Why so you think the Regency era is so popular with contemporary audiences?
I think contemporary readers love the manners, fashions and settings of an era we barely recognize these days. Who doesn’t love the idea of a Mr. Darcy type character dancing with the heroine at some grand English estate?
It’s a form of escape, a little like a fairy tale, except it’s grounded in the reality of history. And it’s not just carriage rides and fancy balls; it’s also a time of great social and technological change, which means there is a world of interesting facts to discover.
What’s the best part about writing romances set during the Regency era?
I actually really like the social constraints that make romances set in this era so different to today. In Regency times a lady couldn’t openly admit her feelings, and had to employ far more subtle ways to communicate her interest in a gentleman (such as the language of the fan!).
It was a time when marriage was everything, as the right partner could lead to wealth and security, which meant that protecting a young lady’s reputation was vital. A young couple had to be far more restrained in their actions; sometimes they barely had a chance to talk without a chaperone (which is why dancing at balls was so popular, as young ladies and gentlemen could actually speak to each other).
They weren’t supposed to do anything as bold as kiss (at least until after they were engaged), and they definitely couldn’t go off alone, otherwise there might be a ruined reputation and an enforced trip to the altar. These social constraints make it a fun challenge to see how characters can be brought together, and I like that my characters are drawn to each other because of their humor, their faith, their shared interests, rather than basing a relationship on mere physical attraction.
Of course my characters experience physical attraction, too. Add to this all the intriguing elements of Regency history, and there is a lot to love!
What are your favorite ways for readers to support their favorite authors?
You mean apart from buying their books? It’s wonderful when readers help authors by promoting their books on social media or by leaving kind reviews.
I find it all too easy to lose that space of hopeful expectancy when I accidentally come across a negative review, which eats away at my confidence and creativity. (I’m working on it!)
So if a reader enjoys a book and wants to support their favorite author then write a positive review and post it at Amazon / Goodreads / your place of purchase, send a message to the author via their website, subscribe to their newsletter, follow them on social media, and request your local library to order their books. Your favorite author thanks you!
Visit Carolyn Miller’s author page:
https://www.familyfiction.com/authors/carolyn-miller
The Making of Mrs. Hale
Regency Brides: A Promise of Hope #3
Kregel Publications