I want to share with you my love affair with Regency romance novels and the journey that led me, a Black woman, from being a reader to contemplating writing historical fiction myself.
I’ve always been drawn to Regency romances. There’s something magical about reading about grand balls, dashing gentlemen, and headstrong heroines. But as much as I loved these stories, I slowly became disillusioned. It struck me that in these stories, there were no characters who looked like me. No Black debutantes or gentlemen navigating the complex social labyrinths of the Regency era. This absence started to weigh on me. I wondered, “Where would I have fit in this world?”
Now, as I’m getting into writing, I find myself at a crossroads. Do I mosey on over into the realm of historical fiction, to create the stories I wanted to read? I’m struggling with questions like, “Can I do justice to the era while including black characters? Will there be an audience for such stories?”
So, why don’t we see more Black characters in Regency romance? I looked into it and here’s what I found:
- There’s a misconception that Black people didn’t exist in certain historical settings, especially in positions of influence or wealth. This is far from the truth, but it’s a myth that persists and influences what gets written and published.
- The Regency romance genre has long been dominated by a certain ‘type’ of story, largely influenced by early authors in the genre. Publishers often stick to what they believe the market wants, which can sometimes stifle diversity.
- Writing about black characters in historical settings is complex. There’s a fine line between portraying the realities of the time (like slavery) and ensuring the story remains a romance at its heart. Not to mention not every black person was enslaved.
Despite these challenges, I believe there’s a shift happening. As a Black woman and a writer, I feel it’s partly my journey to contribute to this change. Perhaps it’s time to create the stories I wish to see in the world, stories where people like me aren’t just present but are central to the romance and drama of the Regency era.
So, what do you think? Should I take the plunge and write my own Regency romance with a diverse cast? I’d love to hear your thoughts!
