Fresh Fiction Blog | Lynette Sowell | Does a genre really die?

Do you remember the old Gothic novels by Phyllis Whitney and Victoria Holt? If you do, you probably can list those special ingredients these authors' books contained.

These novels, some of them written a good fifty years ago and more, usually featured a young woman alone in meager circumstances. She may or may not be an orphan, but is usually penniless, or a reluctant heiress.

She finds herself in a creaky old house, a drafty manor, or in some similar location. Said young woman might encounter helpers along the way as well as adversaries. But the biggest element of these Gothic romances was the "big secret," besides the feeling that the heroine would always be looking over her shoulder.

There's a darkly brooding hero, who usually has a tortured past and even darker secrets. The attraction between said hero and heroine practically sizzles.

I remember reading books like this when I was much younger, and even then, the books were considered old. I loved shivering during the parts when the heroine and hero were together and I could feel the attraction between them—usually forbidden love.

I remember turning page after page as the heroine alternately fled and faced an unseen enemy, then gasping when either candlelight, moonlight, or twists of the plot revealed the identity of the enemy out to kill her.

Years later when I became a writer, sometimes the subject of the Gothic romance would come up among fellow writers.

"Victoria Holt? Phyllis Whitney? Oh, yes. I've read those books. Enjoyed them." Then we'd chat about how it was a shame there weren't more books like that.

More than two years ago, I found myself mulling over a plot idea for the Quilts of Love book series. No, not a historical. My thought was, "Lots of people are proposing historicals with quilts. That's a natural choice." Or Amish. No, that will be my next series.

Contemporary it is, I decided. But where? And what could my heroine do that would be interesting?

Somehow, in a jumble of imagination, the skeleton of a storyline emerged: Massachusetts coast, present day, a textiles conservator makes a bid to restore a quilt. But why? What's so special about a quilt made by a whaling captain's wife? What if the contract states the heroine must stay in the big old house where this very old quilt is kept? And this big old house is empty?

Here came my new Gothic romance, something I wasn't deliberately looking for. I needed a big secret, something the heroine didn't know, nor the hero who works as a groundskeeper on the property.

To discover that secret, I had to delve into the story of the quilt and its original seamstress. Once I knew her story, I decided my heroine must discover it too. Which as you know, in any Gothic romance, the heroine must be nosy enough to explore the big old house where she finds herself, and that's how my heroine found the diary of the whaling captain's wife.

No, I don't believe a genre really dies. I think those of us who love a particular genre can find ways to tell an old tale in a new way. And sometimes, that discovery will surprise event us, the writers. That's what makes the whole journey fun.

One commenter will win a copy of TEMPEST'S COURSE! and a DaySpring quilted bangle bracelet!

Comments

I read a bit of your blurb on Amazon. I too was a reader of the gothic romances when I first started to read romances at 13. Tempest's Course sounds so good!
(Cicely Kohlmeier 2:34pm December 5, 2013)

I haven't read any of Lynette's books yet. Tempest's Course
sounds like a great read!
(Judy Burgi 2:47pm December 5, 2013)

Lynette, I am looking forward to reading Tempest's Course. I remember
rushing home after school to see a soap call Dark Shadows. Castles and
dark, ominous characters.
(Melanie Backus 3:02pm December 5, 2013)

The big secret is what keeps you reading well past your
bedtime. lol
(Deidre Durance 3:04pm December 5, 2013)

Thanks for stopping by and commenting, ladies. This was such a
fun book to write. One of the best parts was actually visiting
New Bedford and its historic district for research. LOTS of
big old houses!
(Lynette Sowell 3:14pm December 5, 2013)

Gothic Romance! I have read so many of the oldies but goodies! Mary Stewart was another of my favorite authors from that genre! Phyllis Whitney and Victoria Holt were awesome, too! Barbara Michaels brought it all to a scary level, so she has always been fun! My grandmother had a rooming house that was a 1910's wooden home, and it was my favorite house EVER! Old houses are so much fun, because sometimes they have such wonderful suprises! My grandmother had cedar planks under her house as a foundation! And there was so many beautiful features in the house that you would never see in a house now. My grandmother's house had a sliding door that separated the front hall from the front bedroom. it was probably 11 feet or so tall! The door had always been locked, and I didn't even know it was there until after she died!
(Sandy Fielder 3:14pm December 5, 2013)

Phyllis Whitney and Victoria Holt books are some of my fav oldies and very first reads. I loved them! I know your book, Tempest's Course will be one I'll love reading too, it sounds so good! I'm ready to take the journey.
(Linda Luinstra 6:21pm December 5, 2013)

Perhaps....for instance, who reads Booth Tarkington's Penrod these days..anyone?
(Susan Coster 7:11pm December 5, 2013)

Tempest's Course sounds intriguing. Can't wait to read it.
(Jennifer Richardson 9:36pm December 5, 2013)

I do enjoy stories with gothic elements in them.
(Maureen Emmons 10:00pm December 5, 2013)

Yes I do remember the old gothic novels. Am looking forward to reading Tempest's Course.
(Denise Austin 10:42pm December 5, 2013)

When I was a teenager I lived on gothic romance mysteries---I'd love to read some updated ones.
(Sue Farrell 12:03pm December 6, 2013)

I like quilts and gothic romances, so your book sounds great! Is the title, TEMPEST'S COURSE, the name of the quilt pattern on the cover?
(Marcy Shuler 12:12pm December 6, 2013)

I don't a genre dies. It goes through a cycle before it becomes popular again.
(Kai Wong 12:42pm December 6, 2013)

Wow, Congrats on your new book: TEMPEST'S COURSE. I like the
pretty book cover with Quilts of Love too! Gothic romance is
new to me but it sounds so fascinating and I would love to
win and read your new book this Christmas. Happy Holidays and
Thank You very much. Cecilia CECE
(Cecilia Dunbar Hernandez 1:04am December 6, 2013)

I love Gothic Romances and all the focus on the old world charms!
(Darci Paice 1:19am December 6, 2013)

I love the Gothic books they are my favorite.
(Jane Thompson 2:52am December 6, 2013)

I like your twist on the old gothic concept!!
(Cate Sparks 4:15am December 6, 2013)

This book sounds really interesting. I haven't read any of the books you mentioned but I am looking forward to reading TEMPEST'S COURSE.
(Kathleen Yohanna 4:21am December 6, 2013)

i havent read any of her books but i will be checking her
books out now
(Denise Smith 8:20am December 6, 2013)

I love gothic books and this one really looks like a great read. It's now on my list!!!!
(Bonnie Capuano 8:40am December 6, 2013)

Your book sounds GREAT. I used to love the Victoria Holt and Phyllis Whitney books! Now that I've read your piece, I'll have to re-read some. AND thanks for the chance to win. But even if I'm not the lucky winner, you can bet I'll be getting Tempest's Course because I'm totally intrigued. Happy Holidays!!!
(Nancy Reynolds 9:18am December 6, 2013)

Wonderful post and a captivating novel. I would enjoy
Tempests's Course. I read Victoria Holt and Phyllis Whitney's
novels.
(Sharon Berger 9:45am December 6, 2013)

You are a Woman after my own heart!! This book is something right up my alley!! I don't quilt yet, but really want to try it in the near future, so any book that's written about quilting, I automatically snatch up and read!! I love reading about old buildings, too!! If this story had taken place in a lighthouse it would have been ideal, but I'll take an old building. I'm fascinated with archetecture from days past, and it breaks my heart when the old buildings are torn down, but that's another story in itself. Your book is actually two stories in one, from the sound of it, and is on my TBR list for the Winter. Since I live up North, once the snow flies, there isn't a great deal to do besides my knitting. I'm looking forward to reading your book, and looking at what pattern the quilt has. It might even be able to be incorporated into a knitting pattern of some sort, too!! Congratulations on your book!! Have a terrific Christmas, and I wish you all the best in the New Year!!
(Peggy Roberson 9:51am December 6, 2013)

Sounds really exciting! I hadn't thought about it as a Gothic romance
before.
(Jennifer Roland 12:12pm December 6, 2013)

I've come across a number of fine gothics lately, and have
been enjoying their reimergence. Your's sounds like fun and
I'll keep an eye out for it.
(Janet Martin 12:29pm December 6, 2013)

I started reading gothics, then went on to Barbara Cartland then historical. Today I read anything that catches my eye. Love mysteries, romance and paranormal. I don't want to limit my choices, so I read anything that looks/sounds interesting. Thanks for the giveaway. Congrats on you book@ Merry Christmas & Happy New Year
(Kimberley Coover 2:51pm December 6, 2013)

This sounds like such a fun read. :) Have always enjoyed
Gothic romances a good deal. Hope you have a lovely holidays.
(Leslie Davis 4:03pm December 6, 2013)

Oh my! I do so love darkly brooding heroes! And the story line sounds very good. Thank you for running the contest.
(Vennie Martinisi 5:11pm December 6, 2013)

Genres just evolve. I clicked on your contest here just because the quilt colors rocked on the picture.
(Laura Gullickson 5:35pm December 6, 2013)

Congratulations onthe new book. Tempst Course another I must read. Heading to the book store when snow melts!!
(Barbara Wells 6:34pm December 6, 2013)

Your book sound interesting. Thanks for a chance to win.
(Linda Hall 8:55pm December 6, 2013)

As a librarian, I can't tell you the number of times people ask, "Who writes gothic novels now? I miss Holt and Whitney." I don't think a genre dies, good writers always find an audience, no matter the genre.
(Sharon Ruda 10:02pm December 6, 2013)

Enjoyed your blog, brought back reading memories.
(Sheila True 10:25pm December 6, 2013)

Thanks for stopping by, everyone! Yes, I do think genres go
through cycles. I think at some point the historical "sagas"
will make a comeback in their own way. I'm thinking of the
long, long novels with generations of families you get to
know as you read. Thanks for the fun comments, too!
Everyone stay warm, wherever you are ~
(Lynette Sowell 10:40pm December 6, 2013)

Lynette, You caught my attention with the two names that started my daughters reading. I had all of their books and reread them often. The names on the books were great too.
That type of gothic genre really never went out of style, just changed to more sinister ingredients. I really like big novels that follow families and characters from the young to the old. Your book is a must read!!
(Rosemary Simm 2:38pm December 7, 2013)

A genre never dies; it just changes names.
(Michelle Willms 10:03pm December 7, 2013)

I think that genres just get re-invented.
(Mary Preston 8:14pm December 8, 2013)

April's Affections and Intrigues: Love and Mystery Bloom

Authors To Watch

Fresh Fiction Blog
Get to Know Your Favorite Authors

Lynette Sowell | Does a genre really die?

AVAILABLE

Comments

Services

SPECIALS

FOR AUTHORS

We Love

April's Affections and Intrigues: Love and Mystery Bloom

Authors To Watch

Fresh Fiction BlogGet to Know Your Favorite Authors

Lynette Sowell | Does a genre really die?

AVAILABLE

Comments

Services

SPECIALS

FOR AUTHORS

We Love

Fresh Fiction Blog
Get to Know Your Favorite Authors