Recently Lawson reviewed Taken by the Night (Thanks, Lawson!). She didn’t like Ivy, which I’m cool with. I figured Ivy would be one of those heroines that some like and some don’t. She can be abrasive, and she’s a bit spoiled, and somewhat jaded. I have to admit to really liking her. But of course, how could I not when I created her? I really like the fact that that she has a very practical attitude about sex. Growing up in a brothel will do that to you. Her opinion of men isn’t awful, but there’s very little romance in it. She thinks men are rather base and not terribly trustworthy. Of course, Saint doesn’t do anything to change that opinion, not at first.
Ivy is a photographer, not unheard of for women in 1899. But in addition to portraits, Ivy likes to take naughty photographs. In fact, she displays them at a show in the book. Saint appreciates her talent. 😉
I think Ivy’s openness is what I loved most. Writing paranormal has allowed me to go a little ‘further’ than straight historicals ever did. Or maybe it’s just because reader tastes are changing, but I loved writing a heroine who can know about sex, have had sex, and ‘sell’ sex in her photographs. It was also great fun writing about women who literally sell their bodies. I don’t think I tried to sugar-coat the business of prostitution, but I tried not to make a big deal out of it either. The brothel is part of Ivy’s life, and is an every-day thing for her. It’s her world, and she has no illusions or desire to climb out of that world. She has a very comfortable life, and the vampires that own the brothel make sure everyone is well looked after.
Taken by the Night also has an aspect of Victorian history that fascinates me — Jack the Ripper. The case of ‘Saucy Jack’ fit very nicely with my plot — so nicely that I couldn’t ignore it! When I realized that Jack had five ‘official’ victims I knew I had to use that in the book. Five dead prostitutes for five vampires…ah, there’s a plot there! 🙂  I consider Taken by the Night my Victorian Underworld book, and now that I’ve delved into that world, I’m hoping to go there again. No lords, no ladies — just men and women who aren’t afraid to get down and dirty. I love it.
What are some of your favorite aspects of history? And what eras/events would you like to see in historical novels? And hey — just how do you feel about paranormal historical romances anyway?
How funny that you used that pic of Johnny, Sybil! He was the inspiration for Saint.
Kate – that was me. Whenever I think of Jack the Ripper, my mind goes immediately to Johnny Depp in From Hell. I used to imagine Basil Rathbone, but no more. My Victorian hero now has a cockney accent and bedroom eyes. :0
First of all…Love the J. Depp pic!
What are some of your favorite aspects of history? The slower pace, the inconvienance, travel on horses and in carriages.
There are no specific era/events that I can think of that I want to see in a historical novel.
There are only a few authors that I’m aware of that are writing historical paranormal…Teresa Medeiros and her Kane/Cabot Vampire Series, Minda Webber and her historical paranormals, and of course Kathryn Smith. They are great and give yet a better view because of how easy it would be to keep the secret then compared with now.
After reading the blurb above I can’t wait to get started on TBTN.
I certainly didn’t know about women photographers, thats so cool. I would love to take a class in how to take pictures as they did back then. It would take quite a bit of skill to master then what is taken so for granted now-a-days with all the conveniance.
Have you read Patricia Cornwell’s book about her investigation about Jack the Ripper? It really opened me mind!
Ah Johnny Depp. What else can I say about him? 🙂
Sorry about that, Gwen! Yes, Johnny does cockney so very well. Cannot wait for Sweeney Todd!
Darla, I love the clothes, the rules, the atmosphere…Oh, and the cobblestones! lol. Carriages are divine, but I imagine I’d be frustrated by the slow pace and all the swaying.
By 1899 photography was easier than it had been, but yes, it was still much more complicated than what we’re used to. I would have loved to spend more time on Ivy’s work, but it would have bogged down the book. Maybe I’ll get to use it again someday.
And katiebabs, I haven’t read the Cornwell because I heard some people accuse it of grandstanding, but if you give it the thumbs up, I will give it a read!
I’m off to NYC tomorrow, but I’ll check in Friday night!
John Deep is on the cover of Entertainment Weekly this week as Sweeny Todd. That is one movie I am definitely going to see!