Fresh Fiction Blog | Lisa Kessler | Using real history in a Paranormal World

Hi everyone -

I'm excited to be back on the Fresh Fiction Blog! :-)

Since NIGHT WALKER, the first book in my Night Series, was published, I have received many emails from readers asking if the historical flashbacks in the novel were accurate. I'm always happy to answer that they are.

As a writer, it's challenging and fun to blend true history into my paranormal worlds. It makes the characters and the conflict feel more real, like they could actually have happened.

My latest addition to the Night Series, NIGHT THIEF, is a prequel and it takes place in 1840 in Paris.

Here's the blurb:

After the fall of the Mayan civilization, Kane, an immortal Night Walker, has taken refuge in France for over 800 years. The modern world holds little interest for him until the night he meets the Golden Thief and is robbed of much more than his pocket watch.

Marguerite Rousseau is living a double life. By day she is the assistant to an eccentric French artist, Antoine Berjon, and by night she dons elegant evening gowns to woo French dignitaries before lifting their wallets.

Sparks ignite when Kane captures the thief, but Marguerite harbors a dark secret that could ruin them both.

The book opens during the National Funeral for Napoleon when his body was returned to France. It's during that huge public celebration that Kane witnesses a woman pick-pocket a wealthy man.

Rita is living a dual life, struggling to escape the eccentric artist she serves. All of the art, the opera, and the opening scene of Napoleon's funeral are historically accurate. I hope by weaving in real facts, it helps to sink the reader into the paranormal elements until it seems possible that Mayan immortal Night Walkers might have dwelled among us for centuries...

Excerpt: This scene takes place after Marguerite has stolen Kane's pocket watch and he tracks her... (1840 - Paris)

She wore her golden hair up in a loose knot, with stray curls falling down her neck and framing her large round eyes and high cheekbones. Nothing about her was subtle or forgettable like a thief should be.

When he took the watch from her hand, he noticed a flush of color rising from beneath the velvet choker on her neck. Enticing. "You are a flamboyant thief."

He never saw the slap coming.

"How dare you!" Her hands balled into fists at her sides.

Kane smiled and reached for her hand, drawing her soft fingers to his lips. Her struggles were nothing against his inhuman strength. Pressing a cool kiss to her knuckles, he stared into her eyes.

"Forgive me for being so rude," he murmured. "You are the most lovely, delicate, and beautiful thief I have ever seen."

This time, he caught her other wrist before her slap made contact with his cheek. Her bright blue eyes widened. "Let me go."

"Not yet." He tipped his head slightly. "I have a confession to make."

"You?"

He released her. "I have been watching you, waiting to make your acquaintance. I wore my watch tonight hoping you might take it from me."

A crease marred her brow. "Why?"

"Because you intrigue me. I have never met a thief quite like you."

Her eyes searched his, and for a moment, he thought she might apologize for taking his property.

"I did not steal your watch." She set her chin. "I found it."

Marguerite placed the watch in his palm, and she closed his fingers around it. Glancing at his hand, she frowned.

"Your skin is cold." She released him. "Are you sick?"

He shook his head. "I am well."

She went back to the table and gathered her other treasures. "It is good fortune that our paths crossed again so that I could return your watch. Sadly, I will still need to find the other owners."

"We could give the items you found to the police."

"No!" She snatched up the satchel and hid it behind her skirt. He watched her clear her throat and her composure returned with her charm. "I could not trust another person with these valuables. Tomorrow, I will go back and inquire with the host to see which guests might be missing their belongings. It is the only way to ease my mind and know they will be returned to their rightful owners."

"How thoughtful of you. With Le Voleur D'or stalking the streets of Paris, they probably fear their belongings are lost forever."

Her back straightened and her lips pressed together as if she were a royal princess. It was all he could do not to kiss her. What was wrong with him? He should be angered, or in the least, willing to turn her over to the police.

His shoulders tensed at the thought of an officer touching her.

She cleared her throat. "What do you know of Le Voleur D'or?"

He stepped in closer to her and kept his voice low. "I have been told she has golden hair and her beauty is so blinding that no one notices her pluck their wallets from their pockets. I also understand that she charms her victims until they no longer care that she has lightened their coin purses."

He tipped his head down. The scent of her hair and the sound of her heartbeat enticed him. Kane ached to taste her. Such an unusual woman. He bit back his desire and whispered near her ear. "Is my description far from the truth?"

She met his gaze. The candlelight flickered in the clear sea-blue of her eyes. "Perhaps you were not charmed enough, Monsieur Bordeaux."

"In my rush to find you, I was nearly run down by a coach."

She glanced down at the watch in his hand, then met his gaze again. "You do cherish that watch."

He bent closer to her, until his lips nearly brushed hers. "It was not the watch that I was after."

I hope you enjoyed the excerpt! How do you feel about paranormals that weave in real historical events?

One commenter will win an eBook copy of NIGHT THIEF!

Thanks for coming by!

Lisa

Lisa Kessler is an award winning author of dark paranormal fiction. Her debut novel, NIGHT WALKER, won a San Diego Book Award for best Fantasy-Sci-fi-Horror, and also won the Romance Through the Ages Best Paranormal and Best First Book categories.

Her short stories have been published in print anthologies and magazines, and her vampire story, Immortal Beloved, was a finalist for a Bram Stoker award.

Lisa lives in southern California with her husband and two amazing kids.

You can learn more about Lisa and her books at http://Lisa-Kessler.com

Comments

I visited Napoleon's tomb while in Paris. The coffin is a huge, strong dark wood casing, with curves upwards at the ends. This is set down in a round well-like smooth-walled basement and we look at it from above. Seems the French wanted to make very sure he wouldn't climb out and terrorise Europe again.
The more real and accurate your historic details are, the better in my view. Unless you are talking future history, in which case, as long as you can make a strong case that it 'might' turn out this way, who can argue?
(Clare O'Beara 6:27am October 25, 2012)

I actually seek out novels (fiction) with factual historical details. I have learned more history through these novels than I did in school! Is that possible? When I was younger and foolish I did not excel in history so reading has become an obsession with me. What's not to like learning some history mixed in with a little romance!
(Beth Charette 6:40am October 25, 2012)

I love a mixture of genres (i.e. Historical Paranormals)! It
makes things more interesting.
(Karin Anderson 8:11am October 25, 2012)

This is a very good sweeps...hope I win.
(Bonnie Capuano 8:37am October 25, 2012)

It's fine to anchor paranormal with history. I like learning about both and the setting holds sway with creating a world in the imagination peopling it with characters that move back and forth in and out of reality.
(Alyson Widen 9:57am October 25, 2012)

Hi Clare -

I thought the exact same thing when I saw Napoleon's tomb in
Paris! LOL

Thanks for commenting!

Lisa
(Lisa Kessler 10:08am October 25, 2012)

Hi Beth -

I didn't like history in high school either, but I love it
in fiction! :) WHat does that say about us??? LOL

We just need some romance in our history, right? :)

Thanks for commenting!

Lisa
(Lisa Kessler 10:09am October 25, 2012)

Hi Karin -

I'm glad to hear that! I hope you enjoy Night Thief! :)

Lisa
(Lisa Kessler 10:11am October 25, 2012)

Hi Alyson -

I'm glad you like mixing the genres!

Thanks for commenting!

Lisa
(Lisa Kessler 10:13am October 25, 2012)

I really like when the historical portions of a novel are factually correct. Otherwise, it takes me out of the narrative.
(Pam Howell 10:24am October 25, 2012)

Sounds like an interesting book, I'd love to win it.
(Wilma Frana 11:19am October 25, 2012)

It's a merge of two of my favorite things - history and paranormal. I love when a writer stays true to the historical backdrop, it makes the story multi dimensional.
(Carla Carlson 12:04pm October 25, 2012)

I think some accurate historical info is just a real big plus in any type of novel.
(Sue Farrell 12:11pm October 25, 2012)

I like some accurate history! I think it helps draw the reader in!
(Rebecca Whitehead-Schwarz 12:20pm October 25, 2012)

I enjoy history in any genre of book. Though I love paranormals and having history in them makes them more interesting.
(Larena Hubble 1:12pm October 25, 2012)

Any book, and for that matter, any Author that weaves History into their book, gets my full support!! I enjoy reading History, and give the Author kudos for taking the extra time and energy for finding out the facts, and putting them into their books. Keeping History alive is so important, especially when it's not skewed!! After reading the excerpt from your book, it left me wanting more!! Your book is definately on my TBR list, and I can see myself reading your book this fall, with a cup of hot cocoa or tea, and my kittens by my side. I might not need a hot beverage, though, because looking at the wonderful artwork on the cover, leaves you hot enough!! lol It does sound like a great book, and you can feel the flavor of Paris just by reading the excerpt.
(Peggy Roberson 1:13pm October 25, 2012)

I LOVE PARANORMAL THAT WEAVES INTO HISTORCAL EVENTS ITS INTERESTING TO READ ABOUT. THEY ARE THE BEST TO READ.
(Shelly Caggiano 1:25pm October 25, 2012)

I love books that weave in historical details - that way I can learn new facts while totally being pleasured by the storyline of the book. Your book sounds like a real winner - best of luck with it!
(Nancy Reynolds 1:26pm October 25, 2012)

I am always so proud of an author who keeps correct historical facts in their writing. Good for you!
Blessings,
Marjorie'
(Marjorie Carmony 1:32pm October 25, 2012)

I think blending of true historical events and paranormal is a
great way to write!
(Marguerite Guinn 2:07pm October 25, 2012)

That is so cool - i love both paranormal and historical so the
combo sounds great!
(Eva Segerblom 2:34pm October 25, 2012)

Since I starting reading historical romances with an author who was excellent at integrating fact with fiction (Georgette Heyer), throwing the paranormal side in just makes it that much more interesting.

Later,

Lynn
(Lynn Rettig 2:44pm October 25, 2012)

I love paranormal's with history woven in! Your book sounds great, thanks for the chance to win a copy!
(Christine Mead 4:10pm October 25, 2012)

Hi Pam -

SO glad to hear you enjoy the historical touches in your
fiction! :)

Thanks for commenting!
(Lisa Kessler 4:12pm October 25, 2012)

Hi Carla -

It was interesting writing a historical paranormal was like
merging two worlds into one book. Hard work, but very fun!

Hope you enjoy Night Thief! :)
(Lisa Kessler 4:18pm October 25, 2012)

Thanks Sue! Hope you enjoy Night Thief! :)
(Lisa Kessler 4:19pm October 25, 2012)

Thanks Rebecca!!! :) I agree! Hope you enjoy Night Thief!
(Lisa Kessler 4:20pm October 25, 2012)

I so love history and the way people reacted to the events of the time. I am glad to hear that your facts are historicaly accurate. Love the excerpt.
(Kathleen Yohanna 4:54pm October 25, 2012)

Thanks for commenting Larena! I hope you enjoy Night THief!
:)
(Lisa Kessler 5:07pm October 25, 2012)

Hi Peggy -

I'm so glad you enjoyed the excerpt! :) I hope Night Thief
goes well with your hot cocoa! :)

Thanks for commenting!
(Lisa Kessler 5:42pm October 25, 2012)

Thanks for the comment Shelly!!! I hope you enjoy Night Thief! :)
(Lisa Kessler 5:43pm October 25, 2012)

Thanks for the good wishes Nancy! :) I hope you enjoy Night
Thief!!!
(Lisa Kessler 5:46pm October 25, 2012)

I love paranormals and mixing it in with a bit of history makes things a bit more interesting. Thanks for sharing! :)
(Colleen Conklin 5:49pm October 25, 2012)

Thanks Marjorie!!! I hope you enjoy the book! :)
(Lisa Kessler 5:53pm October 25, 2012)

Hi Marguerite -

How funny, that's the heroine's name in Night Thief... Kane
calls her Rita though... :) Thanks for commenting!
(Lisa Kessler 5:54pm October 25, 2012)

This sounds like a wonderful story. I can't wait to read it. I love mixing history and fantasy.
(Patti Paonessa 6:23pm October 25, 2012)

just a great book to read on this cold damp damp..curl up with a blanket and hot choc and settle in
(Kimberly Hoefs 7:15pm October 25, 2012)

Enjoyed reading your blog.Book sounds like a great read.
(Sheila True 7:40pm October 25, 2012)

Thanks Eva!!! I hope you enjoy Night Thief! :)

Lisa
(Lisa Kessler 7:52pm October 25, 2012)

Great to hear from you Lynn! I hope you enjoy Night Thief!

Thanks for commenting!
(Lisa Kessler 7:55pm October 25, 2012)

You're welcome Christine! Thanks for commenting! Hope you
enjoy Night Thief!
(Lisa Kessler 7:56pm October 25, 2012)

Hi Kathleen -

I'm so glad you enjoyed the excerpt! Thanks for commenting and
I hope you enjoy Night Thief!
(Lisa Kessler 7:58pm October 25, 2012)

You're welcome Colleen! Thanks for stopping by and
commenting! :)
(Lisa Kessler 7:59pm October 25, 2012)

I think that having real events intertwined with paranormal or other types of
romances is really interesting. The book sounds great and I like how it will
be a series. Thanks for sharing with us.
(Ann Sheiring 8:47pm October 25, 2012)

I am thoroughly intrigued to read more, looking forward to hearing how well they fare.

Good luck and happy writing!
(Tracie Travis 8:49pm October 25, 2012)

Sounds like a book for a cold winter night...lots of blankets,
warm cup of chocolate and good read! Bliss.
(Mary Hay 8:59pm October 25, 2012)

I'm that someone who believe in ghosts and everything supernaturals. So when paranormal intertwine with historical romance, I love it. There are things that goes bump in the night and they have been from the beginning of the world. We just turned a blind eye to it because we grew up in the world that "there is no such thing as ghosts" belief.
(Kai Wong 9:49pm October 25, 2012)

I enjoy my paranormal romances, whether set in modern times, another historical era or interwoven with real historical events.
(Janie McGaugh 10:39pm October 25, 2012)

Sounds like a great book. Look forward to reading
(Alisa Jenkins 10:46pm October 25, 2012)

Sounda like a great book. Would love to win.
(Linda Hall 10:47pm October 25, 2012)

thanks for a great post and congrats on the newest release! I
love PNR historicals :)
(Erin Fender 11:41pm October 25, 2012)

Thanks Patti! I hope you enjoy Night Thief! :)
(Lisa Kessler 12:28pm October 26, 2012)

Hi Kimberly -

I bet Night Thief would go great with hot chocolate!!! Yum!
:)

Hope you enjoy the book...
(Lisa Kessler 12:29pm October 26, 2012)

Thanks Sheila!!! Hope you enjoy Night Thief! :)
(Lisa Kessler 12:30pm October 26, 2012)

Hi Ann -

The first 2 books in the Night Series are out now... (Night
Walker & Night Thief) and the next one, Night Demon, should
be out in the Spring... Hopefully I'll get to visit Fresh
Fiction again then to share it with you! :)

Thanks for commenting...
(Lisa Kessler 12:32pm October 26, 2012)

Thanks for the good wishes Tracie!!! I'm glad you enjoyed the
excerpt... :)
(Lisa Kessler 12:33pm October 26, 2012)

Hi Mary! Night Thief and a mug of hot chocolate sound like a
super night!!! :) Thanks for commenting!
(Lisa Kessler 12:35pm October 26, 2012)

I'm with you Kai!!! I think there is so much more to the
world around us, but we're taught not to believe...

Thanks for commenting and I hope you'll check out the Night
Series! :)
(Lisa Kessler 12:36pm October 26, 2012)

Hi Janie - Great to meet you! I love PR readers!!! :)

Thanks for commenting!
(Lisa Kessler 12:38pm October 26, 2012)

Thanks for checking it out Alisa! I hope you enjoy Night
Thief! :)
(Lisa Kessler 12:38pm October 26, 2012)

Thanks for commenting Linda! Hope you enjoy Night Thief! :)
(Lisa Kessler 12:39pm October 26, 2012)

Thanks Erin!!! I hope you'll enjoy Night Thief! :)
(Lisa Kessler 12:40pm October 26, 2012)

I think I got all the comments answered.... Shew!!! Thanks
so much for letting me stop by!!!

It was great to meet everyone and I hope you'll stay in
touch and let me know what you thought of Night Thief! :)

Thanks to Fresh Fiction for inviting me over to the blog
today!

Lisa :)

*poof*
(Lisa Kessler 12:42pm October 26, 2012)

I love when genres mix as long as the story holds true.
(Barbara Hanson 6:21am October 27, 2012)

Wow! I love true history in paranormals. I don't know about other readers but a
touch of reality makes paranormals more scary.
(Sandra Spilecki 11:58am October 27, 2012)

i love paranormals but no too into historical
(Danielle McDonald 3:22pm November 3, 2012)

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