How much history is too much history?

I am often asked about writing historical romance novels...
People have questions like: How did you got started? Did you take a class? Do you have to be a history-phile? How much historical knowledge do you need? How accurate do you have to be? Where do you find historical information?

Well let me answer here and share my knowledge with everyone who would like to know.

How did you get started?
Well, I always loved the dress and manners of the 18th and 19th century. In a world where getting honked at while walking home from school was considered flirtation, there was something wholesome and sweet about the courtships of long ago. Yes, I do know there were rakes then, and there are gentleman now, but the extent to which public rakishness was allowed is the real difference. Not to mention that as a girl hitting puberty, it was much more exciting listening to the flowery words rakes used, than the ones the boys at school chose most of the time.  If I had a time machine, I'm sure I wouldn't choose to go back in time and live there, but a good book is a wonderful way to feel like I am, without the all too realistic plumbing and chauvinist issues. :-D

Did you take a class?
Unless you consider the History and English I took throughout high school and college, no I did not. To prep for submission to a publisher, I read blogs by pubbed writers, agents, and publishers. They were very helpful. I read a lot of historical romance novels throughout my life and because of my love of reading, I also enjoyed a number of history books and classic historical novels. Those can help quite a bit with creating the feel of the time. If you write in Bronte's era, read her.

How much historical knowledge do you need? Do I have to be a history-phile? How accurate do you have to be?
You do need to love history, but it isn't really a requirement as long as you can stomach the sometimes lengthy research process.
You need to know the period. Reading other historical romance novels, as well as history books which focus on your time period can help tremendously. You need to know what they wore, how they behaved, and what social rules were.
There are always exceptions, of course. If you can't find out if they had pulls or knobs on their doors in 1745, leave it out. You don't have to include every little detail, peppering details makes for a more pleasant read anyhow.
I always say, do a cup of research, and use a teaspoon of it in your novel.

Where can I find historical information?
There are a number of places to get historical information. I love classic historical novels and history books best. My fav, at the moment, is Daily Life in the 18th Century. I also love to look at educational sites and certain historical blogs. I will warn you, however, double check any info you get on the internet to be certain it is correct. I can't say it enough. Check, check, and double check all resources, and don't use wiki sites. Anyone can add to them, even if they have no knowledge of the subject. A wiki site might tell you that Little Women was about a group of pygmy women. If you don't know that it's wrong, you might put it in your work. Double check, always. 
Good luck as you go forth and discover your love of history.