Once you have the era that your character lands in it is vital to get out those history books and see what was going on back then. You will want to discover what the politics were at this time. When I say politics I mean just that. Say your heroine lands in Kansas, you would need to discover the year and then look up and see what is happening. Current events of say 1867 would do. The Civil War would probably play a part in your story, maybe the hero was a soldier. Once you establish the time frame you need to know what the ladies were wearing. Check out the fashion for the era for both your characters.
Fashion then leads to lifestyles, what kind of furniture, curtains, house styles and appliances (non-electric).
As you can see the list can grow very quickly and it doesn't stop
Once you gather all the information you think you will need, then you can weave these little tidbits into the story. The word "weave" is the trick, you want the history to blend into the story, not become the focus.
I hope you were able to get DREAM LOVER this weekend at Kindle for FREE and when you are reading it pay attention to how the history weaves throughout the story.
If you have any questions ask away, I'm will check back later today.
Jewel
5 comments:
Excellent advice Jewel. And its important in all your writing. I spent several hours researching the possibility of a portable refrigerator for a character hiding out and found there is no such thing, at least without a generator,which would make noise and out my fugitive. Important point many would find fault with! Great post!
I think schools should use time travels to teach history!
Enjoyed your post, Jewel.
LOL could you see trying to shut-up the frig :)
Yes, I do think you learn history in romance novels, I know it always made me look up references to battles or wars or whatever.
Sometimes, it is really difficult to find out when something was made and available for use. Now, with the internet it is so much easier.
Readers do know their history :) so take the time and check things out.
You are so right. The research is phenomenal.
Great post Jewel, and I know well about the research.
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