Blending Paranormal and Historical Fiction by Clara Winter

July 7, 2018
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Guest Post

Blending Paranormal and Historical Fiction by Clara Winter. A vampire doesn’t live hundreds or thousands of years without being witness to incredible historic events. In this sense, paranormal fiction and historical fiction can go hand in hand. The past is as important as the present in my debut novel, Deepest Midnight. The main character, Millicent, was once a Marchioness, living a privileged life in 18^th century France. The events leading up to her becoming immortal have shaped how she currently lives in modern day Savannah.

Blending Paranormal and Historical Fiction by Clara Winter

A vampire doesn’t live hundreds or thousands of years without being witness to incredible historic events. In this sense, paranormal fiction and historical fiction can go hand in hand. The past is as important as the present in my debut novel, Deepest Midnight. The main character, Millicent, was once a Marchioness, living a privileged life in 18^th century France. The events leading up to her becoming immortal have shaped how she currently lives in modern day Savannah.

Women of the 18^th century didn’t have much of a voice. Millicent experiences this as she is married off by her father to a man she feels nothing for. We see her personal growth over the centuries as she changes from a woman led by others, to a woman who can exert her own will.

Snippets of Millicent’s past life are first revealed to us through dreams and then through her words, as she relates her story to her modern-day flame. While she speaks of the 18^th century, we are there with her, amongst the fine gowns, priceless jewels, and sprawling chateaus. There is even a cameo by Marie Antoinette. Even now, Millicent enjoys her luxurious surroundings and sky-high designer heels.

I have a penchant for historical gowns and jewels. Researching this aspect of my book entertained me for hours. Dressing was no simple task for a lady of this time. Between shifts, stays, stomachers, and panniers, it’s no wonder they needed help. Clothing was opulent and disposable, as the trends were continually changing.

My favorite fashion trend of the 18^th century was the decadently coiffured pouf hairstyles, featuring enormous wigs. Pastel wig colors were popular, as were embellishments such as birdcages, butterfly’s, and miniature sailing ships. The bigger, more elaborate the better. I imagine these creations were heavy and cumbersome, but the result was an incredible statement piece. What are your favorite historical trends?

True love never dies.

At least, it doesn’t for Millicent, a once French noblewoman turned immortal vampire. The love of her life is murdered before she became immortal. Forever is a long time to live in despair. Two hundred forty years later, she locks eyes with an English actor, who happens to look exactly like her dead lover.

Sadness turns to happiness as Millicent and Jack find passion in each other’s arms. Their fling quickly turns serious as Millicent finds happiness once again—and possibly her one true love.

However, their relationship becomes complicated by her own uncertainty, Jack’s mortality, and the other man in Millicent’s life, Alexandre, her maker and companion. When Alexandre puts his foot down, Millicent must decide if she’s going to continue to be led by others or take the reins and drive the outcome of her life.

Deepest Midnight is set in modern day Savannah, Ga with occasional glimpses back to 18^th century France. This is the first book in The Immortal Kindred Series.

Amy Rugg, writing as Clara Winter, grew up reading Anne of Green Gables, The Secret Garden, and Alice in Wonderland, while watching Buck Rogers, Star Trek, and Doctor Who. Writing her own stories naturally ensued. She is a wife, mother, and former school counselor, with a Master’s Degree in Counseling. Amy is from Colorado Springs, Co and currently resides in Mission Viejo, Ca.

Thank you for dropping by, I love connecting with readers! Find me here: Facebook- @clarawinterwriter1, Instagram- clara_winter_writer, and my website- clarawinterbooks.com. Check out the pinned post on my Facebook page for a chance to win a pair of vintage style earrings from Dames a la Mode.