Every Woman Dreams…

I spent a good portion of last evening researching herbal cures used in the early 1800s for two separate books. The first is my newest one entitled “The Scandal of Lady Eleanor” (aka “A Touch of Gold”) and the second is a novella I am developing called “His American Heart Song.” Anyway, with both I found a most interesting source by Martha Bradley and written in 1756. It is called “The British Housewife.” The use of leaves of tansy to prevent a miscarriage … two drachms of gum armoniacum dissolved in a half pint of hyssop water for asthma … a mixture of comsrey roots, liquorice, curants, balm, thyme, and garden sorrel for consumption … were fascinating. We all remember such uses of nontraditional medicine. A slice of potato on a boil. Touching one’s chin to his chest to determine if he has the mumps. Silver on an acid blister. It made me start to think of how often those cures and diagnoses worked. So, dear reader if you too remember some such “miracle” to which your parents subjected you, please share with the rest of us. I, for one, would be most anxious to learn what else is out there. By the way, this is what the book says for a sprain. “Take common clay and boil it in white wine vinegar till it is of the thickness of a salve. Spread this upon a linen cloth and apply it to the part affected. Let it lie on till it is dry, and if the complaint is not removed apply a second time, and it will not fail of a cure.” Of course, Martha Bradley had never experienced the red clay we have in the South. If so, she would have known that the application of wet red clay and letting it dry would be equivalent to applying a modern day cast to the sprain. When red clay dries on something, you might as well plan on throwing it out. It cannot be removed from shoes or clothing easily.

Cosmopolitan® recently posted their list of best songs to which to work out. As I am trying to lose some 20 pounds (what women isn’t?), then I thought I would check it out. This is what Cosmo suggested:
“Circus” by Britney Spears
“4 Minutes” by Madonna and Justin Timberlake featuring Timbaland
“Disturbia” by Rihanna
“Just Dance” by Lady Gaga
“The New Workout Plan” by Kanye West
“Shut Up and Let Me Go” by the Ting Tings
“Fighter” by Christina Aguilera
“So What” by Pink
“Under Pressure” by Queen and David Bowie
“Wherever, Whenever” by Shakira
“Ring the Alarm” by Beyoncé
“Send Me on My Way” by Rusted Root
“Like a Prayer” by Madonna
“La Camisa Negra” by Juanes
“Flat on the Floor” by Carrie Underwood
“Lit Up” by Buck Cherry
“Eye of the Tiger” by Survivor
“Born to Run” by Bruce Springsteen
“B.O.B.” by Outkast
“Everlong” by Foo Fighters
Although I can say I enjoy lots of these, I have my own list.
Billy Ocean – “Loverboy”
Bon Jovi _ “It’s My Life”
Bon Jovi – “Livin’ on a Prayer”
Bon Jovi – “You Give Love a Bad Name”
The Spinners – “Rubberband Man”
Chicago – “I’m a Man”
Irene Cara – “Fame”
Bachman-Turner Overdrive – “American Woman”
BTO – “Let It Ride”
BTO – “Takin Care of Business”
Spice Girls – “Wannabe”
Young MC – “Bust a Move”
What gets you up and moving??

Have we not all at one time or another felt like a zombie? We work ourselves into a mindless blob of humanity.
My last blog was on vampires, so I thought I would give equal to  zombies. It is true that in the American media that zombies regularly appear, especially in so-called “troubled times.” For example, Night of the Living Dead (1968) came along during the Vietnam era. Zombies are an unfinished portrait of what scares us, and they reflect the crisis of the moment.
I read an article recently, which claimed we are polluted with zombie movies when a Republican is in office and with vampire movies when a Democrat takes over. The idea is that Democrats are afraid of upper class America, and believe the rich are milking the country dry, and the Republicans fear a revolt of the masses. If one looks at it that way, it makes sense that when the first Bush was in office that we had 183 zombie flicks in seven years. During the Clinton years we were given Dracula: Dead and Loving It, Blade, Interview with a Vampire, Bram Stroker’s Dracula, etc.
Where vampire films are often the metaphor for any misunderstood minority (gays and lesbians, etc.), zombies are used as an analogy for society’s bigger ideas (the Cold War, disease, pollution, etc.). They reflect our greatest fear at the time.
Zombies are virtually “unkillable,” are biodegradable, possess a perverse single-mindedness, have no supernatural powers, and are “lovingly” hideous. They are the monsters of the people!

I recently wrote a vampire version of Pride and Prejudice. As my book was set in Regency England (1800-1820), even the legend of Dracula could not serve as a basis because Bram Stoker’s classic came out in 1897. Therefore, it took me some time to sort out how I wanted to handle the “vampirism” in the book. I was influenced by several other vampire stories over the years.
In Dracula, Stoker really is using Count Dracula as a combined symbol of old world superstitions and modern economic improvements. It was the Victorian era, and the people had many fears, among them the fear of sexuality and the British fear of being conquered by an “outsider.” Both are evident in the book. Dracula is a member of the noble class who must mingle with those of a lower class to survive. As far as feminism is concerned, please recall that in Dracula, all vampires are female (except Count Dracula). Vampirism gives them the male trait of being the perpetrator. However, Stoker’s vampires bear little resemblance to humans. Dracula, for example, has an insatiable thirst for blood. When he kills, he does so purely to sustain his own existence. He has no guilt or moral qualms about killing. Dracula’s immortality imprisons him; he has no companions except those he captures and entraps in his home. A stake or a crucifix or clove garlic are the weapons of choice to be rid of the count, where fire does not affect him.
At one time, I read Anne Rice regularly. We all remember Lestat De Lioncourt, Rice’s main character in her Vampire Chronicles. With Lestat, the reader had a different type of vampire. Lestat possessed the human qualities of having a mind and a spirit. We found in him a vampire who did not kill just to kill. The “hunt” was part of the experience. One might find Lestat discussing philosophy or politics. In fact, he has an unusual collection of talents, and we find him to be very passionate. He makes his “lovers” people we might never associate with vampirism (a nun, for example). He seeks friendship from the mortals he turns. Lestat has an eternal soul. Unlike Dracula, Lestat cannot be killed by a stake or a crucifix. Lestat even slept in a church in one of the books. Rice has her vampires killed by fire or by being placed in sunlight, where they ignite into flames.
Vampire legends say that the vampire must be an animated corpse, who claws out of his grave to feed upon human blood. He is dirty and foul-smelling. Yet, the modern vampire is an immortal creature, who retains his youth and lives forever, something very appealing to our youth and sex obsessed culture. He is the eternal bad boy, forever able to indulge in dark desires and sexual urges. The vampire who exhibits self-control is a new phenomenon. Add a bit of compassion, and one has “Twilight.” The post 9/11 world does not look favorably on people or beings who hide in plain sight, yet, have the ability to kill us. Therefore, our recent vampires are less likely to be portrayed as monsters. I, seriously, believe that the paranormal literature we are currently experiencing is an aftermath of our youth growing up reading the Harry Potter series. Paranormal books are a more sophisticated fantasy.

This comes from the summer 2010 JASNA News:

“The latest Jane Austen film adaptation, Pride and Prejudice: A Modern Day Tale of First Impressions, was filmed in May and June of this year and is currently in post-production editing. Scheduled for release in December or January of 2011, the film should be available on DVD sometime in the spring.

“The new Pride and Prejudice is a project of PaperCut Productions and was filmed in Colorado using the state’s mountains, forests, and meadows as the film’s backdrop. Although this version of Pride and Prejudice is set in the contemporary United States, the film will be using the original dialogue from the novel; however, there will be no British accents.

“Caleb Grusing, who plays Fitzwilliam Darcy, says that ‘the script is very fun. There are all the classic phrases that the Pride and Prejudice fans will be waiting for, plus a new modern spin on the text.’ According to the film’s screenwriter, producer, and director Bonnie Mae, who describes herself as ‘a huge Jane Austen fan,’ in spite of the use of cars and the absence of bonnets and riding boots, the novel’s plot remains unaltered: ‘There will still be balls, mansions, proposals, and, yes, a happy ending.'”

I am ready for a little more Jane Austen in my life. How about you?

I am involved in a new “adventure.” Several Jane Austen-inspired authors are putting together a community website where we will share everything about Jane Austen, which we love (blogs, book promotions, giveaways, quizzes, etc.). The 19 authors include: Sharon Lathan, Abigail Reynolds, Marsha Altman, Jack Caldwell, Susan Adriani, Marilyn Brant,  Skylar Burris,  Monica Fairview,  Cindy Jones, Kara Louise,  Kathryn Nelson, Jane Odiwe, C. Allyn Piereson, Mary Simonsen, Heather Rigaud,  Victoria Connelly,  J. Marie Croft, Lynn Shepherd, and me. The site will launch on September 6 with a month’s celebration of prizes. Please join us there. http://www.austenauthors.com 

This weekend I returned from my 45th high school class reunion. It was a wonderful weekend…got to see lots of “old” friends. Yes, we are in our 60s. However, if you had seen us on the dance floor, you might not have believe it to be so. Saturday night, our favorite local band provided the music. The “Dynamics” were solid as always. Over 550 students walked across our stage – the class of 1965. We were young and so naive, but we were also resourceful. We have lost 50 of those dear friends over the years – several of them succumbing in their late teens and early 20s. When I think of high school (remember I taught school for 40 years … 22 of those at the high school level) I must say, whether it is a person’s 5th reunion, his 10th, or his 45th, what the movie “Never Been Kissed” says about the stereotypes are true. One still sees the girls who were always the prettiest, and the jocks who succeeded off the field, as well, and the brains, who own their own businesses, and, of course, that one person who used to make one’s heart flutter. It really does not change. Of course, we should all realize that. Psychologists tell us that a child’s personality is formed by the age of 2. So, why would we think a few dozen college degrees could change that? I was fortunate enough in the days of the Sputnik scare to have a high enough IQ to compete with those who had more financially than did I. Unfortunately, many of those with whom I grew as a child were not afforded those same opportunities. Some of those “still,” after all these years, feel they do not belong, and they avoid returning to such memories. I am more tenacious than that. I say “Make them deal with you.” If you think you did not belong, get the best revenge. Return and show them that you are successful despite what your critics may have thought. I am from WV. Remember we had the Hatfields and the McCoys. We believe in “getting even.” What I am saying is you cannot let others define you. You must not lose sight of who you are. You will always have those critics, but their voices should not be allowed to drown out your own inner voice. Listen to your heart. It will guide you to happiness. P.S. It is also great for the ego when you find someone in the group who has not aged as well as you did. LOL!!!

I am at a stand still with A Touch of Cashemere. I need to “plant” background information, which will affect the story’s ending, but I cannot seem to get past this point. It is very frustrating! I just have to walk away from it for a few days and let the story line work out the “kinks.” On most books this happens, but because this is the third one in the series, I have to keep what happened in the previous two books in mind and anticipate what will happen in books 4 and 5. Everything has to match up. This is one time being a “plotter” would be more beneficial. I think I will just go off and real a few good romances and forget about this book for a week or so. Then it will all be fresh once again.

These are other RITA nominees. Have you read any of them? If so, please comment. Others would love your input.
Historical Romance:
Wicked All Day – Liz Carlyle
With Seduction in Mind – Laura Lee Guhrke
To Beguile a Beast – Elizabeth Hoyt
Make Me Yours – Betina Krahn
Knight of Pleasure – Margaret Mallory
The Lone Texan – Jodi Thomas
Not Quite a Husband – Sherry Thomas
Taming Her Irish Warrior – Michelle Willingham

Regency Romance:
Surrender of a Siren – Tessa Dare
Scandal – Carolyn Jewel
Tempting Fate – Alissa Johnson
A View to a Kiss – Caroline Linden
Revealed – Kate Noble
What Happens in London – Julia Quinn
Lord Braybrook’s Penniless Bride – Elizabeth Rolls

Inspirational Romance:
The Inheritance – Tamera Alexander
A Lady Like Sarah – Margaret Brownley
The Gladiator – Carla Capshaw
Entertaining Angels – Judy Duarte
An Eye for an Eye – Irene Hannon
The Silent Governess – Julie Klassen
Breach of Trust – DiAnn Mills
The Confidential Life of Eugenia Cooper – Kathleen Y’Barbo

Novel With Strong Romantic Elements:
The Better Part of Darkness – Kelly Gay
Scandal Sheet – Gemma Halliday
Red’s Hot Honky Tonk Bar – Pamela Morsi
The Lost Recipe for Happiness – Barbara O’Neal
Silent on the Moor – Deanna Raybourn
The Accidental Bookseller – Wendy Wax
The Virgin’s Daughters: In the Court of Elizabeth I – Jeane Westin
Lakeshore Christmas – Susan Wiggs

Paranormal Romance:
What Would Jane Austen Do? – Laurie Brown
Kiss of a Demon King – Kresley Cole
Untouchable in Deep Kiss of Winter – Kresley Cole
My Forbidden Desire – Carolyn Jewel
The Fire King – Marjorie M. Liu
For the Earl’s Pleasure – Anne Mallory
Darkness Unknown – Alexis Morgan
Covet – J.R. Ward
Mortal Sins – Eileen Wilks

One of the more challenging aspects of writing historical romance is the amount of research one must do. It is not uncommon to spend 8 – 10 hours researching a fact that in less than a paragraph in the book. However, one must do it.

Recently, I added the element of thoroughbred racing to a novella I was writing. “His American Heartsong” is one to the two novellas included in the volume entitled His. I have always said that if I hit the lottery, I was going to move to Kentucky and raise thoroughbreds. So, finding out about thoroughbreds was time consuming but oh, so exciting.

Did you know that the origins of modern racing go back to the Crusades. Between the 12th and 16th centuries, Arab stallions were imported into England and mated with English mares to breed in speed and endurance.

Professional horse racing sprang to life in the reign of Queen Anne (1702-1714). By 1750, racing’s elite formed the Jockey Club at Newmarket. The Jockey Club still exercises complete control of English racing.

Since 1814, five races for 3-year-olds have been designated as “Classics”: The English Triple Crown, which includes the Epsom Derby, the 2000 Guineas, and the St. Leger Stakes, is open to both male and female horses. The Epsom Oaks and the 1000 Guineas is only for fillies.

Besides writing rules for racing, the Jockey Club designed steps to regulate horse breeding. James Weatherby traced the complete family history (pedigree) of every horse racing in England. In 1791, The Introduction to the General Stud Book was published. By the early 1800s, only horses descended from those listed in the General Stud book could be called “thoroughbreds.”

Now this is the amazing fact!!! The pedigree of every single horse thoroughbred can be traced back to to one of three stallions, which are referred to as the “foundation sires.” These stallions are Byerley Turk (foaled c.1679); the Darley Arabian (foaled c.1700), and Godolphin Arabian (foaled c. 1724).

Captain Robert Byerley of the Sixth Dragoon Guards (under King William III of Orange) captured the horse, later known as Byerley Turk, at the siege of Buda in Hungary in 1688.The stallion was Byerley’s war horse during King William’s War (in Ireland 1689). In 1690, the horse won the Silver Bell at Down Royal in Norther Ireland. He was placed to stud at Middridge Grange in Durham and later at Yorkshire.

The British Consul, Thomas Darley, took a liking to bay colt owned by Sheikh Mirza II (in Syria) and purchased the animal for 300 golden sovereigns. However the Sheikh reneged on the arrangements, and Darley was forced to have the horse smuggled out of Smyrna and brought to England in 1704. The animal was placed to stud in 1706 (through 1719).

Edward Coke imported the Godolpin Arabian from France in 1729. It is generally thought that Coke obtained the horse from the Duke of Lorraine. The horse was likely a tribute to France’s king from the Bey of Tunis. Coke brought the animal to Longford Hall in Derbyshire. He was set to stud as early as 1731.

These three horses “were brought to England in late 17th and early 18th centuries and crossed on English and imported mares. While it’s true that all modern Thoroughbreds descend in tail-male line to one of these stallions, upwards of 200 stallions, Arabians, Barbs, Turks, and others, were imported into England and are so noted in the General Stud Book.”