Historical fiction has long met with criticism as other forms of literature have. One of the most consistent and primary arguments made against the genre is the implied misrepresentation of history as fact. Though historical fiction, in particular the historical romance novel does not encourage readers to understand and accept their fictionalized iteration of history to be a primary source of learning; others deem historical fiction as a threat. Richard Carroll in an academic article entitled, 'The Trouble With History and Fiction'*, outlined the debate among historians regarding the proliferation of historical fiction appears to gain a foothold in the academic field of study. Historians' concerns only highlight the influence and the continued popularity of historical fiction which was most noticeable in the West during the 1990s. These historians seek to elevate their status by making a clear distinction between their work and that of the novelist of this genre. However, Carroll is careful to note that both the historical fiction author and the historian share at least two common traits. First, each have performed some form of research and have incorporated their findings in a memorialized format. Second, both seek to present what they have learned and interpreted from the past to present it to the reader in the presence. Despite these commonalities, some historians believe that it is worthy for those in their field to endeavour to elevate their ability to present history accurately. Yet, the conundrum remains that whether novelists who uses narrative to outline setting and time as the literary fortress in which their storyline is able to freely move about, or the historian who uses his or her own interpretation of what he or she relies upon to support their own interpretation, there remains an attenuation of subjectivity throughout the process. For instance, the historian may rely on a historical document written in a certain style, an old version of English. That researcher would have to interpret the time, setting, and the meaning of certain words before they became standardized in the modern English language. So not only is he or she interpreting the intention or interpretation of the recorder from another era, but also the document itself. Here, is where other historians acknowledge the benefit of the fiction author's use of narrative as a literary tool to help guide the reader in framing a plausible interpretation of history. Authors would only deem this as creativity or using one's imagination, while these academics consider their process as histiography. Critics do not seek reconciling their field with the works of the historical fiction author. The fiction author generally wishes only to create and share what their imagination has conjured with potential readers. Despite some academics attempt to distinguish themselves from the historical fiction author, they are bound by one matter—history.

Despite this debate, fiction authors continue to write historical fiction, particularly historical romance novels. These books have statistically proven to be commercially viable due to the author's ability to not only interpret history but to create characters in scenarios perhaps not explored before. Multi-genre fiction author Patricia M. Muhammad has currently written five historical romance novels. Each is set in the 18th century. Stowaway with a maiden as she reaches the docks of Liverpool, England, or perhaps unravel the mystery of the royal theft in the French king's court or fall into the arms of a handsome duca after a horrible accident where true affection abounds. Each novel has its own story. Patricia M. Muhammad's historical romance novels are currently available as ebooks. All are currently discounted to $2.99 on Smashwords for a limited time.

Love Captured: 9781005676650
Hidden Valor: 9781005473990
Ardor's Prestige: 9781005172527
Stolen Grace: 9781005885045
The House of Marchesi: 9781005567330

About Patricia: Patricia is an American multi-genre fiction author who has written in science-fiction/fantasy, fantasy, contemporary crossover romance, historical romance and mystery/detective romance genres. She has written 20 books. Patricia is currently based in the United States.

Connect with Patricia:
Social media: @pmmuhammadbooks
Press: [email protected]
------------
*See 14:3 M/C Journal (2011)