FROM ANNE GRACIE

answer to comment # 22 (MarchRose)

Excellent question, MarchRose. Good historical research is important, but I think more important is the story and characters. Ideally you want both, but it's true that well researched historical novels get rejected every day, and poorly researched but exciting stories often get published. Many of my readers love history, but just as many don't care at all about historical accuracy. Since I enjoy history I do quite a bit of research for my books, but there is a danger that you can overdo the research -- including things that aren't needed in the story, just because you found them interesting. I ask myself, "If this was a contemporary would I be describing this table in detail?" If not, it has to go -- the story comes first, always. My reward is when a reader writes and says, "I don't usually like historicals, but I loved your book."

answer to comment # 23 (Silvietta)

Silvietta, thank you so much for the lovely invitation. Certainly, when I eventually arrange to come to Italy, I'll contact you all through this blog and see if there is some way we can meet and chat.

Anne