Writing Historicals that Appeal to the Modern Reader

By Shana Galen

For the past decade, I have heard the same refrain: the historical romance is dead. The assumption is that the modern reader doesn’t want to read about a world where there was no internet or cell service and where indoor plumbing was still a relatively new concept.

But I’m still writing historical romances, and readers are still reading them. In fact, I’ve been surprised at my last few signings to see so many young, meaning early twenties, readers. The genre is gaining new readers!

What is it about books like my Jewels of the Ton series that appeal to modern readers? I think it’s a combination of three factors—the hero, the heroine, and the plot.

The Hero

Although it seems counter-intuitive, modern readers like traditional heroes. Take the hero from If You Give a Rake a Ruby. Warrick is an alpha male. He’s the son of an earl, so he’s also wealthy and powerful. Oh, and he’s also an elite spy for the Crown. Cliché? Sure. But clichés are cliché because readers love them. What woman fantasizes about meeting a nice middle class shop owner? Not me! It’s fun to dream about a strong, powerful hero who thinks he knows everything, only to realize that the woman he falls in love with knows a few things too. Modern readers want an alpha traditional male who also comes to respect and admire the woman he loves. Male chauvinism is fine when a hero is introduced, but he should have evolved by the end of the book.

The Heroine

In contrast to the hero, heroines really should be modern women in historical clothing. Make that gorgeous historical clothing. My readers like a heroine who can stand on her own. Fallon from If You Give a Rake a Ruby is such a woman. She’s strong and independent. She’s had a tough life, but she’s a survivor. She doesn’t need to be saved, but she does need to be loved. We all need to be loved and cherished and valued, and those needs cross all genres and time periods.

Modern readers certainly appreciate a kick-ass heroine (and Fallon kicks more than a few in this book), but readers like their glamour too. I loved dressing Fallon in silks and rubies, having her attend all the most fashionable events, and giving her servants and other luxuries. But I’m well aware there was a darker side, a seedier side of London, and my characters step foot in that world as well.

The Plot

I can’t speak for all readers, but modern readers are used to fast-paced lives and fast-paced media. I think we often enjoy fast-paced reads as well. I love drawing room historicals, but there’s nothing like a good adventure story with spies or pirates or highway men. If You Give a Rake a Ruby is full of intrigue—spies, secret identities, valuable diamonds, priceless rubies, carriage chases, fist fights, and a love story right in the middle. That’s the kind of historical a modern reader likes. I hope.

What are your thoughts? Do you enjoy historicals? Why or why not?

IF YOU GIVE A RAKE A RUBY

BY SHANA GALEN – IN STORES MARCH 2013

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Her Mysterious Past is the Best Revenge…

Fallon, the Marchioness of Mystery, is a celebrated courtesan with her finger on the pulse of high society. She’s adored by men, hated by their wives. No one knows anything about her past, and she plans to keep it that way.

Only He Can Offer Her a Dazzling Future…

Warrick Fitzhugh will do anything to protect his compatriots in the Foreign Office, including seduce Fallon, who he thinks can lead him to the deadliest crime lord in London. He knows he’s putting his life on the line…

To Warrick’s shock, Fallon is not who he thinks she is, and the secrets she’s keeping are exactly what makes her his heart’s desire…

Praise for If You Give a Rake  a Ruby

“Galen is at the top of her game… Galen is a grand mistress of the action/adventure subgenre.” —RT Book Reviews, 4 ½ Stars, Top Pick of the Month

“The writing is excellent and the characters are captivating. Ms. Galen delivers a steamy romance between a determined hero and a reluctant heroine.” — Night Owl Reviews, 5/5 Stars, Reviewer Top Pick

A little about Shana: 

Shana Galen is the bestselling author of fast-paced adventurous Regency historicals, including the RT Reviewers’ Choice Winner The Making of a Gentleman and the RT-nominated When You Give a Duke a Diamond. Her books are published all over the world and have been featured in the Rhapsody and Doubleday Book Clubs. She taught English at the middle and high school level off and on for eleven years. Most of those years were spent working in Houston’s inner city. Now she writes full time. She’s happily married and has a daughter who is most definitely a romance heroine in the making. Shana loves to hear from readers: visit her website at www.shanagalen.com or see what she’s up to daily on Facebook and Twitter.

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