Historical Genre WIPs

My WIP is set in 17th c. Amsterdam. It is the sequel to my novel about the Dominican royal confessor who disappeared from the Spanish court at age 42, reappeared in Amsterdam, declared himself to be a Jew, and became a physician at age 46.

Title: Britannia (might change, probably to The Half-Soul Gift)
Time: 60-65 AD
Place: Roman Britain, ancient Rome
Brief Description: Some of you have heard plenty about the story, but here it is: Two tribal princesses in Roman Britain are left with a terrible mess when their father dies and their mother tries to start a war. When they are gang raped by Roman legionaries, their mother starts a rebellion. The rebellion fails when the Romans defeat the Britons on the battlefield. Ceridwen and Delyth are taken as slaves. They end up in Rome, where they and their friends Calfyn and Monat try to create new lives for themselves. Ceridwen ends up marrying a Senator's son; Calfyn works as a spy, but ends up returning to Britannia where he belongs; Monat becomes a follower of the strange new Christian cult; and poor Delyth doesn't make it to the end of the novel.

I won't bore you with my other WIP.

Title: From the Mouth of the Dragon
Time/Place: BC 529 - Babylon
Brief Description: Three men - a Hebrew slave, an Egyptian and a Babylonian - conspire with a military traitor to deliver the city into the hands of the advancing Persian army. When they realize their plot has been discovered they are frantic to silence their accuser - if only they knew who he was.
Linnea

My WIP is primarily mythological fantasy, though I use lots of details from the history/culture of this region.

Title: Escape From Manitou Island (the third in a series)

Time/Place: Alternate dimensions with various time periods, but most seem set between the 1500s-1800s. Main location is the Great Lakes area although there is some wandering south into southern Michigan/Hopewell territory, east into the New York of the early-contact Six Nations (and briefly even further east to the Northeast Coast tribes), north to a precontact-era Hudson's Bay, and westward toward the plains. And probably lots of artistic license since I've never visited these places. *shrug* Alternate dimensions!

Brief Description: Fantasy/mythology serial very loosely based on several Ojibwa myths, primarily that of the great flood, when the earth was re-created atop a turtle's back, and that of the "Pearl Feather," an evil spirit who challenges the culture hero Manabozho (the "Hiawatha" of Longfellow's poem). There's a LOT more to it than that but I figure I won't bore people with the fantasy details when this is the history forum. But it has voyageurs and British Redcoats and various American Indian tribes and stuff. So...yeah. That's my WIP.

tehuti88, that sounds fantastic!

I'm currently writing a short historical story, set around 1900.
However, I've also in the middle of writing a historical novel set in Australia in 1867. It's loosely based on the governess scheme that was founded in Britian, where English governessess were sent out to the countries of the British Empire. Only, a lot of women found when they arrived that there were no jobs for them to go to.

Okay, here's mine, though I'm still stalled.

Title: Melchior

Times and places: approximately 30BC to 1BC
Melchior's part: Jerusalem
Gaspar's part: Central China to Jerusalem
Balthazar's part: Persia to Jerusalem

Plot: Melchior, manumitted by and married to Herod the Great's brother, Pheroras, deals with the intrigues of that court. When Pheroras is poisoned, even though she is acquitted of the crime, she needs to flee the country before Herod changes his mind.


Gaspar, a soldier and astronomer from Emperor Ai's court in China, has to help one of Ai's country cousins flee when the feud between the two Dowager Empresses endangers the girl. He plans to visit a Persian astrologer he has been corresponding with. The stars have told him of great things to come in the west and it's as good a destination as any. But one of the Empresses has dispatched an assassin after them.


Gaspar and Balthazar decide to journey further west, to Jerusalem, for the portents in the stars tell them a king will be born there. Gaspar obtains permission from the Emperor's Persian liaisons to present gifts to the new king in the Emperor's name - a common custom. When they arrive in Jerusalem, Gaspar and Balthazar visit Herod's court to inquire where they can find this "new King of the Jews."


Melchior, hearing of this and knowing Herod will not like it, dresses in men's robes to find them and warn them to leave as quickly as they can, but they feel they must finish their quest first. She goes with them to Bethlehem.

The Magi find their "new-born king" and present Mary and Joseph with gifts on behalf of their rulers. Melchior warns the new parents that Herod will kill their child if he finds it and tells them to flee to Egypt. The Magi decide it's time to disappear as well.


But Herod's secret police are in town now, with orders to capture the Magi and kill all male children below the age of three. And just when the Magi think they're safe, the Imperial assassin makes his move.


While researching this I decided I needed to start Melchior's part much earlier than I had originally planned and present more of the treacherous behaviour that drove Herod to do the things he did.

Wait, BardSkye - Pheroras is POISONED???? Does he die?? Oh no! How could you? I liked him very much in the snippets you posted.


As far as my story:

Title - For Sparta (awful working title)

Time/Place - Sparta circa 350 B.C.

My WIP tells the story of Melaina, a young woman in ancient Sparta whose first experience with the harsh realities and sacrifices of life in that city-state is when she is five, and her beloved seven year old brother leaves for the mandatory military training school. Life in Sparta gives her unusual freedoms compared to the rest of ancient Greece, but with those freedoms come great and often painful responsibility and selflessness if she is to be the exemplary Spartan citizen that her staunch warrior father and her steadfast and dedicated mother try to teach her to be.

Sparta was a fascinating and completely unusual culture, and I'm having a blast exploring how a spirited, independently-minded young woman copes with the challenges it sets before her as she matures, falls in love, marries, and begins to raise her own family, finding at some point that she is asked one sacrifice too many.

I will have significantly more writing time once the girls are back in school (August 27!), and will allow myself NO MORE DETOURS FOR SHORT STORIES until this story is finished.

c.e.

OK, I've got to post in this, too. lol. I kind of hestitate to, though, for various reasons; one of which is it's a historical romance. The rough draft is done and so is one round of edits.

Title: Devon's Wish (book 2 of the Maguire Men series)

Time/Place: Early MIddle Ages (around 805 AD)/Central Ireland

Description: On the day of his father’s funeral pyre, Devon Maguire, Duke of Beinn, learns he will marry Aidan MacDermott, daughter of the Maguires’ enemy who has been captured during a raid, in two weeks. He resents the arrangement until he goes to see her where she is held captive in the north tower.

Aidan is psychic and knows her father and his men will come the morning after their marriage, prepared for a raid. After a confrontation with her father, Devon agrees if she does not willingly go to his bed within a year, being his wife in all ways, she will be free to return home.

His mother decides she cannot live in the same house as one of their enemies so close in with them. Devon takes her to Kildaire under the assumption of visiting her brother, but she goes to the community of priestesses there and decides to stay.

After the duke returns home, he goes to the village to hear petitions from the people. On the way there, he and his party are ambushed. He gets wounded and nearly dies. He blames Aidan. She helps to care for him while he recovers. Eventually he forgives her, believing what she says about not knowing he was leaving.

During Devon’s recovery, Aidan confides to his second-in-command, Cein, that she has worried for her brother, who disappeared the same time she was kidnapped. The duke overhears and they vow to find her brother. When he is found, he is near death from torture and neglect. A crude “G” carved into his chest leads Devon to his own uncle and to the discovery of The Butcher who has killed or maimed many people. He is then hung for his crimes.

When the king of the province visits during his circuit, Aidan tells Devon the king is in danger of dying during the planned hunt. While saving his life, the duke is injured again. While he fights to live, he dreams of a previous life where the first of the Maguire dukes lived in the same place Devon does now. To save his life, the ancestor visits from Tir na n’Og and gives Devon his will to live even though it is near his time for reincarnation.

Upon his recovery, Aidan gives herself to him in all ways and in so doing breaks the ties her father had on her. Her brother has a difficult recovery as well. Her father visits and knows Aidan will not be returning with him and now calls Beinn her home.

Sorry, everyone...

but if I talk about what I'm currently writing I spoil the whole process.

I know exactly what you mean, pdr. Especially in the early stages of writing. I kept my description of my story pretty vague for that very reason. It's like it sucks out my energy for writing the story when I've already told it.

And JenNipps - whyever (is that a word?) would you hesitate to post here just because yours is a historical romance? As long as the historical part isn't discounted or carelessly portrayed, you belong here. And I have to admit that I'm having a VERY hard time holding myself back from volunteering to beta your story. Battle-scarred warriors? Flangst and angst? Intense family dynamics? Physical and emotional healing? Good God, that's my kind of story. If I were further along in my own WIP, I would be begging you to let me beta. Don't let me do it!! Aaaaaaghhh.

Title: Wolf of Whitechapel (working)

Time/Place: Summer of Terror, 1888; London

Brief Description: Fantasy based on historical events, but stems from the concept: "What if Jack the Ripper was a pack of werewolves?" Will also be exploring the homosexual sub-culture of London at that time.

Everything subject to change, pending the story's whims.

c.e.lawson said:

Wait, BardSkye - Pheroras is POISONED???? Does he die?? Oh no! How could you? I liked him very much in the snippets you posted.

Click to expand...

Sorry, c.e. I like him, too, but the research is clear on that point. He was poisoned by Antipater, who was also the main instigator behind Herod's insanities. Pheroras died within days and his wife was accused but acquitted of the crime.

The historical record fits the story like it was written exclusively for it. It's really kind of neat - I'd never even heard of Pheroras or his life until the bones of the book had already been decided on.

JenNipps said:

OK, I've got to post in this, too. lol. I kind of hestitate to, though, for various reasons; one of which is it's a historical romance.

Click to expand...

And just what's wrong with historical romance? I only like my romances if they're set before mechanization, and really prefer the second to 16th centuries as a setting.

pdr said:

but if I talk about what I'm currently writing I spoil the whole process.

Click to expand...

PDR, in most cases, I completely agree with you. I can't talk about active WIPs for that reason. Since the one I posted is in edits, that's different because the story itself is done. lol

c.e.lawson said:

And JenNipps - whyever (is that a word?) would you hesitate to post here just because yours is a historical romance? As long as the historical part isn't discounted or carelessly portrayed, you belong here. And I have to admit that I'm having a VERY hard time holding myself back from volunteering to beta your story. Battle-scarred warriors? Flangst and angst? Intense family dynamics? Physical and emotional healing? Good God, that's my kind of story. If I were further along in my own WIP, I would be begging you to let me beta. Don't let me do it!! Aaaaaaghhh.

Click to expand...

Um........

OK. I'll try not to let you. lol.

I feel pretty good about the research in this. I have no doubt I've overlooked something, but (obviously) I have no clue what it might be.

BardSkye said:

And just what's wrong with historical romance? I only like my romances if they're set before mechanization, and really prefer the second to 16th centuries as a setting.

Click to expand...

Not a thing wrong with it IMO. In some circles (I've not encountered it here, though), historical romance isn't considered to be real historical, though.

The first historical romance I ever read was Kathleen Woodiwiss (sp?) The Wolf and the Dove. I've no idea just how accurate her history is and have never cared, really. She immersed me into her world, made me smell the woodsmoke, feel the winter's cold. That's a hell of a lot more than my high school history teacher ever did.

I agree with the rest here. If you've done your best to remain true to the history, or at least explain to the reader that you've changed something for the story's sake, it doesn't matter whether it's romance, mystery or any other genre; it belongs here with us.

Hello all, I'm new to the board but thought I'd share my WIP.

Working title: Memoir of Perry; Bastard Son and the Women he Loved

It takes place in late 1800 and is about a 17 year old boy, determined to lose his virginity.

It's a real hoot to write. I love the male POV.

No title yet, but my present WIP is set between the Isle of Man and the Lancashire coast (specifically Fleetwood and Morecombe Bay) in around 1860. The Isle of Man was just taking off as a tourist destination at the time, and Fleetwood was a boom town for shrimping boats - and my young hero wants to become an artist like his (slightly ne'er do well) father, against the wishes of his family.

pdr said:

but if I talk about what I'm currently writing I spoil the whole process.

Click to expand...

I understand that too. I couldn't talk about my first book at all and squirmed and sweated when anyone asked me about it.
I don't talk about the details of my current wip either but I developed a type of logline (the one I wrote above) that satisfies anyone who asks and prevents me from having to explain why I won't talk about it.
Linnea

I'm with pdr. One historical maturing in a closet, one in progress.

Mine...

Title: "Fires and Embers"

Time & Place: World War II, Philippines

Brief Description: From the bombing of Pearl Harbor in 1941 to the horrific end in 1945, the story revolves around people of three nations--America, Japan and the Philippines--whose lives clash together in a war unwanted.


Vague, I know, but describing the story would take too much in the post, hehe. And I'd post the blurb...if I can find it anywhere here...I know I posted it here a few years ago...

Oh yeah, I'm almost done with the novel, and I'm giddy, hihi!

Ack. I never did post mine!

Title: Bet On Me

Time & Place: Regency London

Brief Description: Matthew Pemberton, bare knuckle boxer, has invested his prize fighting winnings into a pugilism studio, teaching the science of boxing to wealthy members of the ton. He's got almost everything. Except for the lady of his dreams. The thing is, she's married and when her husband finds out about their affair, Matthew is drawn into one more prize fight that leaves his opponent dead and Matthew arrested for murder. Historical Romance.
***

Title: Sight Unseen

Time & Place: Texas, 1876/77

Brief Description: When Margaret Bell's father suddenly collapses and dies, he leaves her in desperate straits --bankrupt. Everything is sold to satisfy the creditors --except for a few personal momentos and an insolvent, remote ranch in Texas. With no way to support herself, and no one willing to purchase the property, Margaret decides to follow Fate and move to the only home left to her and see if she can't turn it to rights. Justin Fancher cannot believe that the fellow who'd just purchased his ranch had turned up his toes and now his NYC breed daughter was showing up to accept the deed. He'd rather be out of Stoney Creek and away from all of the memories and knowing looks. Except that when Miss Bell shows up he decides he can't leave her to fend and fail on her own. And it's not because she's a woman. She's a blind woman, for crissakes, from back east, with no skills and no sense. How's she gonna run a ranch by herself? Historical Romance.
***

Title: Coming Out

Time & Place: Regency London

Brief Description: Lady Charlotte Fortney is content with her life. At 35 and unmarried, she's comfortable and ready to be the best auntie in the world. If only her siblings would hurry up and marry. And, now that their overpowering father has passed on, and the family is out of deep mourning, they can get on with things. Oliver, the heir, can finally choose a wife, and Angelica, the youngest, can finally have her Season. When Daniel Walsh appears at the first ball of the season, Charlotte's neat little world falls apart. And when the man who shattered her heart all of those years ago turns his atttention on her little sister, Charlotte knows she must do something to stop him. Historical Romance Short Story.

Title: (Tentative) Storm's Fury

Time/Place: Colonial America, during the American Revolution.

Brief Description: Nicholas Storm, son of Seven Years War/French and Indian War hero Colonel Nathaniel Storm, has been smoozing in high society for his entire life, running his father's small fishing fleet. His brother Malachi took to the actual work, and learned of the dissent that spread through the colonies like a disease. Nicholas travels to Lexington to retrieve his brother--who has gotten in with John Parker and John Adams--but witnesses the shot fired on Lexington's green, and sees his brother hit. In retaliation, he joins the Minutemen. When he discovers that Royal Marines were behind the massacre at Lexington, he learns to hate them. When, in November 1775, they are recruiting Colonial Marines, Nicholas joins them.

Thomas Crow, a self-righteous loyalist, planned the shot at Lexington to flush out the "traitors" agains the king. After surviving Battle Road, Brigadier General Earl Hugh Percy gives him a mission, to infiltrate the Provincial ranks and sabotage and spy. He accepts the very risky mission, proudly, and ends up in the Continental Navy.

As the sea actions of the early Continetal Marines plough through easy victories until their confrontation with the HMS Glasgow, Thomas Crow tries to kill the enemy he recognizes, before his cover is blown. And Nicholas tries to survive in the midst of battle and the attempts to murder him.

san_remo_ave said:

Ack. I never did post mine!

Title: Bet On Me

Time & Place: Regency London

Brief Description: Matthew Pemberton, bare knuckle boxer, has invested his prize fighting winnings into a pugilism studio, teaching the science of boxing to wealthy members of the ton. He's got almost everything. Except for the lady of his dreams. The thing is, she's married and when her husband finds out about their affair, Matthew is drawn into one more prize fight that leaves his opponent dead and Matthew arrested for murder. Historical Romance.
***

Title: Sight Unseen

Time & Place: Texas, 1876/77

Brief Description: When Margaret Bell's father suddenly collapses and dies, he leaves her in desperate straits --bankrupt. Everything is sold to satisfy the creditors --except for a few personal momentos and an insolvent, remote ranch in Texas. With no way to support herself, and no one willing to purchase the property, Margaret decides to follow Fate and move to the only home left to her and see if she can't turn it to rights. Justin Fancher cannot believe that the fellow who'd just purchased his ranch had turned up his toes and now his NYC breed daughter was showing up to accept the deed. He'd rather be out of Stoney Creek and away from all of the memories and knowing looks. Except that when Miss Bell shows up he decides he can't leave her to fend and fail on her own. And it's not because she's a woman. She's a blind woman, for crissakes, from back east, with no skills and no sense. How's she gonna run a ranch by herself? Historical Romance.
***

Title: Coming Out

Time & Place: Regency London

Brief Description: Lady Charlotte Fortney is content with her life. At 35 and unmarried, she's comfortable and ready to be the best auntie in the world. If only her siblings would hurry up and marry. And, now that their overpowering father has passed on, and the family is out of deep mourning, they can get on with things. Oliver, the heir, can finally choose a wife, and Angelica, the youngest, can finally have her Season. When Daniel Walsh appears at the first ball of the season, Charlotte's neat little world falls apart. And when the man who shattered her heart all of those years ago turns his atttention on her little sister, Charlotte knows she must do something to stop him. Historical Romance Short Story.

Click to expand...

Wow, san_remo_ave - You are BUSY! I'm so glad you're still writing Sight Unseen. I loved what you posted of that a while back, and I was wondering if you were still planning to finish it. Good luck! I hope you'll post more of it, or maybe we can beta for each other when you're finished! At the rate I'm going, you can finish your fight story and this one, and I'll probably just be finishing my Sparta story. Sad, isn't it?

c.e.