Friday, June 13, 2008

Sometimes a story is out there waiting

I am about to start my next HMB Historical. Now my editor and I have spoken about it. We have agreed that it is to be a governess in the early Victorian era. governess heroines are popular heroines for HMB. Actually they have been a popular for novelists going back to Brontes. Jane Eyre is an absolute classic and one of my favourite books. It has been ever since I discovered it at my great aunt's house and spent way too long into the night reading it.


I also used to be a big fan of the gothics -- Victoria Holt in particular delved into this genre.


But for a number of reasons, including my just accepted book, I did not want to go down the gothic route. I had thought of different scenarios. What could I do? And more importantly did I want to do it?


One of the research books that I purchased yesterday -- The Victorian Governess by Kathryn Hughes -- has provided a clue. Suddenly the whole story is unfolding in my mind and it is not going to be a gothic. Actually, the Victorian Governess has sparked several ideas, and I may have to figure out a way to write them all, but I am going with the one I am most excited about.



The other research book I bought -- Other People's Daughters --The Life and Times of the Governess by Ruth Brandon also looks good. I adore the cover, btw. And the combo of the two have sent my brain whirling.


Anyway, I am taking Anne McAllister's advice and starting this story. The other story -- well that couple will have to remain stuck in the at home for awhile longer.

2 comments:

Unknown said...

sounds fascinating, looking forward to hearing more about it.

Anne McAllister said...

Best of luck on your book, Michelle. I love the looks of the two reference works you cited. I can see I'll have to check them out, even if I never write an historical. They will enrich my understanding of peoples' live -- including my g-grandmother's as she worked in a "big house" sometimes as a nursery maid (nothing so exalted as 'governess.')

Have fun with your book. I look forward to reading more about it.