Q&A with Emery Lee discussion

When I launched my debut historical novel, I received many questions on my initial blog tour about how I began writing,and how I conducted my research. I would love to elaborate on any topic that interests you all, but here is a brief overview of my journey into the racing world of Georgian England.

As a born romantic and a history buff, I began THE HIGHEST STAKES with two goals- to spin an exciting and emotionally engaging story, and to accurately and vividly depict the world in which my characters (both real and fictional) actually lived.

My research for this work was extensive and diverse. I poured through history books to learn of the politics, the war,and the most influential people, but these were just the dry facts.

I explored the records of the Jockey Club and racing accounts dating back to the early 18th century. I became intimately acquainted with these horses and their aristocratic owners. I learned of the rivalry between the northern (Yorkshire) and southern (Derbyshire)horse breeders.

I had garnered the facts, but where was the color?

The true voice of the Georgian era was not to be revealed to me in history books or racing calendars, but in the personalletters, diaries, art, music, and literature of the time.

These revealed the true cultural mores, the social mindsets, the affectations of the elite, and the bawdy, satirical, and often vulgar humor as portrayed in popular novels and on the stage.

Horseracing was a world unto itself, and vividly depicted in the artwork of John Wootton, James Seymour, and George Stubbs. These artist gave me insights that allowed me to feel and write as if I was actually there on the Newmarket Heath.

These artists, along with their contemporaries, Henry Fielding and William Hogarth became my guides.

I am so very appreciative of what these men left behind - the very keys to unlock the past.

I am now simultaneously researching and writing my second novel, FORTUNE'S SON which is placed more in the gaming world than on the racetracks.

I enjoy every minute of digging through the records of the past. For me,research itself is an incredible adventure.

Emery Lee

Have started The Highest Stake and thoroughly enjoying the different characters from the onset. Their voices come alive and I find myself laughing at the french pronunciations made by Charlotte's uncle.

Had to drop by to say hello and off I go to continue with Highest Stake.

PK Reeves

Thank you so much PK. Please drop by my blog for some great historical tidbits that will really bring these first chapters to life! http://emerylee.wordpress.com