That may all be true, but I'm here to argue for the medieval era. In my research, I found that women were not always under a man's thumb.
- Matilda of Canossa (1046-1115 AD) was known for her military expertise in defending her lands and managing a vast kingdom.
- Eleanor of Aquitane (1122-1204 AD) was the mother of King Richard I and King John. She participated in one of Richard's crusades and it was believed she rode into battle topless to distract the enemy. She was also a great patroness of the arts.
- Christine de Pizan (1364-1430 AD) was a counselor to kings and aristocracy and was a proto-feminist very influential in her time. After her husband died, she was able to support herself with her writing.
- Deborah, who became judge over Israel. She went into battle one time at the request of the leader of the army.
- Abigail, who ran her household and estate for her drunk husband.
- Miriam, Moses's sister, who was prophetess in Israel.
That's one of the reasons I wrote Lord of Her Heart. I didn't want to write a bodice-ripper where the woman is wimpy and must be saved. I wanted to write about a strong woman who is not afraid to go after what she wants. I wanted to write a story that showed the courage in spite of fear in my heroine. We all struggle with fear and sometimes we have to take a step of faith to push us into our courage. I hope I accomplished that in Lord of Her Heart.
Hopefully, medieval romances will become more popular in Christian publishing. Until then, I will continue to write them, because I love them. :)
I'm giving away a copy of Lord of Her Heart today! Your choice: ebook or paperback. US only on the paperback. Leave a comment below to be entered into the draw. Winner will be selected Saturday, May 18, and will be announced in the comments.
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Sherrinda Ketchersid is a born and bred Texan, preacher’s wife, mother of 4 children, and works part-time as a bookseller at Amazon. With the children grown and out of the house, she weaves tales of fierce knights and their ladies in a time where men were warriors and women had to be strong enough to keep them in check.
After taking time off from writing, she has returned with a new motto in place to spur her on. “Writers write. Everyone else makes excuses.” ~Jack Bickham. No excuses this time. She is weaving her love of romance with history to bring joy and the hope of love to those who may one day read her stories. Her first book, Lord of Her Heart, is available on Amazon.
Website: sherrinda.com
Twitter: @sherrinda
17 comments:
If there is something Jocelyn is NOT in this story, it's weak!! She has to be first of all intelligent to come up with this ruse to get home and second strong, both mentally and physically, to be able to convince Malcolm that she was a boy, albeit it a weak one! Maybe the reason it has not become popular in Christian fiction is because LORD OF HER HEART just came out and hasn't had time to be read!! Both main characters in this book show extreme strength, and I have a feeling that once this book is out there, there's going to be an increased interest in Christian medieval romances!!
Unknown, thank you for your kind words! You totally made my day! I'm so glad you enjoyed the book! Hopefully, you are right and medievals will become all the rage. ;)
I hadn’t read a medieval book for quiet a long time until I read Lord of Her Heart. I was captivated! I loved the visit back in time to castles and knights. My husband and I like Renaissance fairs, so it was fun to experience your story. Congratulations, Sherrinda!
Thank you so much, Sherida! I am really embarrassed to say this, but I have never been to a Renaissance fair! I definitely should remedy that, don't you think? lol
I've never quite understood why time periods seem to go in and out of fashion, but I suppose it's just like everything else in life. Bell bottoms one day and skinny jeans the next! I'd love to read this book, Sherrinda. What a lovely cover, too. Thanks for the chance to win a copy!
Glynis, you are in the draw! It really is strange how styles come and go...and then come back again! I don't think it's ever been popular in Christian fiction, but I'm hoping that authors like Jody Hedlund, Melanie Dickerson, and Tamara Leigh will bring the era back in full force. :)
I love this post! When I studied the book of Esther I researched for a story at the same time. I found that The ancient Persians were quite Progressive where women were concerned. They were business owners, military leaders, government leaders, and learn to ride and shoot as children. They were not merely decorative.
However while the same time that was going on, they were often sold as property or became one among many wives of one man, or even a concubine.
Interesting stuff!
My family has always loved the Medieval/Middle Ages era. One of my daughters read the original version of "Ivanhoe" in third grade, after being spurred on by Edward Eager's "Knights Castle," a classic from MY childhood. My daughter read about Eleanor of Aquitaine and Henry II, and played "Eleanor and Henry" with her dolls.
Joan of Arc was also a strong person of the age.
Keep writing what's on your heart, and also provide an alternative to the bodice-rippers. The Lord worked in the medieval era, and His story must be told.
I write Oregon Trail, and it amazes me how strong those women were. Or were by the end of the trip!!!
Please enter me in drawing.
Kathy Bailey
Dalyn, how fascinating! I love hearing that women could do all that back then. It's amazing! Thank you for sharing that. :)
Kathy! I love finding fellow medieval lovers. And I especially love that you have fostered that love in your family! Yay!
I cannot imagine how strong the women on the Oregon Trail must have been. I sure don't think I could have done all they did. Wow!
You are entered into the drawing!
Sherrinda, Congratulations on your debut! I love medieval stories! This one sounds divine!
This sounds like my kind of book.
MarilynDKC[at]aol[dot]com
Caryl, Thanks so much for stopping by! You are in the drawing. (which I am behind on drawing!!!) Life has gotten in the way.
Marilyn, you are in the drawing! Thanks so much for stopping by! (I will be drawing soon...life has gotten in the way.) :)
THE WINNER OF A COPY (EBOOK OR PAPERBACK) IS CARYL KANE! I HAVE SENT AN EMAIL THROUGH THE CONTACT FORM OH YOUR WEBSITE, CARYL. CONGRATULATIONS!
I LOVE the fact that you are combining our faith and the medieval period. I am a fan of that time because the men were allowed to be men and take care of the woman, even strong women, who fought against wanting to be protected. But it is the chivalry and the castles that also claim me, so I look forward to more in this time period.
Laura A, thank you for that encouragement! I know it isn't a popular era in the Christian publishing arena, but it is one I love...for many of the reasons you state. I'm hoping to get more published in the future! :)
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