Sophia`s Letter by Elizabeth Donnehttps://bit.ly/3DkxjKS
In my sweet Regency novel, "Sophia`s Letter," the written correspondence between the hero and heroine plays a central role in the plot. You can read the first three chapters in the Amazon sample here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DKG71KFK
In Regency times, without landlines, emails, or text messaging, letters were the go-to method for communication between businesses and households. In literature of that era, letters carried critical news of an inheritance or, perhaps, the longing sighs of parted lovers.
Letters can make for interesting plot-points. Whose handwriting is that? Why is this person suddenly writing to her if she hardly knows him?
We might assume then that envelopes might also hold promising mysteries in Regency literature, right? Oddly enough, the answer is, mostly, "no." Envelopes really only came into regular use in Victorian times.
This is what Wikipedia has to say on the matter:
"In Western history, from the time flexible writing material became more readily available in the 13th century until the mid-19th century, correspondence was typically secured by a process of letter folding and sealing which sometimes employed elaborate letterlocking techniques to indicate tampering or prove authenticity. Some of these techniques, which could involve stitching or wax seals, were also employed to secure hand-made envelopes."
- (2021, March 12). Envelope. Wikipedia. Retrieved April 12, 2021, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Envelope
Shannon Donnelly explains further:
"The letter itself differed from its modern form. The letter usually comprised a single sheet (sometimes folded once in the middle to make a booklet-like page). This was folded in thirds, then the ends were folded together, with one end tucked inside another. Hot wax dripped onto the joining ends sealed the letter.
- Shannon Donnelly. (2010, May 29). The Regency Post — A Pity We`ve Lost Letters. Shannon Donnelly`s Fresh Ink. Retrieved April 12, 2021, from https://shannondonnelly.com/2010/05/
We can see that it would be unusual for a Regency author to write a scene in which the heroine eagerly rips open an envelope. More li...
4 COMMENTS
Joye
18 years agoI have read your books and really like the way you write and develope your characters. I like the dialogue between them and the settings. And I have read a few books lately that have the characters hopping in and out of bed every other page. I don’t think those scenes should be included unless they add to the story and not subtract from it
Becky
18 years agoRegarding the whole “when to get them into bed togther thing.” To be honest, most the time I hate waiting for more then a few chapters. Not that I want a book that is nothing but sex….b/c I LOVE the stories and emotions the characters go through. I just like some sex too. Sometimes I think the authors stretch it too much. It is like the characters are almost there and then something like a phone ringing….or a chambermaid coming in with hot water happens and poof suddenly they aren’t doing the deed. That is more annoying then anything. Authors say they want you to feel the tension and really build the supense so that when they finally hit the bed/sofa/chamber/floor/car/boat (grin) you feel the tension between them. Like I said above….I get annoyed with other characters interrupting etc. I want a great love story, with riveting characters, high emotion, but sex too….sooner rather then later. There is light romance (what I call it) which is easy reading, mild sex etc….there is heavy romance which is big on history, high emotion, moderate sex and then there is erotica which is a story with lots of sex. I like a little higher then the middle….great story and a good amount of sex within the first 2 to 4 chapters!! Just my opinion!! BTW….you know I LOVE you as a author!! Keep writing….have a happy day/night.
Becky D. from Dalton MA
SMILE :)!!!!!!
Lyndsey
18 years agoI do not know about other readers but I like the books where the STORY grabs your interest first. IF they fall in love or lust later that is a side benefit I guess I am too old to dog ear the love scenes to read over and over– so I vote for the 50 pages
Becky
18 years agofor some reason my info (e-mail etc) is popping up on my last comment, but I don’t see anyone elses info with their comments….why is that?? Could it be removed by the person who runs the site?? Thanks for the help….I do agree with Lyndsey and Joye too….I actually love when the story sucks you in within the first few pages….and I love a lot of dialogue and sparring and communicating with the characters….especially when the men are overwhelmed with there “feelings” and growling and trying to come to terms with it. Sophia’s books are like that!! Bye!!