My Latest Obsession: Bridgerton

So, it's spring break. As a kindergarten teacher, that means a lot! I have had the best week so far. My family is my world, and so getting extra time to be with them has meant everything to me.

It's also given me a chance to really think about my series. I started writing the Haighdlen Chronicles back in 2007. The finished product (book 1) is barely recognizable from those first drafts. I have been eager to dive into book 2, which is mostly written since I had planned for the first two novels to be one story. Breaking it into two has allowed me to dive deeper and make the overall story longer. I have been able to gain inspiration and add more detail to the overall storyline.

Speaking of inspiration, I have a new obsession: Bridgerton.

I discovered this magnificent series the week of Christmas when it was released on Netflix. Anyone who knows me knows that I am obsessed with 3 things: Disney, Pride & Prejudice/Jane Austen, and the show Friends. Anything that even remotely relates to any of these topics is a favorite of mine. I am part of a fan group on Facebook about Pride & Prejudice. Around Christmas time, people began making posts that all shared one common theme: "Have you seen Bridgerton?" I decided to give it a try.

And boy it did not disappoint!

I was immediately drawn in. Everything about it swept me away. I have watched it all the way through twice (I know...I know...I can hear the members of my group - "Only twice? Catch up!") I cannot wait for season 2.

I hope one day, perhaps my books can be made into movies/a series. I certainly see it play in my head. The few who have read my books have said the same thing. It is very humbling when others are able to share in your vision. It's been a long road to see my book published, and I hope the four that I have planned will receive the same love.

It has been a slow road getting the story out there. I've definitely become intimate with the hashtag process on Twitter trying to get noticed. Slow and steady wins the race, I guess.

But speaking more about Bridgerton, I really love how the men were portrayed. I struggle to write male characters, and I often spend a lot of time researching male character traits when writing scenes. My ultimate goal in any scene is to make it believable. Nothing pulls me out of a book faster than thinking, "(Name/character type) would never say/do that." I never felt that way with any of the characters in this series. Even on the page, they are strong and flawed, but all in a believable way. I must say I was completely head over heels in love with Simon and Anthony. What can I say? I am a sucker for the brooding, pining male lead type (Mr. Darcy anyone? Don't get me started. That will have to wait for another post...*swoon*).

I have recently purchased The Duke and I by Julia Quinn, the first book in the Bridgerton series. It is very well written, and I can't wait to read more. The Bridgerton fan group I follow is full of detailed posts from fellow excited readers who are just as obsessed and I am! Oh, to have the powerful following of Lady Whistledown...

Just getting caught up in the stories inspires me to dive in and continue writing mine!