But, please do ask me this question again when I’ve finished the book I’m writing now, about a real historical English princess, with a supporting cast of fairly well-documented real people. Reality can sometimes be unhelpful! At the moment, I’m wrestling with a documented order of events that is the wrong way round to the best way to build plot tension. I have my fingers crossed. I might still find a contradictory record, to raise doubt and give me one of my cracks. Otherwise, I’ll have to invent a way around the problem.

P.S. In search of more “felt” detail, I’ve just scheduled a lesson in riding sidesaddle, which was the period norm for women. So far, in my books, I’ve wriggled around finding ways to justify having my women ride astride. In the future, it will be from the horse’s mouth.

Q: Guy Fawkes is the ultimate scapegoat for the Gunpowder Plot, or at least its most infamous culprit. Is much known about his co-conspirators?

A: A few details can be found here and there, particularly about the leader of the conspiracy, Robert Catesby, though information changes depending on the source. But not that much is known about Fawkes either. As Antonia Fraser said in her book, The Gunpowder Plot, we have very few unambiguous facts about the whole event. You see them all by flashes of lightning. Ironically, Fawkes may have been brought in almost as “hired help”, as their demolitions expert. I suspect that he may have been chosen as scapegoat by the government because he was not a gentleman, like most of the others, nor related to prominent aristocrats, like Thomas Percy.

Q: What historical accuracy issues did you experience in narrating a book in seventeenth-century English vernacular? 

A: I always start with the idea that all my characters sound as normal to each other as we do to ourselves. And we should experience them in the same way. They certainly don’t speak a quaint period pastiche. My problem, therefore, is to suggest the period flavour without self-conscious—and irritating—literal imitation. I was lucky enough to work for the Royal Shakespeare Company for almost four years, where I heard Shakespearean language spoken all day, every day, so that both the rhythms and vocabulary became second nature. In fact, the actors and crew even began to order Green Room bacon sandwiches and cups of tea in blank verse.

One of my special language techniques, funnily enough, is to “think American”. Many of the older forms of English (including folk songs) survived in the States long after they died out in England, particularly in mountain regions, or parts of the Midwest where I did some of my growing up. “I ain’t done nothing yet,” is perfectly good 17th century speak. I’m always battling proofreaders to keep my double negatives.

That said, although I try to make my characters speak as naturally as possible, I also work very hard to avoid words that were coined after the period of my books. “Interface” is an obvious one, but “plan” (18th century) often sneaks past my guard. I know that some writers think it doesn’t matter, but I’m convinced that readers feel a cumulative sense of “rightness” or “wrongness” even if they can’t say why.

You can also have fun trying to show subtle differences of class, education, and nationality. Shakespeare leads the way there, particularly in the History Plays, even if a little caution is needed in following his example—the 17th century English made fun of all foreigners with uninhibited relish.

Curious? Here’s a look inside from the publisher:

#157 ~ Boneman’s Daughters

BoneMan’s Daughters by Ted Dekker

Boneman’s Daughters tells the story of Ryan Evans, a naval intelligence officer whose life gets turned upside down after being taken hostage in Iraq. Despite his extensive training and understanding of the techniques used during hostage-type interrogations, the stress and strain associated with his captivity break him down and make him resolve to change for the better, especially when it comes to his estranged family. Early on in his daughter’s life, he chose his military carrier over his family. As a result, he has very little contact with his wife Celine or his daughter Bethany. After getting clearance, he returns home to Texas in hopes of reclaiming what he now knows is the most important thing in his life.

Unfortunately, his revelation may have come too late. Celine has found love with the local district attorney who won a recently overturned conviction in the Boneman serial killer case and wants a divorce. Bethany, who doesn’t necessarily get along well with her mother, wants nothing to do with her father. Perhaps because of his Post-Traumatic Stress disorder, Ryan does not handle the rejection as constructively as he should. After therapy and making one final gesture toward Bethany, Ryan is able to move on with his life alone. Once again, his resolve comes to late. When Bethany is taken from her home by the Boneman, the State of Texas and his ex-wife look to him as the primary suspect.

This novel was more than just a good read. It is a story the reader experiences through almost every sense. I saw the words upon the page, felt the Boneman’s cool and smooth, smelled the ever present scent of Noxema, and heard the popping sound of breaking bones. Having almost my entire body engaged in a novel added to the suspense and the thrill. During the time in which I read this novel, my daughter got sunburned. I grew up using Noxema to sooth the pain at night. As it turns out, we were completely out. So, not long after reading a detailed account of how Boneman continuously slathers Noxema all over his body to keep his skin perfect, I had to buy some at the drug store and rub it on my daughter. This seemed just a little bit spooky to me and I will never look at or smell Noxema in the same way again.

The one source of objection I had was over the way that adoption was used almost as a tool. Ryan and Celine never tell her about this and it is used to partially explain Celine’s odd and distant parenting style. This left wide open the possibility to assume that Celine didn’t love Bethany as much as she might have loved a biological child. This stereotype – or at least stereotypical concern – about adoption only made Celine feel that much more like a caricature. The adoption plot line came in to play substantively only as a setup for a revelation Ryan makes at the end of the novel. That twist didn’t work for me either, especially since it didn’t further or complete the story.

I don’t read suspense all that often, but I usually enjoy them when I do. After reading Go With Me by Castle Freeman, Jr., I was really put in the mood for a great thriller. Boneman’s Daughters hit the spot. This is my first Ted Dekker novel, but it will not be the last. I found this novel interesting and engaging from the moment Ryan’s Hummer was attacked in the Iraqi dessert. There was not enough graphic violence to disturb me, but enough to get my heart racing. Best of all, the ending isn’t as happily ever after as you might expect. It left me wanting to know what happened afterward. This novel was not perfect, but it was perfectly enjoyable. If you enjoy a thrilling, suspenseful novel, this should be high on your list.

+++++

Miriam at Hatchett Books has graciously going to provide a copy of Boneman’s Daughters to three of my lucky readers.  The giveaway is open until 11:59 EST on 5/4/2009.  If you haven’t entered already, what are you waiting for?

******

To buy this novel, click here.

How Do You Choose Your Books?

Last week I posted about a free e-book offer from Minatour Books.  I wanted to point out an opportunity to get a free book as well as highlight something I found different and innovative in the marketplace.  What came to me as a result was something that I hadn’t expected – fodder for a blog post.

Rebecca, from Rebecca Reads, commented that she doesn’t usually read books that are not  already on her list.  For those of you who are not familiar with Rebecca’s blog, she reads a good deal of classic and award winning fiction.  I first remember reading her blog when she posted about How to Read and Why by Harold  Bloom.  She was reading the novels and short stories along with him and I was impressed to say the very least. She really challenges herself with her reading and I really respect her and her blog.  So after she left that comment, I had to ask her how she chooses the books that go on her list.  Here is her response:

Mostly, I search for books that have withstood the test of time: not just best sellers today only but those that are still around after a few years (or a few hundred years). Some of my lists are award winners (Nobel Prize, Pulitzer, Newbery), and some of them lists of books recommended by authors I “trust.” And those people I’m “trusting” aren’t always “right” in terms of my preferences either. For example, one list I had recommended Bridget Jones’ Diary and I started it and couldn’t stand it. I think everyone needs to take lists of “books you must read before you die” with a grain of salt because everyone has different preferences for what is truly great.

I don’t limit it to lists, though. Book blogging has opened my eyes to many books I would never have read. Just the other day I saw a audiobook that someone blogged about a month ago and I picked it up because I decided it was something I was in the mood for.

But I’m still don’t tend to randomly take a book I’ve never heard of and read it, even if the back cover is intriguing. There are too many highly recommended books I haven’t read yet! Maybe when I get through all of those, then I’ll give these currently new “best sellers” a try.

For someone like me – I’m not terribly disciplined or orderly – I found her answer thought-provoking.  She puts a great deal of consideration into what she reads.  She is very purposeful in the books she selects to be sure that the time she spends reading is time as well spent as possible.  You can readily pick this up from followng her blog, but reading her comments made me feel like I got to know her just a little bit better.  I enjoy knowing what makes my fellow book junkie tick, especially when I respect them as much as I do Rebecca.

So, what makes me tick?  As much as I would love to be more like Rebecca, I know that I can’t be that organized for long  and stay happy.  I like the freedom that comes an unexpected book in the mail or a game of Ennie Meanie Minie Moe along my bookshelf.  For me, taking a chance on something new or unknown is exciting and fulfilling, even when the book is not.  There are times when I need to discipline myself to push through a backlog of books I’ve requested.  I am always very proud of myself but eventually reading starts to feel like a burden. If I kept at it, I’d be more inclined to give up reading entirely than to maintain what for me would become the equivalent of a reading chore chart.

I don’t have any clue what Rebecca’s Myers-Brigs personality profile is (I’m an ENFP in case you’re interested – click here to take the test yourself), so it’s possible that our personalities in general may be similar.  However, if there were a Myers-Briggs type specifically used for defining someone’s reading personality, I would bet money that we’d test out quite differently.  What’s amazing to me about that is that although we might get there through completely different processes (don’t even start on Ennie Meanie Minie Moe not being a process…), we both arive at the same place – reading pleasure.

While I’ll probably always be somewhat jealous of those who have strengths were I have weaknesses, who I am impacts how and what I read and I wouldn’t have it any other way.  I wouldn’t have Rebecca or you choose your books any differently than you do.  How you chose a book is just as interesting as what you thought about the book.  If we all chose books the same way, something important would be missing. As Rebecca alluded to, there is no way a single one of us is going to read all of the books worthy of reading in our lifetime.  Reading book blogs written by those who approach their reading in different ways can help make up for books you will inevitably miss.  How wonderful is that?

Now you know a little bit more about how Rebecca and I choose our next books.  How do you?  Do you have specific criteria or do you play Pin the Tail on the Next Book I’m Reading?  Are you somewhere in between?  Has the way in which you approaced reading changed over time?

The Sunday Salon ~ 04.26.09

I hope that all of you had a wonderful week.  The weather here has been beautiful, but too hot for April.  It was in the low 90s yesterday, making Vinton, VA’s annual Dogwood Festival and Parade an enjoyable, but sweaty occasion.  Let’s just say that I got myself a snow cone along with the girls simply to have some ice.  It was hot.  Without sunscreen, we all would be lobsters today.

I had a fairly slow reading week following up the fun and fabulous Read-A-Thon.  I started out reading The Lost Hours by Karen White, but I just wasn’t feeling it.  I think I’m really going to enjoy it, but I needed something different.  Luckily, my copy of The Story of a Marriage by Andrew Sean Greer came in the mail on Tuesday.  It is a fabulous novel that was selected by Picador for their third Twitter book club held on Friday.  Although it’s not even 200 pages long, I didn’t finish it until Friday. I really enjoyed participating in the Twitter book club.  You can find out more by following @PicadorUSA on Twitter or see the related articles at the end of this post. 

My reading sped up yesterday.  I started reading The Laws of Harmony by Judith Ryan Hendricks.  I’m hosting her on her TLC book tour on May 4th.  It’s an interesting novel that I’m having trouble putting it down (that’s not really a problem though, is it?).  I’m currently on page 135.  It’s the story of Sunny, a woman my age, who grew up in a New Mexico commune.  I’ve never read a book set in New Mexico and I’m really enjoying getting to know it a little better.

After a week off, I also wrote and published a couple of reviews.  A Silent Ocean Away by DeVa Gantt was the April selection for my Historical Fiction Lovers book club on Facebook.  It was a lot of fun to read and would make a wonderful escape from April showers.  The Tory Widow is the first installment of a trilogy surrounding the Revolutionary War written by Christine Blevins.  I don’t think that the Revolutionary War is my time period, but I enjoyed learning more about printing presses through Anne’s experiences.  I think that novel will be a real winner for a lot of Historical Fiction fans.

Next week I’m hoping to make a huge dent in my backlog of reviews.  Look for my reviews of Coventry by Helen Humphreys, The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie by Muriel Spark, and BoneMan’s Daughters by Ted Dekker.  Speaking of Boneman’s Daughter, I’ve got a giveaway open to win one of three copies.  Ted Dekker gave a wonderful interview on Blog Talk Radio on Monday.  If you listen and answer the question posted in my sidebar, there are many additional entries available.  So, have you entered yet?

Related articles by Zemanta

• Picador Launches Twitter Book Club (mediabistro.com)
• Picador’s New Twitter Book Club (readerville.com)

#156 ~ The Tory Widow

The Tory Widow by Christine Blevins

Anne is married against her will to a much older man in order to create a business relationship between her husband and her father.  Both men are printers and her husband’s shop, with its Tory leanings, is in New York City.  Her marriage brings her no joy outside of her son.  Once he was born, she was seen as no more and no better than another servant.  When smallpox takes both her husband and her son, Anne is forced to h take control of the print shop, its politics, and her own life in a volatile climate that ultimately leads to the Revolutionary War.  She has no choice but succeed in order to ensure that she is never another man’s pawn again.

Living on your own for the first time with the added stress of running a business on your shoulders just after losing your son would be a daunting task for anyone.  When you add that this business had ties to those with Tori political leanings through your ex-husband when the entire city is about to explode because of the conflict between the colonies and the crown makes matters that much more perilous.  What keeps Anne moving forward is the fact that her father talked about marrying her off to another printer almost immediately after she was widowed.  As much as she grieves for her son, the loss of her family was mixed blessing for her because she has a level of freedom almost unheard of for the women of her day.  With that freedom comes every bit of responsibility, too.  She is now fully responsible for the product produced by the printing press.  If those patriots seeking out justice against the Tories in their midst caught her supporting the Tori cause, her life, let alone her livelihood would be at risk.  Anne’s adaptations to her new life and the turbulent political climate made this novel enjoyable for me.  I appreciated Anne’s fortitude and strength.

Anne’s growing relationship with Jack did not work as well for me.  While I can see how one entering a loveless marriage can hang on to romantic notions, I never really could wrap myself around her overlooking and forgiving some of the abhorrent things that Jack did in the name of his country and liberty.  Anne pointed out herself that he wasn’t the man she thought he was during their brief first encounter.  He did one particular thing to Anne out of spite during a raid of her print shop and never apologized for it.   Jack’s character, however, was true and believable.  I have a hard time believing that Anne would not in some ways find him to be somewhat like her father in that he does what’s best for him – in Jack’s case his cause – without much consideration for others.

In The Tory Widow, which is the first in what will be a trilogy about the Revolutionary War, Christine Blevins weaves a story of the early days of the Revolutionary War that is well researched and interesting.  The details in this novel are wonderful and I enjoyed reading about the workings of printing presses at the time my country was born.  Although I enjoyed this novel, I liked The Midwife of the Blue Ridge better, I think this novel would really satisy those who are interested in the Revolutionary War, New York City, or early American politics.  Blevins has a way of bringing early American history to life.  I She puts more than just her time and energy into her novels.  When you read about how copies of the Declaration of Independence were printed and distributed, you know that she puts her heart into each one.  

*********

To read this novel, click here.

A Great Promotion from Minotaur Books

I subscribe to Minotaur Book’s newsletter.   This morning, I recevied an email offering a free electronic copy of John Hart’s The King of Lies.  It’s part of a promotion for Hart’s upcoming novel, The Last Child.  This is the first type of promotion of this kind I’ve received.  Not only do I want to share this offer with you, but I want to highlight great ways that I find publishers being innovative in this new economy.

Up until receiving this email, I had never heard of John Hart, but I immediately clicked on the link (click here to do so yourself).  After submitting some basic information about myself, I got a PDF mailed to me almost immediately.  From scanning the first few pages, I would say he’s probably in the same genre as John Grisham.  I don’t read procedural type novels all that often, but I enjoy them when I do.

Personally, I think this is a wonderful way to promote authors and their upcoming work.  I suppose that’s easy to say when a free book is involved.  But think about it.  I never even heard of this author before, but a well designed advertisement with a free download connected to it sold me right away.  Now, I’m planning on reading one of his previous novels.  It like a buy one get one free special without having to buy first.  If I love it, guess what I’m going to buy?  That’s just me, though.  What about my friends and family who will also download this book when I forward the email to them?  What about you?  

Signing up for the free e-book allows Minotaur and its affiliates to send you additional offers.  That might turn  people off, but they aren’t the people Minotaur is targetting necessarily in the first place.  This helps them get a focus on their audience.  Personally, this didn’t bother me because I love bookish ads of any kind, I can mark as spam whatever senders I don’t like (by the way, over 12 hours later and not a single email has resulted from this), and junk mail goes straight to the recycling bin anyway.  Regardless, I trust Minotaur Books, St. Martin’s Press and Macmillian to not provide my information to spammers.

What do you think of this promotion?  Would something like this appeal to you?  What ways have you seen publishers get creative to reach new readers?

#155 ~ A Silent Ocean Away

A Silent Ocean Away: Colette’s Dominion by Deva Gantt

Charmaine Ryan’s loving mother raised her as best she could despite her deadbeat and abusive husband in Richmond, Virginia just before the Civil War.  As a teenager, Charmaine finds work in a wealthy home as a companion to help make ends meet at home.  When her mother dies at the hands of her father, she is lucky that the Harrington family takes her in.  She is safe from her father, but she is leary of men like him.  When an opportunity to live on the Caribbean island of Charmantes as a nanny for the wealthy and powerful Duvoisin family arises, Mrs. Harrington, who has family ties to the island, encourages Charmaine to apply for the position.  She wants Charmaine to have the best opportunities and make a wonderful match for herself.  With her mentor’s encouragement and company, she sets sail for Charmantes.  There, Charmaine encounters a family in crisis.  Both parents are ill and the conflict between the adult children of Mr. Duvoisin threatens to tear the entire family apart.  Although she has the complete support of Collette, Charmaine must fight for her position within the family and protect her dignity from the advances Paul, Duvoisin’s second, bastard son.  Things only get worse when John, the heir to the Duvoisin fortune returns to the island.

A Silent Ocean Away, written by sisters, Deb and Val Gantt, is the first installment in a trilogy about Charmaine and Colette’s legacy to her family.  This entire saga was written as one tome, but it was split into a trilogy when it was published.  Because it was a joint effort, they published the novels under the pen name DeVa Gantt.  It is clear when reading this book that the women put a lot of work into polishing the story and the writing.  The story and the characters are consistent from the beginning to the end.  I want to know what happens to each of the main characters.  I want to know if Paul’s business on his island is succesful and what John’s intentions were when he returned to Charmantes.  I want to watch the children grow up and see how both Colette’s and Charmaine’s care impacts them.  Most of all, I want to know which brother Charmaine will choose or if she will find someone even better suited for her.  

One disadvantage to reading a series is that not all of the clues, foreshadowing, and character development is completed in the first installment.  Agatha and her brother, who is Colette’s doctor, are villainous characters and I wanted to see them get their comeuppance.  At the end of A Silent Ocean Away, however, there was no true resolution to that storyline.  With such a well though out and written story, I’m sure that my waiting will be rewarded.  On the other hand, I will be disappointed if it is not.  With a traditional novel, I would know this by the end of the novel.

A Silent Ocean Away is a wonderful read that will sweep you away with the tide if you let it.  In the bleak weather of late winter/early spring, it was so nice to escape to the warm dry air of Charmantes to experience Charmaine’s trials and joys.  Once she made her way to the island, I had a difficult time putting the book down.  When I finished it, I desperately wanted to pick the second installment up to continue along with Charmaine and the Duvoisin family.  If you enjoy romantic sagas, DeVa Gantt is a must read this summer. I would strongly suggest buying Decision and Destiny: Colette’s Legacy while you’re at it.  Sure, I haven’t read it yet, but I would hate to be stranded on the beach somewhere finishing up A Silent Ocean Away without the sequel nearby.  Don’t say I didn’t warn you.

++++++++

For a history of the Collette trilogy that I posted for the Historical Fiction Lovers Book Club, click here.

**********

To buy A Silent Ocean Away, click here.  Seriously, you might as well by
Decision and Destiny: Colette’s Legacy.   You’ll want to be ready when the finale is published in November.

Boneman’s Daughters Giveaway!

Miriam at Hatchette Book Group has graciously provided me with copies of Boneman’s Daughters by Ted Dekker to give away to three of my lucky readers!  I am so excited!  I finished this novel during the Read-a-Thon yesterday and really loved it.  If you like suspense, this is a great summer read for you.  Why don’t you enter?

About the contest:

This contest is going to run longer than usual because I have three copies to giveaway.  It is open until 11:59 PM EST on May 4th.  I’ll announce the winner on Tuesday, May 5th.

How do you enter?

You can enter by leaving a comment about the most suspenseful book you’ve ever read.  Your comment will give you one entry.

For two additional comment, leave a second comment answering this question: Is there anything you wouldn’t do to save my child from mortal  danger? Please explain why.

For two additional entries, tweet  about the contest and make sure to include @lithousewife in the message.

For four additional entries, post about this contest with a link to Ted Dekker’s Blog Talk Radio inteview.

Here’s the big kahuna of additional entries: you will earn six additional entries for listening to Ted Dekker’s Blog Talk Radio interview tomorrow at 2pm – 4/20/09 – and correctly answering the question I have about the interview that I post on my right sidebar (I’ll make it easy to find) via email.  I will post the question at 4pm EST tomorrow – meaning 4/20/09.  If you answer the question within an hour of my posting it, I will add an additional four entries.  So, just by listening to the interview and answering the question by 5pm EST tomorrow – 4/20/09, you can earn 10 additional entries. Could there really be a better deal than that?  [If you can't listen to it live, you can earn the six entries by listening to the interview and emailing me until 11:59 on May 4].

But that is not all!  I have a question in mind to ask Ted tomorrow on the show.  If you let me know what you think of it by tweet or email before I post my question at 4pm, you  can earn six more entries.  

Phew… that’s a lot of entires…  I’m worn out just from thinking of it all. LOL!

As you can see, I’m really excited about this contest and the radio show tomorrow.  Enter and tell your friends about it.

Keeper of Light and Dust Winner

With all of the excitement leading up to the 24-hour read-a-thon, I completely forgot to draw the winner for Keeper of Light and Dust by Natasha Mostert. I will keep you waiting no further.

Congratulations goes to:

Chris Swan, who is both a Healer and the winner of Keeper of Light and Dust

Chris, please send me your mailing information and I’ll pass that on to the powers that be.  I would love to hear what you think when you’ve finished reading it.

Enjoy!

Read-a-Thon ~ Hour 24 Meme

Just as I expected, my 4-year-old early bird did in fact get me up at 7:30.  I put Postman Pat on and that should buy me the time I need to finish the Hour 24 Meme. 

To all of those still reading ~ I am so proud of you!  You rock and are my reading heroes!

Here are my answers to the meme:

1. Which hour was most daunting for you? Hour 20, which is when I finally had to pull the plug and go to sleep.  I didn’t want to, but I knew I would need a little sleep to keep my patience with my kids today.
2. Could you list a few high-interest books that you think could keep a Reader engaged for next year? I had no problems keeping my interest with Boneman’s Daughters or The Uncommon Reader.  They were both entertaining.  In fact, TUR made me laugh and giggle all the way along.  Great read and an excellent read-a-thon choice.
3. Do you have any suggestions for how to improve the Read-a-thon next year?  Does it have to be next year?
4. What do you think worked really well in this year’s Read-a-thon? I think that the co-hosts of the event each worked hard to make this a great experience.   The other participants also helped to make it fun.  Mot importantly, I cannot say enough about the cheerleaders!  They were great! 
5. How many books did you read? I read two.
6. What were the names of the books you read? Boneman’s Daughters and The Uncommon Reader
7. Which book did you enjoy most?  The Uncommon Reader – that has everything to do with tweeting.  It was the first book I ever reviewed via Twitter as I read.
8. Which did you enjoy least? Not applicable for me. I enjoyed them both.
9. If you were a Cheerleader, do you have any advice for next year’s Cheerleaders? [You all rock!]
10. How likely are you to participate in the Read-a-thon again? What role would you be likely to take next time? 99.9% The only thing that would keep me from participating would be the dates.  I had so much fun I can’t wait for the next.  I will act as participant, cheerleader, sponsor, whatever is needed to make it a success.

Next Page »