Hey, Readers. I’m excited to have Jan Sikes with me today. Jan is no stranger here, and she has a brand-new release to talk about.
I’ve always been drawn to the World War II era, so A Beggar’s Bargain is right down my alley. I’ll let Jan tell you all about it. Please give her a warm welcome.
Thank you so much for allowing me to take over your blog today, Joan. I think the subject I’m going to talk about today is something you will relate to.
A Beggar’s Bargain is my first attempt at writing historical fiction. One of the biggest challenges I faced was in keeping true to the time period. The story takes place in 1947. World War II has ended, but the world is still recovering, including America. There are no longer rations, but many things are still in short supply.
In doing my research in the Dade County Library in Missouri, I explored 1947 newspapers on microfiche. They were helpful in many ways, such as seeing grocery ads. It’s amazing to look back at what things cost in the forties. But one interesting article I found was a proclamation from President Truman, asking all Americans to set aside one day per week as a meatless day. I worked that tiny detail into my story.
Language was also different back then. For example, they didn’t use the word refrigerator. They had iceboxes. When I was growing up, my mom never stopped calling it an icebox.
Folks referred to meals differently. The word ‘lunch’ didn’t become widely used until the 1960s. Before that, meals were: Breakfast, Dinner, and Supper. I had to correct myself many times throughout the story as I’d accidentally slip back into using ‘lunch.’
I had to be aware of using phrases that weren’t yet heard of. For example, I had a scene where my character referred to someone as bat-shit crazy. But that phrase wasn’t popularized until the 1970s. Research is essential in writing historical fiction to keep the story authentic. Let’s talk. What is something you found in doing research that surprised you?
Blurb:
A shocking proposal that changes everything.
Desperate to honor his father’s dying wish, Layken Martin vows to do whatever it takes to save the family farm.
Once the Army discharges him following World War II, Layken returns to Missouri to find his legacy in shambles and in jeopardy. A foreclosure notice from the bank doubles the threat. He appeals to the local banker for more time—a chance to rebuild, plant, and harvest crops and time to heal far away from the noise of bombs and gunfire.
Only the banker firmly denies his request. Now what?
Then, the banker makes an alternative proposition—marry his unwanted daughter, Sara Beth, in exchange for a two-year extension. Out of options, money, and time, Layken agrees to the bargain.
Now, he has two years to make a living off the land while he shares his life with a stranger.
If he fails at either, he’ll lose it all.
AUTHOR’S SOCIAL MEDIA:
UNIVERSAL LINK: https://linktr.ee/Rijanjks
46 Responses
It’s a wonderful post. The book tour is going well.
Thank you, Thomas. We’re off to a great start!
I can imagine the research would be extensive and interesting!
I found so many interesting things like the president calling for all Americans to have one day a week without meat. And the local news in those newspapers was just as interesting. Thank you for stopping by and leaving a comment, Darlene. Much appreciated!
Kudos on your latest book, Jan! And thanks for hosting the tour, Joan.
Research can bring out so many important deals, enhancing the authenticity. I recently helped my neighbor (age 80+) write and publish his memoir. Here’s his recollection about the icebox from the 40s.
“When Daddy moved the little two-room house across town to the avenue T location, we had no hot and cold running water and electricity in the house. No bathroom, no refrigerator either. We had a small icebox and the largest block of ice it would hold was a fifty-pound block. It was only designed to keep the groceries cool so they would not spoil. The ice was delivered by an ice truck. The driver looked at a placard placed in the front window for the size of the block to be delivered, and he did not have to come to the door to find out what size was needed. If the placard was not displayed, he simply moved to his next stop.”
For those who might be interested, here’s a link to the image of the icebox placard included in the book. https://tameyourbook.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Ice-Man-Diagram.jpg
That’s a great example of keeping it authentic, Grant. Thank you for sharing.
Thanks for sharing this, Grant. I can recall being able to purchase blocks of ice, even though we had an electric refrigerator. In fact, we had a pop-up camper in the 1980s that had an icebox and not a refrigerator. Fortunately, campgrounds had places where we could purchase block ice. I can’t imagine having to do that for my home.
Jan was born to write! How blessed we are, that the DOES!!
Awwww, thank you, Annette! Big hugs!
You are so right, Annette!
Thank you so much, Joan, for hosting me today. I deeply appreciate it!
You are always welcome here, Jan. It’s a pleasure to host you. My mom also referred to the refrigerator as an icebox. I also remember the breakfast/dinner/supper terminology.
I bet it was fun, Jan, writing a historical fiction novel for the first time. Love the book description. I’m looking forward to reading A Beggar’s Bargain!
Thank you for stopping by today, Priscilla. While it was a challenge, I loved writing the story. I sincerely hope you enjoy A Beggar’s Bargain!
That’s my biggest fear in writing historical fiction—getting something wrong, especially terminology. You found some interesting tidbits in your research. I’m looking forward to reading this one. Best wishes, Jan.
Thanks for hosting, Joan.
Life (and terminology) was certainly different in those days. I learned a lot about this period from researching a short story. Thanks for stopping by, Staci.
True, Staci. It was my fear as well, but lots of research helped me feel more comfortable with it. I hope you enjoy the story! Thank you for your support!
Congratulations, Jan! I can’t wait to read this! Thank you, Joan, for hosting. 🙂
This one is up next on my Kindle. Jan always delivers a good story, and I can’t wait to dive into this one. Thanks for stopping by, Kymber.
Thank you, Kymber!
I love the research part, Jan 🙂 It is easy to slip in language not used yet. I enjoyed seeing the prices and food ads for time periods I’ve worked in. You incorporated it all so well into the story.
Thanks for hosting, Joan xo
Thank you, Denise! I’m glad it came through right in the story. I appreciate you saying so!
Great article. I was surprised by the Breakfast-Dinner-Supper. I know that was common the late 1800’s (in the Westerns I read), but thought it had disappeared by post WWII. Glad to learn something new!
It’s interesting what you find out in research, but you know that firsthand, Jacqui. Thank you so much for visiting today!
Joan, thank you so much for introducing me to Jan’s latest book of ‘A Beggar’s Bargain’! I can well imagine this is just perfect for you as a fan of WWII books.
Jan, good luck with your first historical fiction novel and it seems you have thrown yourself into the research! It must have been fascinating to read papers from the time and I could imagine losing myself to them for hours on end! Here in the UK my husband says they too used those terms for the meals of the day although the meal after school would be ‘tea’ and then ‘supper’ later on. I love the plot and sounds like a great read! Annika
Thank you for stopping by and leaving a comment, Annika. How interesting that in the UK you still refer to the meals as breakfast, dinner and supper. And of course, there has to be tea. 🙂 I hope you have a great weekend! I appreciate your support!
Jan, that was in up to the 70s and since then everything has changed around. To be even more confusing in Northern England, dinner is referred to as ‘tea time’! Thank you and wishing you a lovely weekend too! xx
Thanks for stopping by, Annika. I find it interesting that in the UK you still use the term supper for the evening meal. (I often do that myself.)
A terrific post, Joan and Jan. I enjoyed the discussion about research. There are not many of us left who would know (or remember) the jargon of 1947, but still, it behooves us as authors to make the book as authentic as possible. Reading old newspapers is an excellent way to do this. Best wishes, Jan
Thank you, John. Yes, I have to agree a out reading old newspapers. Even the local news was helpful. It gave me a feel for the community. I appreciate you taking the time to stop by and leave a comment!
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I can so relate to your research, Jan. I’ve written historical timelines in various centuries and past decades. I was always having to hop online to check if a phrase was used in the time period.
BTW, I’ve always loved the term “icebox.” Strangely enough, I just heard that the other day and it made me smile. Congratulations on your release. I hope to start A Beggar’s Bargain by the weekend.
Thanks for hosting today, Joan!
Thank you for your comment, Mae. I have loved all of your stories and can attest to your research because you make them believable for the time period. I like the term “icebox” too. It always makes me think of my mom. Have a great weekend!
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That would have been fascinating reading those old newspapers, Jan. I’ve never attempted to write historical fiction, so I admire you putting in all that research. Thanks for hosting, Joan!
It was a challenge, Teri, but the research helped keep it believable for the time period. I appreciate you taking the time to stop by and leave a comment. Have a great weekend!
I’ve found old newspapers to be the best resource for 20th-century historical fiction (with some second-source fact-checking, as newspapers do occasionally get things wrong!). In general, newspapers can convey the feel of a particular era. All the best to Jan for her first foray into historical fiction!
That is very true, Liz. I have subscribed to old newspaper websites in the past to get the stories I wanted to see. But going to Missouri and visiting the library was so different. Thank you for stopping by and leaving a comment!
You’re welcome, Jan, my pleasure.
I love your research tales. I always enjoy my research, and it sounds like yours was fun, too.
That it was, Craig. Thank you for stopping by!
Jan, I loved your attention to detail. Language has certainly changed from the 1940s. And I loved how you went to Everton, Missouri and walked the land, soaking up the feel. That’s very important and I’ve done it with almost all my stories. It’s so helpful. Love you, Sister. Enjoy the book launch. I’ve said many times this book has propelled you to a new level of writing.
Thank you, sister. Yes, I loved accompanying you to some of the places you were writing about. It gives the author a special feel for the story. I appreciate you stopping by and for your praise and encouragement. Love you!
HI Jan, an interesting commentary about the meals language. Sandwiches became popular in the USA in the 1920s. I would have thought that the naming convention would have changed then as to my mind, a sandwich is not really dinner. It seem that language only caught up much later.
I finished this one yesterday. What a great read! Thanks for sharing, Joan, and huge congrats to Jan. 🙂
Love to read posts about research. And, of course, your excerpt was excellent as usual. Sounds like you did the genre proud, Jan. <3