Before I got an agent, before GILT sold, I can't tell you how many times I heard "Historicals don't sell." Or how many agents and editors I heard at conferences tell the room, "Just don't send me any historical fiction."
It can be a little discouraging, I tell you.
But I had to write what I write. I love the process. Digging deep into the history to find as many facts as I can, the puzzle pieces from which I can build a picture. But it's like the picture is merely a pencil drawing (and often an unfinished one at that) and it's up to me to fill in the color and life. I love it.
And others do, too. Apparently there are several agents and editors out there who didn't get the memo about historical fiction. Or maybe, just maybe, times are changing.
SCARLET by A.C. Gaughen debuted on Valentine's Day. It's a retelling of the Robin Hood legend, but steeped in the history of the period. I loved it, and blogged about it over on the YA Muses.
I'm currently reading GRAVE MERCY by Robin LaFevers and wow. Just wow. Gorgeous history, fascinating characters, awesome premise. And a truly kick-butt heroine. Love.
I'm dying to read THE WICKED AND THE JUST by J. Anderson Coats. It's set in Medieval Wales and knowing Coats, is full of wicked quips and unfortunate situations. Plus it's been getting starred reviews. Do I really have to wait a month?
And later this year, expect to VENOM by Fiona Paul. Gorgeous gowns, enigmatic masks and a mystery. Lush and full of visual detail from Renaissance Venice.
Any historical novels you're looking forward to this year? That you've read already and can't wait to read more?
Posts
"Goings-on" in medieval nunneries by Carolyn Hughes
20 hours ago
Katherine, you just did a good job reminding me how much I love historical fiction. Just added Gilt to my Amazon wish list so I won't forget to order it. :)
ReplyDeleteThank you, Linda! And aren't we lucky? We love historical fiction and this year, there is so much being published!
ReplyDeleteI sure hope times are changing!
ReplyDeleteI don't know of anything else coming out, but there is much to look forward to with historical. Hmm, that's a bit of a paradox - looking forward to history. :)
ReplyDeleteI've actually already read both Scarlet and Grave Mercy and absolutely loved them! I have The Wicked and the Just via Netgalley, I just haven't had time to get around to it yet but I really hope to get to it soon. It sounds fascinating! and thanks for putting Venom on my radar! Historical fiction definitely sells. Well, at least to people like me :D
ReplyDeleteall the best!
Mackenzie @ Oh, For the Love of Books!
After recently reading Born Wicked and loving it, I can't wait to read more! That's why I'm so excited for Gilt and also because it looks amazing! After experiencing the awesome-ness that is historical fiction, I can't believe agents and editors aren't for it. Seriously, give them a copy and challenge them not to like it. Great picks, will definitley be searching Goodreads and adding them to my list! :)
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