Today, I have a Guest Post from author Collette Cameron as a part of the VBT, where she explains why she writes Historical Romance. I hope you enjoy the post just as much as I did (being an avid romance reader I agree with the points she made). Also find the information on The Viscount's Vow and the author, alongside an excerpt. Please comment to be entered in the giveaway.
Why I Write Historical Romance
Just last week I had someone ask me...again, why I write romance novels. In this case, the question was followed by a nervous giggle and a whispered, “Do you write about your own... experiences?”
Seriously?
Umm, no!
It’s called imagination and research...okay, and maybe a teensy weensy bit of my personal experiences, but not the...ahem...intimate ones. Hubby would disown me.
I mean, I’ve never ridden sidesaddle or in a carriage, or worn stays, or drunk laudanum, or fought a duel, but I’ve written about all those. I also have heroines that shoot and throw knives at villains. I’ve never done that either, though I do know how to shoot a gun—comes with being the daughter of a cop and married to a hunter.
Before I go on, I should probably mention that I’ve been ridiculed for writing “smut” and even had some of my Christian friends raise their eyebrows and give me “that” look. But here’s the deal, I write romance, not porn. Yes, there is a difference.
Romance novels, especially historicals, allow readers a chance to escape from reality, which, let’s be honest, at times really sucks. I believe romance, at least the kind I write, shows healthy, loving relationships between two people dedicated (and eventually married) to each other. Romance novels depict commitment, trust, (albeit sometimes hard won trust) forgiveness, self-sacrifice, and yes, passion.
I love reading happy-ever-afters, and I love writing them even more. I’ve heard the argument, “That’s not real life.” Okay, so let’s only write reality? Really? I don’t think so. Too dark, depressing...hopeless. And we need hope, don’t we?
I started reading romance very young, and it gave me a vision for the kind of man I wanted to marry. It also helped me with my moral compass, because I didn’t want to be promiscuous; I wanted to save myself for the man who would someday be my husband.
So, back to why I write romance...
There’s something magical and fulfilling about bring together a couple who despite conflict and struggles, overcome the odds and find love together. Call it fantasy or dreaming, but that’s what everyone wants; their own happily-ever-after. If I can give readers a bit of hope, help them cling to their dream, then I’ve done what I set out to do.
And that’s why I write romance.
Amidst murder and betrayal, destiny and hearts collide when scandal forces a nobleman and a gypsy to marry in this Regency Romance.
Half Romani, half English noblewoman, Evangeline Caruthers is the last woman in England Ian Hamilton, the Viscount Warrick, could ever love—an immoral wanton responsible for his brother’s and father’s deaths. She thinks he’s a foul-tempered blackguard, who after setting out to cause her downfall, finds himself forced to marry her—snared in the trap of his own making.
When Vangie learns the marriage ceremony itself may have been a ruse, she flees to her gypsy relatives, declaring herself divorced from Ian under Romani law. He pursues her to the gypsy encampment, and when the handsome gypsy king offers to take Ian’s place in Vangie’s bed, jealousy stirs hot and dangerous.
At last, under a balmy starlit sky, Ian and Vangie breech the chasm separating them. Peril lurks though. Ian’s the last in his line, and his stepmother intends to dispose of the newlyweds so her daughter can inherit his estate. Only by trusting each other can they overcome scandal and murderous betrayal.
An Excerpt from The Viscount's Vow:
Gypsy Camp Ian's Return
Ian rode Pericles directly across the clearing and stopped before her. Something delicious skimmed across her senses before she returned her attention to the child. She handed Puri Daj a soft linen cloth to wrap Lala's calf. He'd returned. She truly hadn't thought he would. Surely the fluttering in her middle wasn’t gladness?
After what he’d done to her?
She wasn't completely addle-witted. No, she’d not eaten anything since morning. She was hungry—that was all.
She watched him from the corner of her eye. Holding the reins in his left hand, he grasped Pericles’s mane and swung his right leg over the stallion’s hindquarters. With a powerful shove, he dropped to the ground. With a smart bow, Ian greeted Puri Daj first. “Droboy tume Romale.”
A pleased look flashed across Puri Daj's face. She inclined her head in greeting. “Thank you, Ian. You learn our language. This is good.” She smiled her approval.
He was learning Romanes? Vangie squelched the happiness attempting to bubble to the surface. Balderdash and rubbish. It meant nothing. If he thought he could wheedle his way into her affections by learning a bit of Romanese—
Lud, now he's smiling at Lala.
Ian bowed to the child. “Droboy tume tinka.”
Lala giggled and buried her face in Puri Daj's skirt. Vangie dipped her head and hid a smile. He could charm a stick into throwing itself into a fire, then have it thanking him for the honor.
“Vangie,” His deep voice interrupted her musings. “I'm sorry I didn't return last evening.” Ian rubbed the Pericles’s forehead before patting his neck and grasping his bridle. “I was delayed.”
Vangie placed the stopper on the jar of pungent ointment, then wiped her hands on her apron. “Tis of no importance.” She searched his face. Lines of fatigue marred his brow and crinkled the corners of his eyes. Faith, had he slept at all? Unease washed over her. Something was wrong.
A voracious reader of romance since her teens, she even named her daughter after a heroine in her favorite romance novel. An enthusiast of times gone by, and anything related to romance, she writes Historical Romance, with a dash of inspiration, a pinch of humor, and a liberal portion of suspense. Having dabbled in interior decorating in her youth, Collette returned to school, graduating summa cum laude from Oregon State University, and went on to obtain her Master's Degree in Teaching. She is member of Romance Writers of America, Rose City Romance Writers, The Beau Monde, and Love Faith and Hope, Inc., and a whole slew of other author/writer groups.
Some of Collette's favorite things include unique blends of coffees and teas, trivia, Cadbury Milk Chocolate, inspirational quotes, and scented candles. Her Christian faith, husband, three adult children, and five miniature dachshunds round out her life quite nicely! When she's not teaching or writing, she enjoys amateur photography, bird watching, gardening, interior decorating, rock-hunting, boating or fishing on the Columbia River, and reading of course.
Collette Cameron will be awarding a $25 Amazon GC and an ecopy of Highlander's Hope, the first book in the series, to a randomly drawn commenter during the tour.
Why I Write Historical RomanceSeriously?
Umm, no!
It’s called imagination and research...okay, and maybe a teensy weensy bit of my personal experiences, but not the...ahem...intimate ones. Hubby would disown me.
I mean, I’ve never ridden sidesaddle or in a carriage, or worn stays, or drunk laudanum, or fought a duel, but I’ve written about all those. I also have heroines that shoot and throw knives at villains. I’ve never done that either, though I do know how to shoot a gun—comes with being the daughter of a cop and married to a hunter.
Before I go on, I should probably mention that I’ve been ridiculed for writing “smut” and even had some of my Christian friends raise their eyebrows and give me “that” look. But here’s the deal, I write romance, not porn. Yes, there is a difference.
Romance novels, especially historicals, allow readers a chance to escape from reality, which, let’s be honest, at times really sucks. I believe romance, at least the kind I write, shows healthy, loving relationships between two people dedicated (and eventually married) to each other. Romance novels depict commitment, trust, (albeit sometimes hard won trust) forgiveness, self-sacrifice, and yes, passion.
I love reading happy-ever-afters, and I love writing them even more. I’ve heard the argument, “That’s not real life.” Okay, so let’s only write reality? Really? I don’t think so. Too dark, depressing...hopeless. And we need hope, don’t we?
I started reading romance very young, and it gave me a vision for the kind of man I wanted to marry. It also helped me with my moral compass, because I didn’t want to be promiscuous; I wanted to save myself for the man who would someday be my husband.
So, back to why I write romance...
There’s something magical and fulfilling about bring together a couple who despite conflict and struggles, overcome the odds and find love together. Call it fantasy or dreaming, but that’s what everyone wants; their own happily-ever-after. If I can give readers a bit of hope, help them cling to their dream, then I’ve done what I set out to do.
And that’s why I write romance.
The Viscount's Vow
Collette Cameron
Amidst murder and betrayal, destiny and hearts collide when scandal forces a nobleman and a gypsy to marry in this Regency Romance.
Half Romani, half English noblewoman, Evangeline Caruthers is the last woman in England Ian Hamilton, the Viscount Warrick, could ever love—an immoral wanton responsible for his brother’s and father’s deaths. She thinks he’s a foul-tempered blackguard, who after setting out to cause her downfall, finds himself forced to marry her—snared in the trap of his own making.When Vangie learns the marriage ceremony itself may have been a ruse, she flees to her gypsy relatives, declaring herself divorced from Ian under Romani law. He pursues her to the gypsy encampment, and when the handsome gypsy king offers to take Ian’s place in Vangie’s bed, jealousy stirs hot and dangerous.
At last, under a balmy starlit sky, Ian and Vangie breech the chasm separating them. Peril lurks though. Ian’s the last in his line, and his stepmother intends to dispose of the newlyweds so her daughter can inherit his estate. Only by trusting each other can they overcome scandal and murderous betrayal.
Buy Link:
Gypsy Camp Ian's Return
Ian rode Pericles directly across the clearing and stopped before her. Something delicious skimmed across her senses before she returned her attention to the child. She handed Puri Daj a soft linen cloth to wrap Lala's calf. He'd returned. She truly hadn't thought he would. Surely the fluttering in her middle wasn’t gladness?
After what he’d done to her?
She wasn't completely addle-witted. No, she’d not eaten anything since morning. She was hungry—that was all.
She watched him from the corner of her eye. Holding the reins in his left hand, he grasped Pericles’s mane and swung his right leg over the stallion’s hindquarters. With a powerful shove, he dropped to the ground. With a smart bow, Ian greeted Puri Daj first. “Droboy tume Romale.”
A pleased look flashed across Puri Daj's face. She inclined her head in greeting. “Thank you, Ian. You learn our language. This is good.” She smiled her approval.
He was learning Romanes? Vangie squelched the happiness attempting to bubble to the surface. Balderdash and rubbish. It meant nothing. If he thought he could wheedle his way into her affections by learning a bit of Romanese—
Lud, now he's smiling at Lala.
Ian bowed to the child. “Droboy tume tinka.”
Lala giggled and buried her face in Puri Daj's skirt. Vangie dipped her head and hid a smile. He could charm a stick into throwing itself into a fire, then have it thanking him for the honor.
“Vangie,” His deep voice interrupted her musings. “I'm sorry I didn't return last evening.” Ian rubbed the Pericles’s forehead before patting his neck and grasping his bridle. “I was delayed.”
Vangie placed the stopper on the jar of pungent ointment, then wiped her hands on her apron. “Tis of no importance.” She searched his face. Lines of fatigue marred his brow and crinkled the corners of his eyes. Faith, had he slept at all? Unease washed over her. Something was wrong.
About the Author:
A life-long Oregonian, Collette Cameron was born and raised in a small town along the northern Oregon coast. Today she makes her home in a rural community, 30 minutes west of Portland. Her Victorian farmhouse sits on a one-acre certified wildlife habit, interspersed with a plethora of gardens: English, rose, butterfly, rock, water, and of course, vegetable.
A life-long Oregonian, Collette Cameron was born and raised in a small town along the northern Oregon coast. Today she makes her home in a rural community, 30 minutes west of Portland. Her Victorian farmhouse sits on a one-acre certified wildlife habit, interspersed with a plethora of gardens: English, rose, butterfly, rock, water, and of course, vegetable.
A voracious reader of romance since her teens, she even named her daughter after a heroine in her favorite romance novel. An enthusiast of times gone by, and anything related to romance, she writes Historical Romance, with a dash of inspiration, a pinch of humor, and a liberal portion of suspense. Having dabbled in interior decorating in her youth, Collette returned to school, graduating summa cum laude from Oregon State University, and went on to obtain her Master's Degree in Teaching. She is member of Romance Writers of America, Rose City Romance Writers, The Beau Monde, and Love Faith and Hope, Inc., and a whole slew of other author/writer groups. Some of Collette's favorite things include unique blends of coffees and teas, trivia, Cadbury Milk Chocolate, inspirational quotes, and scented candles. Her Christian faith, husband, three adult children, and five miniature dachshunds round out her life quite nicely! When she's not teaching or writing, she enjoys amateur photography, bird watching, gardening, interior decorating, rock-hunting, boating or fishing on the Columbia River, and reading of course.
Author Links:
Brought to YOU by:
(Note: I'm not responsible for the contents of the above post, as all were provided to me by Goddess Fish Promotions. ~Punya)
(Note: I'm not responsible for the contents of the above post, as all were provided to me by Goddess Fish Promotions. ~Punya)
21 comments:
I doubt that I've done a minute amount of all the things I read about. Isn't reading amazing?
marypres(AT)gmail(DOT)com
Thank you for hosting
Hi Mary, thanks for being here today. :)
@GF, welcome. xx
Thanks for sharing! I really love getting to know you throughout the tour!
andralynn7 AT gmail DOT com
I really enjoy the historical aspect of this type of story. There is something that seems we have lost through the years whenever we look back at where we came from.
Thank you for the giveaway!
amccalli(at)gmail(dot)(com)
Good morning and Happy Halloween. I'm dressing as Jane Austen today. My third grade students won't have a clue who I am!
Thanks so much for hosting me today!
Andra, Mary, and Calli, it's so good to see you here today!
Happy Halloween. Love the idea of your costume Colleen. Now if you have a ink pot and a quill pen, the kids might have an idea....but maybe not!
I'm looking through the 2 books in this series and discovered that Vangie and Evvy are maternal cousins. Does that mean that the heroines in both books are half Romani?
kareninnc at gmail dot com
Great excerpt, thank you.
Kit3247(at)aol(dot)com
Karen, Vangie's father was part Romani, so her gypsy blood runs on the paternal side.
Really enjoyed the excerpt. Sounds like a great story.
Great post, Collette! I love historical romance for the same reasons--a way to escape mundane reality and live vicariously in another time. Time travel romances are another of my favorites.
Susan, I've got a time-travel bouncing around in my head too. I've got to get these other stories written first.
Fantastic interview. I can't wait for my first check. Tweeted and shared.
T!hanks for sharing the guests posts and the giveaway. Sounds like a great book. evamillien at gmail dot com Happy Halloween
Great post, Collette.
Excellent post and excerpt.
Hello everyone, thanks for stopping by, reading the post and commenting. :)
Enjoyed your reasons for writing romance! I love HEAs!
Looking forward to reading this i read Highlander's Hope and loved it .Thank you for sharing with us today.
flanagan@mebtel.net
Sounds like a great read!!
Thanks for the chance to win!
natasha_donohoo_8 at hotmail dot com
Wanda, Lana, Natasha, thanks for stopping by! :)
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