Barbara Cartland

As was recently announced, Aurora Regency is actively seeking traditional regency novels for publication. From their submission guidelines: "Think Georgette Heyer, Barbara Cartland and, of course, Jane Austen." Georgette Heyer and Jane Austen retain their popularity even today, but how many born after the last couple of decades of the last century recognize the name Barbara Cartland? Offered here is a brief overview of her work by one who read and enjoyed many of her novels.

A cross-post from The Regency Redingote:

She was called the "Queen of Romance" in her day, though I suspect there are many romance readers today who have never heard her name. And yet, she is credited with writing more than seven hundred romance novels over the course of a seventy-year career. With her big hair, plumed hats and pink dresses, she became something of a caricature of herself in her later years. But she also did a lot of good in her long life, working diligently for many charities, and I think she was entitled to do as she pleased.

There are those who might dismiss her work as fluff, and perhaps some of her later novels might merit that description, but not her earlier work. The novels of Barbara Cartland gave me a lot of pleasure in my early years as a Regency romance devotee. May I share some reflections on the work of Barbara Cartland?

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 …

What I Learned About Love From Reading Romance Novels by Regan Walker

What I Learned About Love From Reading Romance Novels

     by Regan Walker.

Romance icon (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Regan Walker

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.

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.

Grace Kone (Blair Bancroft) – Featured Beau Monde Author

Grace Kone (Blair Bancroft) is today’s Featured Beau Monde Author

Grace Kone’s Biography -

I began writing (as Blair Bancroft) later than most because my mother was the successful author of children’s books, and it never occurred to me we could have two writers in the same family.

When I did make the attempt, the Regency was closest to my heart. But since I truly believe variety is the spice of life, I also write Romantic Suspense, Thrillers, Mystery, Futuristic, and Steampunk.

My Tarleton’s Wife won a Golden Heart and The Indifferent Earl, a RITA finalist, was chosen Best Regency by Romantic Times.

In 2011 I went “indie” with my backlist and am thoroughly enjoying the renaissance of my traditional Regencies.

A new Regency novella, Mistletoe Moment, was published by Ellora’s Cave (Blush) for the holidays.

Grace Kone Orange blossoms & Mayhem

And in January 2012 I uploaded my first indie-published new work, the thriller, Orange Blossoms & Mayhem.

Website: www.blairbancroft.com

Blog: http://mosaicmoments.blogspot.com

Facebook: Grace Kone

Linkedin: Grace Kone

Twitter: @blairbancroft

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.

Regency or Regency-set Historical? by Cheryl Bolen

One of our recently featured authors, Cheryl Bolen, has graciously given us permission to publish some of her articles here at the Beau Monde. We begin with an article she wrote in which she explains how she got started writing Regencies. She also provides a clear and concise explanation of the difference between traditional Regencies and romance novels set in the period of the English Regency. This article was originally published in 2002, and sadly, since its original publication, her predictions on the fate of traditional Regency romances have come to pass. Nevertheless, this article will give those writing in the Regency genre a rare look at the development of romance novels set in our favorite period of history, from the perspective of an author successfully published in that genre.

We hope you will enjoy reading Cheryl’s candid look at the business of Regency romance writing  . . .