An Award-Winning Author Shares Her Passion For Historical Fiction And The Eras That Inspire Her Stories
Regan Walker discusses her passion for historical fiction, her meticulous research process, and the inspiration behind her award-winning novels set in the Regency, Georgian, and Medieval eras.
Regan Walker is a masterful storyteller whose passion for history and romance shines through every page of her novels. A lawyer turned award-winning author, she has captivated readers with her richly detailed tales set in the Regency, Georgian, and Medieval eras. Her ability to weave historical authenticity with compelling characters and heartfelt romance has earned her a devoted following and critical acclaim. From the windswept shores of Scotland to the grandeur of royal courts, her stories transport readers to another time, immersing them in the lives of courageous heroes and heroines. With meticulous research and a gift for vivid storytelling, Regan Walker has established herself as a luminary in the world of historical fiction.
In this exclusive interview for Reader’s House Magazine, Regan shares insights into her creative process, the inspiration behind her beloved characters, and the dedication it takes to bring history to life on the page. From her acclaimed Medieval Warriors series to her latest work, The Clan Donald Saga, she offers a glimpse into the heart and mind of an author who continues to enchant readers with her timeless tales.
You’ve won numerous awards for your historical novels set in different eras such as Regency, Georgian, and Medieval times. Can you share how you choose the specific time periods and settings for your stories, and what draws you to those particular eras?
I began as a book reviewer, mostly historical romance (my blog is Historical Romance Review), and that took me into several eras. When a friend challenged me to write one of my own, I chose the Regency era in the early 19th century because I liked the period. My first novel, Racing with the Wind, is partially set in the court of King Louis the Eighteenth. It wasn’t long before my research took me into the late 18th century and the Georgian era. And, because I have always loved stories set in the medieval era, I couldn’t resist going there.
Your novels are known for their historical authenticity. Can you describe your research process and how you ensure accuracy in the historical details that enrich your stories?
I do hundreds of hours of research for each of my books. I begin with general research into the time period, combining online research with books and original sources. Then I look at characters, the historical figures who impacted their times and how fictional characters might fit into their lives. Finally, I prepare a timeline of dates and important events, which can be 20-30 pages for one book. I do not plot, but I have a sense of where my story will end. Once I begin to write, I am swept away by my characters and their lives. My readers say reading one of my books is like watching a movie. I’m very visual and write from pictures, which is why I do a Pinterest storyboard for each of my books.
The Red Wolf’s Prize is the first book in your Medieval Warriors series and has received high praise. What inspired the creation of the characters Sir Renaud de Pierrepont and Lady Serena, and what themes were you hoping to explore through their story?
I was reading about the time of the Conquest in England’s history and the impact of William the Conqueror and his knights on the people of England. When I read he gave lands to his favored French knights and nobles and forced the English heiresses to marry them, I knew I had my story. Could such a forced arrangement lead to love? And when other knights were raping women, why would Sir Renaud refrain? The knights who populate this story and the others in the Medieval Warriors series were all real historical figures, knights who came to England with the Conqueror (yes, there is a list). I do an Author’s Note for each of my books that goes into that kind of detail.
To Tame the Wind from The Donet Trilogy combines a sea adventure with romance. What challenges and rewards did you find in blending these elements, and how do you balance action with romantic development in your writing?
To Tame the Wind was my first sea story set on a ship. I had much research to do to get all the ship terminology right. Along the way, I discovered a woman who crewed on an historic ship of the era anchored in San Diego where I live. She became my technical consultant and the book is dedicated to her. I have written several articles on setting a novel on a ship as it is a real challenge. All three in The Donet Trilogy are set on schooners of the era.
In The Refuge: An Inspirational Novel of Scotland, you delve into themes of faith, healing, and love. How do you approach writing inspirational novels differently from your other historical romances, and what do you hope readers take away from these stories?
The faith aspects of this story came naturally from the characters and their times. These were people of faith. One of the characters is Princess Margaret who married King Malcolm III of Scotland. She was known as a godly woman who cared for the orphans who came to their castle. She became Scotland’s only royal saint. The heroine, who becomes one of her ladies in waiting, experienced a Norse raid where she lost most of her family; the hero was an Anglo-Saxon nobleman who was wounded when the Conqueror came through England and escaped to Scotland…hence, the title, The Refuge.
Your characters often face significant personal and historical challenges. How do you develop their arcs to reflect both their personal growth and the historical context in which they live, and what message do you aim to convey through their journeys?
If I’m writing historical fiction (as opposed to romance where the leads are fictional characters), I follow the actual arcs of the historical figures, as in The Clan Donald Saga. If the leads are fictional, I develop their arcs as I develop their backstories in the historical context. I strive to show what people can do when they face their fear and challenges with courage for their country, family and friends.
