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Josh Lanyon | Writing Them Like They Used To
April 7, 2011
I was listening recently to writers wailing on a historical mystery discussion
list about readers who say they find historical fiction boring. Among the
theories proposed was these readers are themselves boring, which I guess might
be true, but I think it’s more like…just as some readers can’t get into fantasy,
some readers can’t relate to historical fiction. In fact, for some readers, historical fiction might as well be fantasy! I’m not sure what sales are like for regular historical fiction, but I write
mystery and romance, and to my way of thinking there are two schools of thought,
and possibly two sets of readers for that kind of historical genre fiction. One
set favors the romantic historical -- the kind of thing where history is altered
as needed to make for a “better” story -- and the other set favors historical
romance -- where the writer works as hard to get every detail accurate as would
a writer of non-fiction. Of the two schools, the romantic historical typically
sells better. That probably doesn’t come as a shock to anyone. Dessert is
generally more popular than broccoli. In my opinion, the very best historical fiction combines all the elements we
look for in any good fiction, while still achieving historical veracity. It’s
not an easy mix because the kind of scholar who gets worked up about the
different types of knots used in Regency cravats is not always the same
temperament as the scribe with a gift for cracking good storytelling. That’s not
to say that the two instincts can’t peacefully coexist in one nervous system,
just that historical fiction in general has its share of pedants. The best way to grab readers by the throat and shake them into submission for
the course of a story is to powerfully engage their emotions. One thing that
never changes is our human need for love and acceptance. Historical fiction
succeeds when it tells a story that readers care about, and readers care about
story when they can relate to the characters. It happens that I write about gay men at a time when male male romance is
enjoying an all time high. That wasn’t always the case. Historically, our
societal views of homosexuality have changed with each generation. In the 20s
the attitude in this country was fairly relaxed. By the 40s, which is when my
current Carina Press release SNOWBALL IN HELL is set,
the cultural mindset was repressive, to say the least. The most tolerant view
was that homosexuality was a form of mental illness. There was no question of
domestic partnerships, let alone marriage. Same sex relationships were not
recognized and sexual acts were illegal. Admittedly, it’s a dark backdrop
against which to set a romance, but I think it works rather well in this noirish
mystery. One of the nicest write-ups for SNOWBALL IN HELL is the
description at the legendary Thrilling Detective Website: …Simply one of the most pitch-perfect evocations of World War II-era Los
Angeles I've ever read, both familiar and unfamiliar, like a long-lost Black
Mask tale that goes down mean streets Chandler never dreamed of. Terse and dark, it's an unsettling, dark tale of guilt and redemption, murder
and betrayal, war and honour, loneliness and fear and maybe, just maybe, a
chance at something better. The grim reality of the homosexual demi-monde
of the time is portrayed with bitter but sympathetic strokes, right down to the
tawdry one-night stands, the cancerous self-loathing of a life lived in the
closet and the thuggish, gay-bashing cops who prowl MacArthur Park at night
looking for easy targets. Are the historical details accurate? You bet. As accurate as I can get them, but
it’s the poignant, painful story of Nathan Doyle and Matthew Spain that I hope
will stay with readers. I guess whether I succeed or not will be left to
history. Josh Lanyon Comment to win a copy of SNOWBALL IN HELL, three
winners today!
Comments
33 comments posted.
Re: Josh Lanyon | Writing Them Like They Used To
How can anyone find historical fiction boring? I am in shock. I could always read their share as well.
(Mary Preston 4:37am April 7, 2011)
Personally I prefer broccoli to most desserts. Like the previous commenter, I prefer historical fiction/novels. I love history and actually learned at least some of it from authors beginning with historian Thomas B. Costain, Samuel Shellabarger, Frank Yerby and others. I don't mind a romantic historical, but I definitely prefer at least some verifiable history in my historical reading.
(Sigrun Schulz 5:45am April 7, 2011)
I can't imagine anyone finding historical fiction boring. There is always something new to learn about in history. I am afraid I couldn't even talk to a person that said historical fiction is boring, because chances are, they know nothing about history. That is so shallow.
I would love to read your books.
(Debbie Penny 5:49am April 7, 2011)
all of the books you wright are very inspireing .
(Shanan Moening 5:57am April 7, 2011)
I can't understand someone finding historical history boring. I enjoy it so much. You can learn a lot from it.
I would love to read the book
(Diane Castiglione 6:44am April 7, 2011)
Historical fiction books are my favorites as long as they are accurate. Of course I also enjoy mysteries and romance.
Blessings,
Marjorie
(Marjorie Carmony 6:57am April 7, 2011)
I love historical fiction. The amount of research that some authors do is
amazing.
(Beth Melito 7:22am April 7, 2011)
I always wanted to start reading historical fiction with a
good one.
(Carmela Francisco 9:39am April 7, 2011)
I enjoy many genres--as long as the writing is good and the story line interests me---historical fiction I find particularly interesting because if done well, you can enjoy yourself and get a bit of education at the same time.
(Sue Farrell 10:26am April 7, 2011)
I can't imagine anyone not liking historial fiction... I do find some books boring but it's more the author's writing style rather than the genre...
(May Pau 10:34am April 7, 2011)
I prefer to read historical fiction but I dismiss authors who prove not to be as
accurate as they should be. I will look for comments by authors for time
shifts to enhance a story before I read that book. If I find historical errors not
previously commented on I will not read that author again. They can truly
spoil the genre for the better authors who are more careful. Thankfully this
does not happen much.
(Sandra Spilecki 11:04am April 7, 2011)
Love Historial fiction, can't get enought
(Jean Mitchell 11:29am April 7, 2011)
'Streets Chandler never dreamed of'? High praise indeed! (and rightly so)
(Steve Leonard 12:34pm April 7, 2011)
I am a recent, big Josh Lanyon fan! I have yet to read this book, but I certainly do love historical fiction. From reading the reviews and comments about this book I am going to read this book when I finish Josh's first Holmes & Moriarty book!
(Anthony Salas 2:03pm April 7, 2011)
Just keep writing Josh. Your keen view of old time drama and modern day life makes for a good story. I like reading about areas that I'm familar with lots of detail. Pulls me in every time.
(Rosemary Simm 2:55pm April 7, 2011)
wow the book look great i have never read one but would like to have posted to my face book and twitter
(Desiree Reilly 4:20pm April 7, 2011)
I'm a fan of historical fiction, but that wasn't always the case. The stories and characters didn't make me want to know what was going to happen next.
That changed when I gave the genre another try. I was instantly drawn into the story and would not put the book down until I was finished.
I'm sure if people find stories that are written well, they will enjoy the genre, too.
(Leni Kaye 6:09pm April 7, 2011)
I have recently discovered and fallen in love with historical fiction. I have found so many different historical periods and topics. It's so exciting. I happen to be a fan of yours. I would love to read this. Maybe there will be greater tolerance in the future because of the upswing in gay fiction. We can only hope.
(Jennifer Beyer 6:44pm April 7, 2011)
love to win...
(Cynthia Teer 7:20pm April 7, 2011)
please enter me in this sweepstakes.
(Jason Young 7:21pm April 7, 2011)
SWEET giveaway!
(Sandra Greear 7:23pm April 7, 2011)
I think it depends on what type of historical fiction it is and how the author writes. I like reading historical fiction, actually I like most genres. I haven't read any of your books yet, but it sounds intriguing and I would like to get the chance to read it.
(Amy Christian 9:01pm April 7, 2011)
The write up by the Thrilling Detective Website really IS spot-on. I've been fortunate to see some of the places in Los Angeles where Snowball in Hell takes place and although I saw them in a modern setting, I was able to imagine what they looked like in the 1940s. More importantly, as you mentioned, I could connect to the emotional turmoil of the characters. It's a fascinating story. I fully understand why it's one of your personal favorites, Josh.
(Patty Vasquez 9:49pm April 7, 2011)
I have always been a fan of historical fiction - what an easy and entertaining way to learn. Josh, I've heard nothing but good things about SNOWBALL IN HELL. I know I won't be disappointed. HIS FOR THE HOLIDAYS rocked! BTW, nice to see you here!
(Cynthia Netherton 9:54pm April 7, 2011)
The book sounds like something I would love to read. Please enter me. dancealert at aol dot com
(Brenda Rupp 11:01pm April 7, 2011)
I think this book sounds like something I would like to read. Please enter me . Thanks.
(Brenda Rupp 11:03pm April 7, 2011)
I love historical fiction, especially if learn something new about the time period in wich the story is set!
(Diane Sallans 11:26pm April 7, 2011)
Hostorical fiction is the BEST fiction around. One of the things which makes it so good is when a new twist o side to a story comes out, which seems to be the case in this book. I'm all for it!
(Amy Conley 1:22am April 8, 2011)
I notice my reading habits tend toward romance in whatever genre I choose,
whether historical fiction, young adult, sci-fi, fantasy, etc. This hasn't always
been the case but it's my current reader m.o. I enjoy Tracy Chevalier and Philippa
Gregory but lately have been more likely to read Julia Quinn or Jennifer Ashley :)
(Bella Franco 1:27am April 8, 2011)
Boring? Well, I suppose some authors might not have the gift of generally writing intersting books, but to claim that a whole genre is boring is just wrong!
(Birgit Lehner 12:19pm April 8, 2011)
i enjoy a great historical, to a paranormal fantasy, to a contempory read, but my favorites are the cowboy stories...sigh...none of the cowboys i have ever meet live up to those great stories
(Chele Blades 12:44pm April 8, 2011)
I love historical fiction in general but it's got to have
more than history going for it. It's got to be exciting and
keep my attention. An prime example, P Gregory's books on
Henry VIII's wives were fascinating but her series the
Cousin's War were boring as they didn't have the mystery,
romance, or excitement in them that the earlier books did.
(Lisa Richards 2:41pm April 8, 2011)
Historical fiction entices me to read more and to know history better and see if the settings hold up.
(Alyson Widen 11:26am April 25, 2011)
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