(The Lorings, Book #3)
By Catherine Kullmann
London 1817
The primary aim of every young lady embarking on the Spring frenzy that is the Season must be to make a good match. Or must it? And what is a good match? For cousins Cynthia, Chloe and Ann, well aware that the society preux chevalier may prove to be a domestic tyrant, these are vital questions. How can they discover their suitors’ true character when all their encounters must be confined to the highly ritualised round of balls, parties and drives in the park?
As they define and refine their Husband Criteria, Cynthia finds herself unwillingly attracted to aloof Rafe Marfield, heir to an earldom, while Chloe is pleased to find that Thomas Musgrave, the vicar’s son from home, is also in London. And Ann must decide what is more important to her, music or marriage.
And what of the gentlemen who consider the marriage mart to be their hunting grounds? How will they react if they realise how rigorously they are being assessed?
A light-hearted, entertaining look behind the scenes of a Season that takes a different course with unexpected consequences for all concerned.
Publisher: Willow Books
Page Length: 297
Genre: Historical Romance / Regency Romance
Writing Interview questions
Why did you choose to write your book in this era?
I have always been interested in the extended Regency period, from, say, 1795—the year of the later Prince Regent’s marriage—to 1830, the year of his death as George IV, a time when the foundations of our modern world were laid. The events of this period include the Act of Union between Great Britain and Ireland of 1800, the Anglo-American war of 1812 and the twelve years of war that ended in the final defeat of Napoleon at Waterloo in 1815, all of which continue to shape our modern world.
At the same time, the ruling aristocracies were being challenged by those who saw the need for social and political reform, while the industrial revolution which led to the transfer of wealth to the manufacturing and merchant classes was underway. Powerful voices demanded the abolition of the slave trade. Women, who had few or no rights in a patriarchal society, had begun to raise their voices, demanding equality and emancipation. Still very much the age of sail, and of the horse, it was also the dawn of the age of steam. Within twenty years, railways would have begun to transform both the landscape and society.
I also love the music, literature, art and architecture of that time, the fashion—between hoops and crinolines—is still very wearable today, and indeed the Empire line is revived regularly.
Did you find researching this era particularly difficult? What was the hardest thing to find out, and did you come across anything particularly surprising?
No, there is a wealth of information out there. I have a large research library and also a huge data-base of historical facts and trivia. Sometimes it can be difficult to pinpoint something exactly, but I have found experts to be most helpful. When I needed to know a specific detail in scoring a cricket match in 1814, for example, I contacted Marylebone Cricket Club and their research officer replied immediately with the information I needed.
The most surprising thing was the amount of coloured images that we still have from the time. It’s not only oils and water-colours, but hand-coloured engravings that cover everything from caricatures to fashion-prints to book illustrations. I have built up quite a collection of these that give a real insight into the period. This one, of a young officer presenting the Prince Regent with the spoils of war, shows us a different version of the Regency that is much less pretty.
Can you share something about the book that isn’t covered in the blurb?
I love writing about children and there is a charming scamp, four-year-old Master Jack Devenish, who twists everyone around his little finger.
If you had to describe your protagonist(s), in three words, what would those three words be and why?
Marfield describes Cynthia to his mother as being ‘pure gold, untarnished’. This is because she is not missish or flirtatious, speaks her mind and is not trying to trap him into a betrothal.
What was the most challenging part about writing your book?
The middle—you usually know the beginning and the end, but it is the journey that counts.
Was there anything that you edited out of this book that would have drastically affected the story, should it be left in?
Initially, I thought to have three complete story arcs, one for each of the three girls but I realised they could not all be finished within one Season. I could have added part 2, taking up the story later, but that would have made the book very long
What are you currently working on?
I have two WIPs; the sequel to The Husband Criteria and another, as yet untitled one with older, protagonists.
What would you tell an aspiring author who had some doubts about their writing abilities?
Read a lot, both the classics and in your own genre. Learn to edit your work ruthlessly; read and re-read it. If it feels at all ‘off’ or you find yourself skimming and skipping pages, re-write it. Consider whether a creative writing course would suit you or see if you can join a scheme like the New Writers’ Scheme of the UK Romantic Novelists’ Association. You do not have to be a UK resident to join. A writing-group may also help. But always remember that your voice is unique; if you find criticism and feedback to be destructive or demoralising rather than helpful, leave that group.
Personal Interview questions
What do you like to do when you are not writing?
I read, listen to music, go to the opera and concerts, travel, meet friends.
What did you want to be when you grew up?
A writer. However, I was only able to start writing fiction after I took early retirement.
What’s for dinner tonight? What would you rather be eating?
A steak salad. If I had a magic wand, I would love to be transported to a sea-side taverna in Greece for a local meal.
What would be a perfect day?
I love to travel, so a day sight-seeing, stopping off at a small restaurant for lunch and then opera in the evening.
What is the best part of your day?
There isn’t really any. I have retired from the day-job so I can manage my time as it suits me. I enjoy small pleasures e.g., when the writing goes well, or the postman delivers a new book, or I hear a favourite piece of music on the radio.
Either or!
Tea or coffee: I love coffee but if it can only be one, then it must be tea.
Hot or cold: Cold. It is easier to get warm than it is to get cool.
Movie or book: Book every time.
Morning person or Night owl: Neither, really. I’m a day-time person.
City or country: City to live, but with the country or the sea easily reached. Dublin is perfect for that.
Social Media or book: Book
Paperback or ebook: Paperback
Social Media Links:
Thank you for hosting Catherine Kullmann with such a fabulous interview.
ReplyDeleteCathie xx
The Coffee Pot Book Club