If there’s one thing historical fiction writers and readers should share in common, it’s that innate desire to discover a window into the past…
Category: Research
Different topics and categories of research I’ve undertaken to bring my proposed Historical Fiction series to life.
Longphorts
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 first images are always that of raiders plundering monasteries….
Confessions of a Research Junky
It’s a given that if you undertake to write a book, you need to do a little homework on your chosen subject. This is doubly true for Historical Fiction. But lets be honest, Historical Fiction authors don’t just do “a little homework”. In fact many of us are what you might call “Research Junkies”. We…
The 2015 Historical Fiction Reader’s Survey
A couple years ago I had the privilege of making M.K. Tod’s acquaintance through a LinkedIn Historical Fiction group, of which we were both members. She and many others offered me wonderful advice and encouragement in my writing pursuits. Through gradual discourse I came to discover that M.K. put together an annual historical fiction survey….
Spancels: Cuffing the Chicken
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 earth would you want to cuff a chicken? First off,…
Authenticating Irish Characters: Irish Surnames in the Middle Ages
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 faced with the added weight of… Historical Authenticity If you’re going…
Anamchara – “Soul Friend”
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 clergy were often called in the Middle Ages) considered an Anamchara essential for confession, the ideal transcended the mere act….
The Battle of Clontarf Reborn
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 Brian’s forces came out victorious in the end, the…
Saint Patrick’s Breastplate
Ireland’s history is filled with tales of trial and tribulation. Indeed, it is a common theme. Many of these tails end in tragedy. But once in a while they end in triumph. St. Patrick’s tale is one of encouragement because it’s a classic example of tragedy turned to triumph. What was meant for evil turned…
