The Historical Novel Society held its biannual North American conference* last weekend, and I'm happy to report two things after attending: Historical fiction is alive and well, and historical romance is respected among this group who not only are history nuts and lovers of good writing, but who also support fictional representations of the past in any feisty, funky or formidable form talented authors can create.
No mean feat, when one understands that even among those who write and read historical romance there can be vigorous disagreement over whose historical backdrop is "accurate," and whose is slapped to the storyline like "wallpaper." But at HNS, nobody pointed a finger at historical romance as anything "less than," only repped it early, often and right alongside the categories of historical- and historical women's fiction.
During the opening track panel, "The Best New Historical Fiction: What to Read and Why," author and Booklist reviewer Sarah Johnson ( Historical Fiction II ) recommended Meredith Duran's acclaimed "Duke of Shadows " because of its exploration of the sociopolitical climate of its Southeast Asian setting, as well as distinctive relationships among characters.
Johnson's co-presenter, Georgine Olson, Outreach Services
Manager of Fairbanks (AK) Northstar Borough Public Libraries, said today's
romance authors, like those writing historical women's fiction, are
concentrating on the common woman. "You get a sense of how what's going on in
the time period affects [women]. Even if
your characters aren't ‘known' ones from history, or the [typical] landed
mistress, for example, you're understanding what really did happen during that
time period through new eyes and other classes."
In the spirit of full disclosure - and since I love to talk about it so much -
I'm here to tell you that sex was well represented at the HNS conference. Jade
Lee (The Dragon Earl ), who moderated the panel, "Is Sex Necessary? Spicing Up
Your Historical (or Not)" added to the HNS conference the perspectives of
businesswoman (remember that, when writing for certain audiences, there are
parameters that help publishers sell your novels), mom (even though
historically accurate, 13 year olds having sex a la "Romeo and Juliet" is just
unappealing and "squishy" to many modern readers) and bestselling erotic
romance author (her highly sensual novels broke ground for depicting realistically
and respectfully Asian heroines, heroes and sensuality). Lee also took part in the popular "Late-Night
Sex Scene Reading" along with Diana Gabaldon and other authors who presented
hot, emotionally layered excerpts from their novels.
During the "sex" panel, as some playfully called it, Mr. and Mrs. Darcy
Mysteries author Carrie Bebris (Matters at Mansfield ) condoned writers
knowing when characters simply don't need to do the deed on the pages. And in the q/a portion, I was pleased to
inform yet-to-be-published historical authors that the depiction of "older"
couples falling in love and/or engaging in joyful sensuality is alive and
more-and-more well represented in romance.
This year's HNS conference is history, so to speak, but I recommend highly
joining the Society to anyone who loves writing, reading and learning what's
new and hot in all categories of historical fiction.
What do you think is the current state
of the historical romance? What kinds of
panels on historical romance fiction would you suggest HNS consider presenting? Who are your favorite romance fiction
authors/novels? And what's the
difference between historical romance fiction and historical fiction with
romantic elements, anyway?
*For more info on HNS conferences, including those held biannually in the UK, click here.
Michelle Buonfiglio writes daily about romance fiction and pop culture at Romance: B(u)y the Book (RBTB). Read all of Michelle's UB posts here.
Thanks, becke! Those Chases are my faves, too, especially LOS and "Mr. Impossible," Dain and Rupert also making my Greatest Heroes of All Times list. I recently was turned on to "Knave's Wager" by rbtb community member orannia, and it's a wonderful example of the traditional Regency style (super for those who want sweet sensuality level). Brockway's AYD also is on my faves short list. I'm so glad you've found historicals; think of the vast body of work you have to enjoy! i envy you. 
Now, who's this Anna Campbell chick?
Ah, dhaupt, good definition. I interviewed Gabaldon at HNS and asked her a bit about the romance/hist fict connection, and she does talk about 'courtship' stories vs stories of relationships growing, maturing, etc. Hopefully I'll have that iview worked up soon, as Ms G is a delight and speaks as she writes, in great detail. In other words, lots of transcription to be done. One of the issues that arose in the 'sex' panel was the idea of the age of the heroines. As Jade was saying, romance has kind of raised the age of the heroine, since we don't really dig the actual ages history would have given us; a 45 yr old hero w/a 14 year old heroine is akin to abuse to us. And the 35 yr old widow introing the 15 year old lordling to the ways of love is the same in my opinion, though there's a great double standard, no?
I think lots of folks have trouble w/the historicals of the 70s/80s, although many view them in different ways. I find it important to try to look at what readers' and authors' sensibilities were at that time, what their choices were, etc., then try to read the books w/those things in mind, almost in an anthropological sense. I was discussing this same issue at the conference w/several authors, because we find the topic fascinating, concerning, important, as most who care about romance do.
I like how you say: "Love is the heartbeat of her novels." That's such a beautiful way to describe central love story as being the important component of the romance novel.
