My current WIP for Spice is a dark victorian gothic. If forced to fold it into a cubicle of a category I would say officially it was an erotic historical suspense, with romance elements,--not of your warm and fuzzy variety , however, we're talking dark, hot and sweaty. Secrets. Illusions.
The summer of 1887 in London was one of the worst on record-swealtering heat, tensions in the street, socialist uprisings imminent, body parts washing ashore from the Thames(true story, explain later)--it was one hellacious summer to celebrate the Queens 25th Jubilee and a busy time for the director of Scotland Yard and the youngest Inspector of theYards Criminal Investigation Dept. (CID)
Some of you know that I rather enjoy the macabre, yes, paranormal , but more diving into the human mind, which can be far more monsterous when the conditions are ripe. And that summer, they were-- it was the summer before the famous Ripper murders began in 1888. And oh how I adore obscure bits of history!!
In 1887, the body parts that washed ahsore were dubbed the 'embankment murders.' For purpose of fiction, I take literary liscense to move those parts closer to London proper rather than downstream-- mainly to lend greater angst to my already tormented Inspector. The guy needs a break and he gets it in some very unlikely ways.
Further inspiration: Yes, caught Depp playing his brilliant portrayal of the Inspector in "From Hell" --a very interesting theory, but mainly inspired by the streets, clothing and buildings of that era.
(* inside look at Paris Opera House-gorgeous!)
The Illusionist and The Prestige-both have been on my research list as well--again ambiance, clothing , theater, and well, who doesnt love a good British accent?
And I have found some wonderful music, particulary the fantastic Adam Hurst, who plays the most haunting cello I have ever heard. An instrument that lends itself very well to the dense fog of an empty London street.
Here are a couple of my favorite music pieces used for many a scene in my upcoming The Dark Seduction of Miss Jane.
I'm sending you to the YOUTube link because the download is too long.. I used these for specific scenes--
Ravensong for a Swan
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ru_i1o1zMMQ
Face the Rain Adam Hurst
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iZ3LNXxz-sk&feature=related
Have a lovely week!
Its back to writing for me;)
Amanda
