Wednesday, July 22, 2015

Guest Author Cindy Nord Talking About the Civil War


Welcome all! Today my guest is bestselling historical romance author Cindy Nord, author of Civil War and Western romances. (Her first novel, No Greater Glory, reached #1 in Civil War romances on Amazon and is reviewed below.) 
  
A member of numerous writers groups, Cindy has been a finalist or winner in many competitions, including the prestigious Romance Writers of America Golden Heart Contest. She writes stories that blend history and romance and include fast-paced action and emotionally driven characters. Today she is sharing with us some of her historical detailing, fascinating tidbits from her research.

Do comment and make sure I have your email as Cindy is giving away a copy of the ebook of No Greater Glory!


Historical Detailing by Cindy Nord

I want to thank the gracious Regan Walker for the invitation to visit her website. I am so honored to be here. July on her blog is Patriotic Month, and because I write historical romance with flair toward the military, I was tapped to share my thoughts on the research process that is the framework of these period novels we love to read. My first book, No Greater Glory (book one of my four-book The Cutteridge series) was crafted around a war-torn Virginia. I like to think that historical accuracy played a large role in the success of this novel. 

Cindy and hubby Tom

As a Victorian lecturer and historian, I appreciate the details that breathe this timeperiod into life. It’s those vibrant tidbits that immerse the reader fully into the moment. Years ago, I participated in Civil War Reenacting and learned firsthand all the pieces that comprised this era in history. Indeed, here was American history—the 1860s—in truly impressive realism. The acrid aroma of campfires. The thundering gallop of cavalry horses. Women clad in Victorian gowns sashaying across a lawn. And yes, even the pinch of a corset. All these things, and so much more, lent factuality to my first-person presentations. When I began crafting my romance novels, every intricate element of my reenacting years flowed over into my stories.

I have many books on my keeper shelf, and as I glance at them while writing this article, several stand out. They are as moving now as they were when I first read them: The Outsider by Penelope Williamson. Gone With The Wind by Margaret Mitchell. Love & War by Patricia Hagan. In these beautifully written historical romance novels I found myself immersed in a glorious world of yesteryear. I admired the way the authors crafted them in such a way that I was not only entertained as a reader by their internal conflicts, but also educated in regards to the backdrop of their external plots.

Civil War aprons

So…let me give you an example of how I might use historical detailing in a story. Let’s take an obscure subject such as Civil War patriotic aprons. At first glance it doesn’t seem like an inspiring item to work into a scene with a heroine, but women really did make those garments during that conflict. Many even wore them as they sent their loved ones off to war. Wearing these aprons proclaimed great support for the cause. Some southern ladies made cotton cloth aprons featuring a blue bib with five-pointed stars and a skirt with alternating bars of red and white cotton. Their designs mimicked the flag adopted by the Confederacy in 1861. 

Apron of the South


Apron of the North

Whereas, many of the Union ladies’ aprons featured 34 white stars on a blue background, with 13 rows of red and white stripes on the skirt as on the United States flag. During the great rebellion, thousands of patriotic aprons were created, and years later these partisan items have become cherished family heirlooms. 


By including something as simple as an apron into a storyline, now a heroine becomes a tad more complex and readers can appreciate yet another colorful slice of history.

Saddles

And the hero in my first novel, Colonel Reece Cutteridge? Well, what kind of saddle did he use?  By researching a bit deeper, I discovered the type most preferred by the Federal cavalry was called a McClellan Saddle. By sharing this snippet of information, now I’ve added more depth and authenticity to my leading man. 


As you can tell I love researching. By integrating historical detailing into a story, an author can transport her readers back in time. And to me, that is time well spent.

So, now it’s your turn… What makes an historical romance novel come to life for you?  


Keep up with Cindy at her Website, on Facebook and on Twitter!

33 comments:

  1. Regan! Thxs a zillion for my moment to share a lil' tidbit more of American history with all your devoted readers. I'm honored to be included in your guests for Patriotic Month! Warmest regards to YOU. And biggest hugs for the invite. ♥ ~ Cindy

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    1. You are most welcome, Cindy. Thanks for sharing with us how you add historic detail!

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  2. Hey Cindy and Regan. I love the historical romance that gives you a feel for the time and place and introduces people who live through events. Then when something catches my interest, I go and do some research. Great interview. Enjoyed visiting with yall today.

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    1. Dawn! So glad we share a mutual interest in all things historical. And I so appreciate you poppin' in this morning. Warmest regards, ~ Cindy

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    2. Hi, Dawn. So glad you stopped by to see Cindy's great post. I think historical romance is so much better when it's authentic in historical detail.

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  3. I love all the history you share. I'd love to win, thanks for the chance ❤

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    1. So glad you stopped by, Charlotte!

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    2. Charlotte!! 'Tis those lil' snippets that makes an historical romance POP for sure! And thx you for droppin' in to share your thought. I'm pleased you found the article enjoyable. Regan will select the winner later....fingers crossed for you, my dear. Warmest, ~ Cindy ♥

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  4. Hi Cindy and Regan,

    I'd never heard of patriotic aprons before. That was an interesting detail I would appreciate in an historical book. I prefer it when details like the clothing, food, carriages, architecture, and so on are worked into the story naturally. Nothing is more boring than somebody trying to work in every little detail they have discovered just to prove they've done their research. If it adds to the story, I'm all for it. If not, save it for another day.

    Thanks for the interesting article.

    Mary D.
    1mad@marktwain.net

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    1. Yes, you are right, Mary. It must be done with a sensitive touch. I remember when one of my readers was surprised to discover that the taverns, cafes and inns in my books actually existed at the time in which my stories are set. That takes a lot of work but it makes them so much more authentic.

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    2. Mary!! I'm delighted you found that lil' historical tidbit of interest. I truly enjoying sharing all kinds o' goodies like that on my bloggie spot, too! (www.cindynord.com). And I couldn't agree more...like Regan said, threading details through a story line takes a deft touch, & yet, yet another reason why I love crafting historical romance. Thxs so much for sharing your insight with us today. Kindest regards, ♥ ~ Cindy

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  5. Hi ladies! Thank you so much for the fun History lesson! One of the reasons I love this genre is because of authors like the two of you! For me the devil is in the details. I want to be able to see what the characters see and feel what they are feeling. Only then does History come alive for me in a way that makes my spirit soar. Thank you both for the blog and the books! 😍

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    1. Diane!! So pleased you popped in to share. I so agree with everything you've shared -- the devil IS in the details. Hard to do, to weave 'em inside a love story...but such fun to include when correctly done. And that soaring spirit thing? Oh yeh...I'm there. Biggest hugs... ~ Cindy

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    2. Hi, Diane. I feel exactly as you do... I want the details and I want them to be correct for the period. Thanks so much for being that kind of a reader!

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  6. Great article, Cindy! Very interesting pieces of history we often overlook!

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    1. Caroline! Thxs so much -- you're such a sweetheart. And I so appreciate you dropping in to share your thoughts. ♥ ~ Cindy

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  7. I love reading about historical facts (that I know) placed among the fiction. If I'm not familiar with an era, a good historical will send me to history books and more novels based on that time.
    Thank you for writing about the American Civil War. We need more novels set during that time.

    Mitzi Reinbold w/a Mitzi Flyte

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    1. Mitzi!! I'm delighted you enjoyed my lil' article...I love to weave tidbits of history throughout a love story. I hope one day you'll become lost inside the words of mine as I sweep you back into another era. Warmest regards, ~ Cindy

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    2. Thanks for stopping by, MItzi! I'm like you... often reading a historical romance sends me into the history. I have to know the real setting!

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  8. I actually have a copy of No Greater Glory, but having it highlighted here with Regan, reminded me I should read it. It is now on my short-list of reads.

    I appreciate it when an author includes accurate historical events amid a good story. Knowing that makes the reading that much sweeter.

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    1. Eileen! I'm eager to get your thoughts on my blending of history and romance. Thank you for stopping by to share your comments with me. ♥ ~ Cindy

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    2. Hi, Eileen. Thanks so much for stopping by. You are a great reader/reviewer and I treasure your thoughts on my stories. I'm sure Cindy will appreciate them about hers.

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  9. I love reading and studying about the Civil War Era, fiction and non-fiction. It is one of my favorite time periods.

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    1. Brenda!! Tickled pink we share a mutual love of the Civil War period. I hope you give No Greater Glory a try one day...I've poured my heart & soul into making certain the backdrop is as real as it gets. Kindest regards, ♥ ~ Cindy

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    2. Brenda, thanks for commenting and do sign up for my blog. You'll get my updated Best American Patriotic Historical Romances list and Cindy's book will be on it!

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    3. Hi Regan - I am all signed up for your blog! Thank you to you and Cindy!

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  10. Holy Toledo, Regan!! I'm beyond thrilled to have my lil' love stories on YOUR coveted list of 'Recommended Reads'. Made. My. Day. Warmest regards... ~ Cindy ♥

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    1. You are most welcome, Cindy. Do let me know who your winner is and I will post the name.

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  11. I meant to be here yesterday, things got in the way. Anywho, I love historical romance for the historical aspect, with the romance added :) One book that comes to my mind always is, One Wore Blue by Heather Graham. She had so much Civil War history in this first book of the Cameron Family Saga, that was the book that got me so fascinated with Civil War history. I've been hooked on all historicals about Civil War, pre-Civil War, Reconstruction Era ever since, which is what brought me to your book Cindy. I really enjoyed it, and the many additional facts I learned too. I'll be reading the 2nd book very soon.
    Regan don't put me in the drawing, as I already have books 1 & 2.
    I'm so glad you had Cindy Nord as one of your guests this month! Again, I learned something new, as I did not know about the aprons either. I knew of the many things the ladies did for their soldiers, this was the first I've heard of something they did for themselves to show their support for their men.

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    1. Lesia! How well I remember One Wore Blue by the great Heather Graham! Read it multiple times. And then One Wore Grey, & One Rode West....awesome books, indeed. And thxs so much for stopping by to share you thoughts & oh-so-pleased I could share another lil' snippet of history (the aprons) with you. Biggest hugs, ~ Cindy ♥

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  12. Cindy,
    I enjoy how you incorporate historical facts within your emotional and wonderful stories. You're one of those writers who creates characters you remember!
    *Hugs*

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    1. Diana!! OMGosh, I'm beyond thrilled you stopped in to share your thoughts with me. And thx you for your warm words of support...I truly was just thinking the exact same things about YOU 'n your wonderful stories. What a pair we are, my darlin'...indeed! Whoot! Kindest regards, ~ Cindy ♥

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