Melissa Addey writes historical fiction and has just released her first Regency romance, Lady for a Season, a delightful addition to the genre.
I asked her about her book and writing in general. Here's what she has to say.
What were the differences between writing historical fiction and historical romance and why did you try that new genre?
I’d just finished a series set in Ancient Rome which follows the backstage team of the Colosseum as they stage the gladiatorial Games. Some of the material was quite dark and I wanted something lighter. I thought writing a Regency romance would be full of pretty clothes, elegant manners and falling in love – so I wrote Lady for a Season and it’s been all of those things but also came with darker elements. History isn’t all sunshine! It’s been interesting just how shocked romance readers have been about some of those darker elements compared to my usual historical fiction readers, I think less pleasant parts of the Regency era are sometimes skimmed over, but I wanted my world to be accurate. I think it’s a warm love story and definitely a romantic ending, but it starts a little bleakly. My books have always had a romantic streak but I knew with a proper romance I’d have to make sure romance was always front and centre, I learnt a lot by reading many other Regency romances and seeing what I liked about that genre. I found my ‘mentor’ in Mary Balogh, who I feel often brings in something unexpected from the era which makes the romance harder but adds a lot of authenticity. I hope I can do the same.
What inspired you to write this book?
I had this idea of a My Fair Lady makeover for a girl pretending to be a lady, but also what happens if you’re locked away as ‘mad’ (which covered rather a lot of conditions in those times, many of them not really serious mental health conditions at all) and then have to come out of that place and be launched into high society? I like that it isn’t just Maggie (a maid) who is out of place, it’s Edward too, because although he was born into the ton, he’s been locked away for a long time and he doubts himself. I wanted them to grow together. And I’ll admit I liked the My Fair Lady element of making over Maggie, I spent an entire morning of research just creating a moodboard of her entire wardrobe, choosing pretty bonnets and gowns! You can see a fair bit of it on the Pinterest page for the book. https://www.pinterest.co.uk/melissaaddey/lady-for-a-season/
Who is your favourite character and why?
Although I love Maggie and Edward as the main characters and really like that they have an equal journey to feel sure of themselves and know their own worth, I got a surprise while writing when Honora (Lady Fortescue) opened her mouth. I plot my books, but my notes just said I wanted her to be a friend to Maggie and not be intimidated by high society because she was so intimately part of it. I wrote her opening lines where she lists all the eligible bachelors of the season and comments on each of them and found myself thinking “Oh, you’re a lot of fun.” I liked that she knew what the rules were but also could see high society for what it really is and make fun of it. She’s very scathing of that hallowed institution, Almack’s! She will get a book of her own as part of the series one day, as will many other minor characters… try and spot them as you read! I also liked Old John, the head of the stables. He says something important to Edward which made me (and Edward) a little misty-eyed. Often, it’s minor characters who catch my attention because I’ve spent so much time thinking about the main characters that I know them intimately but the characters around them may surprise me once I start writing.
Where do you write your books?
I’m very lucky to have a little office in my house, one whole wall is books and papers (mostly research) and I face the window. I have plants along the windowsill, including a cactus which started out the size of my thumb and now has turned into a huge mad Dr-Seuss-like creature with octopi-like tentacles everywhere, I love it. I have a little space just by my computer screen currently full of pretty shells as a sort of visual mood board for the next book I’m writing, The Viscount’s Pearl, another Regency romance in a standalone series I have planned. The series is called the Regency Outsiders because the main characters are somewhat out of the norm but still need to play by the rules of the ton.
What’s your go to beverage while writing?
In winter, Redbush Chai by Dragonfly Teas, it’s yummy. In summer, 1/3 beetroot juice topped up with ice and sparkling water, very refreshing though it does make it look like I’m downing pints of red wine!
If you’d like to explore Melissa’s writing, check out her website at www.MelissaAddey.com. If you’re a fan of historical fiction, you won’t be disappointed!
BJ Sikes, author 