'Not a job, but a lifestyle'

 

“To have a successful writing career, you must be willing to sacrifice a great deal. The book and the deadline come first before anything else. Writing is not a job; it is a lifestyle, and it is a roller-coaster ride of highs and lows. You need self-confidence and an iron carapace.” – Virginia Henley

Well-known for her Medieval, Renaissance and other period piece romance novels, Henley was born on this date in 1935. A tireless proponent of “work ethic,” she still spends hours a day at her craft.  Since the late 1970s when she was first published, she has authored 30 historical novels, including several New York Times bestsellers now out in 14 languages.

Historical detail is the hallmark of her novels, from the practices and traditions of the day, to trends in fashion, and the day-to-day lives of prominent families.   Henley weaves them into a rich tapestry for her tales.  And her technique is one I like using myself.  Bringing "real" people into the story.

“I love to have real people of history interact                         

with my fictional characters,” she said.   “History gives me the plot. I research the period meticulously, and then I blend in a romantic and sensual love story to give it balance. The heavier the history, the more romantic the couple must be.”

Henley has won many major awards - including the Romantic Times “Lifetime Achievement Award.”   As for what might work best for someone who wants to be a writer of historical “love” fiction, Henley offered the same advice of most other prominent writers.   “Read!  I love to read history books, which is where I get my ideas,” she said.  And, she added, “I also read historical romance for pleasure.”