Love Inspired Historicals discussion
First Ever Reverse Q&A
Louise wrote: "LOL! Me, too.My next question is:
Do you like animals in our stories? Everything from cat and dogs, horses and cows, exotic ones like llamas and geckos. What do you think?"
I like animals. Would love more quirky cats. Cats seem to be left out of books way more than dogs.
Eva wrote: "Hi all!!!Great questions and answers!!!
Here's another one:
Do you have a preference for stand alone books or do you like books to be in a series?"
I like books in a series but currently I am reading way more stand alone books. But I do like then in a series as you can follow people from previous books even if they are only a small part of the book.
Dorothy wrote: "I'm going to copy Louise and repeat one of my questions. I think it got buried. If I wrote a cowboy series...let's say four cowboy heroes... Are there any names you feel have been overused to the..."
Names like Dan, Ethan, Silas all seem to be uses over and over. I am not sure I would like to see Sue as a boys name.
I would love to see Gilbert used but maybe shortened to Gil. I don't mind names that are shortened.
It's getting late and I'm headed for bed. Today had been wonderful! I'll see you all tomorrow with more questions. Thanks so much for your great answers!
Dorothy wrote: "WELCOME TO THE FIRST EVER REVERSE Q&A!!!!What is your favorite place and era to read about? Would you buy a book set in pre-revolution colonial America?"
Oh, I can't believe I forgot this was starting today! Oh well, better late than never ;)
I will be making my way through the comments now and answer each question as I see them :D
Ok, so my favorite place and era to read about is Early AD and the Roman Empire. These pretty much my favorite stories, though I really like WWII Germany and other European countries too!
I would absolutely be interested in pre-revolution colonial America. I know of very few books set in that time, though I read The Southold Chronicles series by Rebecca DeMarino set in the mid-1600s and really liked it. But I think that books set in colonial times of other countries could be really interesting too!
Dorothy wrote: I've been told by editors, etc. that the Civil War era has been overdone and people don't buy that era anymore. I take it you disagree?"I can tell you that it isn't true for every reader. My sister LOVES Civil War books. We're Canadians, but it's one of my sister's favorite era to read about. And she just loves most everything that takes place in the South (plantations among other things).
Patty wrote: "Hi Everyone,My question is this--would you like to read fictional accounts of famous women you've never heard of like the women in Hidden Figures?"
Absolutely! I love learning about historical figures I didn't know about. To me, historical books are even better when they feature people who actually existed.
American Revolution to WW2 is a good range, but what about women (or men) outside America? I'm sure there is a great deal to learn there too :)
Ausjenny wrote: "My next question is: What is your favorite type of heroine? Do you like them strong? sweet but feisty? wounded and defensive? pampered, spoiled and forced to grow? One I haven't thought of... : ) ..."
I agree, Ausjenny.
Sherri wrote: "As a reader, what are your favorite types of historic heroes? Soldiers, spies, cowboys, ranchers...etc. etc....."Hard question! ...I think I'd go with cowboys, ranchers and soldiers. I kind of like to read about "everyday people".
Janet wrote: "As a writer, I think books and movies may have glamorized the Civil War, a terrible time in our country's history. But then, I'm not sure if readers want all the realities of any historical era. My question to readers: What draws you to stories, the truth of the time period or a more idealized version of the nitty-gritty realities?"I actually love to learn about the reality and the truth. I know not every reader will say that, but to me it is important to stay true to the times. I remember when I started the audiobook of
The Advocate by Randy Singer, my sister was right next to me and she was horrified by the description of the crucifixion. Some people might argue that such details is gratuitous, but I would disagree. These atrocities took place, and I believe it is important we remember these times as such and not at some romanticized version.
I read a really good book set during the Civil War that was harsh, but made my favorites list: The Sentinels of Andersonville by Tracy Groot. Mark of the Lion series by Francine Rivers also can be rough sometimes, but is a really great book!
Hannah wrote: "Patty wrote: "Hi Everyone,My question is this--would you like to read fictional accounts of famous women you've never heard of like the women in Hidden Figures?
When it's a fictionalized account, I always wonder where facts end and fiction begins."
I agree with you on that. I really like when the author leaves a note at the end to of the book to clarify the facts and the liberties they took to weave together the story.
Christina wrote: "Good morning from southern Indiana! Thanks for stopping by. It's fun to read everybody's questions and answers!My question for you:
Do you enjoy strong accuracy of historical settings?
...does this kind of story world detail add to your enjoyment of the book? "
I actually think it would. I love when the author is dedicated to historical accuracy and really researches the settings and life of the character!
But as I said before, a note a the end of the book to precise what liberties you took with the story would be great :)
Dorothy wrote: "My next question is: What is your favorite type of heroine? Do you like them strong? sweet but feisty? wounded and defensive? pampered, spoiled and forced to grow? One I haven't thought of... : ) "I like realistic heroines; ones we can really relate too.
So I'd go with an independent heroine who knows her limitations, that sometimes struggles with her faith, but is learning to trust God. One that doesn't necessarily have it easy, who isn't overly confident, but knows her worth and is willing to stand up to a man if he's not treating her right.
Now that I read that again, it might not sounds that realistic, but I will leave it to you authors to make it work and sound credible :P
Christina wrote: "How do you feel about secret babies and ready-made families?"I don't think I ever read secret babies stories... Actually, I'm not even sure what they are... nor do I know what a ready-made family is...
Could someone help with that please?
Louise wrote: "Hi, Ladies. I just arrived. Loved all the questions and answers! My question is about point of view. Do you like a fairly even telling of the story through the heroine's and hero's eyes, or do yo..."
Personally, I really like first person narrative, by either only the hero or the heroine (I really don't mind either way, both POV makes for really interesting stories) or alternating POVs.
Louise wrote: "LOL! Me, too.My next question is:
Do you like animals in our stories? Everything from cat and dogs, horses and cows, exotic ones like llamas and geckos. What do you think?"
LOVE animals!!! <3 <3 <3
Eva wrote: "Hi all!!!Great questions and answers!!!
Here's another one:
Do you have a preference for stand alone books or do you like books to be in a series?"
I like both, though I have a harder time finding a stand-alone nowadays. It seems that most of the books made are part of a series or the author has written at least one book about a secondary character.
I really like series too, but stand-alone are fun because you know you get everything in one book :D
Also, I actually LOVE series that focuses on the same main characters throughout. I know it's harder with LIH books, but I wish there were more series like that out there.
Dorothy wrote: "If I wrote a cowboy series...let's say four cowboy heroes... re there any names you feel have been overused to the point where you will pull your hair out if you read another book with that cowboy name?On the same note, do you want cowboys with short, tough names? Or should I take a cue from the old Johnny Cash # 1 hit and name one of them Sue? : )"
Haha, Sue might not all that fitting!
I really don't mind the named used. Even if it's a common name. A lot of people share names, so it's really no problem.
I do like to look up name meanings though and I like when characters have fitting name with their personalities.
Thanks, Jenny!That's good to know :)
Ausjenny wrote: "Eva wrote: "Hi all!!!
Great questions and answers!!!
Here's another one:
Do you have a preference for stand alone books or do you like books to be in a series?"
I like books in a series but curren..."
Eva,I do not care whether a book is a stand alone or part of a series. , If I like the first book then I am hooked on the series.
Dorothy,
Please do not name any cowboy Sue. Names are fine. I think you have to find a name that fits the character and time period
Thanks, Sam!I agree, there are tons of series now. Authors seem to link their books if they can.
And LIH doesn't let the main characters have more than one book :)
Sam wrote: "Eva wrote: "Hi all!!!
Great questions and answers!!!
Here's another one:
Do you have a preference for stand alone books or do you like books to be in a series?"
I like both, though I have a harder..."
On the "name" question - there are a couple names that I'm SOOO tired of! Kate, Elizabeth, Emma, Luke and Jake! I read about 100 books a year (really!) and such a large percentage of those books have those 5 names! I get really tired of them!I like both series and stand alone book! I wouldn't want to read either one ALL the time! It's nice to have both to choose from!
I enjoy historical settings. I also like learning about real women or men that did amazing things that we don't know about! It would be cool to put them in a book alongside fictional characters so we can learn about them and what they did! I am a total history nerd so the more I learn about real people the better!
I like my heroines sweet and feisty or strong and capable yet compassionate. However, I also like the "downtrodden" type heroine that can rise up and overcome her circumstances to be in the right place at the right time to show her true character!
Sam wrote: "Christina wrote: "How do you feel about secret babies and ready-made families?"I don't think I ever read secret babies stories... Actually, I'm not even sure what they are... nor do I know what a..."
Sam a secret baby is normally a baby born out of wedlock and the father has no idea he is the father. the mother normally moves away to protect herself then down the track their paths cross again. With Ready made families normally either the Hero or Heroine have children and are normally widowed so in the romance that is added to the story line.
Thanks, Melinda!I like both, too! A fabulous book is always something to treasure :)
Melinda wrote: "Eva,
I do not care whether a book is a stand alone or part of a series. , If I like the first book then I am hooked on the series.
Dorothy,
Please do not name any cowboy Sue. Names are fine. I thi..."
Thanks, Valri!Choice is good! Great point :)
Valri wrote: "On the "name" question - there are a couple names that I'm SOOO tired of! Kate, Elizabeth, Emma, Luke and Jake! I read about 100 books a year (really!) and such a large percentage of those books ha..."
Ausjenny wrote: "Sam wrote: "Christina wrote: "How do you feel about secret babies and ready-made families?"I don't think I ever read secret babies stories... Actually, I'm not even sure what they are... nor do I..."
Thank you for you help! :D
Christina wrote: "How do you feel about secret babies and ready-made families?"
Ok, so I think both types of story can be really good :)
I've read some ready-made families in the past and enjoyed them. So I know I like that kind of story. And secret babies, could be really nice too ^_^
Eva wrote: "Thanks, Sam!I agree, there are tons of series now. Authors seem to link their books if they can.
And LIH doesn't let the main characters have more than one book :)
Sam wrote: "Eva wrote: "Hi all!..."
Yes, I figured it wasn't possible with LIH. It's too bad though, because it makes really good series!
Dorothy wrote: What is your favorite place and era to read about? Would you buy a book set in pre-revolution colonial America? What a fun idea, a reverse Q&A. Looks like everyone's been having fun today. As to your question Dorothy, I would love to read pre-revolution colonial America. I recently read one by Lyn Cote' that greatly expanded my view of that time period. My favorite is probably wagon trains and mail order bride. Early western America.
Ausjenny wrote: "I like early American History. I like the Civil War but I think it depends on how its done. The way Gilbert Morris wrote I loved as he told the story of the war from both sides where as one book I ..."I agree with Ausjenny. Historicals are best left to those who know the history of that area and time. I've read some very enjoyable Aussie historical books that were written by Aussie's. Accuracy of checkable facts can make or break a story for me because a lot of times I will check a fact myself if it's something new to me.
Patty wrote: "Hi Everyone,My question is this--would you like to read fictional accounts of famous women you've never heard of like the women in Hidden Figures? I love history and have found dozens of women who..."
Patty, a big yes to fictional accounts of famous women I've never heard of.
Sherri wrote: "As a reader, what are your favorite types of historic heroes? Soldiers, spies, cowboys, ranchers...etc. etc....."Sherri, I love any kind of hero, but my favorite part is watching the hardened hero become a softie.
Lyn wrote: "Ausjenny wrote: "I like early American History. I like the Civil War but I think it depends on how its done. The way Gilbert Morris wrote I loved as he told the story of the war from both sides whe..."Lyn, I have 3 favorite Australian authors. Mary Hawkins wrote for the Heartsong Presents Inspirational line in their earlier days back in the 90's. I can't remember if she wrote historical or just contemporary. Narella Atkins wrote contemporary for Heartsong Presents the last couple of years they were around (2013-15) And I have a favorite author named Emily Rodda (90's-2006's) who wrote kids and YA fantasy books that I loved reading with my youngest kids. Not christian, but very good stories with great morals and lessons for kids.
Christina wrote: "Good morning from southern Indiana! Thanks for stopping by. It's fun to read everybody's questions and answers!My question for you:
Do you enjoy strong accuracy of historical settings? I love to..."
Christina, I like reading historical books to learn about the little things that I probably didn't learn in history class as a kid so for me, the historical setting should be as accurate as possible.
Dorothy wrote: "Hello to our authors! I love your questions and will be paying close attention to the answers!Janet, your question about what draws the reader to the stories they choose, the truth about life con..."
Dorothy, I have two favorites, sweet but feisty and spoiled but forced to grow.
Christina wrote: "Hello from Kansas! I am loving the questions and answers.I am currently watching my grand and it got me to thinking.
How do you feel about secret babies and ready-made families?"
Christina, it takes a whole different kind of hero/heroine to deal with secret babies and ready made families. Secret babies, if you mean the kind where the widow hides that she is pregnant because she has to make sure her unborn child will be protected, not as in contemporary stories where the hero suddenly finds out he's had a child she's been hiding from him for years.
Shannon wrote: "I am curious...what makes the 1880's westerns so appealing?"For me, Shannon, it's because I grew up in farming/ranching small town. One grandfather was born in the 1880's so it's a way to learn about how life was when he was born.
Dorothy wrote: "I'm so glad you all like historical accuracy in your books. So if you read something you think may be wrong do you research to find the truth?I am completely jolted out of a story by modern langu..."
I don't know that I'm "tired" of certain names, but it throws me when the hero or heroine shares names with another book that is released that same month. That's happened a few times. I tend to read the books together that released the same month.
Louise wrote: "Ladies, I'm going to repeat my question because I think it got buried in all of this lovely conversation.Do you like animals in our stories? Everything from cat and dogs, horses and cows, exotic ..."
Louise, I especially like animals that have a quirky personality so it's not just another normal animal. There needs to be something memorable about the animal.
Eva wrote: "Hi all!!!Great questions and answers!!!
Here's another one:
Do you have a preference for stand alone books or do you like books to be in a series?"
Eva, I like books that can be stand alone but might have a character from a previous book who just "drops by" without having to be a big part of the story. Someone who makes me think that I know this person and have to go look at the authors previous books to remember who they were. If it's a series it's easier for me to follow if they are siblings not just random people in the same town.
June wrote: "Lyn wrote: "Ausjenny wrote: "I like early American History. I like the Civil War but I think it depends on how its done. The way Gilbert Morris wrote I loved as he told the story of the war from bo..."Hi June yes Mary Hawkins writes contemporary.
Dorothy Adamek is another historical writer.
Good morning, ladies. I'm just catching up with the posts from last evening and overnight. It's so helpful to have your answers to our questions.I got a kick out of the names some of you are tired of. I've used every one of them. LOL! I'll have to be careful in the future.
"Thanks for a new to me author to read. "Melinda, you're welcome! I know you'll love her work as much as I do. :)
"Loved your book, Christina!"Shannon, thank you! I gave some of those characters small roles in my new book. Aunt Ophelia and Joseph (the attorney) show up quite a bit, and we also see Graham and Ellie as well as Sugar and her new puppy. :)
"a man in the 1800s invented a special type of chimney that was much smaller but produced more heat"Hannah, are you by chance talking about Rumford? We renovated my grandparents' house, where we now live, and put in Rumford fireplaces. Not only for more heat but also to give it a historical look. My grandfather built this house right after the Great Depression, from oak he timbered here on our farm. But we interpreted it to 1830.
Valri wrote: "On the "name" question - there are a couple names that I'm SOOO tired of! Kate, Elizabeth, Emma, Luke and Jake! I read about 100 books a year (really!) and such a large percentage of those books ha..."Hi Valri, on female names I would agree and add Mary, Sarah, Abby.
On names I find it annoying reading strange names. They may be normal in some areas but not all. I like it when an author tells how its pronounced. either by the someone pronouncing it wrong and she corrects them or some other creative way.
"I also read a lot of vintage novels and get used to how people spoke."Hannah, I think we have a lot in common. :) I learned to write historical dialogue from reading Grace Livingston Hill novels. And by remembering how my grandmothers talked. They were born after the time period I write, but we're in southern Indiana redneck country, so a lot of it works.
"The instructions were based on the writings of a man named Count Rumford"Dorothy, it looks like we think alike about our fireplaces. :) I've never met anyone else who had one like ours. We have six of them in our house, and you're right, they put out the heat!
"Hi From GA!!"Hi, Janet! :) Good to have you here!
"I do like a strong accuracy of historical settings. I think it adds so much to the story if I, as the reader, can picture everything in my mind."Andrea, so do I! Thanks for responding!
Love Inspired Historicals
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My question is about point of view. Do you like a fairly even telling of the story through the heroine's and hero's eyes, or do yo..."
To be honest I don't mind, It can depend on the book. What I don't like is a lot of head hopping. I have read books where I had no idea who's POV it was. I like when there is a clear distinction like chapter breaks or a divider to show it has changed. Sometimes we need to know what both are thinking to understand the books better.