I get the sense I’m in an AA or NA meeting every time someone says: Oh, you’re a
writer! What do you write?
Hello, I’m USA Today Bestselling author, Christina McKnight, and I
write historical romance. Narrow that down a bit, I write Regency Romance. What
follows is usually wide-eyed stares that evolve into scrunched brows as people
ponder what in the heck I just said. I normally go on to explain my books are
set in or around London, England in 1816.
Next question is always: Why don’t you write ___ ( fill in a genre here)?
I smile and laugh as if their question isn’t utterly perplexing to me. Why
Regency? Simply because I have not found a period in history (including modern
times) that fills me with such a sense of passion, a drive to explore, and a
need to envelop myself completely in the time period.
One glimpse of Regency era fashion, decorum, and daily activities had me hooked.
There is something about the mannerisms, the speech patterns and the grandness
of everyday in London, England during the 1810s that holds my attention. Think
about it, in 1813 a woman of the ton would never leave her home in yoga pants
and gym shoes. No, by noon a woman had spent hours preparing to be seen in
polite society. Their gown is selected to fit the activities on their calendar;
a ride in the park, a round of social calls, or an afternoon garden party. Their
hair was exquisitely coiffured to meet the rigid standards of high society.
Shoes, stockings, gloves, handbag, hat, jewelry, face powder, and parasol were
selected to match each gown.
And do not get me started on gentlemen of the period. Swoon. They lived
and breathed manners, at least in front of a lady. They knew when to offer their
arm or collect a refreshment for a woman. But they were not opposed to a round
of boxing or a fencing match. They never turn down a card game, enjoyed the
occasional carriage race, and were certainly not above challenging another man
to a duel to avenge the honor of a woman they love.
At least these are the men and women I enjoy creating in my Regency romance novels.
Why Regency?
The true question is, why NOT Regency?
Christina McKnight is a book lover turned writer. From a young age, her
mother encouraged her to tell her own stories. She’s been writing ever since.
Currently, she focuses on Historical Romance.
Christina enjoys a quiet
life in Northern California with her family, her wine, and lots of coffee. Oh,
and her books…don’t forget her books! Most days she can be found writing,
reading, or traveling the great state of California.
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