Extra Edition – Under the Big Top

Welcome back to the Extra Edition newsletter! I’m excited to bring you bonus content each month with a special inside look at my novels and the history behind them.

Performing the Incredible

“The audience roared as a set of wide stable doors opened and two lines of dazzling cream-colored mares paraded out, each set carrying a matched female and male rider. Every rider was draped in azure costume, the men with bare chests and the ladies’ skirts cut scandalously up their thighs. One by one, each female rider raised her arms toward her partner. Gripping their waists, the men rotated the women to stand inverted, palms upon their shoulders and toes pointed high. Then the men rose themselves. Each one’s feet perfectly balanced upon his horse’s bare back while the animal maintained perfect stride. Truly, an incredible feat.” ~from Sparks Fly Upward

In my upcoming novel, Sparks Fly Upward, there are many well-known circus acts: the strongman, trapeze artists, clowns, and jugglers, just to name a few. The two acts central to the story are the fire tenders and the equine acrobats. I’ve included two videos that best showcase these incredible talents as they might have been experienced within the story.

Which one would you be most interested to learn? I honestly think I would be terrible at either one and probably only do myself harm, but if forced, I’d try equestrian over fire.

Circus Costumes and Cigarettes

Now that you’ve seen their acts, what do you suppose these performers might have worn? It might surprise you to learn that costuming hasn’t really changed all that much since the mid to late 1800s. Below are a few examples of what one might expect to see when attending a performance. These photos were actually taken from cigarette pack trading cards, which were used similarly to how baseball or Pokemon cards are traded today.

Movie Musicals to Inspire

Can’t wait until August 27 for a circus read? Here are a few other novels you might enjoy:

• The Orphan’s Tale by Pam Jenoff – traveling circus fiction set during WWII
• The Book of Speculation by Erika Swyler – magical realism about circus mermaids
• The Weight of Air by Kimberly Duffy – Christian fiction of aerialists and acrobats in 1911
• The Ringmaster’s Wife by Kristy Cambron – Jazz age Christian fiction with the Ringling Brothers

If you’ve read too many books lately (is that possible?) and prefer to watch your stories, make sure to check out the family-friendly movie musical, The Greatest Showman and the Canadian tv show about a circus school, Big Top Academy.

---

Until next month, happy reading!

Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam

Kelsey

---

Purchase signed copies of my books: kelseygietl.com

Due to variability in social media algorithms, the best way to receive this newsletter is through e-mail. If you were directed to this site via social media or a search engine, you can subscribe to updates by entering your e-mail on the Contact page. E-mail addresses are never sold or distributed. You may unsubscribe at any time.

Follow me on:

COPYRIGHT © KELSEY GIETL 2024