I spent Sunday at a joust not because I write medieval romance–but rather because my younger son is into armour, helmets, chainmail, swords, waterskins and the like. And once he’d seen a postcard advertising the event, that was it. We were going. 
We’d never been to any kind of re-enactment festival. I’d heard of them. Early American, Napoleonic wars. But never been.
It turned out to be a fabulous family day all round. 
For me, the highlight of the day was the jousting. I grew up around horses and did a fair bit of competitive riding as a child and junior. But I assure you, there is no WAY that you’d catch me in the lists, being charged down by a ton plus of horseflesh carrying a knight in full armour. 
There’s a reason these guys (and gals) rub their shoulders after a clash with a lance. Even wearing full armour–and using shields. With each horse does upward of 25km an hour–that’s a 50 km at point of contact. Ouch! Those shields shattered. We could hear the impact; at times the ground shuddered.So what’s the appeal?
Well, there’s definitely glamour. There’s danger. There are brave and gorgeous guys. And there’s an odd nostalgia too in the archaic speach rythms used, the flurry of Milords and Miladies that made me want to rush out and rent A Knight’s Tale the moment we got home–even though it would probably reduce me to tears to watch Heath Ledger. This was the first re-enactment I attended. But it won’t be the last! Any one else have any re-enactment festivals–or any fantastic medieval romances–to recommend?
Tessa
Tessa Radley’s February Desire is part of the Diamonds Down Under continuity. Visit www.diamonds-downunder.com to find out more.
PS - If you haven’t already done so, don’t forget to enter the Access Romance January Contest. There’s an Access Romance bag to be won filled with autographed books–and this month’s offerings include:
HOT NUMBER by Carly Phillips
SPARKS by Dara Girard
THE RAVEN PRINCE by Elizabeth Hoyt
RICH MAN’S REVENGE by Tessa Radley
TOO WILDE TO TAME by Janelle Denison
Entries close 31 January
Good luck and happy reading!
Tessa
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Hi Tessa,
Wow - that sounds like so much fun. I’ve never been to any sort of re-enactment festival either. Reading about the jousting gave me sympathy pains :-P. And, it did make me think of A Knight’s Tale - 
I remember watching it with a group of friends. (Ok, so a few times with groups of friends). I’m not hugely into the medieval romances, but I’ve read a few good ones by Teresa Medeiros (The Bride and The Beast) and some of Christina Dodd’s older books - which I believe are now being re-released.
by JSL
on January 28th, 2008 at 11:30 pm
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JSL, I haven’t read historicals for years. LIfe kind of got in the way. One of my New Year’s Promises to myself is to read historicals this year. For fun. For pure pleasure. I haven’t read any Teresa Mendeiros. The Bride and the Beast sounds like a treat!
Tessa
by Tessa Radley
on January 29th, 2008 at 5:21 am
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Tessa you should definetly read a few historicals. I only recently started reading them again and it’s a pleasant change of pace. I normally read and write only contemporary, so the idea of a historical is a complete escape for me. 
As far as going to a reenactment. I have been to a civil war one in Gettysburg years ago, as a child and thoughly enjoyed it. I have also taken my kids to a lot of the renactment parks around the area. They love it and it teaches them. The jousting sounds fun and exciting. My son would love it, and my daughter would likly swoon over the brave knights. LOL She’s 11 and already a romantic at heart.
by Patty L.
on January 29th, 2008 at 8:25 am
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Oh geez, that sounded terrific — alas, never been to one myself. . . . and I haven’t been much of a fan of medivals myself, I’m stuck in England with the Prince Regent normally. LOL
Lois
by Lois
on January 29th, 2008 at 10:48 am
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Wow–that sounds pretty exciting! I’m sure my kids would find it fascinating (as long as we didn’t get too close to the animals–for some reason, they still find the animals terrifying up close). We haven’t been to any re-enactments, but I think they’d be a neat way to experience some of what we read so much about!
by Fedora
on January 29th, 2008 at 11:59 am
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Years ago my mother was a docent at the Lee family home in Stratford, VA. They used to host a reinactment of the Revolutionary War. I don’t know if they still do, but the men wore authentic uniforms (wool even in summer) and their camp followers (wives in real life) wore authentic clothes right down to the (quite uncomfortable-looking) corsets. It was an extended weekend thing and they camped in those tiny tents and cooked over open fires with cooking utensils which were also authentic. Visitors were encouraged to wander around and ask questions. I loved it.
by Laidybyrd
on January 29th, 2008 at 4:02 pm
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Hi Tessa,
Love the cover… when will you update your website?
by Nathalie
on January 29th, 2008 at 4:56 pm
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Thank you all for popping in! It’s always so nice to see familiar face 
Patty, I’m with you on reading and writing contemporary–and I’m finding it refreshing reading historicals too. Do keep me updated about what historicals you enjoy reading…I always LOVE recommendations! I’m sure your son would love it–I couldn’t tear mine away. But your Gettysburg experience sounds absolutely awesome, what a cool thing to have done.
And Laidybyrd taht’s sounds fascinating! Although I agree that wool and corsets in the heat of summer could be a little much 
But it’s great that people could wander round and actually ask questions…it sounds fantastic.
Oooh, Lois, regencies were always a weakness of mine. But I’ve read so few over the last decade…methinks it’s time to re-visit La Heyer. Do you live in England?
I was blown away by how much fun my kids had, Fedora. And me. And hubby. There was something for all of us. 
Although I had to remind youngest son that he wouldn’t been jousting any time soon–he’s not keen on getting on a horse! So your kids have company
Nathalie, it’s on My List. Let me warn you that My List is scary. It’s way too long. 
And written across the top are all my new year’s resolutions–which include a fervent hope that this year is going to be a MUCH better year than last. 2007 is not a year I EVER want to see again–even though the work and writing side went really well.
Back to your question, I hope to have my site updated in the next week. And thanks for noticing–it’s greatly appreciated.
Tessa
by Tessa Radley
on January 30th, 2008 at 5:51 am
