In doing research for this article, I found information on Regency Romance and Regency Historical Romance, and the difference between the two is rather interesting.
Regency Romances are actually a subgenre of Romance novels and are set in or near the British Regency (1811-1820) at the end of which time the Prince of Wales (Prinny) became King George IV. Some of the romances can date a little earlier or even up to 1830 when George IV died. Regency Romances are also considered a distinct genre having their own plots and stylistic conventions.
Traditional Regency Romance is considered a subgenre of Regency Romance by some readers and writers with the other subgenre being Regency Historical Romance. And there are differences between the two.
Traditional Romances are those in the tradition of Georgette Heyer and have the emphasis on the romance plot. Traditional writers are usually up to snuff with the historical details after doing extensive research into understanding and replicating the voice of this genre. An author failing to do so opens the door to harsh critiques from readers.
“Regency romances which may include more social realism, or, conversely, anachronistically modern characterization, might be classed by some as ‘Regency Historical,’ signifying that their general setting is in Regency England, but the plot, characterization, or prose style of the work extends beyond the genre formula of the Regency romances published by Heyer and her successors. Characters may behave according to modern values, rather than Regency values. The sensual Regency Historical Romance has been made popular in recent years by a large number of authors. These novels are much more explicit than the Traditional Regency works and include many more love scenes.” Wikipedia.org
I don’t know about you, but I had a tendency to view Pride and Prejudice variations as a separate category from Regency Romance. Thinking about it, though, the variations are also Regency Romance.
Why? Well, Jane Austen wrote prior to and during the regency of the Prince of Wales. In fact, her Pride and Prejudice was published January 28, 1813. And her books are, for the most part, about young lovers and the trials they undergo. This description also fits the Pride and Prejudice variations, JAFF (Jane Austen Fan Fiction), vagaries and what-ifs.
Georgette Heyer wrote in the 20th century about the early 1800’s and was the Traditional Regency Romance writer that others have endeavored to copy. Jane Austen, however, lived during that time period, and her writings are unique to her. With these descriptions in mind, Jane Austen’s writings would be classified as Regency Romance. However, her works definitely are not written with the mention of sex much less the graphic scenes of Regency Historical and could also be classified as Traditional Regency Romance.
Now you have an idea why I wrote Regency Romance other than just Pride and Prejudice variations. And, although I do have a number of P&P plots in mind and did write sequels to Darcy Chooses and Darcy vs Bingley, I have at least twenty-five Traditional Regency Romance plot possibilities as well.
So, if you love Pride and Prejudice variations, I hope you will also think about my Four Lords’ Saga series. It is about lovers and their trials as well as why persons might make changes for the better in their lives and learn to please the ones they love much like Darcy and Elizabeth. And there should be enough angst and mystery to satisfy the most discriminating of tastes.
I found that I love writing and reading Traditional Regency Romance more than any other genre. Being a romantic at heart, how could I resist? I couldn’t. And I’m even thinking about writing some Historical Fiction as well. I’m a sweet+ romance writer meaning there is a little bit of spice to my books because that is life, but I don’t wish to write nor read what I consider R-rated. And, if I do write Historical Fiction, it will be because of the events and the people who lived in that time period that I want to be a part of my book.
In the meantime, I will enjoy reading and writing Pride and Prejudice variations and other Traditional Regency Romance and hope you enjoy reading them as well.
Leave a Reply