Writing, Regency England and a Gown

Every time I finish writing a book, I ask everyone in my family to read it. I have asked all five of my sisters and my sister-in-law as well as my mom to read my book. My two daughters have suffered through at least one. My husband and my dad have even read one.

Each gave me their opinions along with misspelled words and grammar problems. I re-worked the book each time. But still my book didn’t have what I knew it needed.

And then I happened upon an editor. I was so excited for her to read my book. 

"It has everything anyone has ever wanted in a book," I said confident in my work. 

 "Look, I can help you, but it will take hard work if you want to take it to the next level," she said not even bothering to open to the first chapter which I must admit is superior to all other first paragraphs of other books. 

I thought to myself - how much harder could it be? With enthusiasm, I replied, "Of course."

Because deep down inside, I knew I had created a gem, a one of a kind diamond like creation. It would only take one reading of the book for this editor to realize it, too. . . . 

Here is a simple gown with embroidery around the neckline, sleeves and hem. One of my absolute favorites.

If you are willing and obedient, you will eat the good things of the land; but if you resist and rebel you will be devoured by the soword.” For the mouth of the Lord has spoken. Isaiah 1:19-20

Reading Emma by Jane Austen

 I tried once again to read Emma by Jane Austen. I don't know what it is about that book, but I just can't get through it. Perhaps, it is because Emma at 22 seems to think she knows everything. Maybe it is because everyone around Emma with the exception of Mr. Knightly seems to think Emma knows everything, too.

For whatever reason, I read half-way through and just couldn't take her machinations one minute longer.

I'm not a wimp when it comes to reading. After all, I've read Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoyevsky

  

Out of the two, I would read the latter rather than the former.

I know some people that just love this book. I ask them why and they say the same thing every time. Emma is funny. But Emma messes with people's lives, so it doesn't seem funny to me. 

I know, I know. Books are not real. Enjoy. Maybe when I try again next year. 

God sets the lonely in families, he leads out the prisoners with singing; but the rebellious live in a sun-scorched land. Psalm 68:6

Gowns and Lace

 I finished reading Persuasion and as always was sad to say goodbye to such good friends.  

I counted the word persuasion or derivatives of the word 32 times throughout the book. But I may have missed some of them due to being absorbed in the story.

 I was reminded as I read that for the gentry, who did not have an abundance of funds, the women would make their own clothes. They would look at the fashion plates and make over a dress they already owned –perhaps even dying the material to a deeper blue or darker green to make it look like a new gown. Lace and trim would help to make the gown look different. A lace collar or lace on the hem and sleeves might be the perfect accent.  

"Behold, I make all things new."

Revelations 21:5b

Regency Mourning Gown

Writing takes up every spare minute that I'm not working, playing or reading.

I've read Regency novels since I was a 5th grader. The absolute worst thing an author can do is to take their heroine whom you have grown to love and then have her do something out of character just so that she can get into trouble again and be rescued. 

One day after finishing a book like that, I thought I could do better. I began writing my own book.

Five years went by and I had accumulated over twelve inches of writing, but still it was not the story that I had envisioned.

My daughter, who is an artist made this mourning gown for my heroine. 

Just seeing what my heroine would have worn helps me to look realistically at the time period. It’s kind of a fun thing to look at and wonder if any gowns were ever made in this style and color.  

Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith?"

Matthew 6:29-30

England's Regency Period

The Regency period was rather a short period of time from 1811 through 1820, however it was first discussed in 1788 when
King George III first began showing signs of madness.

Now throw in upwards of 40,000 French refugees coming into England to escape the Terror, it was a time of great changes and economic upheaval.

I love reading historical romances set in the Regency era. I read contemporary books and historical accounts of different events in history, and yet I always come back to the books about Regency England.

It might be because during a tumultuous time in history the wealthy and elite dressed in their finery and still went about the business of making connections to become more rich and more powerful under the guise of balls and breakfasts, marriages and country parties at their vast estates. 

I'm sure if I lived in that time, I would not find it at all that fascinating. Instead, I have no doubt that I would be hauling chamber pots through cavernous castles and mansions only to find a place to empty them. Lastly, I would have the distinct joy in scrubbing said pot until it was pristine only to have it used again.

In that day you will say:“Give thanks to the Lord, call on his name; make known among the nations what he has done, and proclaim that his name is exalted.” Isaiah 12:4

Michaelmas

 In Persuasion, Michaelmas is mentioned. Michaelmas is the feast of St Michael the Archangel. He is the warrior angel that defeated Lucifer in the heavens. Michaelmas is near the equinox, September 29th. Usually the harvest was over and the landowner’s man of business would pay the accounts (bills). That included the servants’ wages, which were paid quarterly.  I have a hard time living on a monthly salary. . . what would I do if I were paid every three months?

To live modestly in Society during the Regency Period a household would need the equivalent of at least $120,000 a year. The monthly household expenses for the husband would be in the range of about $800 and the wife at $200.

For you know that you were redeemed from your empty way of life inherited from your fathers, not with perishable things like silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of an unblemished and spotless lamb. I Peter 1:18-19

Jane Austen's Books

I have been enchanted by the Regency period and everything to do with those times. That includes reading Persuasion by Jane Austen at least thirty times. Pride and Prejudice is a close second, followed by Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte. What makes these books so fascinating and wonderful? 

For me, it has been the quick wit, elegance of speech, and the ascertaining of character among one's acquaintances.

People are categorized as either someone they would recommend or someone they would not wish to renew further acquaintance with. 

But then sadly not only character is judged but social status as relates to one's income. Never associate with someone whose income is not equivalent or above your own. Society missed out on meeting interesting people due to prejudice of social status. Some people still do that today. 

Our worth has nothing to do with money and property but everything to do with that our creator is God Himself. 

   

Isaiah 40: 9b-10

Say to the cities of Judah, “Here is your God!” See, the Lord God comes with strength, and his power establishes his rule. His wages are with him, and his reward accompanies him.