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Please join us in welcoming Beverley Kendall as Guest Chef today. Beverley has lived on two continents, in three countries, two provinces, and four states. She stopped her nomadic existence and settled in Georgia with her young son. All things artistic feed her creative passion, but none more than writing. In addition to all her other creative endeavors, she also maintains a fabulous resource for readers and writers - The Season Blog.
Welcome, Beverley!
Historicals, Contemporaries, it’s all the same
I’ve published two books so far, both historical romances. The truth of the matter is, I never set out to write historical romances, not even the slightest little bit. Despite the fact that I love to read them, I freely admit that I was intimidated by the research. I couldn’t do it, I told myself on several different occasions. I didn’t have the voice to pull it off. I couldn’t come up with one single plot for a historical.
I eventually conquered the research and ‘voice’ argument but I was still left with the last one: the plot. Then I got this idea for SINFUL SURRENDER. It was a tried and true plot-line…with a twist. The heroine is in love with her brother’s best friend. The twist? Hmm, think a pregnancy and it’s not who you think it is. I immediately started writing the book after I’d boned up on the research and settled on the only voice I could come up with.
What I didn’t realize at that precise moment was the story I was writing was just a historical spin on a contemporary idea I’d come up with long ago. All I had to do was make sure it was a viable story that could be retrofitted into Victorian-era—no small feat, I will just add.
So in the course of the last three years, I’ve discovered that most of my historical stories were contemporary ideas. Apparently, the plots were so near and dear to my heart, I needed to write the book come hell or high water, even if it meant I’d have to transplant my hero and heroine from the 21st century and plunk them down, petticoats, cravats and all into the mid-nineteenth century. But you know, I don’t think I’d have it any other way.
You can read more about my books on my website at www.BeverleyKendall.com (I just had it redesigned, and I’m thrilled with how it turned out) or you can follow me on Twitter at http://twitter.com/season4romance or friend me on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/authorbeverleykendall .
I’d like to thank the ladies of Petit Fours for having me on their blog today. One commenter will receive a copy of SINFUL SURRENDER and an advance copy of A TASTE OF DESIRE. Thank you so much for stopping by.
Thank you, Beverley. Readers, please leave a comment for Beverley for a chance to win not one, but two books! Contest ends at midnight tonight and the winner will be announced tomorrow.
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by Darcy Crowder
Congrats on your success, Beverley! Contemporary or historical, your plots are intriguing. I look forward to seeing your books on the shelves (both the stores and mine) for many years to come.
Your stories sound fascinating, Beverly. Congratulations on successfully breaking into the historical market. I love to read historicals too, but, like you originally, I don’t want to write them as that is the one thing I can read when I’m writing contemporary that won’t bleed over into my writing. (Plus I would never get all those historical details straight) I commend you on making that shift and doing the research. Looking forward to reading your books.
Thanks for joining us today and congratulations on your success. I commend you for facing the demon who said you couldn’t and showing him that you could. (Yeah for you!)
What’s the next one coming and when can we expect it?
Sandy
Congratulations, Beverley. I found it interesting that you started with a contemporary plot and wove it into your historical. I’m with Dianna. I love to read historicals but didn’t think I had the knowledge or wanted to do the research to pull it off.
Thank you for blogging with us today.
Marilyn Baron
[...] do or are just curious, I’m guest blogging (like I don’t blog enough, right?) over at Petit Fours and Hot Tamales about where I get the ideas for my historical romances and I’m also giving away a copy of [...]
Thank you for the warm welcome, Carol, Dianna, Sandra and Marilyn. I have to say that the Avon Fanlit contest was the thing that really pushed me into at least ‘attempting’ to write a historical. I’m so glad I participated because I don’t think I would have done so otherwise.
What’s next? Well, I’d love to get a contract for the final book in the series. While I love ALL my characters, Alex’s story is the one I love the most. It’s definitely darker and deals with a much more serious subject matter but in my opinion, it’s the best of the three. I’m crossing my fingers it will reach publication.
Bev
Beverly: Love your new site! I, too, never imagined writing historicals, but my newest story is just that. It was a total surprise to me, but I think I’m hooked now. So glad you found your passion!
Hi, Beverly and thanks for posting about your transition from contemportary to historicals. Great tip on plotting for historicals. Using a current theme and twisting it…interesting and fun.
I have “Sinful Surrender” in my TBR pile on my nightstand. I’ve heard such wonderful things about your debut book and look forward to opening the first page. Purposely, I’ve kept it until Christmas break, when I won’t be interrupted all the time. Only a few more days and some shopping to finish. Then yea, I’m all yours. Happy Holidays.
Hi, Bev!Fun to read about your retrofitting, LOL.Do you plan to ever write a contemp in the future? Can’t wait to read ATOD!
Hi, Beverley! How interesting that the ideas for your books started as contemporary ideas! I wonder if other authors have had the same experience. Congrats and good luck with the new release!
Hi, Beverly! I am delighted to have this introduction to your and your books. I tend to gravitate towards contemporary fiction, but after reading about your process, I think I might enjoy your historical romances very much. I will definitely give them a try! Congratulations on your success and best of luck in all your future endeavors!
Hi Beverley,
I sure am glad you ended up writing the Historical Sinful Surrender. I absolutely loved that book.And I’m looking forward to A Taste of Desire.
Love the new site and you know I love the Season Blog.
Carol L
Lucky4750@aol.com
Hi Beverly – I didn’t realize that you lived in Georgia. We live in Rhode Island which is known for it’s great food but have family in Georgia and S. Carolina and love the food especially from Savannah and Charlestown!
As much as I love food I find when I’m reading one of your books that I’m so caught up in the story that food doesn’t enter my mind! I bet you didn’t guess that not only are you a great writer but a great help in losing weight as well!
Hi, Beverley! Thank you for taking the time to blog with us today. I’m also fascinated by the idea of taking a contemporary story and turning it into an historical plot. I love that you took that plunge! Your first book was great, I can’t wait to get my hands on A Taste of Desire!
Enjoyed reading the comments. I read one of our other books and really liked your writing. This one has been added to my TBR list.
I loved you first book and look forward to reading “A Taste of Desire.” Your twist on writing historicals gave me a few ideas. Thanks for being with us.
Thanks for being with us today, Beverly. We’re so glad to have you. And thanks for sharing the evolution of your books. It’s fascinating that they came out of contemporary plots. I’ve wondered about that. I, too, admire you for conquering research (it’s my bane, even though I write contemporary, LOL.)
Yay, Beverly!!!! I am thrilled for you. Can’t wait to read this second one.
LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the new site (liked the old one, too!). Love The Season’s blog. You are very talented, girl.
Thanks for blogging over here today. I really enjoyed hearing how you came up with the ideas for your books.
Tami
Hi Debbie,
I have to say I LOVE my new site. Kimberly Killion from HotDamnDesigs.com did it. She’s incredibly talented. And yes, aren’t historicals addictive?
Pam, I definitely think giving them a try is a very good thing. LOL. But then I’m biased.
Hi Sia. The pressure is now on. I hope you enjoy reading SS when you get around to reading it. The first always has a special place in your heart and this is that book for me.
Hi Andrea! Thanks for stopping by. I’m going to keep using that method until it stops working. You should see the idea I wrote down 4 years ago that I’ve fashioned into a historical trilogy.
Hi Pam. I’m so happy you stopped by. I hope you’ll give historicals a try–and if it’s mine, that’s even better.
Darcy, my dear friend. You’ve been such a wonderful supporter and I can’t thank you enough. Thank you.
Hi Joye, thanks so much. My writing is continues to change, but I’m so happy you enjoyed my first effort and I hope you’ll like TASTE just as much or more.
Susan, you have no idea how thrilled I was when you told me how much you liked my writing. I hope TASTE is another good reading experience for you.
Congralations on your professional success!
Hmm… I don’t think I have ever read an author of an historical comment that at first their characters/stories were contemporaries. No matter your writing process your book was fab!! Cannot wait for the release of A Taste of Desire so here is hoping I get a chance to read it a bit early!!
Congratulations on this series. As you live in the Atlanta area, I know you’re enjoying this extreme cold as I am.
I have not had a chance to read one of your books yet but they look amazing and I will be adding them to my list. Great post today and thanks for sharing!
Great interview! I can’t wait for the release of A TASTE OF DESIRE!!!
Enjoyed your post and love the plot for A Taste of Desire.
Hi Beverley! The best thing about following authors around, is we find awesome web sites like this one! For anyone who has not visited Beverleys site, please do it is an amazing, informational web page! She has lots of fun contests too! Happy Holidays everyone!
Would you still like to submit a contemporary to Harlequin or do you like the historical period too much? I hope you get to write Alex’s story.
I love your site and have been really interested in reading your historical novels. Thanks for the chance to win your books.
I’ve already read Sinful Surrender so it’s interesting to see that you once thought you wouldn’t be writting historicals. Looking forward to A Taste of Desire. I like that the original idea involved a heroine commenting on a guy’s car but that the idea fits back then too- it just shows that guy’s being touchy about their sexual reputations is nothing new!
Great post. I love seeing how the mind of an author works…and how their books come together.
Thanks for sharing.
Valerie
in Germany
valb0302@yahoo.com
Congrats on all your success! The books sound wonderful.
Have a great evening?
Tamara
:::waving madly::: Hi, Bev!
I love Historicals and I confess *gasp* I’ve never read either of your books. Perhaps tomorrow that will change. *G* I hope!
Love the name of this blog!
Hi Beverly. Congrats on your success. Thanks for sharing how you get your ideas. I love the covers to your books.
Thanks for stopping by, Beverly! I like the idea of “retrofitting” something contemporary for the historical market. My first book was a historical, and I commend you for being able to get the voice–something I never could do!
I think I’m behind and somehow missed Sinful Surrender, but I’ll be looking up both of yours because I do love to read historicals!
Hello, Beverly.
Both books sound wonderful and I look forward in reading them.
You have found your calling with historical romance, Bev. Having read both books, I would be hard pressed to choose one over the other. However, I am very partial to the scene you mention where Amelia calls Thomas’s prowess into question. Absolutely delicious. Congratulations on your first book as well as the upcoming release.
Thanks, jcp!
Kathleen, I think like with most things in my life, I got about it @ss backwards. Thanks for stopping by and good luck in the drawing.
Andrea, do you think it can possibly get any colder?? I’m waiting for the storm that drops 5 feet of snow on us.
Hi Johanna, I hope you get a chance to read them. I’m quite fond of them.
LOL. Thanks Jennifer. This year really flew. I can’t even believe it’s only a couple weeks away.
LLL, I had a grand time writing Amelia and Thomas’s story. Talk about 2 people butting heads…with a whole lot of heat.
LOL. Jane I’m chuckling over how your are so loyally plugging my site. Thank you dear.
Kim, I will absolutely write a contemporary for Harlequin. I’m actually working on one right now… And I’m crossing fingers for Alex/An Heir of Deception.
Thanks, Stephanie! So glad to have you as a visitor.
D.L. Men are very sensitive about subjects south of the border.
Valerie, I’m finding that I’m very odd indeed. LOL.
Thanks, Tamara.
Hi Mel K. (::waving back madly:
Don’t feel bad, you belong to a very large group of people who haven’t read my book. LOL
Thanks, Crystal!
Thanks, Sally. I hope you’ll give either or both books a read–and let me know what you think, good or bad.
Thanks, Tracey, I look forward to having you read them.
I love your site – I learn about so many books and authors. I really enjoyed Sinful Surrender and look forward to A Taste of Desire!
Hi, Beverley! How exciting to have lived in so many places. I love your website, books, and blogs! I haven’t read either Sinful Surrrender or Taste of Desire yet, but I’m hoping to have them in my hot little hands soon. I think you did a great job of going trom contemporary to historical, and I love the sound of these books. I have never been in this blog before, but really enjoying it so far. What is next for you? Looking forward to reading your books and reading more of your blogs and website. God bless!
PS: Thanks for the opportunity to win these books in your contest.
Hey Beverly! Just dropping bu to day hi!..LOL
Beverly,
Glad you stopped by PFHT. I enjoyed your post! I, too, love historicals, but afraid I could not pull it off! I can’t wait to read yours. Good luck and congratulations!
Hi Bev!
I absolutely loved Sinful Surrender and I am waiting for A Taste of Desire. I’ve read the excerpt of it and I’m loving the heroine already!
Hi Maggie and Grace ::Waving madly::. You’re both so sweet for dropping by. Grace, I absolutely LOVED writing that scene. It’s definitely one of my faves.
Maggie, I fully intend to finish the contemp I’m working on now (I have several WIPs).
Hi Maxine, I hope you enjoy them! Thanks.
Hi Marjana. Thanks for dropping by. I hope you go back to the blog because I happen to know you have ‘other’ books waiting for you there.
Hi Cathy, what next is hopefully many more books.
Thanks for coming by.
Hi Catslady, I sure hope you enjoy Thomas and Amelia’s story.
I just wanted to jump in let Beverly know that we had a lot of comments that needed approved (first timers have to be personally approved to avoid all the SPAM messages we get – THANK YOU to all those who are new to the blog and commented BTW!!!).
Anyway, if you get a chance to scroll back up, there are a bunch of lovely comments you might have missed sprinkled in amongst the others.
Thanks again, Beverly, for being such a generous Guest Chef!
Tami
Bev,
You host one of the best websites for the historical romance reader. It is my go to place to find out what out and about when I need a new book, or to find a new author.
Hi Jeanne,
I’ve never been down to Savannah, but I heard it’s lovely. Thanks so much for the compliment. I hope A TASTE OF DESIRE makes you feel the same way when you’re reading it.
Hi Zee!!! Thanks so much. I loved writing Amelia. Some might think she’s a bit of a ‘b’ at the beginning but I totally got where she was coming from. Plus, I like to give my heroes a good challenge.
Miss Molly what else can I say but THANK YOU! The Season site and blog are truly labours of love.
Hi Bev,
It’s wonderful to hear you are working on a contempory novel for Harlequin!! And I didn’t realize that the plot ideas of Sinful Surrender and A Taste of Desire were at first going to be in contemporary romances!
I’m glad I stopped over.
I’m glad I stopped by and read your post. I look forward to reading A Taste of Desire and maybe an upcoming Harlequin book by you!!
Cathy Phillips is our winner. Cathy, please check the “Winners” section of our sidebar for further instructions.