With that in mind, I'd like to talk a bit about the first book, Winning Violet. The Wilson sisters–Iris, Violet, Lily and Poppy, all live and work with their father in his landscaping and nursery business in Hertfordshire, outside of London. And while the entire family does indeed participate in this first book, showing up at the most inauspicious of times, the real secondary character is truly someone special. Her name is Lady Banks. Allow me to introduce you.
Violet is a true scientist who spends her days experimenting with the hybridization of roses–specifically the Lady Banks rose. This particular beautiful climbing rose is spectacular when in bloom, and the scent from the roses is divine, but unfortunately it only blooms once a year. Violet is cross-pollenating it with other varieties in an attempt to make it bloom more frequently and hopes her work will gain her recognition with the Royal Horticultural Society.
The Lady Banks rose plays a pivotal role in the story line. Violet curtsies in front of the plant each time it gets watered or fertilized, calls her My Lady, and uses her pollen to explain the process of hybridization to Parker, Thomas Jefferson's landscaper.
This is the first time I've used a plant as a secondary character, but she does get a lot of words in my story. She bears witness to Violet and Parker's blooming romance, their first kiss and, ahem, other things a Lady doesn't discuss. I like to think that when Violet and Parker finally come to the realization that they are in love with each other, the Lady Banks hides her knowing smile under a green leaf.
What about you? Have you ever used inanimate objects as characters in your books?
This is an interesting way to have a POV chararcter, Becky!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Ana. It was a fun experiment.
DeleteBrilliant idea! You've opened my mind to some interesting possibilities. Thank you for posting!
ReplyDeleteBest of luck with your Flower Girl series.
Thanks, Sandra. It was fun to make a simple plant bear the elements of a grand lady. It's made me stop and consider where I can use this technique again.
DeleteNot an object, but a room--Rosabelle's room--the Revolutionary War era nanny to a Virginia plantation family who continued to inhabit her room in the historic mansion even as contemporary protagonist Ashby Overton moves into the space for the summer. Lots of fun with heirloom furniture and antique objects in the room. Nice post!
ReplyDeleteSounds like an interesting plot twist, Susan. I'd love to read the book.
DeleteWhat an interesting idea, Becky! Best of luck with your new series.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Jana. It took some digging to find the right rose for Violet to focus on, but Lady Banks did become essential to the story.
DeleteGoodness, now I have to read this book! I don't think I've written about inanimate objects with such an interesting twist - well done, Becky. I love my side characters in a story as they add such flavor and festiveness to the plot. But Lady Banks sounds amazing.
ReplyDeleteThe lady probably saw much more than she ever expected from her caretaker, Violet. But being the perfect lady, never spoke about it.
DeleteYears ago I read a historical romance written by two women where they raised ostriches on a western farm and the dog and donkey (both pals)were secondary characters--it was a hoot. Darn but I can't remember the name of the book or the authors. A few yrs. ago also read Driving in the Rain which is fantastic as the dog led the show. A Regency Yuletid sounds awesome and I look forward to a great read. Wishing you much success. Love the cover too. I must meet Lady Banks.
ReplyDeleteI loved Driving In The Rain, too. So clever. And I agree, you must meet Lady Banks.
DeleteSo excited to read another sibling series. The Flower Girls will be a worthy successor to the Cotillion Ball books. Can't wait to add these novels to my bookcase.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Linda. I really am enjoying creating this unique family. Hope you'll enjoy.
DeleteA plant as a secondary character is quite unique, Becky. What an innovative idea.
ReplyDeleteI want to congratulate you on your contract for the Flower Girl Series. I love Regency, but I would never attempt to write it. I know your series will a terrific success. All the best to you.
Thanks, Sarah. I'm staying out of the ballrooms for the first two books, since I have so much to learn. But it'll be fun to write when I get to that point.
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