Writing the Novel

Just a brief update on the actual writing of this novel: 

Yesterday, out of the blue, this novel called to me. I answered and penned over 1000 words on it. The story's coming along amidst non-stop research into mental illness, prison hulks, and prostitution during the Regency. All fascinating albeit disturbing topics. 

~Book Review~ The English Prison Hulks

The English Prison Hulks by W. Branch-Johnson

This nonfiction book is probably what really cemented my fascination for this macabre aspect in British history. (I realize that more countries than Britain are guilty of this atrocity and some more recently, but it's Britain's part that intrigues me, as it took place mostly in the time period I already loved.)

That being said, I found this book on Amazon, cringed at the used price ($20...but I now see it's up to $55 so...YAY!), then ordered it. It was first published in 1957. I have since picked up more recently researched/written texts on the subject but this one was still an excellent purchase.

W. Branch-Johnson has an excellent way of writing. This nonfiction book is easy to follow, comprehend, and at times very difficult to put down. If you have an interest in this morbid subject, I highly recommend finding this book.

I won't give this a star rating. As it was the first I've read cover-to-cover on the subject, I don't think a star rating would be quite fair. (Probably 'cause I'd give it a definite five stars.)

Welcome to 'Hell on Earth'

Nothing I've written has required quite the amount of research that Retribution has. A romance that revolves around the English prison hulks? Even I can't think of anything less romantic. What if the hero is an ex-con from the hulks? Yeah, you see my dilemma. 

I've broken it down into steps:

• First step, research the hulks. (I've enjoyed that rather more than I expected.) 
• Second step, research the psychological effects such a place would have on a young man, incarcerated wrongly, and left to die. (Mental deficiencies galore.) 
• Third step, find the perfect woman for him, one whose own life can hardly be considered normal, and definitely not easy by any stretch of the imagination. (A reluctant prostitute, perhaps?) 
• Fourth step, throw them together but keep them apart. (He's highborn; she's not. What better way to keep them apart.) 
• Fifth step, figure out how to help him cope with his lot, maybe using a previous character whose mental instabilities rival his own. (Hello, Derringer!) 

This has been one interesting journey. As I learn more, I'll post to this blog. Questions are always welcome.