Ask the Author: Suzan Lauder

“NEW! My latest comedy novella called "A Most Handsome Gentleman," is posting at AHA and will be published Sept. 2017. Do you like posted stories to be left up while for sale as a book?” Suzan Lauder

Answered Questions (4)

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I deleted that "a" note from R&R as it has been too long since I read that story for me to remember why I noted that. OK? Had to add the ? to post this.
Suzan Lauder I don't recall the note, so it must be ok.
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What mystery in your own life could be a plot for a book?
Suzan Lauder My paternal grandfather's heritage and struggle with ALS.
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Who is your favorite fictional couple, and why?
Suzan Lauder Fitzwilliam Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet, because they change for each other. He changes because he loves her so much, and she changes as she grows to know her mistaken first impressions of him.
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I suggest you read some interesting historical nonfiction like 'an Elegant Madness' by Venetia Murray. It gives great descriptions of the food and social events of Regency England. I'm not saying your writing needs this, just that extra information is always helpful when writing a new story. Do you think this would appeal to you?
Suzan Lauder I'll definitely put it on my "To Read" list! You're right, scene-setting can be helped a lot with little details like "spermaceti candles."

For Regency non-fiction books, I'm on again-off again reading Jennifer Kloester's "Georgette Heyer's Regency World" and David M. Shapard's annotated "Pride and Prejudice," and both provide clarification on many issues, though Mr. Shapard has a few errors. I have a copy of Maggie Lane's "Jane Austen and Food" and Jody Gayle's books on needlework and furnishings yet to read. I use a lot of actual Regency era books from Google books for writing reference, including "Mirror of the Graces," "La Belle Assemblee," a couple of cookbooks, Johnson's dictionary, etymology books, law books, technology books, books on how to write letters, and more. I also use Jane Austen's letters as a resource--Dierdre LeFaye's excellent annotated version.

I love the research rabbit hole on the Internet, and have hundreds of bookmarked pages, including Regency documentation like Hansard and court martial listings. I find well referenced articles on history blogs such as Rachel Knowles' and Geri Walton's--both are sources for my latest book.
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