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In the Spotlight--Regency Writer Linore Rose Burkard

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 In the Spotlight--Regency Writer Linore Rose Burkard   

 Question: How long have you been writing?

 Burkard:  I started writing when I was nine! I wrote my own version of  “My Side of the Mountain,” because the wonderful escape of the hero from everyday life and family seemed ideal to me. I wanted to do the same thing, and couldn't, so I did it through writing.

 Question: What drew you to the Regency era as a setting for your stories?

 Burkard:   I always liked Jane Austen, but when I discovered Georgette Heyer I really fell in love with the Regency. Then, after reading what some other authors did with the period, I felt I could do at least as well. The atmosphere of the Regency is really like no other, and a great deal of fun to boot. I couldn't resist!

 Question:  What type of Regency Romance do you write? Why?

 Burkard:  I am an Inspirational writer, which translates into Christian fiction. There were absolutely NO Christian regencies on the market and I would have loved to read one. I looked for years, and finally thought I'd fill the gap myself.  The reason I write Christian fiction is because I believe that coming to Christ was the single most important thing I ever did, and anyone else could ever do.

 Question:  Tell me about your publishing experience?

 Burkard:   I am a self-published author, meaning that I made the decision to publish instead of relying on an editor to do so. I started writing (novel writing) relatively late in life, so I didn't want to take the slow track, which traditional publishing is. Being proactive in one's writing life, I believe, is becoming more and more important as well as empowering.

 Question:  How do you publish?

 Burkhard:  I am working on publishing my own e-books; however, for the self-publishing of my novel, I chose to go through a publishing house, which, in this case was Xulon Press. I chose them because they are a Christian company with a good reputation and had some excellent examples of books they've done. (I ordered a few of their books from Amazon before making my choice, so I could really get a good idea of the quality of their work.) And my own book, Before the Season Ends, definitely fits my idea of an excellent quality book. I am very happy with the job they did, both in the printing and the cover artwork. 

 Question:  How do you market your books?

 Burkhard:  I am always looking for good ways to market the book. I like to run special offers, I publish a monthly eZine (which always includes links to my website) and I try to search out my niche market, which is Regency lovers, or romance readers, and just let them know about the book. I have only received excellent reviews so far and I have not heard of a single person who read the book and didn't like it; so, I truly believe that as it becomes better known, word-of-mouth will do a lot of my marketing for me!  I think a good product can stand on its own, as long as word gets out. (But of course, that's the trick—getting the word out!)

 Question:   Tell me about your next book?

 Burkhard:   Before my sequel comes out I'll be publishing an ebook, which is really exciting! This book is going to be THE definitive book on Christmas during the Regency. It has some history, some Jane Austen mentions, and a ton of facts about how the Season was celebrated at that time, including authentic—and reproducible—recipes; parlor games and other games that were actually played and can still be; poems and stories that were popular then; fireside and decorating how-to's to recreate one's very own “Olde English” Christmas. Plus a chapter on the Prince Regent and his style of entertaining; and all kinds of interesting factoids that people may not know about. Anyone using the book will find some delicious results as well as new games to play at a seasonal party. 

 Question:   When will it be published?

 Burkhard:  The first edition is due out no later than September 30^th of this year! The book will be called, The Definitive Regency Christmas: (What Jane Really Ate During A Yuletide Celebration:   And More)  (Previously, “Christmas at Carlton House: A Regency Yuletide Celebration. Most people didn't seem to recognize that Carlton House was the Prince Regent's London home, so I changed the title.) One truly liberating factor about publishing an ebook is that I can include links for free updates and additions, so that for anyone who buys the book, they can automatically get any new material without spending another dime.

Question:  How can a reader purchase your book? 

Burkhard:  My novel is available either at my website (http://www.LinoreRoseBurkard.com/Home_BeforeTSE.html or, on Amazon.com

Question:  Can the book be preordered? Is there a discount for pre-ordering the book?

Burkhard:  To get the Christmas book, you can PRE-ORDER at ½ price  until September 30th, after  which time the price goes up. To pre-order go to http://www.LinoreRoseBurkard.com/ChristmasBook.html  or just sign up for my newsletter and you'll get a link to order in the next issue of my eZine.

Question:  What do you think when you hear the market for the traditional Regency is dead?

 Burkhard:  I think that anyone who says such a thing just isn't in tune with fans of the genre. The truth is that readers love traditional regencies—just look at the popularity of Georgette Heyer, which is stronger than ever and shows no sign of abating! ( Heyer's been dead for some time, but her books—many of which are “traditional regencies”--are still selling like hotcakes.)  It's true that there are lots of book houses pushing authors to make their regency characters behave in modern ways, with modern morals (or lack, thereof); which is another reason why self-publishing is a superior choice. Readers  appreciate realism—especially in a historical, which is part of the fun—reading about how other people lived, spoke, dressed, and behaved. If the regency is not a “tradtional” regency, then it's not really an authentic regency.

 Question:  How important do you think research is  in writing your Regencies?

 Burkhard:  Research is vital. Regency fans are smart and are known for being so. And the whole idea of giving an authentic picture of the times can't be done without doing good research. In addition, this isn't a make-believe land we're talking about (in the Regency), it's a real place where millions of people live to this day, so facts really are important, and if you mess up too much, people will know and won't want to read your books.

 Question:  Ever get ideas for your books through doing research?

 Burkhard:  Yes; it's a great way to get ideas. They say that “truth is stranger than fiction,” so sometimes during research you want to take a real story and just fictionalize it and say, 'wow, there's my next book!' (But I've not done this--yet!)

 Question:  Tell me about your newsletter. (I love this newsletter by the way!)

Burkhard:  My newsletter is a monthly email edition, which I am constantly seeking to improve to make it better and better. It's called, “Upon My Word! Regency Facts, Fashion and Figures” although I've been expanding it to include more than just the Regency. I like to stuff it with at least one good meaty article on the Regency, as well as shorter peeks at words, fashion, or people from the time. I also include links every month (new ones each month), a fun link,  a family link, and always a free download, maybe even two. Future issues will include excerpts, recipes, and more, and I like it to be uplifting. Anyone can sign up for free at: http://www.LinoreRoseBurkard.com/Regency_eZine.html

 Question:  Do you find that providing this type of content brings more people and perhaps new customers to your website and helps in your marketing?

Burkhard:  Definitely. After each eZine comes out, I like to polish my main article even more and then publish it on the web. I am always getting new subscribers that way.  One thing I try to avoid is making the eZine a great big ad for my stuff; Of course I do tell my subscribers about my newest stories, articles, or if a book is getting ready to come out; but I think it would be a big turn-off if I only tried to sell to them. So I work hard to make the eZine interesting and fun, and I constantly look for useful links for people.  

 Question:  What are your favorite reference books regarding the Regency period?

 Burkhard:  Now that is an (eZine) issue in itself! But I'll give a few of my favorites quickly:

1)      Our Tempestuous Day, by Carolly Erickson

2)      All of Jane Austen's works

3)      An Elegant Madness, by Venetia Murray

4)      What Jane Austen Ate and Charles Dickens Knew by Richard Poole (Warning: this book rarely differentiates between the Regency and Victorian times, although there is a vast difference in some cases. You must know your period, beforehand. But he does give a good spin on things.)

5)      For a list of my favorite resources, go to: http://www.LinoreRoseBurkard.com/resources.html

I want to thank Linore for taking time to tell us about her new book, her website and eZine. The eZine is a valuable resource for writers and other folks interested in the Regency Period. 

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Internet Resources

http://home.earthlink.net/~thekeither/Forensic/forsone.htm

Forensic Science Web Pages

Includes information on Firearms and Toolmark Identification; Forensic Psychiatry and Profiling; Questioned Document Examination; Criminal Law; Personal Identification; Forensic Photography; Crime Scene Processing and Careers in Law Enforcement.

http://www.tncrimlaw.com/forensic/

Forensic Science Resources from Tennessee Criminal Law

http://www.library.yale.edu/humanities/media/zines.html

Yale University Zines and E-Zines. Information and links to resources for how to publish your E-Zines.

http://www.nyt.ulib.org/

The Historical New York Times Project. Right now they have digital issues of The New York Times from the American Civil War Period available online.

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/hmd/

The History of Medicine from the United States National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health. Includes digital collections of historical material.

http://www.worldwidefreelance.com/

This is a great resource for freelance writers. They have a great e-mail list also.

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Products available from Moonstone Research & Publications

The following products are currently available through Moonstone Research & Publications:

E-Mail Research Materials. 

These materials are only distributed via the internet through electronic mail and through our Reprintfactory List at Yahoo Groups where they may be downloaded at the purchaser's convenience. The following materials are now available for purchase:

The History of White's Vol. 1.   

This book chronicles the history of the legendary White's Club in London with anecdotes of the famous beaus who played there.

Price: $5.00US

Domestic Duties (1829)

Mrs. Parkes' Domestic Duties details how a young woman was to run her home and includes information on etiquette and daily life.

Price: $5.00US

The Deathbed Confessions of Lady Guernsey.

This publication was written by a supporter of Caroline of Brunswick and is full of rumor and accusations regarding the private life of the Prince Regent.

Price: $2.00US

John Ashton's History of Gambling in England

This book details the history of gambling in England with anecdotes and information on the various clubs. The book also contains information on females gambling, life insurance and the English Lottery.

Price: $5.00US

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