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!