et Another Letter About Lemons
This is in response to the article When A Spiffy Literary Vehicle Turns Out To Be A Book Of Lemons in the March issue. The only reason I write short stories set in New York City in 1899 is because Ive done research on a little known strike that took place in July of that year, was intrigued by what I learned, and decided to incorporate that into my fiction. I have read several pieces of fan fiction about the 1992 Disney musical Newsies and it irks me when the fan/author dresses the heroine in khakis and spaghetti-strap tank tops with a bra underneath, or adds into their story books or songs that werent around during that time period. While I realize that they are just writing about the movie because they like it, they could at least give it a little bit of historical accuracy! There is even a website, City Hall Park, 1899, about the history of this particular strike that includes information such as popular songs, and price lists for items such as clothes. And no where in the site are tank tops mentioned. It doesnt take a lot of effort to make sure major facts are correct, even if it is just a piece of fan fiction. Rachel Hullett |
ebel Heartbreak
Dear Trace, How I enjoyed Aprils online work. You get better and better each month. Except . . . You broke my heart with your book review. Dang! Dang! Heather Graham is one of the best Historical Romance writers. She also writes under Shannon Drake and Heather Graham Pozzessere. True, all of her novels are full of sexual tension, love forays, etc. But until you came along and burst my bubble, I thought she was very accurate with her historical facts. (President Van Buren/Buchanan) Hmmm. So, I dont check out every single important detail. Question . . . Of all the books she has written, why did you choose Rebel? Why not One Wore Blue or And One Rode West? Or, Runaway or Captive? Im the proud owner of all her work. (Editors note : It was the only novel offered in my Book Club magazine that looked half-way promising.) Okay, so youre a boy interested in boy thoughts. We who love historical romance are girls who love the knight-in-shining-armor thoughts. I cant stand sloppy, loose historical romances. However, outside of getting a Presidents name wrong here or there, Heather sure lives up to her charge. She delights us with her intrigue, characters, dialogue, and action. Okay, so youre just a boy and dont understand these things. Even bad boys and bad girls can be tamed. Thats what this poofy stuff is all about. The above Dang! Dang! means : now I have to stop the innocent readin and believin. I must get a grip on my emotions and check ALL the facts. Thats no fun. Just because youre right doesnt make us hysterical romance lovers like it. Other than that, I enjoyed your review. Your History Pal, Joan |
acts, Schmacts!
After reading each one of your issues from cover to cover, I have come to the realization that historical authors truly believe they are far more superior than the rest of us humble writers. Lordly, is a word that springs to mind. And you, Mr. Editor, seem to be the head instigator. So one or two authors get some of their facts wrong . . . did the world end? Why are these stupid historical facts so d@#ned important to you people? Man, you guys wield your mondane, inconsequential tidbits like they are mighty weapons. Are you history teachers or authors? That person you mentioned in your Lemon article was right—it is just fiction, folks. Get a grip. No one in the real world gives a d@#n! Dont get me wrong . . . I believe most, if not all, of the fiction youve posted at this site has been better than average, some even (dare I use the word for fear of boosting the lofty egos of you and your contributors?) outstanding, and is publishable in real publications. But instead of jumping on your soapboxes on a webpage (where anyone can be published, incidentally) and hinting that the work of mainstream authors is somehow beneath you, you and your contributors, instead of pouring through history books, should be sending out manuscripts and testing the waters like myself. But maybe none of you have the guts to do it? Indeed, you, Mr. Editor, probably wouldnt even have the guts to post this letter in your high-and-mighty magazine. Anonymous (Editors note : WRONG!!!)
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