Research played a critical part in my writing since the inception of my Historical Fiction series in 2001.
It’s no secret. Every quality work of Historical Fiction requires a boatload of research to make the story world come to life. Not all these facts find their way into a novel — nor should they. Nevertheless, knowing them enriches the experience over all.
So to all you research junkies out there, this page is for you.
Below you’ll find links to all my Viking era Ireland posts. This website is in a transitional phase, so citing my resources is coming into play. You know, for those who might need references for their own research.
Or proof I’m not just pulling this stuff out of thin air.
Historical Posts
- The Clans of Ireland Series: The Dal Cais
- The Clans of Ireland Series: The Eoganacht Cashel
- 10th Century Irish Fashion
- Anamchara – “Soul Friend”
- Authenticating Irish Characters: Irish Surnames in the Middle Ages
- Hours of Prayer in Irish Monasticism
- Longphorts
- No Longhouses in Ireland
- Saint Patrick’s Breastplate
- Spancels: Cuffing the Chicken
- The Battle of Clontarf Reborn
- The Óenach: Ancient Ireland’s Preeminent Social Event
The list is small, but growing. More to come…
So glad! That’s great, Melissa. What a rich world to research, write and read about!
Excellent, Melissa. Loved seeing you do this work.
I’m so glad you enjoy it, Maria! I’m also grateful to you for drawing my attention back to this page. It occurred to me that I had two more historical posts I neglected to share here. They’re on the list now.