Fresh Fiction Blog | Amanda Forester | Of Highlanders and Rogues

Have you ever set out in one direction and got a bit muddled and arrived at a completely different destination? My writing journey has been a bit like a befuddled traveler. I am quite thrilled about my newest release, A WEDDING IN SPRINGTIME. This book is particularly exciting for me because it is the first in a new Marriage Mart Regency series. Up until this point my heroes have been medieval Highlanders. So how did I end up in the ballrooms of Regency England?

Funny thing, I always meant to write a romance set in the Regency. I love Regency romances (I blame Jane Austen, who hooked me on the genre in junior high). When I was preparing to write my first book I started by doing a good deal of research. I read about the clothing, the habits, the societal expectations, the political intrigues. In short, I was completely prepared to write a Regency romance. And then... I wrote a Scottish medieval.

Not sure what happened there. I do have lots of characters in my head all wanting me to write their stories. While I intended to start with a Regency, apparently my Highlanders were a little more pushy. Yes, my Highlanders shoved their way to the front of the line, like the adorable brutes that they are, leaving my Regency heroes to be quietly offended and plot revenge. I fear some unconscious struggles must have ensued because my Regency heroes have emerged victorious for the next three books. They have burst onto the page, eager to share their stories and full of intrigue, fast paced excitement, and that dry humor that made me fall for them in the first place.

So what are the difference between writing a Highlander and a Regency hero? In the Highlands disagreements are generally settled with a sharp implement, forcefully applied. In the Regency, an insult is delivered with a good deal more finesse. It is a thinking man's game, one which requires a detailed knowledge of the societal rules in order to play effectively. In the Regency one of the worst insults would be the cut direct, to withdraw one's association. I doubt my Highlander heroes would even notice such an insult, much less care. A Regency hero's main weapon is his wit, which can lead to all sorts of amusing situations.

Of course all my heroes face some slippery villains. While my Regency heroes have a bit more polish, if push comes to shove (and let's face it in my novels it generally does) I'd take any of my Regency heroes in a fight. Good thing too, because William Grant, hero of A WEDDING IN SPRINGTIME gets himself into some difficult situations, thanks to a determined heroine and a particularly devious traitor.

Which type of hero would you choose to keep you company - a rugged Highlander or a polished Regency rogue? One commenter will win a copy of A WEDDING IN SPRINGTIME

Comments

i would like a rugged highlander..book sounds great
(Kimberly Hoefs 10:09pm May 1, 2013)

A rugged Highlander suits my way of life. I like someone is open to an adventure!!
(LeAnn Knott 10:28pm May 1, 2013)

I would choose the rugged Highlander...ever since reading DG series of the outlander I am hooked on that "type"sigh!
(Darci Paice 10:51pm May 1, 2013)

Wonderful blog thanks for being here. your book sounds wonderful.
I would say Regency rogue for me.
Penney
(Penney Wilfort 3:26am May 2, 2013)

I like the Regency Rogue the best. He has to have class and a desire to do the right thing by our heroine.
(Kathleen Yohanna 4:00am May 2, 2013)

well i think i like the rugged Highlander i love adventure
(Denise Smith 7:48am May 2, 2013)

Oh, the rugged highlander. If he's not available then the Regency Rogue. Definitely two of my favorite heroes.
(Betty Hamilton 8:49am May 2, 2013)

I think it would be fun to be romanced by either - but would love to experience the rugged highlander. The cover of your book is beautiful. Thanks for the chance to win.
(Nancy Reynolds 10:05am May 2, 2013)

I love regency romance but if I were to choose, I'd go for the rugged Highlander!
(Lazydrag0n Puff 3:23pm May 2, 2013)

Ooh, I think I'd want the rugged highlander! ;)
(Sue Galuska 6:23pm May 2, 2013)

I would have to choose the polished Regency rogue, because they tend to be a bit mischievious at times, and that behavior tends to run parallel with mine. A person can't be "prim and proper" all the time. They have the need to have a little fun, and who better to have it with than with a rogue??? I would love to read your latest book!! Who wouldn't love to read about weddings?? Congratulations on not only a book with an absolutely beautiful cover, and what I'm sure will be a wonderful read!!
(Peggy Roberson 9:48pm May 2, 2013)

I would need a man who is well mannered, but aggressive enough to be the one to take charge of any situation that he is needed to lead. Someone with a great sense of humor and a giving nature is very important too and a great dresser is a bit attraction.
(Cynthia Blain 10:09pm May 2, 2013)

I would probably be more comfortable with a Regency rogue - I
think they bathe more! However, the rugged Highlander would
probably be more muscled! Hard to pick!
(Sharlene Wegner 10:20pm May 2, 2013)

I would love to have a rugged Highlander with loads of
muscles and wit that would eventually be smart enough to
turn into a polished Regency rogue. I would love to have a
great man that gives me the best of both worlds. Thanks for
the fantastic contest and I would love to read and win A
WEDDING IN SPRINGTIME. Thanks, Cecilia CECE
(Cecilia Dunbar Hernandez 11:11pm May 2, 2013)

I would prefer a rugged Highlander with some rough ends that I could smooth... :)
(Tracie Travis 11:27pm May 2, 2013)

Yes, I would love to have a rugged Highlander with loads of
muscles and wit that would eventually be smart enough to
turn into a polished Regency rogue. I would love to have a
great man that gives me the best of both worlds. Thanks for
the fantastic contest and I would love to read and win A
WEDDING IN SPRINGTIME. Thanks, Cecilia CECE
(Cecilia Dunbar Hernandez 4:05pm May 6, 2013)

I WOULD CHOOSE A RUGGED HIGHLANDER. THEY LOOK SO HANDSOME AND
SEXY IN THEIR KILTS. EXCELLENT CONTEST LOVE TO WIN I NEVER
WON ANYTHING IN MY LIFE AND I REALLY WANT TO WIN THIS
CONTEST...
(Shelly Caggiano 5:35pm May 6, 2013)

both have their pros & cons but I'd prob go w/ the highlander :)
(d Kenney 7:33pm May 6, 2013)

I love both - so rugged in their own way making me want more. Both a challenge that you want to take.
(Carla Carlson 9:22pm May 6, 2013)

It would depend on the setting I was in, and I certainly love both. Mostly, though, I'd have to go with the rugged Highlander.
(Janie McGaugh 10:00pm May 6, 2013)

I take the rugged highlander. I just love that ruggedness about a man.
(Kai Wong 1:17am May 7, 2013)

Can I have a cross between the two? Tho' I am more drawn to the Regency
books. :)
(Penny Mettert 5:25am May 7, 2013)

I love to read highlander stories, however I don't think I could live the life.
(Carol Woodruff 11:31am May 7, 2013)

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