Victorian Era Etiquette

Not Mary Poppins, just Rita in costume.

As much as I enjoy researching the Victorian Era, I believe I'd much rather keep our twenty - first century guidelines for acceptably good behaviour in our Australian society.

Since I set most of my novels in this fascinating period of history I thought it appropriate to dress as a governess while addressing my audiences about all the weird and wonderful customs and strict etiquette.

I speak in a upper class English accent ( quite posh) and engage my audience by explaining the times which govern the characters of my novels. I also use audience participation. Here I am in a living room, unable to keep a straight face  when I lectured ladies on the matter of a feminine laugh. Not loud, not a chuckle nor a cackle, but a melodic cadence. I demonstrated then after the count of three, it was their turn. Oh, my. The strange sounds I heard. The men present didn't get off lightly either, but joined in when I explained rules concerning them, especially during the mourning period. Oh, those wonderful Victorians!

The governess is mainly a 'behind-the-scenes' person. It's an interesting fact that the members of a well-to-do family didn't quite know how to treat her. She wasn't a relative, nor a guest, not a mistress, neither was she a servant. Sometimes she was ignored, sometimes treated as a confidante, and usually saw things that should never go beyond the family circle. Some felt they were in a precarious position as the master often treated her warmly whereas the mistress displayed undue suspicion.

I thought this was one way to enjoy a presentation and a vehicle for selling my books. At ladies or seniors f/ships, or a coffee evening, I give my spiel followed by a short inspirational talk about God being the greatest Author of all time. And showing how Jesus used stories to great effect. After all, stories are our history. Stories have the power to change the way we view the world.

View The Tie That Binds trailer at
www.ritastellapress.com

It is a stand alone sequel to Signed Sealed Delivered, Book I of the Victoriana Series. Since becoming an Indy publisher, Rita is enjoying the ride! Choosing the cover and the title is a blessing.

A Parcel of Promises, Book III is on its way. This historical romance reveals the gulf between the aristocracy and those in service.

Rita is a co-speaker on a Christian radio program. Her website:  www.ritastellagalieh.com

STELLA - my mum ( and book offer )

I want to celebrate Stella Violet Kinnear, my darling mum, on Mother's Day. She is now with the Lord but still remains in my heart.

Did I receive my writing abilities from her? No. Stella was one of those active on-the-go wives and mothers who didn't have all that much time for reading. But she soon realized I loved reading and encouraged me.

Her mother, Beatrice, was a real dreamer and always to be found with her nose in a book. Oh, yes many a time wisps of smoke came from the kitchen where a nice dinner was sacrificed to the arts. Thinking back, I wonder why my mum didn't resent that and make sure her daughter would follow a more practical turn of mind.

Stella was also an artist (from her father, Harrie Mackie Kinnear, a Scot.) It came to the fore when, during the Second World War with Dad in the RAAF, money was scarce. She hand made jewelry from bread! Beautiful little flowers coloured and baked in the oven. She also designed patterns for Patons Knitting Company and I was the recipient of lovely little jumpers, cardigans and hats. All this was enough to make a deposit on a small house.

By that time she'd become a savvy business woman and some years later she sent me to art school and began a ceramics studio in our backyard named Gymea Pottery. Dad cast various shapes of clay, and we two women decorated it with Aboriginal Art and Australian flowers and fauna. Then it would be fired to the bisque state, glazed and fired again to 1,000 degrees Centigrade. It was a real hit with American business folk who were involved in the Kurnell Oil Refineries at the time. Many would come to buy and ask about the stories behind each piece. I loved telling those stories!

But similar to the book business today, the markets became flooded. How could we compete with cheap pottery from China? Never mind that it wasn't authentic Australian Art.  We closed up and gave the big kilns to Gymea Technical College. (They had the expense of hiring a crane and removing one of the walls.)

The full book cover

My darling mother was never able to read even one of my books, because she'd gone before they were published. Oh, that still hurts me, because in her later years, she too had taken up reading. But there's a lot of my life with her and Nan among the Aboriginal folk in my first book, Fire in the Rock. All changed of course in its fictional sense. And now my new book, The Tie That Binds, is a stand-alone, but it follows on from Signed Sealed Delivered.  I became aware that the heroine's longing to find her mother is a part of my longing for my mum who has gone to be with her Lord.

It's hook and theme is: Everything can change in a heartbeat.  This statement has now become my brand and logo represented by the little open heart of  Rita Stella Press  soon to go online.

That is such a truism in all our lives. We are all just one heartbeat away from changed circumstances whatever they happen to be - wonderful or tragic. Is there any one of you who have been estranged from your mother? Please dear ones, change that situation before you'll have to live with regrets for the rest of your life.

BOOK OFFER: Can you share in a few sentences what your mother means to you? Either by her encouragement or her memory. If you leave your email - right up to Sunday night - I'll send a copy of Signed Sealed Delivered or Fire in the Rock - your choice, to those three that most touch my heart. Narelle to announce those chosen next week.

* Rita Stella Galieh has two historical romances published and been a contributor to several US nonfiction books. Now taking pre-orders for The Tie That Binds Email:  ritagal(at)optusnet(dot)com(dot)au

Coming next from Rita Stella Press:  A Parcel of Promises: Windsor Castle, mid 1800s. He is an aristocrat, she is in service. Do they dare cross this invisible barrier?

The TIE that BINDS - Almost here!

I'm so happy to share this special announcement with you!

My historical romance, Book Two of a trilogy, is in the formatting process at this moment. I have chosen my logo and I'm now waiting for my ISBN and barcode.

The novel stands alone but answers the questions raised in Book One of Signed Sealed Delivered.

Everything can change in a heartbeat

All appears normal in the well-to-do Cantrell household until its scheming mistress begins to act on her diabolical plans.

Forced into a heartbreaking choice between the security of an arranged marriage and an uncertain future of eloping with her heart’s desire, Charlotte Cantrell’s faith and integrity are tested to the limit. Either choice threatens dire consequences for everyone she holds dear. As she hovers over her decision she knows that once made it will affect the entire course of her life.

Only an unforeseen event can rescue her from personal tragedy and forsaken dreams.

                                                                                
Rita co-presents a Christian radio program that is broadcast Australia-wide. With this third published historical romance she proves her passion for faith-based fiction of the Victorian Era and all of its intricate undercurrents. Rita has contributed to the U.S. Adams Media anthologies and belongs to several writers’ organizations. 
Each week  her inspirationalromance.blogspot.com shares real life stories capturing a large number of international hits.
For further information watch Facebook or email me:
ritagal at optusnet dot com dot au