by Susan Macatee, guest blogger
Thanks Keira and Love Romance Passion for having me (and the rest of the Victorians) here today! Why did I join this anthology? I guess you could say, since I already write Civil War romance and love the period, I couldn't resist an invite to be part of a Civil War anthology with my Victorian writer friends. 
Reenactment plays a big part in your time travel story.
What inspired that?
Susan Macatee: My love of the Civil War period was inspired by my ten + years spent as a Civil War reenactor for the 28th Pennsylvania Volunteer Regiment based in Philadelphia. I use a lot that I learned about history as a reenactor to craft all my stories.
But Angel of My Dreams, in particular, grew from my actual experiences at reenactments. Since I reenact as a civilian, I had to pick my husband’s brain for most of the military reenactor’s details, but I also learned a lot from just watching the men on the field and in camp and listening to their stories.
For instance, I had scene where my reenactor hero steps into a hole in the field and twists his ankle. Well, the idea for this came from when my husband was warning my son that if a man ahead of you yells, “Hole,” watch where you step. It’s a warning that a literal hole in the ground is coming up. An unaware man could not only twist his ankle, but break it. Of course, my hero is a bit distracted and doesn’t heed the warning in time.
Other details in this story came from my actual experiences at reenactments; the atmosphere, dealing with spectators, and other little things that outsiders wouldn’t know.
In truth, Angel of My Dreams, was one of the easiest stories I’ve ever written. I felt like I’d been given a gift. And surprisingly, it required no revision and minimal editing, unlike my other stories. LOL.
The writer’s advice to ‘write what you know’ surely did apply with this story.
Excerpt from Angel of My Dreams:
“Where am I?”
“Shh.” She placed a finger on his lips. The scent of lavender invaded his senses.
He frowned when he realized he was lying on a cot wearing his reenactor clothing. Had he dreamed he’d come home?
“The doctor says you’ll be fine. He dug out the bullet and stitched up your leg.”
“My leg?” Kyle reached down. His pant’s leg had been cut apart at the seam. Heavy bandages wrapped around his thigh.
“This doesn’t make any sense. I twisted my ankle. It’s fine now.”
She took his hand and stroked his forehead. Her touch sent warmth and desire through his body.
“I have to know...” He swallowed. “...your name.”
She smiled. “You haven’t forgotten me already?”
“I...you never told me.”
“Of course I did.”
She leaned away.
He held tightly to her hand, fearing she’d leave again.
“Don’t go.” Her hand dissolved. He couldn’t hold her.
Buy: Northern Roses and Southern Belles
Susan Macatee’s fascination with the Civil War period began when her husband decided to become a reenactor and pulled the whole family into the hobby. We became members of the 28th Pennsylvania Regiment, based in Philadelphia. She’s been writing ever since she can remember and started writing for publication after her youngest started kindergarten. You can find her at: www.susanmacatee.com
Caroline Clemmons: There are many reenactment groups in our area. In Hillsboro, TX the college has an outstanding Civil War Museum as part of the library. In Fort Worth, there is also a Civil War Museum. One funny thing is that when my daughter taught a fourth grader whose father was a reenactor, the kid thought the South won the Civil War because his dad took part in one of the battles the South did win.
Mary Ann Webber: Susan Macatee is our resident reenactor. She and her husband have done this for years. Some of their sons occasionally join them. Susan is a fount of knowledge for the rest of us. She sews her costumes, including corsets and underpinnings. Her complaints about the uncomfortable – even tortuous attire - have opened our eyes to what life for women was really like.
And, of course, her experiences give her own writing real depth.
Jennifer Ross I have a question, Susan Macatee. Here in Canada, we were going to have a reenactment of the battle of the Plains of Abraham (the English vs. French thing) but the very idea caused such controversy it was eventually scrapped. The French (they knew they lost that battle, that wasn’t the problem) were concerned it would either be a love-in, where our forefathers shot and killed each other, in between clasping hands and singing songs together, or it would be an “English version” where the only ‘good guys’ were the English. They distrusted the organizers of the event in telling the whole story, in other words. So my question is, how do you guys get around that problem?
Isabel Roman: I’ve been to Gettysburg a few times, and marvel at the accuracy of the reenactors! They really get into it. Makes me wonder how the Civil War caught the imagination of so many. I mean you never hear about those crazy Spanish-American War reenactors. Or the crazy folks from the Barbary Wars or Mexican War, or um…the War of 1812 even!
Jeanmarie Hamilton: I've never heard of a reenactment group in New Mexico, but I imagine reenacting the Civil War Battle of Glorieta Pass near Santa Fe, New Mexico, would be amazing.
Susan will give away to 1 lucky commenter: A reproduction Victorian brooch, a scented hand fan and lavender bath bead. Remember, everyone who leaves a comment on the day of the post for each of the six days will be entered into a drawing to win a copy of Northern Roses and Southern Belles signed by all six authors.
Calendar:
- Saturday August 1: Isabel Roman is at Night Owl Romance http://www.nightowlromanceblog.blogspot.com/
- Sunday August 2: Jeanmarie Hamilton is at Petticoats & Pistols http://petticoatsandpistols.com/
- Monday August 3: Susan Macatee is at Love Romance Passion http://www.loveromancepassion.com/
- Tuesday August 4: Caroline Clemmons is at Slip into Something Victorian http://slipintosomethingvictorian.wordpress.com/
- Wednesday August 5: Mary Ann Webber is at Arkansas Diamonds http://arkansasdiamonds.blogspot.com/
- Thursday August 6: Jennifer Ross is at Romantic Crush Junkies http://www.romanticcrushjunkies.blogspot.com/
Buy: Northern Roses and Southern Belles
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A-C, G-I, Guest Blogger, Historic America, M-O, P-R, Time Travel, V-Z, Wartime
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30 comments ↓
I may get hooked back into this genre again. I have been into fantasy for years now but this is intriguing.
Morning all! Susan, I love the fact you know so much about the era. Research is fantastic, and you know I’m all for it, but you know the nitty gritty. I can say it was hot in those heavy gowns in summer on the field, but you know it for a fact and have sweated through it!
Just one thing I love about your stories,
Using reenactment as a basis for a novel is a fantastic idea! What a way to know pretty much exactly (or as close as we’ll ever get) how your characters were feeling in their clothes and their world.
You know it, Isabel! I’ve spent the day in a corset and hoops in the heat! I also know what it’s like to have a bonnet that just won’t stay tied, my petticoat hem showing beneath my gown… I could go on and on. LOL.
Thanks for stopping by Meghan! It really is a help to get a feel for how your characters would physcially feel.
And in answer to Jenn’s question, I don’t really know. Each battle reenactment is based on an actual battle, so whichever side wins is preordained, but the men who do the battle reenacting want to portray their characters as accurately as possible. Most of these guys know a great deal about the Civil War, their own ancestors who fought and they also read letters, journals and diaries, so they can get a true feel for the people they’re portraying, whether it’s politically correct for our modern times or not. They portray it the way is was.
I just think it’s amazing you were a civil war reenactor! It’s pretty awesome, you have to admit. To be able to take the time, the money, and the energy to educate and entertain people about our past. It’s admirable!
I enjoy Civil War Reenactments. Love visiting with the people, seeing the different artifacts, and it’s just plain fun. I’m still happy we live with plumbing, but it was an amazing time.
Congratulations on your new book, it looks GREAT!
It is fun, Rachie! Thanks for stopping by!
I love that you reenacted the Civil War. I am fascinated by this time period and we attend Civil War reenactments in our neighboring town every year. My kids moan and groan when I drag them to it, but it’s so much fun.
Congrats on your new book!
Val
This sounds like fun! I am anxious to read your story.
The more I read about the book, the more I know I just have to have it! Hope I’m the lucky winner!
I’ve never watched a civil war reenactment per se, but I have spent several days in Natchez, MS during their Antebellum Homes tour in March. Tour guides in each of the homes are dressed in period costumes. Now March is not the hottest month in Mississippi, but it was warm and a bit muggy. I imagine the guides were a bit uncomfortable in all those clothes.
Thanks for responding to my question, Susan. Perception is such a funny thing, and I’m only amazed that you guys have managed to stage so many reenactments–of any battle, without it creating a new battle, at least of words. Well done you guys!
I do so enjoy the glimpse into this world I get from your stories, Susan.
Hello Susan,
Thanks for giving us a look at your story. I’ve not read many books during the Civil War. Thank you for peeking my interest. Have a great day.
house_mouse88 at yahoo dot com
Oh, yeah, Jenn! There’s always an outcry from somebody about banning the Confederate flag. But how can you stage a Civil War battle without that? And now there are groups who portray the colored soldiers and educate the public on the African Americans’ role in the war.
Hi Susan I love when you had Kyle saying “I…you never told me.”
You’ve not only tapped into the Civil War but you’ve tapped into human emotion. That slight hesitation in speech is not lost on your readers. It’s what will have us seeking out your books time & time again. I love when an author can have me sympathize with the character.
Great excerpt. Good luck!
Thanks for stopping by, everybody! An Antebellum homes tour sounds like fun. I visited one in Virginia along the James River where we staged a living history event right on the grounds.
The hardest part of being a reenactor for me is to keep all those modern conveniences we bring along out of sight of the specators who stroll through camp. Since we stay overnight in the tent, you always have things like plastic water bottles, potato chip bags and the like. When you have young kids and teens along, they always seem to pop up at the wrong time. LOL.
And glad you all liked the excerpt. I enjoyed writing this story.
Susan,
I love the excerpt you posted. It gave me shivers of anticipation – even though I’ve read your entire story!
You are a natural storyteller.
Mary Ann
I have a few friends who reinactors, but I never thought of incorporating it into a book. Most of them are Revolutionary War reinactors. I can’t imagine living back then. I need fo flush!
Thanks, Mary Ann! And Kathye, we have a lot of Revolutionary reenactors around my area. It really makes you realize how hard our ancestors had it just living day to day.
Susan, I am so looking forward to reading your story. I used to do Civil War re-enactment in Nebraska and what a fantastic time I had.
Would love to come to the south and see the re-enactment done there.
Thanks for your post!
Susan, my husband and I visited a local reenactment day. It was summer and I really felt sorry for the enactors in wool uniforms and women in long dresses cooking over campfires. Hot, hot, hot. You’re a brave women, Susan.
Susan,
I never would have thought about the problems with keeping your camp looking like the old days if you hadn’t mentioned it. I imagine that does take lots of attention to detail. And doing all that in a corset and dress and petticoats that cover you from neck to toes must be a challenge. I salute you! Your story is amazing too!
Thanks, Valerie and Caroline! It can get very hot. I remember doing my first big reeactment at Gettysburg years ago. I swore I’d die from heat exhaustion.
Great article Susan, a fascinating era the Civil War even for an Aussie.
Good luck with the anthology
Regards
Margaret
Hi,
I live in Harrisburg, Pa and that is about 40 minutes from Gettysburg. The 4Th of July weekend is very exciting with the reactmeant. I haven’t been since my kids is grown but is was fun.
lorettaC
lbcanton@verizon.net
Thanks, Jeanmarie!
I haven’t been to Gettysburg in years, Loretta! But I’d sure like to go again just to see the town and battlefield.
I love anthologies and this one sounds excellent. I read a lot of historical fiction and also enjoy time travel books. We are helping my daughter and her son who are getting involved in Civil War reenacting. I am doing her ball gown now. I’ll be on the lookout for this book.
Reenactments have always fascinated me. There is a big one here that is done yearly. I’ve always thought they must really enjoy what they do because those clothes sure do look hot. I can’t imagine being in them all day long on a hot day.
I love stories about the Civil War and can’t wait to read this one.
I haven’t read a civil war romance and look forward to reading Susan’s book!
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