#JustTheTipTuesday Historical Romance: Romance 101
Hey there, Wordmaker!
Welcome to #JustTheTipTuesday where I share writing tips and tricks to help romance authors perfect their craft. This series, Romance 101, will cover the basics you need to get started. It’s an ongoing series.
If you caught my last post on contemporary romance, you know we dived into all the juicy details of modern love stories. We talked about how focusing on all stages of love can create super compelling narratives, explored the differences between genres and subgenres, and even shared some tips on crafting those authentic, satisfying endings we all crave. It was a blast and perfect for both readers and aspiring writers alike!
Now, let’s turn back the clock and step into the world of historical romance. Imagine ballrooms, carriages, and love letters sealed with wax. Historical romance takes us on a journey to different eras, blending rich, authentic settings with timeless love stories. It’s no wonder this genre has such an enduring appeal and remains incredibly popular.
What is Historical Romance?
So, what exactly is historical romance? Well, it's all about love stories set in the past. We're talking about eras ranging from ancient times to just a few decades ago. The magic of historical romance lies in its ability to transport us to another time, offering a blend of romance and rich historical detail.
When it comes to key characteristics, a few things stand out. First off, the setting is crucial. Whether it’s the opulence of the Regency era, the grit of the Middle Ages, or the glamour of the Roaring Twenties, the historical backdrop sets the stage for the romance. Authenticity is key, with detailed descriptions of clothing, architecture, and social customs that make you feel like you’re right there with the characters.
The language and dialogue used in a historical romance is the language and dialogue. Characters speak in ways that reflect their time period, which adds to the immersive experience. You'll often find grand gestures of love, forbidden romances, and societal pressures that challenge the lovers.
And let’s not forget the historical accuracy. While some artistic license is taken, the best historical romances weave factual events and cultural details into the narrative, enhancing the story's realism and depth.
Having that said, I want to mention some misconceptions folks have about the historical romance genre. There’s this idea floating around that Regency is the only historical time period romance publishers and readers want. Yes, the Regency era is popular, and who doesn’t love a good scandal among the British aristocracy? But history is vast and varied. We’ve got centuries of intriguing times and places to dive into, each with its own unique charm and drama. Publishers and readers are interested in all of them!
Consider the Middle Ages. Think knights in shining armor, castles, and epic quests. Or how about the Victorian era, with its industrial revolution, societal changes, and that wonderful blend of strict manners and burgeoning modernity? And don’t get me started on the 20th century! The roaring twenties, with its flapper dresses and jazz clubs, the turbulent sixties with its civil rights movements and counterculture, and even the fifties with its post-war optimism and rock ‘n’ roll beginnings. These periods offer rich backdrops for compelling romances that go beyond the ballrooms of the Regency. And let’s not forget the global perspective, either! Ancient Egypt, Japan, and India are settings brimming with potential for rich, diverse storytelling that can transport readers to completely different worlds.
So, while I adore a good Regency romance as much as anyone, let’s remember that historical romance is a big, beautiful genre that spans all kinds of times and places. There’s a whole world of historical romance out there just waiting to be explored, filled with love stories as diverse and exciting as history itself. I’m thrilled to see historical romances branching out into these varied and fascinating periods and would eagerly welcome more. It’s a great time for readers and writers to explore this subgenre!
Why People Love to Read Historical Romance
For a lot of folks, historical romances were their introduction to the genre, so it’s understandable that they remain popular. There are lots of reasons why people adore reading historical romances. First off, there's the pure escapism and immersion into different eras. When readers crack open a historical romance, they leave behind the hustle of modern life and step into a completely different world in “simpler times.” We all know that it’s a myth that those times were simpler, but suspending belief is a bit easier in a narrative so drastically different than our everyday lives. Sure, life back then had its challenges, but historical romances often highlight the glamour, the elegance, and the charm of bygone eras. These stories give readers a taste of that old-world charm that feels so enchanting.
Another reason historical romance is so captivating is the exploration of social norms and relationships in historical contexts. It’s fascinating to see how love and relationships were influenced by the rules and customs of different times. Watching characters navigate these societal expectations adds an extra layer of drama and intrigue to the romance. Plus, it makes us appreciate how far we’ve come!
And let’s not forget the allure of grand gestures and epic love stories. Historical romances often feature sweeping declarations of love, daring rescues, and epic battles for the beloved’s heart. There’s something incredibly satisfying about a love story that feels larger than life, where the stakes are high, and the emotions run deep. It’s all about diving into a richly detailed world and experiencing love in its most dramatic and enchanting forms.
Subgenre Conventions and Standards
Genre Conventions and Standards are the guidelines or unwritten rules that help define what makes a story fit within a particular genre. They shape everything from the setting to the characters and even the way the plot unfolds.
Setting and Period Authenticity: When I pick up a historical romance, I want to be whisked away to another time and place. Whether it’s the grandeur of a Victorian mansion, the bustling streets of 18th-century Paris, or the serene beauty of an ancient Japanese garden, the setting needs to feel real and immersive. The more authentic the setting, the easier it is to lose yourself in the story.
Language and Dialogue Reflecting the Era: The way characters speak should reflect the time period they’re in. It’s not just about using old-fashioned words, but about capturing the rhythm and style of how people communicated back then. It’s a delight to read dialogue that sounds true to the era, whether it’s the formal, flowery speech of the Renaissance or the clipped, efficient conversations of the early 20th century. It adds so much depth and realism to the story.
Attention to Historical Detail and Accuracy: I love it when an author does their homework and weaves in little-known facts and cultural nuances that bring the past to life. Whether it’s the fashion, the food, or the social customs, these details make the setting more believable and the story more engaging. It’s like getting a mini history lesson wrapped up in a love story. And let’s be honest, a well-researched historical romance shows respect for the readers' intelligence and curiosity.
For authors, this is what you need to create an authentic and immersive historical romance, no matter the time period. These conventions and standards help us travel back in time and fall in love with both the story and the era it’s set in.
How to Write Historical Romance
So, how do you know if you’ve got the chops to write historical romance? Well, if you're someone who loves history and you often find yourself daydreaming about different eras, you're already on the right track. Maybe you’ve always been fascinated by medieval knights, the elegance of the Victorian age, or the vibrant energy of the roaring twenties. You’re the kind of person who gets excited about the details—what people wore, how they spoke, what they ate, and the customs that shaped their lives.
Most authors who love to write and read historicals love research because it’s so important to the narrative. You enjoy diving into books, documentaries, and even old letters or artifacts to gather every nugget of historical detail you can find. You love the challenge of weaving these facts into your narrative in a way that feels seamless and natural. For you, getting the historical accuracy just right isn’t a chore; it’s part of the fun.
You’re also a romantic at heart. You believe in the power of love stories and enjoy creating complex, multi-dimensional characters who fall head over heels in ways that are both timeless and deeply connected to their historical context. You’re interested in how love can blossom under the unique pressures of a specific era, whether it’s navigating societal norms, dealing with class differences, or surviving through historical events.
Like all authors, creativity and imagination are your best friends. You love building rich, immersive worlds that transport readers to another time and place. You’re detail-oriented, but you also know how to balance those details with compelling storytelling. You enjoy exploring the grand gestures and epic love stories that are often at the heart of historical romance.
If this is you, writing historical romance might just be your perfect fit. Here are some tips and tricks on what you need to do that well.
1. Research the Historical Period: Know the ins and outs of the time you're writing about. Researching the historical period is a crucial step when writing historical romance. To create a believable and immersive story, you need to really dive deep into the era you're writing about. What did people wear? Were there specific fabrics or styles that were popular? Understanding the clothing can help you paint a vivid picture of your characters and make your descriptions more authentic. It’s not just about how the clothes looked, but how they felt, how they were worn, and what they said about the person wearing them.
Food is another area to explore. What did people eat? What were their meals like? Were there special dishes for different occasions? Food can be a wonderful way to add richness to your story, from describing a lavish feast to a humble, everyday meal. Plus, it helps to ground your characters in their time period.
Major events of the time can serve as a backdrop to your story or even influence your plot. Wars, political changes, cultural movements—these all shape the world your characters live in. How do these events affect their lives and their love story? Incorporating these elements can add depth and realism to your narrative.
2. Create Authentic Settings and Characters: To build a world that feels real and lived-in, start with detailed descriptions of the environment. Think about all the sensory details—what does the air smell like? Is it filled with the scent of horses and leather in a bustling market, or perhaps the salty breeze of a seaside town? What sounds fill the background? The clattering of carriage wheels on cobblestone streets, or the rustling of silk gowns in a candlelit ballroom? Adding these layers of sensory detail helps transport readers right into the heart of your setting.
Consider the architecture and landscapes. Whether it’s a grand castle, a quaint village, or a wild frontier, the physical setting plays a huge role in shaping the story. Describe the buildings, the layout of the streets, and even the natural surroundings to make the world feel tangible and real.
Now, let’s talk characters. To make them authentic, ensure they reflect the time period in how they speak, think, and behave. This means diving into the language of the era. It’s not just about using old-fashioned words, but capturing the rhythm and style of how people talked. Weave in idioms and expressions that were common in that time, which adds a layer of authenticity to their dialogue.
Their thoughts and actions need to make sense for the era, too. Understand the societal norms and values of the time. What were the roles and expectations for men and women? How did people view class and social status? What were the prevailing attitudes toward love, marriage, and family? By embedding these elements into your characters, you can create personalities and conflicts that feel true to the historical context.
Think about how historical events or cultural shifts might impact your characters personally. Maybe a character is dealing with the aftermath of a war, or navigating the changing social landscape brought on by industrialization. These larger historical forces can shape their motivations, fears, and dreams, adding depth to their personal stories.
3. Balance Historical Accuracy with Compelling Storytelling: Balancing historical accuracy and storytelling is a bit like walking a tightrope, but it’s totally doable and can be a lot of fun. The key is to stay true to the historical facts while making sure your readers are thoroughly entertained.
Think of historical accuracy as the foundation of your story. You want to build on solid ground, so do your research and get the big things right—important events, social norms, and the general way of life during the period. This helps create an authentic backdrop that readers can trust and get lost in.
But here’s where it gets interesting: storytelling thrives on creativity. Sometimes, to make your narrative work, you might need to bend the rules a little. Maybe you want your heroine to have a bit more freedom than women typically had in that era, or perhaps there’s a fictional event that’s too juicy to leave out. As long as you maintain the essence of the period and it feels believable, these tweaks can add depth and excitement to your story.
Weaving historical details seamlessly into your narrative is crucial. Instead of dumping a bunch of facts on your readers, integrate them naturally. Show characters interacting with their environment—like preparing a period-specific meal or participating in a historical event. Use dialogue to hint at the political climate or social issues of the time. But keep the focus on your characters and their story. The historical setting should enrich their journey, not overshadow it.
4. Infuse Romance into the Historical Backdrop: As with any romance, the love story should be the heart of your narrative, driving the plot forward and keeping readers hooked. Make your love story central. Everything else—whether it's the setting, the historical events, or the secondary characters—should support and enhance the romance. Your protagonists’ relationship is the core of the story, so make sure it’s engaging and emotionally resonant.
Use the historical setting to add depth and complexity to the romance. The time period you choose can significantly influence the dynamics between your characters. For example, if you’re writing about a time when social classes were strictly divided, that can add tension and drama to a romance between characters from different backgrounds. The historical setting isn't just a backdrop; it’s a character in its own right, shaping the way your protagonists interact and fall in love.
Think about how societal pressures of the time period affect the relationship. Were there certain expectations for behavior, marriage, or courtship? How do your characters navigate these norms? Maybe your heroine is expected to marry for status, but she falls for someone with no title or wealth. The struggle against societal expectations can add a lot of tension and intrigue to your story.
Class differences can also play a big role. A love story between an aristocrat and a commoner, or a servant and their employer, comes with built-in obstacles that can make the romance even more compelling. These differences can create conflict, but they can also highlight the characters’ personal growth and the strength of their love as they overcome these barriers.
Once again, historical events are another great way to infuse romance into your story. Wars, political upheavals, and cultural shifts can all impact your characters’ lives and relationships. Maybe your lovers are separated by a war or brought together by a shared cause. Historical events can provide external conflict and urgency, making the romance even more intense and dramatic.
How the Genre Has Changed and Grown Over Time
If you look back at historical romances from the ‘80s and ‘90s, you’ll notice they often featured very traditional stories with clear-cut heroes and heroines set in familiar historical periods. These classics were all about grand gestures and sweeping love stories. However, they also often included problematic portrayals of consent, with power dynamics that don’t hold up to today’s standards. Fast forward to today, and historical romance has become much more complex and diverse, reflecting the shifting societal attitudes and embracing a wider range of characters and settings.
Starting with the evolution from classic to modern historical romance, the genre has come a long way. The classics laid the foundation, focusing on epic love stories. But over time, authors began to push the boundaries, introducing more nuanced characters and intricate plots that delve deeper into the historical context.
Shifts in societal attitudes have played a huge role in this evolution. As our understanding of history and society has grown, so have the stories we tell. Modern historical romances reflect contemporary values, exploring themes like gender equality, social justice, and personal freedom. These stories don’t just transport us to another time; they challenge us to think about how far we've come and where we still need to go. The heroines are more empowered, the heroes more complex, and the conflicts often resonate with modern readers in a way that feels both relevant and thought-provoking.
Another exciting development is the increasing focus on diverse characters and stories. Historical romance is no longer limited to a narrow view of the past. Authors are bringing to light the stories of people from different backgrounds, cultures, and walks of life. This shift not only enriches the genre but also makes it more inclusive and representative of the world’s rich tapestry. We’re seeing love stories set in various historical contexts from different parts of the globe, featuring protagonists of all races, religions, and orientations.
Historical romance has grown to become more inclusive and reflective of the diverse world we live in. It’s a genre that continues to evolve, offering readers not just an escape to the past but also a lens through which to view our own times. Whether it’s through the lens of shifting societal attitudes or the introduction of diverse characters and settings, historical romance is richer and more varied than ever before, and it’s exciting to see where it will go next.
Current Examples of the Genre
The Flame and the Flower by Kathleen E. Woodiwiss paved the way for the genre with her epic love stories and richly detailed historical settings. These novels are still beloved by many readers today. On the contemporary side, we have books like Bringing Down the Duke by Evie Dunmore and The Duchess Deal by Tessa Dare, which bring fresh, modern perspectives while staying true to the historical roots of the genre. They mix humor, wit, and strong, independent heroines that resonate with today’s readers.
When it comes to notable authors, there are some names that really stand out. Lisa Kleypas is known for her captivating characters and detailed settings, making her books a staple in historical romance. Julia Quinn, author of the wildly popular Bridgerton series, has brought a whole new audience to the genre, especially with the Netflix adaptation. Then there's Beverly Jenkins, whose work shines a spotlight on Black American history and romance, offering rich stories that educate as much as they entertain. Her novels, like Forbidden and Destiny’s Embrace, are must-reads, as far as I’m concerned!
Diverse offerings have really expanded the horizons of historical romance, highlighting different cultures and perspectives. Authors like Alyssa Cole, with her Loyal League series set during the Civil War, and Jeannie Lin, whose books are set in ancient China, bring fresh and exciting stories that reflect a variety of historical experiences. These novels not only provide captivating love stories but also introduce readers to new historical contexts and cultures, enriching the genre.
The historical romance genre is vibrant and ever-evolving. With a mix of classic favorites and new, diverse voices, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re drawn to sweeping epics of the past or the fresh, modern take on historical love stories, the genre continues to offer rich, immersive experiences that captivate and inspire.
To wrap this up…
The ongoing appeal of historical romance is undeniable. There’s something magical about being transported to a different time and place, where grand gestures and epic love stories unfold against rich, historical backdrops. Whether it’s the thrill of forbidden love, the challenge of overcoming societal expectations, or the sheer joy of immersing oneself in another era, historical romance offers a unique blend of escapism and emotional depth that keeps us coming back for more.
While this isn’t always my go-to genre (unless you’re Alyssa Cole or Beverly Jenkins), I highly encourage you to explore it! There’s such a wide range of stories out there, from classic tales to modern interpretations, set in various times and cultures. If you haven’t ventured beyond a few well-known titles, now’s the perfect time to broaden your horizons. You might discover a new favorite author or an era you hadn’t considered before. The beauty of historical romance lies in its variety and the endless possibilities it offers for rich, immersive experiences.
For authors, this genre is ripe with opportunity. Historical romance is continually evolving, and there’s always room for fresh perspectives and new voices. Don’t be afraid to bring your unique take to the table, whether that means exploring lesser-known historical periods, introducing diverse characters, or blending genres in creative ways. Readers are hungry for stories that not only entertain but also resonate on a deeper level, reflecting the complexities and beauty of the human experience throughout history.
Now that I’ve shared everything I know about historical romance, I’d love to hear from you! What are your favorite historical romance novels? Do you have a beloved author or a particular era you can't get enough of? Sharing our favorites is a great way to discover new books and appreciate the vast diversity within the genre. Drop your recommendations in the comments, or let’s chat about them on social media—I’m always on the lookout for my next great read!
See you next Tuesday!
xo, Tasha