I have a deep, dark secret. It is something that for years remained hidden, one that I try not to let others see. But, slowly, the truth of it came out. That I am a…HISTORY NERD. (Insert the Da, Da, Dum music)
Okay, if you know me, you know that I am. I know the channel number for not only the History Channel, but History International, and I love to spend hours in museums. I am known to spout off little known historical fact no one but historians would know or care about. Like, did you know that Texas is the only state that can fly its flag the same height of the US Flag? Or that the man who said he didn’t care how many people died bringing the railroad to London fell in front of the first train train as it pulled into the city? I could write a whole chapter of unknown and boring facts just for Tell Tale, but I don’t want you going away.
Historicals have always been a love affair for me. It all started with the Amanda Quick novel Mistress. The history nerd in me rejoiced and the romance lover went on a reading binge. I loved escaping to another time, getting lost within the halls of Almack’s or aboard a pirate ship. But, because my writing voice is so modern, I’d never attempted one. I thought about it for months, whined about how hard it would be, and drove my husband crazy with all my capitulating. Finally, just one line captured my attention.
He had to be dead.
That is the first line in my first historical The Accidental Countess. I didn’t know exactly how he had gotten there or just who found him, but I knew that would start the book. But soon, Colleen MacGregor–solid, forthright, and often blunt–emerged as the voice of that first line. And who better to mess with her than a player like Sebastian. 
It was a bit traditional in the terms of the historical. A spinster who gets caught in a compromising situation and then is forced to marry. But I knew there was something beneath that. How did Sebastian end up in the snow with his head bashed? Was it the same person who then tried to kill Colleen? The added suspense sparked more characters, like the ever happy Anna, Sebastian’s younger sister, or the mysterious Douglas, Duke of Ethingham, who also shows an interest in the new countess. Not to mention Cicely, the poor cousin who spends her days avoiding her judgmental and bitchy mother.
The only problem I found was that I had more books to write. Out of this one book grew the Once Upon an Accident Series, with book two following soon after The Accidental Countess. Lessons in Seduction is the story of Douglas and Cicely and two people who seem so completely wrong for each other. As I wrote that one, I found myself dropping into Regency England, losing myself in the time and customs just as I when I read historicals. 
And from that, grew the need to write a western, The Seduction of Widow McEwan and the third book in the Once upon an Accident series, The Spy Who Loved Her, David and Anna’s story.
In writing historicals, I have found the perfect outlet for my history nerdness. I can spend hours poring over books that talk of fashion and customs of another time, and it is all for work. Okay, so most of you wouldn’t be that interested in my big book of material which has fabric similar to those used in clothing in the 18th century. But for me, it is a dream come true. I won’t completely give up my futuristics or my contemporaries, but I do love being able to explore and expand on my history nerdness.
Anyone who comments today will get their name in the hat for downloads of both The Accidental Countess and Lessons in Seduction.
Mel
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These books sound great!
by Estella
on December 1st, 2007 at 6:29 am
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I love the confession! 
But you know, I think we all learn things about ourselves as we read. For me, I like history and unknown facts but what really captures my attention is when someone describes how to make something from scratch or when there are survival tips. And let me tell you, when I go camping, hiking etc..its very helpful. I’ve been lost out in forests twice in my life and both times I knew where to go and how to do things on my own from the little tidbits I picked up while reading survival/history books. I’ve even made my own willow bark tea for a headache before but let me tell you that although it works, it tastes pretty bad.
by April
on December 1st, 2007 at 7:35 am
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OK, you had me in the first paragraph with your statement about the flag of Texas. I read something like that and I immediately want to know why. I may go from something I read in fiction to a prolonged search of history just to get the facts behind such a statement. Well, I’m off to Google the state flag of Texas.
by Paulette Maddox
on December 1st, 2007 at 7:54 am
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Everyone should have a bit of nerdness in ‘em! And if yours leans towards history, so be it. Should make for some great reading. I look forward to it!
by DeeAnn
on December 1st, 2007 at 8:44 am
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I love that line : He had to be dead. I like History also. I am looking forward to reading the series.
by Dee
on December 1st, 2007 at 8:52 am
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You now have me hooked. I can never resist a historical book, and here’s three there for me to sample. I can’t wait to enjoying them!
by Sue
on December 1st, 2007 at 9:03 am
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I love those little facts, i’m wicked in a pub quiz because of it. I love learning little things in books that i can randomly throw into a conversation =D
by Ayla
on December 1st, 2007 at 9:27 am
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I love historicals. I have learned some great historical facts from reasding them. It is wonderful to read one and get a better feel for the time and place the book is set in.
by Cherie J
on December 1st, 2007 at 9:27 am
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I didn’t start out loving historicals, but I’ve come to appreciate them–the good ones are a chance to indulge historical nerdiness wrapped up with a wonderful story And no one can resist a great story, whether you fully appreciate the time-appropriate trappings or not Yours do sound especially good, Melissa! Definitely going to look for them!
by Fedora
on December 1st, 2007 at 10:04 am
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I love reading - any book/books! My favorite are the free ones! Thank you for making it possible to win a book. I can not afford to buy books any more - winning one makes me keep them to savor - the book itself and the gift/prize!
Thank you again!
Merry Christmas!
by Clifton Wade
on December 1st, 2007 at 10:47 am
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I can`t believe it! When I read the trivia about the flag of Texas and the railrooad in London, I was immediately drawn. I love bits of information like that and I also love museums. We are a rare breed though. Thanks for those pieces of trivia. I intend to scout out the internet and learn more about those things.
by Corleen
on December 1st, 2007 at 10:49 am
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I love historicals, too. I guess I find it more interesting than the present time. I would much rather lose myself in a historical romance than a comtemporary one. I do love looking at books that describe old fashion and habits, so I guess I share some of your nerdiness.
by Melissa K
on December 1st, 2007 at 10:50 am
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I love history too! I wish I had the imagination to use what I read to write about characters. I just love reading and wish it had been something I could have handled. But, no matter, I enjoy everyone else who writes and takes me to different places.
by Paulette Womack
on December 1st, 2007 at 11:04 am
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And isn’t it a wonderful way to share this thing you call nerdiness! I so Love historicals and the freedom they give ther reader to explore the past on a more personal view. If this confession is just the beginning I’d let the truth flow, I’d love to see what other secrets your hiding in that wicked writer’s mind of your’s!
Thanks for sharing with us!
Stephanie 
by Stephanie
on December 1st, 2007 at 11:31 am
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I love historicals. In fact, historicals are probably the only genre I read. Depending on the book (especially a book dealing with American History), I have been known to have maps next to me so I can check just where the action is taking place as I read. My kids think I’m strange. I don’t think I’m strange at all! OK, maybe just a little. LOL
I have a copy of ‘The Accidental Countess’ on my bookshelf and I have been waiting for the other books in the series to be released before starting to read the entire series. But, with that first line hitting me in the face, I may just have to pull my copy out and read it NOW!
by Karen H in NC
on December 1st, 2007 at 12:05 pm
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Heck, there’s nothing wrong with being a history nerd. . . and the History Channel’s great!!!! — although the one guaranteed show I watch on it is the Universe because I’m more of a science/space nerd than history nerd, but I love my particular historical periods. 
Lois
by Lois
on December 1st, 2007 at 12:11 pm
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Great, more historicals, I love them!
by Eva S
on December 1st, 2007 at 12:46 pm
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I love historical romance and the history channel is one of my fave’s. I think all of us have a little bit of nediness in us anyways. 
At least I know I do.
by Glenna Day
on December 1st, 2007 at 12:48 pm
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I have always had great respect for history nerdiness…I only wish it were something that I could describe myself as.
by Little Lamb Lost
on December 1st, 2007 at 1:00 pm
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I love romance novels, especially historicals too - and Amanda Quick’s novels were some of the first historical romances I read- hers and Lisa Kleypas. I’ll have to look into yours.
by Jennifer
on December 1st, 2007 at 1:33 pm
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What a great way to channel your love for history. I do love the History Channel, too.
by Ann M.
on December 1st, 2007 at 1:36 pm
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There’s nothing wrong with nerdiness. I like to read about the clothes people wore during the past and their accessories. I want to know if her dress was tulle or silk. Most stories I’ve read described the heroine’s riding habit as velvet and her riding hat always had a feather. I’m guessing that was the norm.
by Jane
on December 1st, 2007 at 1:46 pm
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I have never read anything by this author so I would love a chance to read a couple of her books.
by Claudia
on December 1st, 2007 at 2:01 pm
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Whoa, Mel, two awesome prizes.
by Cathy M
on December 1st, 2007 at 2:05 pm
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I don’t know about history nerd, But the accumulation of facts and bit of information is called ornamental knowledge. Just a bit of info.
by Sarah Ulfers
on December 1st, 2007 at 2:21 pm
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These books sound like wonderful reading.
by Tammy G.
on December 1st, 2007 at 2:29 pm
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cant wait to read the whole book
by Carrie Taylor
on December 1st, 2007 at 3:02 pm
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I just got back into historical romances. Yours sounds wonderful!
by Susan
on December 1st, 2007 at 3:04 pm
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Historical romances are my favorite books to read.
by Judy T
on December 1st, 2007 at 3:04 pm
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Anyone who loves Amanda Quick and writes a great first line like that is someone I have to read. And what about house museums? -there is nothing like seeing exactly how people really lived.
by Liz
on December 1st, 2007 at 3:17 pm
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Historicals are an early love of mine that has stayed with me.
by Sue A.
on December 1st, 2007 at 3:18 pm
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I love historical romances, In fact, I love all kinds of romances whether it be mystery, suspense, historical or contemporaries. But, historicals have my heart and these books sound wonderful !! Psst… I am a true history nerd too !
by Sheila Wanner
on December 1st, 2007 at 3:23 pm
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WOW, you all have been busy. I got caught up in decorating the house and writing and forgot to check back in:)
Thank you everyone for the nice things you have said about my writing. I am a hooker, in the writing sense and in the reading sense. The first line or paragraph has to grab me or I get bored. I have been known to put off writing a book if I don’t have a good first line.
The Texas Flag, if you have not found it, is because we were once a country, and the US Government recognized that. Also, we have the right to break up into five seperate states if we want to:)
Mel
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Hi Mel,
I love historical romance novels and I enjoy your stories very much! Happy Holidays!
Rhonda
by Rhonda Barnes
on December 1st, 2007 at 4:16 pm
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I too love the History Channel & HC International. I plan my vacations for going to places with history/museums. I don’t want to spend all my money on flight & hotel to just sit on a beach. I want museums/culture/etc that I can explore, and if there is a beach nearby to visit, that is a plus.
by Kathy
on December 1st, 2007 at 4:19 pm
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Rhonda, Thanks so much! I have quite a few coming in the next year so keep your eyes peeled to AR for the details. Including the third book in this series. There is actually a fourth not contracted, but it is sort of North By Northwest meets Regency England:)
Kathy-
I am with ya. With my childhood in Germany, I was dragged from museum to museum by my parents. All those historical sights, all my complaining. Now I can’t thank them enough for giving me such a well-rounded childhood.
Mel
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I’ve always loved historical novels even as a child. I always loved reading about all the little insignificant details, I guess that’s the historical nerd in me. Your first line is intriguing, it makes me want to read what happens next.
by Desirée
on December 1st, 2007 at 5:18 pm
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Love the books!!!
Happy Holidays
by Julie Parrish
on December 1st, 2007 at 5:19 pm
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Hi Mel, I always enjoy your books and love historicals, be a nerd about it all you want, lol.
by Pam P
on December 1st, 2007 at 5:25 pm
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I love history, too!!!!
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Hey, Mel. I’m right in the middle of The Accidental Countess and loving it. I’ve had it for way too long and finally got a little time.
As for being a history nerd - that’s me, too. Except my passion is European History. When we went to Germany earlier this year, the family had to make me promise not to spend the entire day in museums. *sigh* I need someone to go with who doesn’t mind reading every single placard in a museum and making up stories about some of the artifacts.
Thanks for a great post.
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I am a big history fan. In fact, one of my majors in college was history.
by Crystal B.
on December 1st, 2007 at 5:53 pm
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Melissa!! Great blog! And, great prizes for the contest. I have both ebooks so don’t add my name to the contest! I just wanted to say HI and tell you how much I enjoyed your blog!
Have a terrific holiday season!!
Hugs,
Robin
by Robin Snodgrass
on December 1st, 2007 at 6:39 pm
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I love reading historicals! My sister got me hooked on Georgette Heyer many years ago and like you, I have enjoyed the Amanda Quick novels. Through reading historicals, I have learned more about what is what like living in those times than in my history classes.
by Mary C.
on December 1st, 2007 at 7:01 pm
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Hi Mel, I only have The Accidental Countess, and it is great story.
I love reading historiacal and contemporary novels. I love when authors go a great lenght to describe place and the people.
by Ivka
on December 1st, 2007 at 7:40 pm
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Confession is great for the soul. I love history too, and I can’t wait to read these books!
by mary beth
on December 1st, 2007 at 7:52 pm
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I haven’t had a chance to read any of your books yet, but they do sound really good! The first line in The Accidental Countess really grabs you and makes you want to read more!
by annalisa
on December 1st, 2007 at 8:21 pm
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dang 47 entries??????? have no prayer of winning! i read very little historicals but fro youwoman i’d do it! lol
by Linda B
on December 1st, 2007 at 8:42 pm
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Is this also for the $50 B&N giftcard or is that on a different thread?
by RachaelfromNJ
on December 1st, 2007 at 9:46 pm
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Hello Melissa,
It’s great to see you here. I see you have a new book coming out. Sounds good.
Hugssss
LindaH
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We think that history is the past what people sometimes don’t realise is that every day we are making history because time never stands still so every second past is history.
by Kassandra Luckeroth
on December 1st, 2007 at 9:51 pm
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Hi Melissa,
Unfortunately, I haven’t read any of your books. However I love historical romances…started long ago with Catherine Coulture, Julie Garwood, Jude Devereau, Heather Graham,Joanna Lindsay, Kat Martin, Victoria Alexander,Lisa Kleypas, Madelyn Hunter,Elizabeth Thorton, Amanda Quick, Candace Camp, Jillian Hunter, Susan Wiggs and recently have added Candice Hern, Elizabeth Boyle, Julianne MacLean, Liz Carlyle, Celeste Bradley and Julia London.
I love being exposed to the trends of the different time periods ….regency vs victorian even medievil.
Your description of your three books all sound very interesting! I will be looking into reading them. Thanks for the visiting AR!
by Laurie
on December 2nd, 2007 at 5:35 am
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First, I want to thank all of you for participating! This has been a wonderful fun:)
The B and N GC is for the AR holiday contest and you can sign up on the front page of the blog.
Robin, thanks for stopping by to say hi!
Denise and Ivka, I am glad that you both enjoyed The Accidental Countess.
Laurie,
I already have Julie Garwood’s upcoming release preordered as I do with Amanda Quick’s. I just can’t wait for Julie’s new one. Oh, and Liz Carlyle, Celeste Bradley and Elizabeth Boyle are three of my favs:) In fact, I was in the hospital this spring and ordered my husband to bring my new Celeste Bradley to me, lol. I’d been in themiddle of reading it when I went to the ER and it was driving me crazy.
Mel
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Years ago I read little but historicals, but eventually went to contemporary, more particularly romantic suspense. I would occasionally pick up a historical, but still didn’t specifically seek them out until about a year ago when I started reading more and more. Now I’m wondering why I ever let myself (almost) abandon them altogether and I’m enjoying them more than ever. It’s interesting how our reading tastes can fluctuate over the years.
by Laurie
on December 2nd, 2007 at 9:49 pm
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Laurie,
I read like that. I will go for months on just one genre, unless I have a auto buy author in another genre release a book. Then, I’ll gravitate to something else:)
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We had so many entries I drew two names:) You both get the first two books of my Once Upon and Accident Series in download:)
The winners are:
Laurie, from answer number 52 and Liz from number 30! You both get the first two books in download:) email me at MelschroATaolDOTcom!
And everyone, thanks for participating. This has been so much fun!
Mel
