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Downton Abbey and the Historical Romance Writer

Monday, February 20, 2012

Did you watch the season finale of Downton Abbey Sunday evening? I spent two luxurious hours with my friends from Downton, not something I usually allow myself to do with the many other things I need to schedule to get done. In USA Today on February 17th Robert Bianco wrote, "If Downton Abbey must leave us, at least it's departing in grand style." The only thing that makes this tolerable is that it is returning for a third season and you can read about that here.

You may laugh that I refer to these characters as my friends. But there's a strange thing that happens when I sink deeply into another world; it's as if I'm right there with the characters. I'm part of the action. This is one reason it's a good thing that I write fiction because when I do, I'm right there, living out each of my characters actions in my mind, thinking their thoughts, plotting their schemes.

What can today's historical romance writer learn from Downton Abbey? Remember that:

  •  Setting is a character. We must provide enough rich detail that our settings become places that our readers want to return to again and again. Just take a look at Highclere Castle and your heart may skip a beat, or the beauty of the place may make you sigh in wonder and delight. Heaven. Simply heaven.
  • Characterization is what keeps us coming back: If we didn't care about what happened to characters in our novels then no one would read them and where's the fun in that? If you watched Downton Abbey you just had to love Violet, Dowager Countess of Grantham. Her wit is what made me sit up and pay attention whenever she was on screen. Here is some more about characters.
  • Attention to detail is a must: None of us are perfect and we may make mistakes, but it's so very important to try and get historical detail accurate. One of the places that can make our novels shine is if we know what our characters were wearing in the time period we write about. A special detail I like to include and remembered to do so in my book, Chameleon, is let your readers know what your characters were reading. I think that's such a good way to ground readers in time. Here are some details your sure to enjoy.
  • Romance is best filled with tension: If all the love stories in Downton had no conflict then what would be the interest? Not much. But the writers know there stuff and kept me wondering what would happen next. And in case you ever doubted you must know that A Kiss Is Just A Kiss. But if you hang out with Julie Lessman for long you'll learn that a kiss is NOT just a kiss. Remember that and you'll go far. Wanting develops strong desire and tension between characters. Just watching Lady Mary and Matthew tangle with the emotions of their love for each other is a clear indication that desire is alive and well between these characters. Did you catch that kiss?
Did you watch this series? What was one of your favorite things you enjoyed while watching? Has it reminded you of anything you want to be certain to include when writing your novels? Did you have a favorite line?

16 comments:

  1. I've watched season one and loved it. My hubby and I have season two in our Netflix queue and are eager to find out what happens next. Sounds like it was a great season.

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  2. Hard as it is to believe, Keli, I think I liked part two even better than part one, but I adored both so what does that say? :) Get ready to have an adventure.

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  3. I couldn't agree more with your first bullet point - setting is definitely a character! Setting is the most important factor when it comes to drawing me into any story. If the setting is blah, plain, or ordinary, I don't get very far into the book. I love Downton Abbey! I DVR'd last night's episode and haven't seen it yet, so thanks for not including spoilers. :)

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  4. Oh you are going to have fun, Donna. There's so many things I want to improve upon in my writing and I love setting and hope to learn more this year on making it come even more alive in my novels. It's so hard to judge my own work. I was careful not to include any spoilers, that would be a bummer for those who haven't seen it yet. Guess I'll be getting some writing done on Sunday nights now. Well, except for next week and Oscar night! :)

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  5. Ok, Jillian, I think you might have just hooked me on a new TV series. What channel and when should I start looking for it? Loved the links to the estate, and, wow, great gardens!

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  6. You're a little late. It ended last night with the season finale. The next season won't be till next January most likely. It was excellent. Maybe the library is carrying the dvd's. Must see! You'll love it!

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  7. I loved the wit and the gentle handling of scandalous subjects. Subtle humor--oh the dowager countess--is much more delicious than the over the top sit-coms of today. And while there was plenty of "bad" behaviour, most of it happened off stage, proving a show can be plenty steamy without an excess of bare skin or passionate embraces!

    Speaking of "off stage" one of my favorite lines was when the dowager was pleased that two characters would meet again at the house rather than on the train. "Oh, that's a relief. I hate Greek drama, when everything happens off stage."

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  8. Sarah,
    You are do right! And I loved the way that bad behaviour was handled. Rarely did anyone swear that I can remember. And Violet's comment when a certain someone said, I guess I won't be seeing you anymore and she says, "Promise." How perfect! I just can't get enough of that woman's sense of humor. Thank God Maggie Smith followed her dream.

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  9. Oh, I should have had a question mark after Promise. "Promise?" I wonder how many times I'll watch this over and over again just listening for Violet's comments. Great fun!

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  10. I have yet to watch that show but have heard so much about it. I will get it on Netflix!

    Thanks, Jillian, for your comments on the setting as character. I enjoy describing the setting, but tend to go overboard. I feel it's ok to let the reader decide for themselves!

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  11. Hi Ruth!
    Setting is important and I'd rather go overboard because then you can always cut and save that piece for later if necessary.:)And you will love, Downton.

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  12. Oh my, I think you just read my thoughts. I've been telling anyone who will listen how Downton Abbey as been such a great way to get reinvigorated for my manuscript editing. I've been so inspired by the setting, the unforgettable characters unfold for the viewer and the way the period is blended in so perfectly we get our history lessons without being smacked over the head by too much information. Hats off to whoever writes the Dowager Countess's zingers. Thanks for the great post!

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  13. Hi there watermelonsgrow,
    Thanks for joining the conversation. Sounds like we're on the same page even though I'm not a mind reader. :)Inspired and unforgettable pretty much cover it. I look forward to watching this series over and over again. Glad you enjoyed the post.

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  15. I have to admit I'm one who hasn't even heard of Downton Abbey, but that doesn't stop me from agreeing with the points you've gleaned from watching it. As a reader the setting, characterization, detail and tension are all important to me, so obviously as a writer I want to make sure I cover those bases well.

    I'm not a Netflix subscriber yet, but we've been talking about it. If it happens, then Downton Abbey might have to be one of the first series we watch. :)

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  16. Hi Carol!
    You'll love Downton Abbey. They may have season one at your library. When you get a chance and you see it you have to let me know how you like it and everyone's favorite dowager duchess.:)

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