Guest Author, Mary Balogh with GIVEAWAY!
by sue on Jan.05, 2010, under Book Chat
A MATTER OF CLASS
By Mary Balogh
A friend of mind who is writing a children’s fantasy novel recently discovered what all writers discover sooner or later—that really there are alarmingly few original plot lines. He was frustrated over the fact that he kept finding himself imitating other stories; try as he would not to. He begged for my advice and help. How is it possible as a writer to be fresh and original, to come up with something new and wonderful?
Good question!
All I could say in reply was that there may indeed be only one Cinderella story—or Beauty and the Beast story and so on—but an infinite number of ways in which to tell that story. The best and the most successful writers are those who can take an old plot idea and make it so distinctively their own that no one even notices that it is one that has been told a million times before.
It may seem that writers of romance are particularly restricted in this regard. A man and a woman meet, fall in love, somehow overcome all the obstacles, external and internal, that stand in their way, and end up happily committing their lives to each other. Love stories are so numerous and so predictable in their outcome that there may seem to be hardly any point in reading them and even less in writing them. But there are great love stories that have captivated readers to such a degree that they are still read years, even centuries, after they were written. There is an exhilarating challenge about making something new and vibrant out of the old formula, about drawing readers in to the sheer magic of love and its transforming power on the lives of two people. Character is everything in a love story, and there is as much variety in character as there are people in this world. And love is everything, in all its many manifestations. There is no greater power on earth. And the voice of the writer is everything—the voice of a unique individual who believes in love and committed relationships.
A great deal of everythings, in fact. Every aspect of the story and the way it is written are important to a memorable keeper of a book.
A MATTER OF CLASS, a short Regency-era novel of mine released by Vanguard Press Dec. 29, 2009, has a story line that will sound very familiar. Reginald (Reggie) Mason, only son of a wealthy coal merchant, and Lady Annabelle Ashton, only child of the Earl of Havercroft, are being forced to marry each other. Annabelle is in disgrace, having tried to elope with her father’s coachman, and the elder Mr. Mason sees a way of elevating his family into the upper classes by offering a husband for Annabelle and money to save the impoverished earl from ruin. It is an inauspicious beginning for a love story, but it is not by any means a unique one in romance.
It is the way it is told, I hope, that will give the story a unique appeal, most notably the characters. I focus upon Reggie and Annabelle, of course, and build what I hope readers will find a tender love story. But I had great fun with the surrounding characters, particularly the parents—the icy earl, who turns out to be human after all; the coolly dignified countess, who needs a friend; the hearty, vulgar Mr. Mason, who adores his family but is not above using them to forward his ambition; and the self-conscious, garrulous Mrs. Mason, who would not harm a fly. I hope readers will particularly enjoy the scene of the proposal, at which both sets of parents as well as Reggie and Annabelle are present. It was one of my favorite scenes to write.
And there is something else that can make a familiar story unique. It is the element of surprise, that extra something that goes beyond mere suspense and its denouement. It is a fine tactic if the story supports it. Does A MATTER OF CLASS contain a surprise? Well, a reader who has already read an advance copy has suggested to everyone else at my yahoo site that they had better be prepared to read the story twice!
Question: What makes a romance, or any novel for that matter, unique and memorable to you? What sets it above the average and earns it a place on your keeper shelf? What are some of your favorite novels and why? It’s relatively easy, isn’t it, to recognize a great book. It’s harder to explain what it is about it that is so appealing.
GIVEAWAY: It will be my pleasure to send an autographed copy of A MATTER OF CLASS to someone (randomly chosen) who posts a comment.
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Shape-shifter Dev Peltier thought he knew it all. But one night when a Dark-Hunter, who is also an official member of the Dogs of War, sashays into his bar, he realizes he might have met his match. But as old enemies and new move into New Orleans, Samia realizes that Dev just might be the only hope she and mankind have to save the world.
Friend Feed
February 13th, 2010 on 11:23 pm
One of my favorite authors! For me of course the characters have to be likeable, but I also like both parts of the couple to learn something about themselves, as it tends to mirror something that 16 years of marriage, a lesson either my husband and I have learned too!
January 10th, 2010 on 12:46 pm
Any book by Mary Balogh is guaranteed to be a great read. Now I’m torn from buying the book now and waiting to see if I win one. An autographed copy would be a treasure for my library.
Best wishes, Mary, on your latest!
LaRue
January 9th, 2010 on 7:53 am
I want characters that I can associate with, I can get drawn into their lives. I can cheer for them to get their happily ever after. I can feel good at the end of the book. One book that comes to mind for me that I really enjoy and read over and over is The Bride Of Pendorric by Victoria Holt. I really enjoy that book. I had to go purchase another copy because mine got lost the last time I moved.
January 7th, 2010 on 6:27 pm
What makes a book memorable for me are the characters. The plot and the setting are important but if I have no interest in the characters then the book just doesn’t work for me. It’s when the author brings the characters to life and makes me care for them, that makes a book a keeper for me.
January 6th, 2010 on 11:48 pm
I’m very attracted to stories that have heroines I like. Interestingly, heroes are sometimes the least interesting thing to me. I’m interested in the woman’s journey and her growth.
I also care about writing. To read words that are artfully crafted and obviously carefully constructed can make a book sing. I’ve read many books I’ve enjoyed where the writing was good but never brilliant. It’s those where the writing soars that reminds me why I’m a reader and why I’m hoping to instill a love of books with my daughter also.
January 6th, 2010 on 2:31 am
Like you said, it is very hard to put a name to what makes a book so great. But a recent favorite of mine, because I was on a Beauty and the Beast kick, is Beauty by Robin McKinley. Her writing is so rich and detailed, its hard not to love anything she creates.
January 6th, 2010 on 1:42 am
For me, it’s not only about the characters, but also the way language is wielded. The written word can be beautiful, even with an appalling topic. Toni Morrison’s “Beloved” is a great example (and one of my favorite novels).
January 5th, 2010 on 11:07 pm
The romances that I remember the most are not because of where they took place, but it’s the characters. I may forget some of the details of the plot, but I remember my reaction to the characters and the emotions I felt while reading their love story.
Looking back on my favorite books from 2009 all of them gave me strong emotional reactions and the characters….they were fantastic. While I love historicals, several of my favs from last year…all of which made it to the keeper shelf almost all were considered erotic romance (with a few exceptions). All Jacked Up by Lorelei James, Broken and Deeper by Megan Hart. Laid Bare by Lauren Dane. Summer of Two Wishes by Julia London and Proof by Seduction by Courtney Milan just to name a few.
January 5th, 2010 on 10:20 pm
I think when there are certain scenes in a book that really stand and make me want ot go back and read them again and again and again.
January 5th, 2010 on 8:27 pm
for me it is the characters that I fall in love with as I get to know them in the story; I want to go back and read them again or read other books where they are in(series)to find out how they are and what they’ve been up to. This makes it memorable.
yourstrulee(at)sasktel(dot)net
January 5th, 2010 on 7:43 pm
For me, a really great book goes beyond believable, involving characters and interesting plot to include fine writing — phrases that make me want to read them out loud, paragraphs I go back and savor. I can enjoy books without that, but those are always my strongest “keepers.” One book that compels me to re-read it time and again is THE LIONS OF AL-RASSAN by Guy Gavriel Kay. It is a fantasy, but with a wonderful romance plot and some of the best writing I’ve ever read.
January 5th, 2010 on 7:33 pm
I think it’s all about chemistry between the main characters. If it’s there, you’ve got me ’til the end. If it isn’t, I may set the book down and forget to pick it up again. I’m reading Outlander for the first time and love the chemistry between Claire and Jamie. I’m less than half way through this chunky book but I’m really enjoying it.
January 8th, 2010 on 11:17 am
Oh yeah, talk about chemistry — wooo!
January 5th, 2010 on 7:27 pm
Wow — finally got a break! Mary - thanks for posting! I loved A MATTER OF CLASS — the twist was perfect & the story well delivered — as always, you make me remember why I love to read romance so much.
Loved A Secret Affair coming out in May http://www.borders.com/online/store/TitleDetail?sku=0385343302 — cover is gorgeous!
Thanks again,
Sue
January 5th, 2010 on 7:14 pm
I love strong, memorable characters. I also want an author to give me a big twist in the plot every time. I want to be suprised and say that I didn’t see that one coming.
January 5th, 2010 on 7:13 pm
I enjoy a story that keeps me guessing, that isn’t too predictable. I love humor - it doesn’t have to be laugh out loud, although that’s fun, and a bit embarrassing in public - but those stories with lighter moments among all of the drama are ones that I remember fondly after the book is done.
January 5th, 2010 on 6:42 pm
For me, a memorable book is all about the characters.
January 5th, 2010 on 6:22 pm
A book that keeps me up all night reading is a keeper for me! My favorite of 2009 was Rachel and the Hired Gun by Elaine Levine, loved this book and I will reread it some day! This was her debut book so I am waiting for her next one. I love your books Mary!
January 5th, 2010 on 6:18 pm
It is definitely the characters that stick with me long after I have finished the book. It is hard to say exactly why I enjoy some stories so much. It is usually a combination of characters who make mistakes, learn from them and then recognize and value and even fight for their HEA.
January 5th, 2010 on 5:01 pm
i went to your website, ms. balogh, and read the excerpt of the proposal scene and i wish it kept going. i’d love to know how you fit annabelle and reggie’s story in 200 pages!
books that are keepers for me are ones that made me care about the characters that i’m rooting for their happy ending–books whose main characters i care for and case see their chemistry leap off the page, books that make me feel emotion, filled with touching/moving moments that make me sigh and want to read/revisit again and again. if i have to choose one romance novel that did all this i’d have to say silk and secrets by mary jo putney.
and you’re right, it’s easier to talk about something i dislike than something i like because it’s really hard to explain why i like something–i just know and i’m kinda have that “anxious” feeling someone might not feel that same way about it.
January 5th, 2010 on 4:34 pm
I the tend to favor character-driven stories so for me, falling in love with a book means falling in love with the character(s). Unique mannerisms, dialogue, quirks really stand out to me and add a layer of depth that often pushes a book from simply a good read to a “keeper.”
January 5th, 2010 on 4:21 pm
Strong characters and a great storyline make a book memorable to me.
January 5th, 2010 on 4:14 pm
What makes a novel memorable are characters that give you reason to care - the hero and/or heroine has been challenged and is stronger for it. Also, a plausible story line - be it the love story or larger issue that brings them together. Love is a natural progression, and that comes from knowing someone, flaws and all.
January 5th, 2010 on 3:40 pm
“It’s relatively easy, isn’t it, to recognize a great book. It’s harder to explain what it is about it that is so appealing.”
What you’ve said here is so true. As I thought back over my very favorites it was difficult to really pinpoint why I loved them. Great writing? No, I’ve read some great writing that I couldn’t stand. Good characters/plot? Well of course, but again I’ve read books with good characters/plot that I wouldn’t read again. It’s almost like the perfect storm. A union of pieces that fit together that makes the book vibrate in my mind. That is what makes a great book for me.
January 5th, 2010 on 1:42 pm
Hi Mary! Happy New Year!
The characters help make a romance along with the writing. It’s the way the author writes the story, putting her/his words together, weaving the storyline, creating chemistry, emotion and sex appeal; making a marvelous creation that makes the characters come alive.
January 5th, 2010 on 1:04 pm
Hi, Mary! Happy New Year! I recently truly enjoyed reading “A Precious Jewel”! For me a great book is all about fully-fleshed characterization and in-depth story line detail. Really well-developed charcters, both heroic and villainous, can be placed into any time frame, locale, story theme, & etc., and you will have a great read. I read a variety of genres, but my all-time favorite is Historical Western Romance. However, I adore all types of romance stories, both historical and contemporary. I never tire of reading about love. Let’s face it, love and sexual attraction keep the world spinning on its axis : ) Two favorite romances of mine are “Ashes in the Wind” by Kathleen E. Woodiwiss, and “Mariana” by Susanna Kearsley. Great characters, interesting and detailed stories, and a few unexpected twists for good measure!
January 5th, 2010 on 12:44 pm
The characters are what makes a book memorable for me. One of the books I most enjoyed last year was Jennifer Ashley’s “The Madness of Lord Ian MacKenzie.” He was interesting, troubled, charming and entirely human.
January 5th, 2010 on 11:39 am
I think it first comes down to the characters and their situation for me. I have to be able to fall in love with the characters - or at least understand why they fall in love with each other. Once I do that, I am fully invested in their story and fret about the income until I know that all is well in the end. And when I think about them when not reading the book, eager to get back to it - or continue to think about it long after I finish it - that, to me, is the sign of a good book.
Margay
January 5th, 2010 on 11:28 am
It’s such a personal thing what makes a book resonate for one person. My main thing is how the emotion and passion are weaved together.
And for people who say romances are all the same so why bother I just ask them if their relationship with their significant other is the same as their parents or siblings, if they all met at the same place, have the same exact conflicts and express their love the same way. There’s nothing general or formulaic about the way people love each other in the real world and it’s the same in romance novels.
January 5th, 2010 on 10:45 am
It is hard to describe why a book is memorable to me but I guess an issue that resonates with me might make it special for me.
January 5th, 2010 on 10:34 am
I love to read your books!
A memorable romance draws me in to the point that I feel the heroine’s emotions. If I can cry over her pain, loss or hardships and feel excitement when something is going her way, then I know I have read a book that I will remember always.
January 5th, 2010 on 10:12 am
To me, what makes a romance memorable are the characters - to me, romance novels tend to be character-driven, because it is through their emotional development that the romance happens.
That’s actually why I’m such a devoted fangirl of Mary Balogh, ever since I read THE SECRET PEARL, and most of the SLIGHTLY series - in every book, we have characters that seem to adhere to archtypes (the rake, the woman with body issues, the cold-hearted soldier, etc. etc.) but who are lushly developed and motivated so that there is a reason and soul behind a character that might be familiar in other romances. That’s what’s always made Mary Balogh’s books stand out to be.
Also - Freyja Bedwyn kicks ass, y’all.
January 5th, 2010 on 9:58 am
A memorable romance is one that does something different with the genre- I want to read a romance novel and feel as if I’ve read a novel that has some substance, too. I love to see actual character development, real plot that is concerned with more than just the chemistry and the relationship or its problems. I’m looking for more than just a stock story.
January 5th, 2010 on 9:58 am
Hi Mary, for me what makes a novel unique and memorable for me is when the heroine is someone I want to be or understand, and the hero is exquisitely male, sexy, honorable and someone whom I would want to live my life with. The emotional depth of the characters pulls at my heartstrings and the story remains with me weeks after I’ve finished reading it.
January 5th, 2010 on 9:33 am
For me, a memorable story focuses on the characters rather than an outside plot, has believable characters who have that something extra that stays with you, they have chemistry, but I think most importantly, I have to be able to believe that they are friends as well as lovers for the HEA to be really ever after.
January 5th, 2010 on 9:27 am
For me, a memorable book is usually based on unique characters and terrific scenes. I know it’s a keeper when I’m thinking about it for days afterwards.
January 5th, 2010 on 9:16 am
Hi Mary — as far as I’m concerned, you can write every book into the back of beyond about estranged couples, married for all the wrong reasons, finding love. My very favourite of all your themes
I just finished “More than a Mistress” and have “No Man’s Mistress” in my purse — I could not begin to count how many times I’ve read both. My question: when you write Angie’s story, any chance of an epilogue letting us peek at all three couples?
THANKS, as always. I’m a little nervous about spoilers for “A Matter of Class” but I’m being very careful to avoid them!!
January 5th, 2010 on 6:52 am
Hi Mary! I adore your books. I am so glad that some of your out of prints are getting republished!
As for keepers, I think the book has to have real and relatable characters. I love books where the main characters grow and evolve. For me, a book is only as good as it’s characters.
January 5th, 2010 on 3:33 am
Description, the conversations and the background all add to the tension and emotion of the book
January 5th, 2010 on 3:32 am
It true that it’s easy to mention the great books, but what makes it appealing is the emotion that it brings out. I can remember the poignant moments in any book that can bring tears to my eyes or has a character that I just can’t help but root for. Also, of course, is the great story that happens and makes you say, “huh, I never thought about it that way” or something similar.
January 5th, 2010 on 2:22 am
Hi Mary, it’s so true there are only so many plot lines to follow, and I agree, it’s all about the characters. How they interact, banter back and forth, whatever, show me the chemistry between the H/h, the emotions; make them appeal to me and know these two are meant to be together.