Historical romance author Lauren Royal sets her novels -- including the popular "Jewel" and "Flower" trilogies -- amidst the castles and pageantry of 17th century England. But she says she was most inspired by an author who wrote about rocket ships and time travel.

That would be Robert A. Heinlein, whose novels The Moon Is a Harsh Mistress and Stranger In a Strange Land are considered modern science fiction classics. "I think Robert A. Heinlein was probably most influential," Royal said in a November 8, 2005 interview with the Advocates for Self-Government. "I devoured his books during my elementary school years, and I suspect the ideals espoused in them formed the foundation for my later beliefs." Royal also lists the writings of Ayn Rand and "our country's Founding Fathers" as prime influences.

What's the common theme? A love of liberty. So it's no surprise that Royal says, "I am very much a libertarian." She elaborates, "I believe we have the right to do whatever we wish with ourselves and our belongings, so long as the decisions we make don't affect other people and their property against their will. I want to see government confined to its proper role, to protect and serve us and stay out of our personal lives."

Royal's Web site hints at her libertarian beliefs. Among her "Favorite Books" she lists Time Enough for Love by Robert A. Heinlein and Anthem by Ayn Rand. In a newsletter to fans, she shares one of her favorite quotes: "Liberty is the only thing you cannot have unless you are willing to give it to others." (William Allen White). Her Web site also boasts a link to the World's Smallest Political Quiz.

Royal traces her libertarian beliefs to "a very politically aware family. We walked precincts for various candidates. We all read the newspapers -- especially the op-ed pages -- and discussed issues around the dinner table. My father is libertarian-leaning and my mother is not, but we were all encouraged to come to our own conclusions and share our views. Now my husband and I do the same with our own children."

Although her novels focus more on forbidden love, broken hearts, and romantic escapades than politics, Royal says her libertarian beliefs do influence her writing. "Although I write fiction, my characters -- the good ones, at least -- share my values," she says. "In romance fiction especially, the protagonists are referred to as heroes and heroines -- and I wouldn't consider a character 'heroic' if his or her thoughts and actions didn't reflect the beliefs I admire and think right."

Royal decided to become a writer after winning a "Why My Mother is the Greatest" essay contest in third grade. She learned about the appeal of romance novels at age 14 when she sneaked a copy of Forever Amber from a great-uncle's library. She attended the University of California-Irvine and UCLA, majoring in TV and film production. After college, she opened a jewelry shop, and built it up to a chain of five stores.

Royal eventually sold the stores to a national chain, and decided to try her hand at writing. Her first novel, Amethyst, was published in 2000. It was nominated by Romantic Times for "Best First Historical Romance," and was followed by two more novels in the "Jewel" trilogy, Emerald (2000), and Amber (2001). Another series followed, the "Flower" trilogy: Violet (2002), Lily (2003), and Rose (2003). Both trilogies were set in Restoration-era England (1660-1700), which Royal said she chose because she's been "fascinated by the Restoration era since I read Forever Amber." Royal also contributed to In Praise of Younger Men (2001). In 2005, she published Lost in Temptation, the first novel of the projected "Sweet Temptations" trilogy. In an interview on www.MyShelf.com, Royal said she writes romance fiction because it "is very empowering for women. We get to see all different sorts of women, with all different sorts of strengths and weaknesses, overcome all different sorts of problems to win love and fulfillment."

Royal's books have earned considerable acclaim. Amber was named a Booklist "Top Ten Romance" of 2001, while Rose won the "Golden Quill Award for Best Historical Romance." The Castle Historical Romance Society called her novels "witty and sensual." Carol Carter in Under The Covers said Royal is "an author on her way to becoming a favorite of historical romance readers." And John Charles in the American Library Association's Booklist lauded "her gift for understated humor." In an unusual twist, her books feature recipes from 17th century England, including such treats as Coriander Biscuits, Stewed Venison, Shropshire Cakes, and Beef in Claret. Royal especially recommends the Chicken and Artichoke Pye from Lily.

Visit Royal's Web site at: www.LaurenRoyal.com.

-- Bill Winter

Quotable

"I am very much a libertarian. I believe we have the right to do whatever we wish with ourselves and our belongings, so long as the decisions we make don't affect other people and their property against their will. I want to see government confined to its proper role, to protect and serve us and stay out of our personal lives." -- Lauren Royal in an interview with the Advocates for Self-Government (November 8, 2005)

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