Research Trip to England
I’ve had many fun
experiences as an author, but taking a research trip through England was one
of the most enjoyable. My plan was three-pronged: to see Regency settings in
London, the streets where Jack the Ripper prowled (for a future book idea), and
the moors of Dartmoor.
My research on
Dartmoor would lead to my first major self-published book, Escape with a Rogue. (The gorgeous cover is by Croco Designs.)
Here's the blurb
for Escape with a Rogue:
Can a gently
bred young lady prove that a notorious gaming hell owner who escaped from
prison is innocent of murder? Wrongfully convicted, Jack Travers has spent two
years in jail, first on a dismal prison hulk, then in isolated Dartmoor Prison.
Can Lady Madeline Ashby heal his wounded heart and troubled soul?
In
the story, Lady Madeline is determined to prove Jack’s innocence and she helps
him escape Dartmoor Prison. At that time, local farmers brought in their goods
for market days, a fact that allows Madeline a chance to sneak in.
Above
is the entry gate to the prison. I stayed in a lovely inn that was the former
prison governor’s house. I was able to walk in my character’s shoes—even
following a track across the moors that I use for their escape route. All went
well until I found a fork in the trail. Desperate, I even asked the sheep for
directions and they weren’t impressed. In the end, I made a choice—fortunately
it was the right one.
The
moors are still remarkably desolate. There are many dangerous
bogs.
Back
in London, I toured Mayfair and even went up to the front steps of White’s
Gentlemen’s Club on St. James’s Street, a setting I have used in many Regency
England-set romances. A friend and I took our pictures there (though the
doorman came out and told us it was for members only).
It
was a dream trip. I took hundreds of photographs to have for reference
(including the ones here). And the research came in handy for my latest book, The Worthington Wife, set in the 1920s
in England.
Thanks so much for
having me here.
Sharon
About the Author
Sharon Page is a New York Times and USA
Today Bestseller of historical romance. She has also penned two romantic
women’s fiction titles, An American Duchess and The Worthington Wife.
A mother of two, she lives in Canada.
See all of Sharon's novels on her website www.SharonPage.com.
Subscribe to Sharon's newsletter for announcements, special excerpts, book tidbits, and giveaways!
5 comments:
Sharon, Welcome to Romancing The Genres! Love your post, especially the pictures. As an avid reader of Regency romance, I'm sure I would have had my picture taken at the door of White's if I'd thought of it when I was in London years ago. Being able to look back at pictures taken on such a grand trip brings back wonderful memories. So glad you took the right fork in the road. Maybe those sheep did whisper directions?
Hi Sharon,
I enjoyed your stories about your trip to England. Escape with a Rogue sounds like a fun Regency read.
Hi Judith,
Thanks so much. I found it so much fun to see settings from the Regency romances I loved. I photographed hoof prints on the Rotten Row in Hyde Park. I waited for friends on the steps of No. 1 London--the address given to the Duke of Wellington. When I was on the moors I was fortunate enough to visit a house in Princeton built by a close friend of the Prince of Wales (Prinny). Such a close friend that the fireplace mantelpiece was from Carleton House. I just about died--that I got to see it and touch it.
When I went from my trek across the moors, I had warned my guide that I get lost everywhere--and he didn't believe me. Until he had to start walking up from the destination to see where I got to. I have to say, I never realized that sheep have an expression on their faces that really makes you feel like a bit of a twit. :-)
Sharon
Hi Sarah,
Thank you so much. I had a lot of fun writing Escape with a Rogue. Thanks for stopping by.
Sharon
I laughed aloud when you said: "I never realized that sheep have an expression on their faces that really makes you feel like a bit of a twit. :-)" I have seen the look fo disdain on many sheep.
Your trip sounds amazing. I probalby would have hard severe heart palpitations if I found myself alone and lost on the moors. It's bad enough when I've been lost in cities or towns. I have been lost in London, Paris, Munich, and Heidelberg. The latter during Kristkindlmarkt when I unwittingly learned that Gluhwein is not just warm punch, it's alcoholic. It tasted so good and I was having such a wonderful time visiting the christmas markets, that before I knew it I was drunk and had no idea which direction to get back to my hotel. Fortunately, a kind soul took pity on this dumb American and got me back safely.
I enjoy occasionally reading regency romances, but admit I've never had a desire to write them. Your covers are gorgeous and I am particularly intrigued more by the 1920's era book. Always nice to hear a new voice here on this blog along with those posts I have come to love reading over a long time.
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