Blog Post: Writer Wednesday guest Eloisa James and giveaway
From Thea: I’m delighted that romance author Eloisa James is visiting this week. I knew Eloisa through her delicious historical romances, of course, but we actually connected personally through the magic of Twitter.
Today she talks about writing history, which is quite a world building challenge on its own, let alone writing historically based fairy tales. Eloisa has graciously offered a giveaway, and as usual, details follow at the end of this post.
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WRITING HISTORY
Eloisa James
Today I got an email scolding me for putting a character at the Seige of Badajoz in 1812 because I was belittling the soldiers who died there, so could I please “leave our British history alone!”
Um… No. That’s what I do: mess up history. The reader seems to have forgotten that historical romance is as much a product of the imagination as paranormal romance. What’s more, since The Duke is Mine is a rewriting of The Princess and the Pea, its claim to history is slim to non-existent.
Still, I’m guessing she doesn’t write to Thea and castigate her for putting a dragon lord in New York City where none exists (I live right here, so I can attest to the absence of winged warlords).
If I had made my heroine detect a pea under twenty mattresses, rather than a key, would the reader have twigged to the fact that the book was fantasy—without being paranormal?
Frankly, it’s always a juggling act to be imaginative in a historical overcoat. Right now I’m working on a rewrite of Rapunzel. So what about all that hair, as in “Rapunzel, Rapunzel, let down your golden hair?”
Anyone have any bright ideas about how I can gesture toward the storyline without getting myself bawled out because—wait for it—there were no hair extensions in 1816?
One winner will get a signed copy of a historically inaccurate novel… The Duke is Mine!
Destiny will be decided between the sheets in this all-new tale of “The Princess and the Pea.”
For Olivia Lytton, betrothal to the Duke of Canterwick–hardly a Prince Charming–feels more like a curse than a happily-ever-after. At least his noble status will help her sister, Georgiana, secure an engagement with the brooding, handsome Tarquin, Duke of Sconce, a perfect match for her in every way . . . every way but one. Tarquin has fallen in love with Olivia.
Quin never puts passion before reason. And reason says that Georgiana is his ideal bride. But the sensual, fiery, strong-willed Olivia ignites an unknown longing in him– a desire they are both powerless to resist. When a scandalous affair begins, they risk losing everything–Olivia’s engagement, her sister’s friendship, and their own fragile love. Only one thing can save them–and it awaits in the bedroom, where a magnificent mattress holds life-changing answers to the greatest romantic riddle of all.
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Giveaway ends at 12 noon MDT on Friday, June 8th!
