In my novel, Hope for Charity, I have the task (I'm still editing.) of balancing my story with descriptions of the places, people and things in my novel. I want to give you glimpses of these things, without making it read like a catalog description. In today's publishing world, there are guidelines. A writer is to keep their manuscripts between about 75,000 to 95,000 words. Here are some well known books from the past and their word count.
Ayn Rand-Atlas Shrugged 561,996
Charles Dickens-A Tale of Two Cities 135,420
Daniel Defoe-Moll Flanders 138,087
Emily Bronte-Wuthering Heights 107,945
Fyodor Dostoyevsky-Crime and Punishment 211,591
George Eliot-Middlemarch 316,059
Harriet Beecher Stowe-Uncle Tom’s Cabin 166,622
Henry David Thoreau-Walden 114,634
Henry David Thoreau-Walden 114,634
James Fenimore Cooper-Last of the Mohicans145,469
John Steinback-The Grapes of Wrath 169,481
John Steinback-East of Eden 225,395
Leo Tolstoy-War and Peace 587,287
Mark Twain-The Adventures of Huck Finn 109,571
Mark Twain-Life on the Mississippi 127,776
These books are memorable. These books make a mark on their readers. Why? I personally think it's because the authors weren't limited. They were allowed to tell their stories to their fullest. Able to describe their "worlds" in ways that made the readers feel like they were a part of the story. We're told today's readers are different. They supposedly need the fast food equivalent in books. What do you think?
I'll write to the best of my ability within the confines of the guidelines, even though I would love to describe every piece of furniture, every clothing item, every person, etc., it just isn't feasible. So, dust off those imaginations people, I'll give you a taste and then it's up to you.
I'll write to the best of my ability within the confines of the guidelines, even though I would love to describe every piece of furniture, every clothing item, every person, etc., it just isn't feasible. So, dust off those imaginations people, I'll give you a taste and then it's up to you.
I do hope this series helps. When or if you read my story you will have an idea of the styles and environment of the times to give you a head start. I'd love to know if you have any favorites.
Alright, let's finish this series up with Georgian Era furniture. With me it's a love/hate relationship! What do you think?
Kitchen/Dining Room
Modest Oak Table with Benches and Chairs
Kitchen Wash Stand
Hearth (Oven & Stove)
"The Georgian style became lighter throughout the one-hundred-and-twenty-three-year period, with regard to decoration, colours and design. Earlier Georgian style veered towards burgundy’s, greens and grey’s, however colours became muted over time, with soft dusky pinks and Wedgwood blues gaining in popularity. There was a chinoiserie feel to the décor, with soft furnishings such as cotton fabrics featuring small, delicate sprigs of flowers; often upper class Georgian homes had matching curtains and upholstery.
Earlier Georgian furniture was sturdy and heavy, however as time passed symmetry, light and space determined the delicate furniture that was later made."
Dining Room Table with Chairs/Mahogany
Sideboard
Sitting Area
"Georgian pieces are likely to be made from oak or mahogany; prior to 1730 walnut was the wood of preference. However when mahogany was imported, firstly from Cuba then Honduras, it was used to make the large majority of formal furniture produced during the time, as it was more durable.
Key pieces of furniture from this period include sideboards, kneehole desks, cabinets, chaise longues, four-poster beds and washstands. Furniture was often very delicate, winged chairs were a very popular choice."
I love the embroidery on this couch.
Canepé a Oreilles
This gorgeous fabric is made even better with the contrast of the dark wood.
Baroque Style Chair
An Italian Rococo Giltwood Open Armchair mid-18th century, probably Venetian
I saw a chair like this recently on Facebook Marketplace. I know of a couple places in my home a chair like this would be useful. 😀
Corner Chair
This blue sofa is beautiful!
18th Century French Rococo Sofa
French Louis XVI Pedestal table in Mahogany
Bedroom
18th Century Canopy Bed
French Louis XV Giltwood Console Table with Marble Top (I pictured something like this for a bedside table.)
One of the bedrooms in my novel looks much like this small room.
Twin Beds
Small Table with Chairs
Office
18th Century George III Mahogany Pedestal Desk
18th Century Queen Anne Walnut Wing Chair With Tapestry
"In particular, we think that the Georgian period produced some of the finest examples of furniture design. What makes Georgian furniture interesting, is the immense variety of styles that emerge throughout the period. From the years 1714 to 1830, over a century, we see outstanding craftsmanship from the likes of William Kent, Thomas Chippendale, Robert Adam and Thomas Hope."
Georgian era furniture can definitely be on the ornate side. Some of it can be absolutely gaudy, but there are also many beautiful pieces. I hope you enjoyed looking at some of the pieces that inspired me.
Remember to subscribe to my website so you don't miss out on my newsletter. Have a great week and may the Lord God bless you and your family with Faith, Hope and Love in Jesus' Name.
In Christ,
Sandy
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Enjoyed seeing the pictures of the furniture, Sandy.
ReplyDeleteI really appreciate the kind of topics you post here. Thanks for sharing us a great information that is actually helpful. Good day! read free novels online
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