By Diane Gaston
When I wrote my first Harlequin Historical, The Mysterious Miss M, I was merely trying to write a story an editor would buy and readers would love. I didn’t realize I was creating a niche for myself. On the back cover of The Mysterious Miss were the words: The Regency Underworld—sex, scandal, and redeeming love. My niche was born.
My Regency Underworld stories involve the darker side of the Regency, not quite the lords and ladies we might ordinarily associate with the Regency. My heroines have fallen from grace, or gamble, or are accused of murder. Or they are outside of society entirely, actresses or singers. My heroes range from a lowly secretary to his boss, a marquess. Other heroes are second sons, dangerous rakes, or titled gentlemen with huge difficulties thrust upon them. The hero in The Vanishing Viscountess is a marquess, but when he meets a beautiful fugitive on the run, he must pretend to be an ordinary man. For the first time in his life he cannot fall back on his wealth and privilege. You can read an excerpt from The Vanishing Viscountess here.
I love to make up stories about the privileged Regency world of lords and ladies interacting with this other coexisting, but not-so-beautiful world. In my October 2008 book, Scandalizing the Ton, my heroine is hounded by the Regency press, much like today’s celebrities are hounded by the paparazzi. When she becomes pregnant, the press go wild trying to discover the identity of the baby’s father (Does this remind you of anyone?). Hurry to read a sneak peek of Scandalizing the Ton.
What are your favorite Regency characters? What tales from the Regency Underworld would you like to see written?
Diane–hi! What a cool idea to have a Regency version of paparazzi harassing your heroine. Very clever depiction of how plus ca change, plus c’est la meme chose as far as the human appetite for gossip goes.
Your October book sounds like a whole different side to the Regency romance. I like all different types of characters and some of my favorites have involved horses and racing during that time.
Hi, Keira, my friend. When I was doing my research I discovered people in the Regency really loved gossip as much as we do today. One difference was that the people gossiped about were not named. It was always “Lady D-” or “Mr L-” but, of course, everyone knew who they meant.
Maureen, I love looking for these unique sides of the Regency. I haven’t done racing, but that sounds like a great idea.
Diane
Hi Diane, I love “clash of culture” stories. With the regency underworld, you have all sorts of great material. Add a bit of modern day influence, i.e., the paparazzi and a pregnant heroine, and you’ve got me hooked : )
I like the darker regencies and something different, Diane, why I enjoy your books. I like your version of regency paparazzi, great idea.
Clash of culture is a good way of putting it, Vicki! That’s what I try to do.
Pam P, I just knew the Regency paparazzi idea was a good one. It’s golden when a writer can come up with ideas like that. I hope the book itself lives up to this anticipation!
Scandalizing the Ton features characters from The Vanishing Viscountess. It is a stand alone book but for readers who like to follow characters from book to book, The Vanishing Viscountess is still available on amazon
For a peek at how all the books are connected, check here.
Cheers!
Diane
I love Beau Brummel. Can’t help it. 🙂