What happens when fans of a historical subgenre gather together to dish? A romance roundtable, of course. This time around: the colonial era. From Jamestown to Jefferson, religious freedom to Revolution, this is a volatile era, and that description fits those who read and write it as well. Gather round with a mug of cider and some journey cakes and listen in on a spirited discussion.

Our panel is made up of published writers Julie Moffet, Kathy Fischer-Brown, and Kerrelyn Sparks; aspiring writers Victoria Purling and Anna C. Bowling, and romance reader Karen, a mainstay of discussion lists and boards.

Why is the colonial period perfect for romance?

JM: Personally, I think ANY period is perfect for romance! That being said, Light a Single Candle was my first colonial romance, although since it is set in 1792, it is slightly post-colonial. Overall, I found setting a romance in the colonial period to be quite easy because of the built-in charming setting, the intrigue of the times and the fiery nature of the politics gave everything a defining edge.

KFB: It’s a cross-genre type that captures many of the elements of the medieval, Georgian, and American Western periods. For lovers of the medieval, you can have your manor-like settings with slaves and indentured servants, offering plenty of opportunity for exciting relationships. The 18th-century was dominated by Georgian manners and costumes in the colonies, not to mention the ever present threat of attack by Indians and all the allure of a Native American romance. The men and women on the frontier were a hardy lot. Those in the cities could be cultured, well-educated and wealthy. The same types of characters found in English, Irish and Scottish settings are found in the colonies, facing the same sorts of conflicts, but with the added component of a new world and all it entails. In the 17th century there was witch hysteria. In the 18th, there were wars. All provide enormous plot prospects, not to mention romance.

KS: I believe Colonial America is where the idea of marrying for love first enjoyed success. In the Old World, marriages were still arranged by parents or family (at least, for the educated upper classes, and most romances involve them). The tradition of arranged marriages was continued in the New World, but suffered from the rebellious attitudes that thrived in America. There was also more social mobility in the New World that made a lot more people acceptable for marriage. While doing research, I found a surprising number of weddings in the New World where the bride was already pregnant. Supposedly what happened was this--the parents would attempt to arrange a marriage for their son or daughter. The son or daughter would refuse to accept their parents’ choice for their mate. When the parents tried to force the issue, the son or daughter would simply begin an affair with their lover in hopes of causing a pregnancy. Once the woman was pregnant, the parents would agree to let the lovers marry. Eventually, it became more accepted that the younger generation could and should marry someone they love. This makes the Colonial period ripe for romance! The strictures of the Victorian age did not apply at this time, so it’s easier and more believable to have a couple who is carried away by passion in the Colonial period. People were much more realistic and accepting of their sexuality. They sang songs like "Our Polly is a Sad Slut." I remember one diary I read where the daughter of a household carried on an affair with the family’s boarder. The parents knew about it and shrugged it off like no big deal.

VP: There was so much going on in that time of history, that there are tons of storyline possibilities that haven't been tapped into in other eras.

ACB: With our country enjoying a well-deserved wave of patriotism, what better setting for romance than where it all began? With many different people coming to our shores for many different reasons, finding new life and new love in a new land is wonderfully exciting. From Indians to English, Spanish to Dutch to French, and more, and spanning centuries before the Revolution, the colonial era is full to bursting with plots, characters, and tons of potential.

Karen: So many different settings and potential plots: In the North or South. Peace or War. English/Germans vs. Americans, French. Different nationalities of settlers.

Are there too many colonial romances, not enough, or just the right amount currently available?

JM: I haven't seen all that many and wouldn't mind seeing more.

KFB: Definitely not enough!

KS: I would enjoy more.

VP: Definitely not enough!

ACB: Not nearly enough!

Karen: Not enough well-written ones. Too many older, bodice ripper types out there.

How did you first discover the colonial period?

JM: As I mentioned before, this setting is rich in detail, danger and intrigue--things I find perfect for a romance!

KFB: When I was eleven, my family visited colonial Williamsburg and I was hooked. As a kid, there was something almost magical about it, like being transported back in time. It was my first experience with living history and it’s stayed with me as a wonderful memory that I like to draw on when I write.

KS: I think we’re always aware of it. We’re taught from elementary school about George Washington, Thomas Jefferson and Benjamin Franklin. We’re accustomed to seeing pictures of men in knee breeches and tricornes. It’s a heritage we grow up with, and one we’re proud of. Doesn’t Williamsburg do a good business? The Patriot movie was very successful, as was John Jakes’ series on the Kent family. I’m surprised there aren’t more romances written about the period. Romances need heroes, and it was such a heroic time!

VP: I didn't really. I have been interested in the colonial period for a long time (as a writer) and had to hunt for colonial era romances. I read reviews and got recommendations from friends to find some.

ACB: Spending my childhood in historic Bedford, NY, the colonial era was always very real and alive to me, so reading and writing colonial stories is natural. There were historical sites all around, and every year, history class began with some fascinating tidbit of the past.

Karen: Drums Along the Mohawk--book and movie

For writers: When did you first know you wanted to write in this period?

JM: About four years ago when my sister and I came up with the idea of a story about sisters who lived in Salem about 100 years after the witch trials.

KFB: At thirteen I wrote my first novel, inspired by the TV show, The Swamp Fox :-)

KS: One of the first romances I read as a young girl was Celia Garth. I don’t remember the author, but I loved that book! I also loved The Raider by Jude Devereaux. When I considered the idea of a historical James Bond-like spy, there was never any doubt that I would set the book around the American Revolution. The ideals at the time were so noble--freedom and self-government. The people were so revolutionary, and not just politically because they were questioning everything. This really appeals to some sort of inner rebel in me.

VP: About ten years ago, when I moved to Simsbury (CT), I was reading the history of the town. I read about King Philip's War and how it is rumoured that King Philip sat in the cave atop Simsbury mountain and watched as the town was burnt to the ground. This fascinated me. I started reading more about the history of the town and about King Philip's war and story ideas just started popping into my head. I knew this was an era I just had to write about.

ACB: I remember being on a field trip to the Bedford Courthouse and thinking "one day I will write a story about this." Even then I knew it would have to be a love story...or several of them. This period is fraught with high drama, which suits me to a T. With all the fascinating people who began our great country, how could I not? The more I learn, the more I want to write.

For readers: Do you remember your first colonial romance? Did it make you want to read more about that period? From that author?

KFB: I must have been about twelve when I read The Unconquered (can’t remember who wrote it, but it was made into a movie with Gary Cooper and Virginia Mayo). After that I read anything I could get my hands on set during the period.

VP: Unfortunately, I can't remember the first one I read or who the author was. But, I do remember that I definitely wanted to read more set in the colonial era.

ACB: I think my first-first was actually local folktales, but I do remember looking longingly at a copy of Johnny Tremaine tucked under a schoolmate’s arm. I can still find myself humming the "Lee" song from the musical 1776 with very slight provocation. Early exposure whet my appetite, and definitely made me want more.

Karen: See above. Yes, I did want to know more about the period.

For Writers: Tell us a little about your current or most recent colonial romance.

Jm: Light A Single Candle is a March 2002 release from Kensington and is the first in a trilogy about sisters who are descendants of witches and live in Salem, Massachusetts. My sister Sandy wrote the second book called Call Down The Night which will be out in July. I'll finish off the trilogy in September with To Touch The Sky. Each book features a sister with a unique power (fire, sight and healing). I had a blast writing the series with my real-life sis.

KFB: Winter Fire (a May 2002 release from Novel Books, Inc.) is set during the latter years of the American Revolution in upstate New York following the campaign of Generals Sullivan and Clinton to eliminate the threat of Indian attacks on the settlements along the Mohawk River. Zara Grey is a white woman raised by the Seneca, who is "rescued” by soldiers and returned to the world of her birth, only to be greeted by suspicion and mistrust for her Indian ways. When her uncle is brutally slain, Zara is a prime suspect, but she is already on the run, which adds to her complicity. Ethan Caine is a former Indian fighter with a haunted past. When he rescues Zara from a half frozen river and becomes involved, he must overcome his own doubts and prejudices to protect her from an angry mob intent on hanging her. The story is a journey toward self-discovery for both.

KS: I have finished the sequel to For Love or Country. Taking Liberty is Caroline’s story and takes place in South Carolina in 1780--the time of the Swamp Fox. I’m currently working on The Liberty Belle, which should take me to the end of the Revolution.

VP: I'm working on two colonial romances right now. One is going to be part of an anthology with my critique group. Unfortunately, I can't discuss that one, since there are other writers involved. I'm also working on a novel length colonial called Sweet Surrender. It takes place in the town of Massaco, CT (now known as Simsbury) in the year 1675, during King Philip’s War. It is the story of an abused wife who is kidnapped during the massacre of Massaco, by a Wampanoag warrior. They, of course, eventually fall in love.

ACB: I’ve just finished a romance set in 1720 Bedford, NY, which is still in search of a title. My heroine, Tabetha, is forced into a hasty marriage with a mysterious hermit named Dalby, after the death of her grandfather. Dalby, burned with the T-shaped brand denoting him as a convicted thief, draws Tabetha into a world of secrets and enduring love, even as she coaxes him out of his brittle shell. I am currently at work on a prequel about a character from this novel.

For readers: Is there a certain type of colonial story you would like to see, but haven't yet? Is there an author you would like to see try the colonial period?

VP: I am interested in any and all colonial period romances. Maybe more having to do with the Native Americans would be nice. I would love to see Madeline Baker write a colonial period romance.

ACB: I would love to see colonial romances step into uncharted territory; more backwoods and frontier tales; focus on the early days of colonization; various wars and skirmishes prior to the Revolution, and when we get there, see that war from all three sides--American, British and neutral (of which there were many.) I’d love to explore all the different nationalities who came to the colonies; Spanish, French, Dutch, and more over the whole period. Family sagas, especially; trace one family from the first settlers through the years until the new country is born.

Karen: I'd love to see more Revolutionary war ones. Would New Orleans still in French hands count? Canada? (note: I’d say so-- ACB)

What are some of the clichés of the period?

KFB: If I’m not mistaken, the term "bodice ripper" came from this period.

VP: Can't think of any.

ACB: That "colonial" means only "Revolutionary War" and only from the patriot point of view. Puritan settlers were all dour and stuffy.

Karen: All English are bad (Rev. War), Noble Savages, all settlers were British.

Any plot devices you would gladly vote off the island, never to be seen again?

KFB: Marriage of convenience is over-used. I wouldn’t care if I never saw one again.

VP: Since there aren't enough colonial period romances out there, then I don't think there are any plot devices that have been overdone. Even if it's been done a million times in another era, if it's used again in the colonial era it would take on a whole new meaning.

ACB: The dashing Loyalist officer who is only pretending to be Loyalist...he’s really on the other side.

Karen: Hero/Heroine makes the other hate him/her because the plot needs them separated. Rape of heroine.

Why do you think colonial romances aren't more popular? Do you think they could become as popular as Regencies or westerns?

JM: I think fads come and go in romance, but I personally believe a good romance novel can be set anywhere, including the colonial period. Who knows? Maybe a year from now, the hot genre will be colonial romances.

KFB: For the life of me, I can’t imagine why there aren’t more romances set in this time period. The only reason must be that somewhere in the marketing departments of the major publishing houses, it’s become a dictum that only Scottish books sell, therefore they publish only Scottish books. If only more were published...especially by some of the top writers, I have little doubt that they can become as popular as Regencies.

KS: I think this is a Catch-22 situation. Colonial romances might be more popular if there were more of them available, but publishers are reluctant to make them available if they don’t think they’re popular.

VP: Maybe people don't know how much potential the colonial era holds. I think if writers keep pushing the colonial manuscripts and readers keep buying the colonials that do manage to get published, they could become as popular as Regencies or Westerns. Readers and publishers keep saying that the same things are being done over and over again. Well, here is an era that hasn't even been tapped into yet. So, why not open it up?

ACB: I’m still trying to figure this out. I think my colleagues above have a good grasp on it. It may be that the reading public doesn’t have much exposure to them. There’s plenty of room for romance in many different eras, but not all get represented.

Karen: I think because so many of the older ones are so bad and bodice rippy. If some good ones were written, maybe?

List some favourite colonial romances and/or reference books.

JM: One of the BEST reference books is the Writer’s Guide to Everyday Life in Colonial America (Dale Taylor). I used this book extensively.

KFB: The Witch of Black Bird Pond, by Elizabeth George Speare, while not a romance in the true sense, is a wonderful book. It’s actually a young adult novel, a Newberry Medal winner and an ALA Notable children’s book that deals with so many aspects of the colonial experience that, for me, it rates highly among the best books set in this period. I can’t think of a book that comes close to matching it for detail, historical accuracy and a plot that keeps you turning pages. I have so many great reference books on the subject, I wouldn’t know where to begin. Unfortunately, they’re all in boxes in the garage at the moment. Off the top of my head, there’s a fabulous social history published by Yale University Press called (I believe) New Englanders at Home, a terrific series about the Indian Wars by Alan Eckert and anything by Alice Morse Early.

KS: Reference Books--1.The Writer’s Guide to Everyday Life in Colonial America, Dale Taylor; 2. Women’s Life and Work in the Southern Colonies, Julia Cherry Spruill; 3. Puritans at Play; 4. A New Age Now Begins, Page Smith; 5. The American Revolutionaries, Milton Meltzer; 6. Religion, Education, and Culture, 1689-1760; 7. Women in the American Revolution, Jeanne Munn Bracken; 8. Herbs and Herb Lore of Colonial America, Colonial Dames of America; 9. Plants of Colonial Days, Raymond L. Taylor; 10. Child Life in Colonial Days, Alice Morse Earle; 11. Paul Revere’s America; and various American History textbooks.

VP: Flintlock and Tomahawk: New England in King Philip's War by Douglas Edward Leach; The Name of War: King Philip's War and the Origins of American Identity by Jill Lepore. Until I Have No Country by Michael J. Tougias. Light a Single Candle by Julie Moffett; Winter Fire by Kathy Fischer-Brown. And although I haven't read it yet, so can't call it a favorite, I'm dying to delve into the new Kerrelyn Sparks colonial For Love or Country.

ACB: Rather than repeat the great titles already recommended, I’ll add these: Reference: If You Lived at the Time of the American Revolution by Kay Moore; Life as a Colonist by Bob Ryback; various publications by the Bedford Historical Society, Bedford, NY. Check local historical societies for fascinating information on the east coast’s past. Fiction: Roanoake; Jamestown; Hartford; Rehoboth; Charles Towne (Keepers of the Ring series) by Angela Elwell Hunt; Twin Willows by Kay Cornelius; This Loving Torment by Valerie Sherwood; Follow the Heart by Anita Mills; The Fairbourne and Sparhawk series by Miranda Jarret, and many, many more!

Any interesting bits of colonial trivia? Figures from colonial history who would make good heroes, heroines, or villains?

JM: Oh my God, you have to read my sister's book Call Down The Night. She uses several REAL historical figures in her book, including Reverend Bentley, a philosopher and traveler AND mathematician and the Father of Navigation, Nathanial Bodwitch.

KFB: As a Connecticut resident, I would like to see Benedict Arnold depicted as a hero just once. Until his betrayal at West Point, he was actually one of our greatest heroes, having helped win the Battle of Saratoga (the turning point in the Revolution) when he had been seriously wounded in the leg and had his horse shot out from under him and was advised to stay in his bed. An interesting little tidbit was that he married a beautiful Tory, Peggy Shippen, whose influence probably tempted him into his treasonous act, that and the fact that he was passed over for a promotion and sent to Philadelphia :-)

VP: I think King Philip would make a good hero. Also, the story about how CT came to be called the Charter Oak State might be interesting to put into a romance as a sub-plot.

ACB: The first woman to ever receive military honors and pension in the US Army, Deborah Sampson, served in the Revolution, and would be a great basis for a heroine. Chief Katonah, for whom Katonah, NY is named, and helped to negotiate the sale of land to the settlers, seems like he was quite a character. He’s said to have sold the same land multiple times, and supposedly found it quite amusing.

Any parting comments not addressed above? If you could give someone who's never tried a colonial romance one reason why they should?

JM: It's a great time period, lots going on, and the best reason of all--it's AMERICAN!!

KFB: Try it, you’ll like it!

VP: Readers...please keep reading and requesting colonials! Writers...please keep writing colonials!

ACB: This is truly an era with something for everyone, the original American love stories. Give them a try.

Karen: It was such a vibrant time in history. So many new starts. So many opportunities. A chance for freedoms that were unimaginable in Europe, especially religion.