I do have a new short story/novella coming in early August: Dance of Hearts. Set in 1816, England, it is a romantic fairytale retelling of Cinderella. My fans may already know but I have a love for the Regency time period (see the tale A Society of Heartless Women in Wicked Wolves of Windsor and other fairytales). While Society was a satirical riff on this genre, I truly have a fondness for the Regency Romance from reading many of them as a teenager.
Byrd Nash Romantic Fairytale Collection
The Byrd Nash Romantic Fairytale collection is a series of short stories and novellas, with romantic themes. The stories include: Dance of Hearts (a Cinderella retelling); Fairy CurseMother (a Fairy Godmother tale); Price of a Rose (Beauty and the Beast retelling); and Little Mouse (a Thumbelina retelling).
The first in the series, Dance of Hearts publishes in early August.
These magical fairytales are a Comedy of Manners featuring a light (or sweet/clean) romance in a historical setting full of fairy magic. Each standalone tale is appropriate for ages 12+ and will be priced at $1.99.
Dance of Hearts releases in August
Melinda Wychwood managed to stay at her family home after her father’s death by working as her cousin’s unpaid housekeeper. But when a childhood friend returns, playing a game of deception, will she be satisfied acting as the dowdy chaperone? Or will her wild fairy heritage and a magical dress finally win her true happiness?
An interview with Byrd Nash
What is the Regency time period?
The English Regency lasted (officially) from 1811 to 1820, though in style I do think there is some overlap with the preceding Georgian period. King George was deemed unfit to rule due to a hereditary mental illness. His son, Prince of Wales (later George IV), served in his place as prince regent. It is a period well known for its architecture, literature, fashions, and politics.
For the average reader, it is probably recognized by the series of books Jane Austen wrote: Pride and Prejudice (1813), Sense and Sensibility (1811), Mansfield Park (1814), Emma (1814), Northanger Abbey (1817), and Persuasion (1817).
Why do you love the Regency period so much?
During my college years I read a LOT of books in order to stay away from home. I needed that dose of unreality at the time. I’ve probably read thousands of these books in this genre. I know during these uncertain times, reading something that I feel is set in place and which I can rely upon to satisfy me, is very comforting.
I’m also an amateur history buff so there is also that appeal of reading something that takes place in another time.
Some of the authors I particularly enjoyed was Georgette Heyer and Marion Chesney (a pseudonym of the writer of the Agatha Raisin and Hamish Macbeth mysteries), due to the humor and Comedy of Manners displayed in their romantic Regency stories. I hope to bring some of that spirit to this series.
What does a “clean” romance mean?
No sexual content other than a kiss and a fade-to-black. Unfortunately, I feel, romance in fiction has become nothing but a discussion of groping and a man’s equipment. This means the plot and the characters become inter-changeable. And that bores me.
How does these books fit into the Byrd Nash “brand”?
My works, whether fantasy, contemporary fantasy, YA fantasy, or romantic fantasy, will always contain strong women characters who act with their own agency.
I enjoy reading a wide variety of books: mysteries, historical fiction, historical romance, and fantasy. All of those elements can be found in many of my books. For example, while the College Fae series is a contemporary YA fantasy there is a lot of historical backstory important to the worldbuilding.
I also like the funny and light books, and dark and gritty stories. My writings will encompass both the light and dark.
Since some of my stories are not suitable to younger audiences please be sure to check the rating before buying. For example, Wicked Wolves, is best suited to readers 17+ due to covering some topics of abuse. Meanwhile, the College Fae series is a YA fantasy suitable for a wide range of readers.
You seem to enjoy writing short stories/novellas? Why?
I do enjoy the art form of writing shorter stories – there is more I can do with the words. Due to the brevity of a short story/novella, each word and sentence counts. Each one must tell something essential to the story and there is no fat as extra “stuff” would just get in the way of the story I want to tell you.
I also want to use these novellas as a way to perfect my storytelling. I always strive to improve as an author and by working in this format I can experiment with point-of-view, descriptions, and dialogue. I personally would like to see my writing become a little more poetical. I want to deep-dive into characterizations.
These stories provide me the vignettes and writing time to do just that.
For example, Dance of Hearts has an evocative emotional resonance for the reader with the character of Melinda Wychwood. It’s a story arc of her realizing that she has outgrown her home and must take proactive steps to moving forward with her life. It’s about a woman waking up to the world around her and her place within it.
What is the difference between a short story and a novella?
Mainly word count. A short story tops out at about 17,000 words, and a novella begins at about 20,000 words. Dance of Hearts will be 20,000 words plus.
You call these Tip Jar stories. What does this mean?
Over the last year, I’ve realized that publishing 3 BOOKS a year is about the top of what I can produce. Pushing myself this last year I produced FOUR books, but meanwhile my hands became injured from repetitive typing and sitting too long brought its own health problems.
But, if I don’t keep writing and publishing I run the chance of being forgotten by my fans or not reaching new people. The Amazon platform actually punishes writers who don’t produce every 90 days (sad, but true).
As a reader, you may not be aware of the income I receive from your ebook purchase. While free books for readers is great, for a writer it does not put food on the table. A book priced at 99 cents gives me .35 cents in commission and a book at a $1.99 gives me .70 cents.
By pricing the ebook novellas at $1.99, this makes a huge difference to me per sale (it doubles my commission), yet that price is still affordable for readers to enjoy my stories.
The Romantic Fairytale series are more suited to readers wanting a light, happily-ever-after quick read, with a historical setting and a splash of fairy magic.
