by M.N. Stroh | Nov 22, 2017 | Historical Factoids, Irish Culture Insight, Research
I confess. One of the first aspects that attracted me to the Middle Ages was fashion. I absolutely loved the dresses medieval women wore, and the guy’s clothes weren’t half bad either.So when I first set out to learn about 10th century Ireland, fashion...
by M.N. Stroh | Jan 27, 2016 | Historical Factoids, Irish Culture Insight, Research
When Norse raiders first appeared in Irish waters in the year 837 AD, one can imagine the stir they caused. None could have guessed that their presence would mark a transition to forever change the cultural landscape of Ireland.When we typically think of Vikings, the...
by M.N. Stroh | Feb 26, 2015 | Historical Factoids, Irish Culture Insight, Research
Cuffing the chicken?If you’re like me, that mental image is too amusing for words. I mean, we own chickens. They’re not the most graceful animals. So picturing one trying to get around in some sort of cuffs is downright hilarious!Seriously, though, why on...
by M.N. Stroh | Dec 13, 2014 | Historical Factoids, Irish Culture Insight, Research
One of the first tasks any fiction author sets out to do is to name characters. Creating memorable names helps readers connect to your characters. But believable characters are a challenge all around, and no less so in Historical Fiction. In this genre we’re...
by M.N. Stroh | Aug 29, 2014 | Historical Factoids, Irish Culture Insight, Research
Anamchara, pronounced: an-m-ha-ra, is Irish Gaelic for “Soul Friend”.This ancient distinction originated with the druids. Later on it gained notoriety with priests and the ordained after Christianity came to Ireland. While Ecclesiastics (as Christian...
by M.N. Stroh | Apr 13, 2014 | Irish Culture Insight, Research
On Good Friday, April 23, 1014, an epic battle waged near Dublin’s shores. A battle culminating the reign of a man considered by many to be the only true Ard Ri (High King) of Ireland – Brian Boru. This struggle served a bittersweet victory. While King...
