Hey Everybody! Time for another VIRGIN NO MORE Guest Blog!
Today I’m delighted to introduce Genevieve Graham, the ONLY Nova Scotian to be published by Berkley/Penguin, and one of only four Canadians to have that honor. Also, this is the first book she ever wrote and it sold right away! So she must be doing something right. (And just so you know, I’ve read UNDER THE SAME SKY, and she did a lot right.) This is an exciting, well-researched, captivating novel with a touch of magic and an enduring love story about two people who’ve lived an ocean apart and have never met, yet they’ve loved each other all their lives. Sound intriguing? It is. So read on, leave a comment and you’re in the drawing for a copy of her fabulous book.
If you want to know more about Genevieve, or read a book summary of UNDER THE SAME SKY or her next book out next summer, SOUND OF THE HEART (which features another Scotsman!) then check out her website.
And now, please welcome Genevieve Graham, whose debut historical romance, UNDER THE SAME SKY, hit the shelves on January 3rd. Be sure to leave a comment to enter the drawing for UNDER THE SAME SKY, and good luck!
Facts Behind Historical Fiction
I love reading great historical fiction, losing myself to adventure and romance. I started writing about 18th century Scotland after reading the most vivid, exciting stories I could imagine. When I ran out of authors, I decided to create my own adventure. Scotland? Why not? The Highlands: a wilderness bursting with adventures as yet untold. Plus, my ancestry is all Scottish, so what could be more perfect for my virgin foray into writing? My never having seen the country seemed a minor detail.
I launched into the story with more exuberance than brains, typing page upon page of ideas that … sort of worked, but lacked something. Oh. Right. Some kind of fact. I’d slept through most of my history and geography classes in high school and have a memory somewhat like a sieve, so the thought of actually researching my story was daunting. Then I looked through some of my dad’s old books, flipping through renderings of dapper, kilted men, dramatic waterfalls, and mountain ranges, gawping at remains of centuries old castles. I was hooked. I hit the library hard, bending double under the weight of too many musty-smelling books, taking so many notes I could have eventually compiled my own musty-smelling book.
Then I started nodding off. I admit it. There are only so many dry history texts I can handle.
So I joined the 21st century and googled everything I could think of. What a fantastic thing, this internet! Except … there are so many discrepancies online. One site says one thing, another says something entirely different. It was driving me nuts. So I decided to ask for advice. Who, I asked myself, cares about this stuff besides me?
Re-enactors, that’s who. Those guys who dress up in old uniforms, grow scraggly beards, and carry muskets. I visited their sites, hit the “Contact Me” button, and usually got one or two replies. I hounded those experts (thank you, HistoricHighlanders.com!). Oh, the things I learned! My Highlanders, who originally galloped wildly through the mountains, lost the horses. Only the very wealthy, I learned, rode, and they were on garrons, not horses. Those six foot broadswords heroes hefted around like toothpicks? Out of style by the time my characters were swinging them. The length of the hilt? The ingredients of grapeshot? The lack of windows/chimneys/ventilation in shacks that burned peat full time? The fact that clans did not originally have their own tartans? All this was incredible to me. I practically drooled as I incorporated it all into my novel. Rewrite after rewrite followed, and my book eventually became a relatively secure piece of historical fiction.
But when I learned that most Scottish Highlanders of the mid-18th century grew no taller than five feet, and their lack of both hygiene and attractive hairstyles gave them a close resemblance to the sasquatch, well, that’s when I recalled that I was writing fiction.
My Highlander hero is six feet tall, with brown waves that tickle his shoulders. He has chocolate brown eyes and a brooding gaze, but they are consumed with seeking the one woman he’s always loved … and never met. Oh. And he bathes.
So many different styles of writing, so little time! What’s your favourite historical fiction read? Would it be gritty and realistic? Or are you more a fan of romanticized and sanitized?
Thanks for having me here, Kaki! You know I love your writing and it’s a huge honour to be here! Yep, that’s honoUr, Canadian-style. 🙂 I should probably own up to the fact that I’m one of seven (not four) Canadians published by Penguin US, which I’m pretty darn thrilled about!
I’m delighted to have you come visit, G., Your book was amazing–no wonder it’s getting such wonderful reviews. I especially love that touch of magic which you did so well. And you did a beautiful job of pulling the reader into each setting. I’m not surprised the book was picked up right away. Good luck with it and the sequel and book 3, whenever you get that finalized.
Hi Genevieve, Your story sounds delightful! I’ll have to put it on my wish list if I’m not lucky enough to win it.
As a veteran unpublished author, I’ll try not to hate you for selling your first effort at fiction writing–just teasing. I love Scottish stories and as with most things in my life, I appreciate moderation. I may be shallow . . . but I’m 5’6″ and don’t like to feel like I’m the same size as my love interest. So short men don’t really appeal to me. I like an alpha male to be alpha sized–and that’s not meant in any dirt way, Kaki. I know how your mind works!
I also like for him to bathe–at least once in a while. However if you admit to taking artistic license, even the history buffs and fact nazis I hear lie in wait to call authors to task for fact inaccuracies, should be appeased.
Thanks for introducing me to Genevieve Kaki. Can’t wait to get this book.
Hi, Genevieve, congratulations on losing your virginity 😉 Not only that but for getting to homebase with the fabulous Kaki Warner. Wow, I can see why this book caught the eye of your publisher and you sold on your first try! Wow, you’re a rock star and from your blog post, did a ton of research!
As for what kind of historical I like, I doubt that they we can fully know what really went on, but I don’t want to read about people who went for weeks without bathing, etc. etc. Barbara Erskin’s “Lady of Hay” does an admirable feat in bringing us to a point what the world was like.
Can’t wait to read yours and Kaki’s new releases. Darn, now *I”m* going to have to put a Scotsman in *my* books. Congratulations and well done!
Hi Ms. Bell! I just finished your book on my Kindle app and loved it. I was so sick Monday, and could really just lay on the couch or in bed all day, but whenever I could muster it, I kept working through the book to see what was going to happen. I am married to a cop, so I do think they make very good heroes. :0)
Christine, Donnell’s book is wonderful, isn’t it? Be sure to drop back by on the 15th when she’ll be my next “virgin” sacrifice. And cops are great heroes–at least the ones with the blue flashing lights are (probably because I look like their mothers or something and they hate pulling me over). Also, I have “magic” license plates (meaning I support the Law Enforcement Memorial–a GREAT cause!) and they’re maybe a tiny bit more lenient. Not that I get pulled over a lot. Too bad. The last one had the most amazing green eyes!
Christina, thank you! I think cops make great heroes. Hope you feel better. Yuck, this time of year. I hope you’ll stop by on the 15th to chat more with me. Right now, I’m learning all about Genevieve! Feel better!!!
This book sounds like something I would really enjoy. Can’t wait to read it. Janet
Hi Theresa
Yeah, men who bathe. *sigh* You know about that “don’t throw the baby out with the bathwater” thing, right? The men actually got to bathe first … when they bothered …
I’m 5’3″ and my hubby’s 6’2″, so I totally get the alpha male thing. 🙂
I couldn’t help it, Ann. Kaki’s one smoooooth operator. 😉
I didn’t go into teeny weeny historic detail with my book, but I wanted it to be realistic. I didn’t pull punches on the violence of the period, either. I didn’t get overly graphic, but in truth, things weren’t always pretty back then, no matter how many books out there include neat and tidy sitting rooms and pretty satin gowns. Not that those didn’t exist as well, it’s just that there were a great many folks out there for whom diamonds and pearls were something unknown.
I hope you enjoy the book!
This book sounds really good would love to read it. I will have to say that Kaki’s books are my favorite historical fiction read.
Thanks for coming by Theresa, Donnell and Janet. Good luck on winning Genevieve’s book. It’s a great read.
Quilt Lady, that’s so sweet. But I hope you win G.’s book, so you can find another author you might like. She has a beautiful style, and pulls no punches–it feels very authentic and well-researched, a true representation of the 1750s on both continents. And the “magical” part is done so well you can truly believe.
When reading the description of your book, I started thinking of other historical fiction that I love~ Daphne du Maurier. Castles, getting lost in the dark moors, dangerous waves hitting against jagged coasts, etc. I love that kind of adventure! Then there is Kaki with her awesome western characters and settings, which is my other favorite historical time period. I always expect there will be just enough “history” to set the tone and maybe even educate me, enough reality to still let me relate as a reader, to think that I could be the one in the story, and nothing too out of place, such as a character in the 1800’s spouting out “oh snap” or some other modern phrase. By the way, the Highlanders almost ruined my wedding. Well, the annual Scottish games were going on at the school grounds next door to the church, and participants were encroaching into our parking lot. We had to put attendants out just to direct all the parking dilemmas that ensued just so our guests could make it inside. As far as I know, there were no fights or kilts flying. After that year, they moved it to the state fairgrounds! Anyway, I’m eagerly finishing up some current reading so I can give your book full attention ;0)
Sorry to hear about those Highlanders … I’ve volunteered with both the Calgary Highland Games and the Halifax Highland Games and, well, they do tend to take over … 🙂 Then again, maybe you should have seen if you could have had a piper pipe you in! You’d probably have gotten dozens of them! Huh. Now I’m almost jealous.
I hadn’t read much western historical romance until I read Kaki’s because I so often ended up needing … more. I was so glad to discover her books and find that … more!
Thanks, Christina. No flying kilts? Too bad! You’ll like G.’s book. It’s got a wonderful hero and a remarkable heroine. (I hope your copy of Colorado Dawn arrives soon–sorry for the delay, and thanks for participating in that giveaway, too.)
Genevieve, I finished Under the Same Sky last night. I loved it. The story is so innovative, fresh. I loved the mystical touch. Who am I to argue–it could be true. I sure like to think it is. I love history, even love doing research, but in a novel, pages and pages of dry facts and dates I skip. I didn’t skip a word of this book, and I liked how you didn’t pull any punches about how violent and dangerous the New World was. Thank you. I cannot wait until Sound of the Heart launches.
Caroline
Thank you, Caroline! I love to think it could be true. Imagine dreaming your destiny and knowing it to be true? What a concept.
Hi all! Hmmm about Historical novel of course I love something that is romantic but sometimes if I got big luck I can find historical reading that based on reality but also romantic. Crossed my finger :).
Cross my fingers too, Aretha! I hope you get a chance to read my book, and I hope it gives you what you seek, book-wise.
Hi Gen and Kaki,
First of all, i would say, thanks for the chance to win Gen’s book 😉
i would say i’m more a fan of romanticized and sanitized 😉
Good Luck on your book Gen! If I don’t win a copy I will def. Buy it! With a terrific author like Kaki endorsing your work I am completely confidant that I will love your novel. Also like to add that I recently read Donnell”s first offering which was spectacular! It is so heartwarming to see new authors do so well given the intense competition out there! But you guys are beating the odds and we readers are here to help you in the battle! God Bless and keep those novels coming our way!
K
Hi Eli! Nice to see you again!
Karen, the world needs more readers like you!!! Thank you so much for supporting new authors. With support like that maybe we can keep it up long enough to become old authors! lol
In case any of you are interested, Barbara at Publishers Weekly posted my book trailer on her site today: http://blogs.publishersweekly.com/blogs/beyondherbook/
I love your trailer. Maybe because I’ve seen those hands before–like maybe on your fb page. Or holding a drink in the Dominican Republic. Ready to head home yet? The icicles await you.
oh… uh … hang on a sec while I put my Pina Colada down …
3 more days here, then I’ll be able to roll in the ice and snow again. *ugh* Where I can cover those hands with mitts … Actually, that’s the second trailer, the one for “Sound of the Heart”. I’ll release that one in a couple of months. The one for “Under the Same Sky” was my debut – just like the novel. I have since become a huge fan of imovie on my Mac. Stay tuned for family vacation movies on my fb page. 🙂 Actually, I posted one of us trapezing already.
Yes, I do prefer a hero who bathes. Regularly, if at all possible! I love how you found the most accessible reference people, a fact that I’m going to remember!
Bathing is good … but to me, scruffy’s not such a bad thing … heh heh
You’re talking about Gerard Butler, aren’t you? You bad girl.
busted.
Sounds like a book I’ve got to read!!!
So glad my library ordered this! Winning a copy would be even better. Congratulations on your stunning debut!
Thanks, everyone!