You’d like me to write about medieval time-travel romance?
As. You. Wish.
(heehee)
Thank you so much for the invitation to talk about time-travel
romance here at Romancing the Genres! I love everything medieval and if you throw
in a contemporary character, then this is
true love. Do you think this happens every day? (Please tell me I’m not the
only one who quotes The Princess Bride
on a regular basis?)
Why I write these books, or Murdered by pirates is good!
They’re magical and full of adventure and they always have
been! I’ve been reading romance books for years and I love them. The more
romantic the better. The more action adventure, the more fabulous! My introduction
to time-travel romance was Constance O’Day Flannery, Jude Deveraux, Diana
Gabaldon, Lynn Kurland and others. Once introduced to the genre, I searched for
more and more books. There were never enough to read as far as I was concerned.
I’ve always liked books with a bit of a paranormal element
to them. I started out writing books that didn’t fit easily into any genre, and
when I couldn’t sell them to editors, I eventually tried writing to market. I
sent out manuscripts to agents and editors for years. And then one day I’d just
sort of had it. I’d been told editors weren’t interested in medieval time
travel romance books, but I went to lunch with a friend and told her, I’m done.
I’m not going to write books for agents and editors anymore. I’m just going to
write what I’d write if I knew I’d never sell a book. So I sat down and wrote She Owns the Knight. It’s definitely a book straight from my heart.
Why I chose this genre or Mawage. Mawage is wot bwings us togeder today.
True love. (Twu Wuv
ha!) I know that historically, people living in medieval times didn’t bathe
very often, probably had rotten teeth, and that women were considered property.
But I don’t care. Anyone who reads my books knows I love the type of men who
treat women like gold and feel lucky to have them. Of course, that’s true of any
book I’ve written, but there’s just something about English Knights and
Scottish Warriors, isn’t there? Men who trained to fight to hold what was theirs,
and when they find that special girl, he’ll hold tight to her, too. After all,
it’s who he is.
What is difficult about writing in this genre or Boo! Boo! Boo!
I just can’t please everyone. I’m essentially writing in the
fantasy genre but I tend to offend historical purists. I love reading about
history, and have fun researching, but I do get reviews that mock my ability to
stay true to historical facts even though I’m trying to do so! I try not to let
it bother me. I know if a modern girl were dropped into medieval England or
Scotland that she wouldn’t understand the spoken English or the Gaelic. And I
know that most of the aristocracy spoke French. Still, some readers do seem to
mind and I’m suddenly the queen of
refuse.
What I love about writing in this genre or have fun stormin’ the castle!
The other day I went to Medieval
Times, a jousting tournament in California. It was so cool! Goblets, chess
sets, flags, pageantry, armor, swords, daggers, food that could be eaten with
our hands! Too fun!
When I’m immersed in writing a medieval time travel romance,
it’s the same type of fun. It’s the stuff of fantasy and magic. English Knights,
Scottish warriors, castles, sword fighting, damsels in distress and in cool
dresses. Big brawny sword fighters and horses. Myth, legend, witches, and history
all wrapped up in a sweet romance.
Anything you think readers might enjoy?
Here’s an excerpt
from my latest book Murdoch. It’s Book 25 in the Ghosts of Culloden Moor series
or they’re kissing again! Do we have to
read the kissing parts?
Kenrick ended the kiss. He looked into her
face, his expression astounded. How could this amazing, virile,
drop-dead-gorgeous man be astounded by her?
She couldn’t deny she’d started it. "Wow."
His lips tugged into a slow smile, his earlier
shyness completely gone as happiness filled his face. “Wow." Those mobile
lips formed the word as if tasting it, testing it.
She’d obviously given him the wrong idea.
“Maybe this isn’t such a great plan after all.”
His
smile faded. “The kissing?”
“You staying with me.”
“Ye’re not to worry. I’ll not take advantage of
ye.”
She
actually believed him. Or maybe she just really wanted to take him home. She
certainly didn’t feel uncomfortable in his presence. But the situation would
probably look bad from the outside. She couldn’t imagine what her mama would
say.
“Look, I
don’t want to give you the wrong impression.”
“And what impression might that be?”
“All I’m saying is, I’m giving you a place to
stay in return for your assistance.” She gave a helpless shrug. “Just don’t expect
anything else, all right? I know I kissed you first, but I give you my word, I
won’t try anything, either.”
That slow smile again. “Ye’re not to worry,
lass. I’ll not hold you to that.”
Thanks again for having me here! ~ Diane Darcy
Diane Darcy is a USA Today bestselling author who loves to read
and write lighthearted and funny books. She’s a member of the Heart of the West
and RWA. She was a finalist for Romance Writers of America's Golden Heart®
Award. She’s written romantic comedies in several different genres—some
historical, some contemporary, all lighthearted and fun. She makes her home in
Utah with her family and is hard at work on her next book. You can contact her
at www.DianeDarcy.com.
