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Keli wrote: "ANNOUNCING A SPECIAL, FIRST TIME EVER EVENT!

THE LIH AUTHORS REVERSE Q&A!

JUNE 12-15!

COME ONE, COME ALL!
NO RESEARCH REQUIRED!
NOTHING TO BRING!
ALL YOU NEED TO PARTICIPATE COMES WITH YOU!

LAD..."

Sound like a really neat idea!!! See you next week!

sounds interesting. See you on Monday!

Sounds fun :) I'll drop by for sure!

hmmmm.... I like it when authors want to ask us questions!

Hope I remember! I'm trying to catch up on this week's posts now.

Oh, this sounds great. I will be there

Oh, fiddlesticks, I posted on the wrong page earlier. I meant to post here, I'm sorry if you read this twice.
My internet is flaking out. A repairman is scheduled to come onTues. June 13 in the afternoon. I'm hoping to pop into the Reverse Q&A when I can. If I don't see you before it's fixed, I will be thinking of the fun you are having and missing you all.

Andrea,
Hoping you get a quick fix for your internet.

Andrea, I hope your internet gets fixed in time for the REVERSE Q&A. But, if not, can you join us through your local library, etc.?

I hope you can work it out. We want you here!

WELCOME TO THE FIRST EVER REVERSE Q&A!!!!

Good morning, all! Well, actually it's late Sunday night here in WNY, but I can't wait any longer. I'm excited about this special event! I think it's going to be great fun. But, also, informative and helpful.

Here's how it works. The name says it all. We are reversing the usual Q&A procedure. During this event, the authors will ask the questions, and all of you will answer them. Don't be bashful. Now is the time to express your opinion! We want to write the books you want to read and knowing what you think, what you like and dislike will help us do so. So...be as short or as detailed in your answers as you wish! Here is my two part kickoff question:

What is your favorite place and era to read about? Would you buy a book set in pre-revolution colonial America?

Favorite place and era? Hm...place would be America and England. Era, from Colonial to WW2 time period. Pre-revolution America? Definitely! I'm a devoted reader of Lori Benton and also enjoy Laura Frantz...I especially love vintage colonial books like To Have and to Hold by Mary Johnston (original, unedited version) and The Green Mountain Boys.

Firstly is pre-revolution colonial America when America was first settled and before the Revolution war (Paul Revere's ride)?
If so yes I like that time period. I love the War period and live the Civil War era. I also enjoy the West and Oregon trail era. I like most eras and places except regency or English unless its Naval fiction (Think Hornblower). I don't mind English if its not the aristocrats. I love reading early Aussie history also.
I am not keen on socialites in places like NY or Boston etc for the same reason as in Britain. I guess partly because I don't relate to them and they frustrate me.

We're in the same ball park, Hannah! I LOVE American history. But I'm not quite as fond of some of the eras as I am of others. And Colonial to WWII cuts a wide swath. So...could you be a little more specific? For instance...what about the Roaring Twenties? I'm not a fan of that era...though I did like some of the music. : ) And it was understandable, with the automobile giving people a freedom they'd never had before, etc. There were so many huge changes in people's lives...Radio...''

Thanks for telling me about To Have and to Hold. I haven't read that one. I'll have to search out a copy.

Ausjenny wrote: "Firstly is pre-revolution colonial America when America was first settled and before the Revolution war (Paul Revere's ride)?
If so yes I like that time period. I love the War period and live the C..."

You're right, Jenny. I was asking about the time before the Revolutionary War. I love reading and WRITING about that time period, but I don't know if anyone would be interested in buying a book set in that time.

I've been told by editors, etc. that the Civil War era has been overdone and people don't buy that era anymore. I take it you disagree?

I'm with you on the Oregon Trail, wagon train stories. I wrote one titled Prairie Courtship and I loved every minute of the writing. I wished I hadn't been constricted with word count. I would have liked to have made it a longer story. I not keen on stories of socialites either. I do like it when a socialite gets pulled out of her pampered life and is forced to learn how to work and take care of herself and others.

I don't know enough about Aussie history to write with any authority. It's a rugged, rough heritage!

Okay, it's two for two in favor of a book set in Pre-revolutionary War time. Anyone else care to add their vote?

I like early American History. I like the Civil War but I think it depends on how its done. The way Gilbert Morris wrote I loved as he told the story of the war from both sides where as one book I read in a series was about the heroines more so and really glossed over the war. I guess I like the ones that are more gritty and deal more with what happened and the hardships etc.

I think it with Aussie history its best done by an Aussie or someone who has studied history and gets someone to check facts. I have read several books where the author hasn't checked facts. One book which Lori Wick wrote set in WW2 had Northern Queensland 2 hours from Sydney by road which is so far fetched. It would have been at least 18 - 24 hours back then. even now it would be at least 2+ hours flying.

I did a Historical Highlights tour and loved learning about the history of America.

Dorothy wrote: "We're in the same ball park, Hannah! I LOVE American history. But I'm not quite as fond of some of the eras as I am of others. And Colonial to WWII cuts a wide swath. So...could you be a little mor..."

True...Roaring Twenties is harder. But a couple favorite books are from that era as well...Harold Bell Wright's The Re-Creation of Brian Kent and Elisabeth Grace Foley's Lost Lake House. Mainly I'm with Jennie on staying away from socialites.

I think a lot of Civil War stuff currently takes a very flat or one-dimensional view of the motivations of the war. I'm extremely cautious about buying modern CW fiction because it's flat to the point of being inaccurate: South=bad and North=good. And yet there were good men and grave errors on both sides. Most of the books I read about it are second-generation ones written in the 1880s-1900 when, surprisingly, things were less partisan than they are now.

Hi Everyone,
My question is this--would you like to read fictional accounts of famous women you've never heard of like the women in Hidden Figures? I love history and have found dozens of women who made a difference in our world but have never been recognized. These stories would take place between the American Revolution and WW2.

Thanks for your help!
Patty

As a reader, what are your favorite types of historic heroes? Soldiers, spies, cowboys, ranchers...etc. etc.....

Ausjenny wrote: "I like early American History. I like the Civil War but I think it depends on how its done. The way Gilbert Morris wrote I loved as he told the story of the war from both sides where as one book I ..."
What Aussie writers would you recommend for someone who hasn't read any?

As a writer, I think books and movies may have glamorized the Civil War, a terrible time in our country's history. But then, I'm not sure if readers want all the realities of any historical era. My question to readers: What draws you to stories, the truth of the time period or a more idealized version of the nitty-gritty realities?

Janet

Morning Everyone! Wow we are up early this morning and ready to go! Ok my answers to the questions:

What is your favorite place and era to read about?

I love Regency England, American History, I loved the Gladiator trilogy Carla Capshaw did. That's one of my favorite parts of LIH the wide selection of history they include Biblical - WWII.

Would you buy a book set in pre-revolution colonial America?

I definitely would.

My question is this--would you like to read fictional accounts of famous women you've never heard of like the women in Hidden Figures?

I haven't seen Hidden Figures but I really enjoyed the Timeless Episode which brought it up. I love learning about the women who helped shape our country so again definitely.

As a reader, what are your favorite types of historic heroes? Soldiers, spies, cowboys, ranchers...etc. etc.....

I love all kinds of heroes. Big burly tough guys with a soft spot for the heroine, A computer nerd always picked on saves the day with his brain to out smart the villains, Wealthy elite that have a heart for the less fortunate. I don't know if I could pick just one type of hero.

Currently I am reading though the K-9 Rookie continuity that LIS put out in 2016 so right now most of the heroes are cops.

Glad to meet another Timeless fan!

Dorothy, I like to read most historical time periods and from all over the world. Of course, I am most fond of settling/discovering North America and the North American West. I'm a little burned out on Revolutionary and Civil War stories but that's probably my fault (I was reading a little too much of it). I like seeing characters that have to learn how to get along and make a life for themselves in many different circumstances. I know it's difficult to fact check some early historical facts but I really get upset with unrealistic travel times and how long mail would arrive between east and west or from America to England.

Patty, I would like to read fictional accounts of famous women we've never heard of. Women have played such a big part of history behind the scenes and their stories should be told.

Patty wrote: "Hi Everyone,
My question is this--would you like to read fictional accounts of famous women you've never heard of like the women in Hidden Figures? I love history and have found dozens of women who..."

I'd actually prefer to read entertaining biographies of the women. When it's a fictionalized account, I always wonder where facts end and fiction begins. Not to say I haven't enjoyed some really well-written ones, but I've also strongly disliked others.

Sherri wrote: "As a reader, what are your favorite types of historic heroes? Soldiers, spies, cowboys, ranchers...etc. etc....."

I like all of those. I especially like it when authors do their research and actually show examples of the profession they assign to the character, in a manner in keeping with the time period.

The heroes I don't like are the hunky pretty boys who treat the heroines cavalierly and don't learn how to treat a woman right. Just being handsome doesn't make a guy desirable. "Handsome is as handsome does," as the saying goes. The guy doesn't have to look swoon-worthy as long as his heart is pure before God and he knows how to treat his girl like a lady.

Janet wrote: "As a writer, I think books and movies may have glamorized the Civil War, a terrible time in our country's history. But then, I'm not sure if readers want all the realities of any historical era. My..."

As a huge history lover, I always include historical accuracy in my reviews. Part of writing historical fiction is being immersed in that culture and time period...I want to time travel to the way it really was. That's something I do really appreciate about LIH; the history tends to be more accurate than a lot of other publishers, who allow writers to skip the historical checks and even to massage history to fit their wishes...a pet peeve is the final note of "well, this didn't happen this way, but I like to imagine it could have. Twenty years later isn't so far off..." Twenty years, writer-friend, is an entire generation later. If that happening worked better for your story, why not set the story itself twenty years later?

There are few things that make me drop a book faster than a glaring historical flub. I'm stalled out on Josi Kilpack's The Vicar's Daughter right now because they were using a 1904 wringer in the Regency time period...and it was even misspelled as "ringer"!

I read historical fiction to learn about the past and to feel like I've experienced a slice of life the way it used to be. The characters should fit their time period, and if they are progressive there should be a good reason, rather than just "they're smarter than everyone else."

Wow! I'm loving these answers.

Andrea, I don't think I made myself clear. The era for the story I'm writing is PRE-revolution. The problems my characters encounter are with weather, country, living conditions, Indians, etc. We are not at war with England...the shadow of that upcoming conflict is seen in the attitudes of the characters. Does that make you more or less inclined to read it?

Hannah, as a history lover myself, I completely understand about historical accuracy. I just finished a college class on the American West that opened my eyes to the true events of that time period. I mean, who knew the reign of the cowboy only lasted twenty years? Or that cowboys didn't get into barroom brawls because they had to protect their hands?(a work asset)

Good morning from southern Indiana! Thanks for stopping by. It's fun to read everybody's questions and answers!

My question for you:

Do you enjoy strong accuracy of historical settings? I love to research, and in my two LIH books (second one to release in February), I spent about a week living in my characters' homes, in antebellum mansions that are now historical inns in Natchez, Mississippi. My characters interacted with the actual rooms, furniture, grounds, etc. of the homes. (I wrote part of one book in the actual house the story took place in.) I also used historical and current details of the town, so the reader could walk through Natchez and see where my characters were.

So ... does this kind of story world detail add to your enjoyment of the book?

Hello to our authors! I love your questions and will be paying close attention to the answers!

Janet, your question about what draws the reader to the stories they choose, the truth about life conditions of the era or a more idealized version really hits the nail on the head! I'll be watching those answers!

Sherri asked about your favorite hero types. My next question is: What is your favorite type of heroine? Do you like them strong? sweet but feisty? wounded and defensive? pampered, spoiled and forced to grow? One I haven't thought of... : )

Dorothy,
I like most time periods . I am willing to try any time period with an author I enjoy. My favorite time periods , regency, late 1800's, 1930's and 1940's. I would be willing to buy a book set in pre-revolution colonial America.

Patty,
I am always interested in little known history facts . I would be interest in reading fictional accounts of famous women you've never heard of like the women in Hidden Figures.

Sheri,
I love heroes that are strong and know who they are. My favorite heroe is usually whatever I am currently reading. I have a soft spot for ranchers and soldiers, All of your list is good.

Christina wrote: "Good morning from southern Indiana! Thanks for stopping by. It's fun to read everybody's questions and answers!

My question for you:

Do you enjoy strong accuracy of historical settings? I love to..."

Christina
I love strong settings that are accurate with the time period. I have looked for books with settings in Mississippi since moving here in 2006. I like to get the feel of different places,

Dorothy wrote: "Wow! I'm loving these answers.

Andrea, I don't think I made myself clear. The era for the story I'm writing is PRE-revolution. The problems my characters encounter are with weather, country, livi..."

I like the foreshadowing of things to happen which can be shown as an attitude. I would buy this Dorothy.

Janet wrote: "As a writer, I think books and movies may have glamorized the Civil War, a terrible time in our country's history. But then, I'm not sure if readers want all the realities of any historical era. My..."

Janet,
I think reality of the time is good. So much of what is wrong now is people do not realize that it was hard to live in any time period for different reasons.

Melinda wrote: "Janet wrote: "As a writer, I think books and movies may have glamorized the Civil War, a terrible time in our country's history. But then, I'm not sure if readers want all the realities of any hist..."

Thanks for your input, Melinda! I also like stories to be accurate, feel real, yet not so much that the reader is grossed out. :-) I try to establish the setting and the times through the characters' actions, showing them overcoming the hardships of the times.

Janet

Dorothy wrote: "WELCOME TO THE FIRST EVER REVERSE Q&A!!!!

Good morning, all! Well, actually it's late Sunday night here in WNY, but I can't wait any longer. I'm excited about this special event! I think it's goin..."

My favorite place to read about is the American West in the 1800's--wagon trains, settling new towns, establishing ranches, mail order brides, pony express, circuit riding preachers, mining towns, putting the bad guys in jail.
Yes, I would buy a book set in pre-revolution colonial America. I would like to see books about pioneers between the Atlantic and the Mississippi River.

Regency & Victorian England, Prairie/Wild West America & Canada are favourites of mine.

Australia is a place I would like to see more books set. I've had on my wish list for a long time, set during the Gold Rush, which sounds interesting to me. I've enjoyed reading books set on the Sheep & Cattle stations in the 50s and 60s which I've really enjoyed, and I would love to read about life on those a lot earlier!

I would read a book set pre-revolutionary war.

Hello from Kansas! I am loving the questions and answers.

I am currently watching my grand and it got me to thinking.

How do you feel about secret babies and ready-made families?

Patty wrote: "Hi Everyone,
My question is this--would you like to read fictional accounts of famous women you've never heard of like the women in Hidden Figures? I love history and have found dozens of women who..."

Those stories would be interesting.

Sherri wrote: "As a reader, what are your favorite types of historic heroes? Soldiers, spies, cowboys, ranchers...etc. etc....."

Settlers to new country, Texas Rangers, wagon train masters, cowboys, ranchers, poor people making a better life for themselves, people who rescue someone from danger, truly good people, people defending others from bad folks.

Ausjenny wrote: "I think it with Aussie history its best done by an Aussie or someone who has studied history and gets someone to check facts. I have read several books where the author hasn't checked facts. One book which Lori Wick wrote set in WW2 had Northern Queensland 2 hours from Sydney by road which is so far fetched. It would have been at least 18 - 24 hours back then. even now it would be at least 2+ hours flying. "

I have the same problem with English ones, Jenny!...And Lori Wick is one on my list as the biggest culprits too. Americanisms are very easily slipped in. Not good when you are in Regency England!

Titles are something people often get in a muddle. And giving people titles down the female line - sorry, but no.

One story I read had the heroine in Regency England looking to get out of the study window which was on the first floor. I struggled with picturing that, and why she wasn't having more problems until I realised that actually she was on the ground floor. Our first floor is America's second floor. I don't mind when it's in an American book as that is how you say it therefore it's in keeping with your culture, but when in England, please write as the English do!

Hannah wrote: "There are few things that make me drop a book faster than a glaring historical flub. I'm stalled out on Josi Kilpack's The Vicar's Daughter right now because they were using a 1904 wringer in the Regency time period...and it was even misspelled as "ringer"!"

Oh, Cringe! (I'm in complete sympathy with you Hannah!)

Dorothy wrote: My next question is: What is your favorite type of heroine? Do you like them strong? sweet but feisty? wounded a

I like strong, sweet but spunky heroines. Sometimes wounded but recovered is ok if the whole book isn't about their bad times. Pampered, rich city gals are sorta ok if they don't take too long to grow to be nicer, and stronger.

Janet wrote: "As a writer, I think books and movies may have glamorized the Civil War, a terrible time in our country's history. But then, I'm not sure if readers want all the realities of any historical era. My..."

I like truth about the time period but not too much awful nitty-gritty realities. I like to see the cover pictures have clothes, hair style and buildings that would probably be appropriate for the time period. I can see that the buildings could be a problem to find for pictures now.

Christina wrote: "Hello from Kansas! I am loving the questions and answers.

I am currently watching my grand and it got me to thinking.

How do you feel about secret babies and ready-made families?"

I am not a fan of secret baby storylines. I quite like ready-made family ones though.

Christina wrote: "Good morning from southern Indiana! Thanks for stopping by. It's fun to read everybody's questions and answers!

My question for you:

Do you enjoy strong accuracy of historical settings? I love to..."

Absolutely! Setting is like another character, and if the setting come to life, I can more easily "transport" myself there and see the story come to life on the pages.

Christina wrote: "Good morning from southern Indiana! Thanks for stopping by. It's fun to read everybody's questions and answers!

My question for you:

Do you enjoy strong accuracy of historical settings? I love to..."

Yes it does. I enjoy history and genealogy and it bugs me a little bit if the historical part is off.

Christina wrote: "Good morning from southern Indiana! Thanks for stopping by. It's fun to read everybody's questions and answers!

My question for you:

Do you enjoy strong accuracy of historical settings? I love to..."

Yes, I love stories with a strong sense of place. Even an awareness of architecture is fun.
For example, I found out that Colonial chimneys are big enough to stage an escape, but antebellum ones might be only a few inches wide...so to give a Civil War soldier a chimney to climb, it would have to be an old house at the time...and so on. And I'd never given much thought to what walls were constructed of before drywall; only that people used plaster. Never knew what lath was until visiting a shabby antebellum home on the market.

Melinda, thanks for your response! I know of one other LI author who writes Mississippi settings: my friend and Mississippi resident Lorraine Beatty. Hers are contemporary, though, and set in a fictional town. I think you'd enjoy her books. When I was in Natchez researching my book Counterfeit Courtship, Lorraine and her husband came to town to visit my husband and me. We had fun exploring Natchez with them. :)

Wendy, I agree! That's what I like when I read too. :)