Writing a Convincing Historical Romance 
by Ashley Christman-2013 writing as Charlotte Davila

As a writer, it’s easy to get stuck in a genre rut—writing in one familiar genre over and over again. Who doesn't want to stay with what they know they do well ? I decided recently to try my hand at other genres, specifically I wanted to write a historical romance.

Let me start by saying, it wasn't easy. I have a knew found respect for writers who make this their main genre. The research alone is daunting.

The Lady and the Highwayman takes place in Georgian England on a country estate. Most aristocratic families of the period lived outside of London for most of the year and had social seasons where they’d visit. There were also seasons for going to take the waters at Bath and anyone fashionable was conscientious of this.

In doing research for this book (which takes part in the latter part of the Georgian era), I found a lot of interesting information on fashion, history, politics, language, popular foods, art, etc. It was difficult to not just stick it all in (but then it’d be a text book, not a novella). Instead, I had to figure out how these details worked into the story, if at all.

What I did was this: I applied the same world-building skills I've learned from writing in the paranormal/urban fantasy genres. I didn't have to regurgitate every stitch of information I’d learned, but rather, my characters had to know it—because they would—and it would be a part of how they interacted with the world around them.

In creating the characters of Will and Elizabeth, I still managed to make them unique in their society of friends because they’d made it a point to be well-learned, and therefore, more open to other possibilities. This plays a huge role in the decisions they make throughout the course of the lives, including their engagement and romance.

It was a fun experience trying my hand at historical romance and I hope people enjoy it. Will I do it again? Probably, unless another genre catches me first.

As a child, Ashley M. Christman spent many hours in imaginary worlds, exploring the depths of mythology and immersing herself in a breadth of classics. After spending so much time reading, she decided to try her hand at writing. An avid fan of film noir, she combines fantasy, noir style heroes and heroines, and the paranormal in a modern day setting in a way that hopefully would make even Bogie proud. When not writing, she can be found in the wilds of Minnesota enjoying great cuisine, avoiding the gym, and being walked by the dog with her partner, Tom.