Of Mustaches and Men

 As a historical writer, I often find things in history I'd prefer to do without. For example, did you know that facial hair was the "in thing" with men of the time. Really? Half the pictures I see of the 19th Century male looks like their face collided with a gorilla's. Ok. Fine. I'm married to a man with facial hair. But he's a rock climber, and it's done in that wildernessy-rugged sort of way that screams "I'M COOL!". Guy to the left? Not so much. I think his razor slipped and hit his chin.

I'm trying to picture the historically correct kissing scene in my WIP. Let me show you why mustaches don't work for me...

"She saw him lean in, intent behind his black eyes--eyes that had haunted her from the first moment she had met them. She waited, could smell the cinnamon on his breath and then--featherlight ... his mustache hair tickled her nose. She drew in a quick breath and horror! It tickled the inside of her nostril and she felt a sneeze building. His kiss was prickly--like a bristled porcupine. Her sneeze erupted, ruining the moment, and causing his black eyes to widen in disgust."

HOW DOES A MUSTACHE POSSIBLY ADD TO ROMANTIC TENSION?

Do I sacrifice historical accuracy for the faddish attractions of current women? Sure, there were some clean shaven men in 1875, but do a Google search for old Victorian pictures. Lotsa lotsa need for Gillette Razors, I tell ya.

Whatever. My hero, for the time being, is going to remain clean shaven. I can't do it. I just can't buy into the 19th Century pension to wear fur on their face.

Thoughts?
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Professional coffee drinker, Jaime Jo Wright, resides in the hills of Wisconsin. She loves to write spirited turn-of-the-century romance, stained with suspense. Her day job finds her as a Director of Sales & Development. She’s wife to a rock climbing, bow-hunting Pre-K teacher, mom to a coffee-drinking little girl, and a little boy she fondly refers to as her mischievous “Peter Pan”. Jaime completes her persona by being an admitted social media junkie and coffee snob. She is a member of ACFW, best-selling author, and has the best writing sisters EVER!

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