that's why I don't like to do research when I write. As Jean said, yes there is research for contemporary books and I do that research when necessary but mostly I like to make stuff up too!
ReplyDeleteWhat would you like to know about New Orleans in 1814? LOL
ReplyDeleteSuper post, Kathy!
ReplyDeleteI'm with you Jean and Cheryl--I like to make stuff up. However, being a fantasy writer, there is still a certain kind of research that goes on when creating the fabric of a fantasy world. And reading all those fantasy novels is research as well...to see who's writing what in the genre and how they construct their worlds. I like doing a certain amount of research, but I don't want to do so much that it kills the passion to write the story.
Oh, Patricia...New Orleans....now there's a pool of research worthy of total immersion.
Jean, I admire the fact you can create your own world when writing fantasy. But I can also rest easy knowing Stephanie is there to handle any research you might need when you're writing about Merritt. ;)
ReplyDeleteWow, Cheryl! I never thought about how much research lawyers have to do. Makes sense that you wouldn't want to get caught up in the tediousness of research.
ReplyDeleteI love to learn something new every day, so I guess that's what appeals to me most about discovering information on different eras.
Patricia! You are the go-to-girl for New Orleans, to be sure. LOL! Thanks for reminding me who to call when I base a book there. ;)
ReplyDeleteThough you might not be researching non-fiction books to get your ideas, Crystal. I know you do research via other writers in the fantasy genre. Isn't that what's great about reading within your line, and even outside of it? We get to call it research! ;)
ReplyDeleteWhether you're researching or not, if you want a break or a romp, please go to The Ballroom Blog on FB. I adore it!
ReplyDeleteThe only problem with my doing research on the Regency is that I get sucked into it like a black hole! I pick up a book to research one little thing and when I look up two hours have passed! And with 175 books in my Regency Research Library (and counting!) that is A LOT of distraction. Still, you never know what gem you might run across when doing research and it may just lead to the idea for the book that is THE ONE!
ReplyDeleteLouisa, thanks for stopping by! I can so understand your turmoil. I actually gave a workshop at HOD on surviving the black hole of research. LOL!
ReplyDeleteI've found there is always something new to learn. And I'm like a sponge soaking it all up. Can never get enough, to my chagrin.
Had a great time reconnecting with you in NYC. Your post reminded me I've got information to share. Getting on it! ;)