Ask the Author: Lyle Garford
Answered Questions (9)
Lyle Garford
I’ve noticed a couple of reviews commenting on the use of modern language in my historical fiction novels, with the implication being this somehow detracts from their quality and that I am somehow breaching a hard and fast rule of writing historical fiction. I respect everyone’s right to their opinion, but I must disagree. There are only personal preferences of readers and there is no such rule. I made a conscious decision to use modern language from the outset, bearing in mind some may prefer otherwise. Language is pliable and changes constantly. While it is likely the English language of the late eighteenth century could for the most part be understood by people living in our era, there would be differences. I decided making readers stop to struggle with the meaning of eighteenth century language I might use would detract from the flow and simple enjoyment of the book. The key is these are what I call “beach books”, where the reader can forget about their daily cares, dive into the book, and be carried away to a different time and place to simply enjoy the story without having to think about understanding the language in use. I also note I am certainly not the only historical fiction author doing this, but as I said, everyone is entitled to their opinion.
Lyle Garford
Interesting you are off on a cruise soon, as coincidentally I am sitting in Vancouver airport waiting for a flight to LA where we board a 16 day Panama Canal cruise. Lots to enjoy about cruising.
Most of my books have required a full year to produce, but I can do it faster if I put my mind to it and avoid being my usual lazy self. Don’t know if you have read my other books (The Evan Ross Series) but if you have you may enjoy knowing a seventh book entitled The Sugar Secret is coming soon. I mention this as I only started writing the book in July and it is already at the third and final draft stage before I give it to my publisher. I started writing and the creative flow simply wouldn’t stop.
Thank you for the kind words. I am glad you enjoy the books!.
Most of my books have required a full year to produce, but I can do it faster if I put my mind to it and avoid being my usual lazy self. Don’t know if you have read my other books (The Evan Ross Series) but if you have you may enjoy knowing a seventh book entitled The Sugar Secret is coming soon. I mention this as I only started writing the book in July and it is already at the third and final draft stage before I give it to my publisher. I started writing and the creative flow simply wouldn’t stop.
Thank you for the kind words. I am glad you enjoy the books!.
Lyle Garford
Book four in the Evan Ross series The Sugar Rebellion.
Lyle Garford
In Dewey Lambdin's age of sail series his lead character is Alan Lewrie, a British Royal Navy Lieutenant serving in the American Revolutionary War. He meets Caroline, a young royalist refugee, and saves her from rebel forces. The portrayal of their courtship, marriage, and long years apart during the wars of the late 18th/early 19th centuries is realistic and well written.
Lyle Garford
I've always enjoyed books set in the historical fiction genre involving the activities of the Royal Navy in the period from the American Revolutionary War through to 1815. This was a fascinating period in history, so writing my own series set in this era was something I knew I would love to do.
Lyle Garford
Inspiration for me is when an idea grabs me and won't let go until I do something about it.
Lyle Garford
Never give up.
Lyle Garford
The feeling of being in a creative zone where the words flow with ease.
Lyle Garford
There is no easy way around this. You have to be persistent and think your way past it.
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