Featured Member for October: Anne Rollins

This month Quizzing Glass chats with Anne Rollins, author of historical fantasy romance

QG: What most interests you about the people of the Georgian/Regency era?

I think part of the appeal is how challenging it seems to find romantic partners in such a strict society. Women weren’t supposed to be too obvious about their feelings. Moralists like Dr. Gregory thought a woman should never tell a man that she loved him even if she married him! This creates a lot of narrative tension as you watch to see how two people can end up together.

QG: When did you first get hooked (and what hooked you) on the Regency era?

There were two writers that got me into the Regency: Patricia Wrede and Georgette Heyer. I discovered Wrede’s Mairelon the Magician in high school, and Sorcery and Cecelia in college, and read them over and over again. As the titles imply, these are Regency fantasies, and they undoubtedly had a large impact on my decision to write Regency fantasy.

Then, maybe a decade later, I stumbled on a Georgette Heyer novel in a used bookstore, and I loved it. (Ironically, my first Heyer may have been A Convenient Marriage, which is not Regency but Georgian!) After that, I was hooked. I bought Heyer’s books right and left, rereading my favorite ones many times. I even taught Frederica in a college course a couple of times! Slowly, I branched out from there and began exploring other writers, including both sweet and spicy Regencies.

QG: What is your favorite Jane Austen book?

Pride and Prejudice, but it’s either tied or closely followed by Northanger Abbey. Northanger Abbey is such an underrated book! It is hilarious, and Henry Tilney might be Austen’s wittiest love interest.

QG: What is your favorite Georgette Heyer book?

I am a huge Heyer fan, so I can’t list just one. I like different books depending on my mood, but my top five are The Corinthian, Cotillion, The Reluctant Widow, Arabella, and Frederica.

QG: What advice would you give to writers just starting out?


First, realize that writing is a process. Most people don’t sell their first book, at least not right away. Once you’ve written one book, start writing another. Your writing will get better over time. 

Second, you need to tap into the writing community. You can learn so much by joining online or real-life groups of writers. When you find good beta readers or critique partners, your writing will get stronger.

QG: Tell us about your current project or latest release.

In August, The Solitary Rose, my first novel for adults, will release from The Wild Rose Press, under the pen name “Anne Rollins.” The idea for this story came after I read one too many Regency-era “Beauty and the Beast” retellings featuring grumpy, brooding, scarred male leads. I thought “Why is it usually the male lead who’s scarred? There should be more stories with scarred female leads.” Then I had the idea to gender-flip “Beauty and the Beast,” and the result was The Solitary Rose, a Regency fantasy romance. The female main character, Emma, has smallpox scars. The male lead, Henry, is a blond-haired, blue-eyed gorgeous young man. But their personalities are all their own!

 QG: Pantser or Plotter or hybrid?

I am almost a total Pantser. When I get an idea, I jot down a few notes about the characters, the setting, and the premise of the story, but I never do outlines and I never work out the whole plot ahead of time. Generally, I have some idea of how the story will end, but figuring out how to get there is part of the joy of drafting. (I mean “joy” literally, because drafting is my favorite stage of the writing process.)

QG: Would you like to travel back in time? Where would you go? What one thing would you take with you?

If I could travel back in time for just a day, maybe. It would be fun to visit nineteenth-century Britain in real life. But I would not want to live there. Life without antibiotics and other modern medicines would be scary!

QG: What music do you play when writing?

I have ADHD, and I don’t deal well with noise while I’m concentrating. When I write, I often put on my noise-canceling headphones and play white noise or rain sounds rather than music—that helps drown out the sounds of daily life in the house. (I have three kids, so it gets noisy!) When I do play music, I may play instrumental love songs or Jane Austen-related music. The soundtrack to the 2020 Emma movie makes great writing music.

QG: What is the most surprising or amazing thing you discovered while researching a book?

While researching Regency-era mail coaches, I discovered that in 1816, a lioness escaped from a menagerie and attacked the Exeter mail coach! That’s the kind of thing that would seem unrealistic if it had happened in a novel, isn’t it?

Anne Rollins is the pen name of an English professor who lives in Northern California with her family, her pets, and an enormous collection of books. She is equally a fan of Diana Wynne Jones and Georgette Heyer, two authors whose writing influenced this novel.

Website:  https://www.annerollins.com

Members’ Regency Fiction Releases For April 2023

On the 1st of each month, Regency Fiction Writers publishes our FREE online newsletter, The Regency Reader, to anyone interested in Regency Fiction (1780-1840). The publication features author interviews, tidbits about the Regency era, and a listing of new titles from members and non-members. Members’ releases also appear here on the blog. Submit your May Regency-set Fiction Release or Regency Author Article by April 24th, to appear in the May issue. Information submitted after April 24th will appear in the June issue. (Subscribe now!)

For more information about an author, click on author’s name, website, or show/hide the blurb for the book.

Geraldine Burrows

Book Title: Wit and Witchery
Author Name: Geraldine Burrows
Release Date: 05/01/2023
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Genre: Regency Fantasy or Science Fiction Romance
Publisher: Glenarvon Press
Content Rating: Spicy
Format: eBook
Release Date: 05/01/2023
Author Website: https://geraldineburrows.com

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Annis Fulton is a wellborn young widow and a descendant of one of England’s oldest hereditary witch families. Trained in her secret heritage by her elderly nurse, Annis’s hedge witchery can’t save her from marriage to a cruel, much-older man in order to recover possession of her family’s ancestral estate.

Now happily widowed, she matches wits with Lord Nicholas Ryder with whom she has a long-standing quarrel. Ryder is determined to seduce her, for no other woman has aroused his ire and desire the way she has. Annis is equally determined to thwart his desire, and the two of them wage their private duel against the glittering backdrop of the London Season.

But they soon must join forces against a common enemy—Belle Barlow, proprietress of Covent Garden’s most decadent brothel and secretly the Red Queen of blood magic in London. She and Annis are born enemies, for white magic must always contend against the blood-fed red. But Annis is weakened in London, where she is cut off from the natural forces of hedge witchery and where her growing love for Ryder could prove her undoing.

And now Belle Barlow’s acolytes are readying a sacrificial altar for the white witch from the country who would dare to defy London’s Red Queen.


Isabella Thorne

Book Title: Searching for My Love
Author Name: Isabella Thorne
Release Date: 04/28/2023
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Series: Spinsters of the North
Genre: Regency
Publisher: Self
Content Rating: Sensual (Mild)
Format: Print eBook
Release Date: 04/28/2023
Author Website: https://isabellathorne.com

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Miss Peggy Williams is no wilting flower. She does not need or want a man in her life.
Baron Whitefall wants to protect the love of his life and give Peggy all the luxuries she has missed
He just must convince her that he is everything she needs…and wants.
A slow burn proper Regency Romance.


Cover Image for Swept Into the Storm

Louise Mayberry

Book Title: Swept Into the Storm
Author Name: Louise Mayberry
Release Date: 05/05/2023
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Series:
Genre: Regency Romance
Publisher: Louise Mayberry
Content Rating: Spicy
Format: Print eBook
Release Date: 05/05/2023
Author Website: http://www.louisemayberry.com

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Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico, 1824.

Sometimes storms can unearth the most precious treasure. . .

Ever since he unexpectedly inherited his father’s earldom in the Scottish Highlands, Cameron Dunn’s been searching for something, anything, to bring meaning to his new life—a search that reaches an abrupt end when he’s washed up, alone, on a deserted beach in Mexico.

Or at least the beach should be deserted. There’s no village for hundreds of miles. So who’s that beautiful woman walking toward him over the sand?

Letty Monro has a business to run, a plan for her future. Rescuing a shipwrecked earl wasn’t on the agenda. But the man’s desperate, so of course she’ll bring him to the British Settlement—for fifty pounds. And his signet ring for collateral. She’s even prepared to look past the fact he’s a peer, part of the system of oppression she despises.

As they begin their journey, sailing south through the Caribbean sea, Cameron finds himself falling for this guarded, stubborn businesswoman, and the heat smoldering between them threatens to burst into flame. Keeping her distance from the Earl of Banton will prove one of the greatest challenges Letty has ever faced. Especially when she notices, in the distracting warmth of his brown eyes, the one thing they have in common . . . How lost they both truly are.


Cover Image for Guarding the Widow Pellingham

Sandra Sookoo

Book Title: Guarding the Widow Pellingham
Author Name: Sandra Sookoo
Release Date: 05/12/2023
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Series: Willful Winterbournes #4
Genre: Regency Romance Suspense
Publisher: Dragonblade Publishing
Content Rating: Spicy
Format: Print eBook
Release Date: 05/12/2023
Author Website: http://www.sandrasookoo.com

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Scandal is devastating… Graham Ashdowne—Marquess of Grantley—is gobsmacked. At the age of forty-one, he’s avoided society, but now that he’s decided to his duty to the title and the crushing reality the coffers are nearly empty, an acquaintance comes to call bearing outrageous news that has essentially upended his entire existence. Life is daunting at best and doesn’t help his stutter while in public. A distraction is most definitely needed despite the gossip dogging his footsteps.

Avoiding fun is wretchedly dull… Wealthy and independent, Mary Pellingham objects to the direction her life has taken. Widowed three years from a rather horrid marriage which she was glad to escape, she is thoroughly enjoying society but is not looking for another union. However, when a rejected suitor won’t leave her alone, she has no choice but to avoid the beau monde and accept the unlikely and quite accidental protection of an inexperienced but endearing marquess.

An accidental engagement can reverse unsavory circumstances… As Graham and Mary learn how to navigate the obstacles blocking their paths, unexpected desire flares hot, leading her to teach the shy lord a few carnal tricks, and that forced proximity leads to a surprising friendship. When the idea of romance sneaks in, the pair balks. Unless they acknowledge their feelings and give into the help of unexpected family, everything they’ve ever longed for will be lost, especially when a peer won’t take no for an answer.


Cover Image for An Engagement of Convenience

Regina Scott

An Engagement of Convenience
Series:
Book Title: An Engagement of Convenience
Author Name: Regina Scott
Release Date: 03/23/2023
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Genre: Regency Traditional Romance
Publisher: Edwards and Williams
Content Rating: Clean Sweet
Format: eBook eNovella
Release Date: 03/23/2023
Author Website: http://www.reginascott.com

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Chaperone Kitty Chapworth has foiled five elopements, four proposals of ill intent, and the worst first kiss in history, so she isn’t about to believe a gentleman’s silken promises. That is, until charming rake Quentin Adair returns to her life. Ten years ago, Kitty was instrumental in causing the poor fellow to be exiled to Jamaica in a tragic case of love gone wrong. When he requests her help to prevent his father’s ruin, she cannot refuse, even when helping requires her to pretend she is engaged to the handsome rogue at a summer house party.

Quentin has spent the last ten years becoming the man his father always hoped. Now he will not allow an old enemy to harm his family. Kitty is the perfect conspirator–sharp, witty, and fearless. But as danger threatens, Quentin finds that his priorities changing. Can a reformed rake convince the perfect chaperone to overlook propriety for love?

Members’ Regency Fiction Releases for 08/2022

On the 1st of each month, Regency Fiction Writers publishes our FREE online newsletter, The Regency Reader, to anyone interested in Regency Fiction (1780-1840). The publication features author interviews, tidbits about the Regency era, and a listing of new titles from members and non-members. Members’ releases also appear here on the blog. Submit your April Regency-set Fiction Release or Regency Author Article by March 24th, to appear in the April issue. Information submitted after March 24th will appear in the May issue. (Subscribe now!)

For more information about an author, click on author’s name, website, or show/hide the blurb for the book.



Cover Image for An Event at Epsom: A Light-hearted Regency Fantasy

Marissa Doyle

An Event at Epsom: A Light-hearted Regency Fantasy
Series: The Ladies of Almack’s
Genre: Regency Paranormal Fantasy or Science Fiction
Publisher: Book View Cafe
Content Rating: Sweet
Format: Print | eNovella
Release Date: 08/02/2022
Author Website: https://www.marissadoyle.com

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Young widow Annabel Chalfont, Countess of Fellbridge, has two small sons to raise, a mountain of her late husband’s debts to pay off, and a secret: she’s a shadow-shaper, able to manipulate shadow as anyone else might clay. She and six other high-born ladies with equally extraordinary abilities defend England against supernatural crime—but the world knows them only as the Lady Patronesses of Almack’s, Regency London’s most exclusive social venue.

It’s June, which means that the fashionable of London are off to Epsom for the annual race meet. A newcomer is favored to win the Oaks Stakes—a mysterious filly who came from nowhere to win the spring races left and right. It will be up to the Lady Patronesses to discover her identity—while Annabel discovers what her true feelings are for Lord Quinceton…

Continue reading “Members’ Regency Fiction Releases for 08/2022”

Members’ Regency Fiction Releases for 03/2022

On the 1st of each month, Regency Fiction Writers publishes our FREE online newsletter, The Regency Reader, to anyone interested in Regency Fiction (1780-1840). The publication features author interviews, tidbits about the Regency era, and a listing of new titles from members and non-members. Members’ releases also appear here on the blog. Submit your April Regency-set Fiction Release or Regency Author Article by March 24th, to appear in the April issue. Information submitted after March 24th will appear in the May issue. (Subscribe now!)

For more information about an author, click on author’s name, website, or show/hide the blurb for the book.



Cover Image for How the Lord Married His Lady

Laura A. Barnes

How the Lord Married His Lady
Series: Matchmaking Madness
Genre: Regency Traditional Inspirational Romance
Publisher: Laura A. Barnes
Content Rating: Spicy
Format: Print | eBook
Release Date: 03/01/2022
Author Website: https://www.lauraabarnes.com/

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One cannot force love, but must wait for the perfect moment to make their match.

The love she held for him was a burden she carried in her heart. His family’s legacy kept him from opening his heart to her love. Can they overcome their doubts and share a lifetime of love?

Abigail Cason was a dreamer. When she met her knight in shining armor, her heart only bowed to him. The friendship she shared with him led her to believe he would ask her to become his bride. With each stolen kiss, she eagerly anticipated his proposal. However, his request turned out to be an offer of obligation. She spent a lifetime as an obligation and she refused to spend her marriage in the same fashion. No matter how much she loved him. Will she ever be worthy enough for his love?

Lucas Gray felt the weight of responsibility on his shoulders. His heart pulled him in the opposite direction of where he must stand. But the tempting lure of sweet kisses drew him to seduce the lady who haunted his every desire. Abigail made him dream of the impossible. Can he form a new legacy with the love he holds for her?

Destiny demanded for their two souls to intertwine. A family who risked everything to make the match a success. Will Abigail and Lucas allow their doubts to keep them apart? Or will they make their dreams a reality?

Continue reading “Members’ Regency Fiction Releases for 03/2022”

Members’ Regency Fiction Releases for 08/2021

On the 1st of each month, Regency Fiction Writers publishes our FREE online newsletter, The Regency Reader, to anyone interested in Regency Fiction (1780-1840). The publication features author interviews, tidbits about the Regency era, and a listing of new titles from members and non-members (Submit your April Regency-set Fiction Release or Regency Author Article by March 24th, to appear in the April issue. Information submitted after March 24th will appear in the May issue.). (Subscribe now!)

For more information about an author, click on author’s name, website, or show/hide the blurb for the book.



Cover Image for King of Clubs

Meredith Bond

King of Clubs
Series: The Ladies’ Wagering Whist Society
Genre: Regency Traditional Romance
Publisher: Anessa Books
Content Rating: Clean Sweet
Format: Print | eBook
Release Date: 08/01/2021
Author Website: https://meredithbond.com

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Can the Ladies’ Wagering Whist Society ensure that two business rivals close the deal?
Joshua Powell, Lord Wickford, enjoys being the dashing, popular and successful owner of Powell’s Club for Gentlemen. But when he is nearly killed while riding through the streets of London, he realizes that he needs to find a wife and beget an heir. Joshua knows that his intended wife needs to be a lady from a well-esteemed family. So why is he constantly distracted by his business adversary’s sparkling beauty, sharp tongue, and dazzling mind?
Gwendolyn Sherman is fascinated with numbers and with figuring out the most efficient way to run her father’s business. So her father makes her a deal: he would allow her to anonymously start her own business – a club for ladies – only if she would stay in London and find a titled husband. But those Regency lords all seem to want her only for her dowry. All, of course, except for her biggest competitor, the annoyingly attractive Viscount Wickford.
It will be up to the Ladies’ Wagering Whist Society to win their last trick, by setting Joshua straight on his priorities. After all, the ace of hearts trumps the king of clubs.

Continue reading “Members’ Regency Fiction Releases for 08/2021”

2021 Conference Registration Closes July 15th!

Regency Fiction Writers
2021 Virtual Conference

A navy blue enamel pin in the shape of an open book, with gold lettering that reads 'Regency Fiction Writers' on the left page and '2021 Conference' below a gold silhouette of Jane Austen in a white oval on the right page.

A Brand New Day –
The Many Facets of Regency Fiction

July 22 – 24, 2021


The Board of Directors of Regency Fiction Writers invites you to join us for our Annual Conference and Soirée on July 22-24, 2021.

This year’s conference spans three days with twelve workshops focused on historical, marketing, craft, and, diversity topics. Registration will close at 11:59 pm EDT on July 15th!

We’d also appreciate it if you shared this information (click on any of the sharing icons below or on the main conference page!) with other writers of Regency fiction. We welcome any and all genres and sub-genres set in the extended Regency period of England (1780 to 1840).

Regency Fiction Writers’ Virtual Conference will be live via Zoom and will be recorded for future use so you can take a break if you need to or come back and revisit a session or event at a later date. Please note that one session will not be recorded per presenter’s choice.

We’re disappointed that we won’t be meeting in person, but the most important issue is everyone’s safety and wellness and that of our families and friends. It will make the next in-person event all the sweeter!

We hope you’ll join us this July!
Full Registration ends on July 15th!

The main 2021 Virtual Conference page has many more details and the link to registration form is at the very bottom!

If you have any problems or questions, please contact me at conferencechair [at] thebeaumonde [dot] com.

Best wishes,
Ann Chaney
Conference Chair
2021 Regency Fiction Writers Virtual Conference


Promotional Image for RFW 2021 Conference. Details are same as the page linked in the post: https://thebeaumonde.com/conference/.

Assembly Rooms – April 2015

Here’s the monthly assemblage of links of interest to lovers of the Regency era — everything from prisoners’ mementos to dishonest valets. Continue reading “Assembly Rooms – April 2015”

Emotionally Engage from the Very First Page   By Cheryl Bolen

Could you use some tips on how to write that oh-so important opening paragraph for your next novel? The paragraph which will draw a reader in deeply enough to induce them to carry your novel from the bookstore bookshelf to the check-out counter? In today’s article, Cheryl Bolen will share some valuable information which she learned during a workshop offered by author Colleen Thompson.

The six principles which will help you write a powerfully compelling first paragraph …

Continue reading “Emotionally Engage from the Very First Page   By Cheryl Bolen”

The Moral Premise   By Cheryl Bolen

Do the scenes in the novel on which you are working sometimes play in your mind like a movie? That could very well work to your advantage as you write. In today’s article, Cheryl Bolen shares tips from screenwriters which can help you strengthen the structure of your story.

Continue reading “The Moral Premise   By Cheryl Bolen”

Annual Mini Conference & Soiree!

The Beau Monde’s annual one day mini-conference and soiree will be held Wednesday, July 25th during the RWA National conference at the Anaheim Marriott in California.

Starting with breakfast and the annual general meeting, the conference will include a variety of Regency-themed workshops throughout the day with knowledgeable presenters, including Candice Hern, Isobel Carr and this year’s three time RITA nominee Vicky Dreiling. Our luncheon keynote speaker is the amazing Delilah Marvelle. Plus there will be a silent auction with plenty of Regency-themed items, critiques, etc. for you to bid on!

The evening’s soiree will include music, dancing and the winners announcement of the Royal Ascot writing contest.

Registration fees are as follows:

Soiree Only Member: $60

Soiree Only Non Member: $75

Early Bird Members: $155

Early Bird Non-Members: $175

Regular Members: $170

Regular Non-Members: $190

Early bird registration ends June 15th.

For more information and to register, please visit the conference page.

Cheryl Bolen Reveals The Power? of the Golden Heart Award

With the entry period for Beau Monde’s Royal Ascot Contest now underway, many of us are polishing our manuscripts and daydreaming about what effect a win might have on our budding writing careers. In today’s article, Cheryl Bolen, award-winning published author of several historical romance novels, records her conversations with a group of Golden Heart award finalists. They share their thoughts on the impact which Golden Heart recognition had on their careers and their success in publishing their books.

Continue reading “Cheryl Bolen Reveals The Power? of the Golden Heart Award”

Taryn Kincaid – Featured Beau Monde Author

Taryn Kincaid is today’s Featured Beau Monde Author.

Taryn Kincaid began writing as soon as she could and has never stopped. She is particularly pleased when she is lucky enough to be paid for her words. In additon to her books, she is also an award-winning reporter and columnist, covering stories ranging from fires and homicides to corrupt politicians and heroic dogs. Taryn is a member of the Beau Monde as well as the Hudson Valley RWA, in addition to the Fantasy, Futuristic, and Paranormal chapters. Her most recent tale, a Regency novella, is Healing Hearts, which was published earlier this year.

Taryn enjoys reading in all genres, but she says she likes writing historical romance and romantic paranormals best. She has a couple of paranormal stories in progress, but is eager to write another Regency, perhaps a story linked to the main characters in her novella, Healing Hearts.

Find her at Facebook@TarynKincaiddreamvoyagers.blogspot.com

Shereen Vedam – Featured Beau Monde Author

Shereen Vedam

Shereen Vedam, a fantasy and regency author, is today’s Featured Beau Monde Author.

She has published several short stories but her one and only published regency short story (with no magic involvement whatsoever) is available for sale through The Wild Rose Press and is called To Capture Love.  This short story has garnered some very nice reviews, such as this one :

Coffee Time Romance Review – Reviewed by: Maura – Sensuality rating: Sweet

I loved the way Pauline is able to live in both worlds, as a marriageable young woman of society, and as a very talented artist, all with the approval of her family. This is a great story that fans of this genre will definitely want to read.

Recently, one of Shereen’s unpublished novels (The Coven At Callington) was chosen as one of six semi finalists in Terry Pratchett’s Anywhere But Here, Anywhen But Now fantasy contest.

Set in 1815, Cornwall, England, this is a tale of a witch and a church guard who become entangled in Church politics and a battle with the fey.  This light-hearted romance is an alternate-history fantasy that takes a quirky look at the strengths and weaknesses of love, magic and religious beliefs.
Find her at –  Web

Donna Hatch – Featured Beau Monde Author

Donna Hatch

Donna’s passion for writing began at age 8 when she wrote her first short story. During her sophomore year in high school, she wrote her first full-length novel, which was recently published.

Her writing has won or been nominated as a finalist in many writing awards including the Whitney, SARA Merritt, and Golden Quill. In between caring for six children, (7 counting her husband), her day job, and her many volunteer positions, she manages to carve out time to indulge in her writing obsession.

A native of Arizona, she writes Regency Romance and Fantasy. And yes, all of her heroes are patterned after her husband of over 21 years, who continues to prove that there really is a happily ever after.

Books – The Guise of a Gentleman; Book 2 of the Rogue Hearts Series

Queen in Exile, a fantasy

Blog 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/donnahatch