George’s first major renovation project was Carlton House, a residence given to him in 1783 when the then Prince of Wales came of age. With the rambling house came a stipend of around £60,000, which the prince was supposed to use to renovate the shabby building.
One of the best but potentially the most frustrating things about writing historical fiction is research. In my case, within the twelfth century, I am continually learning but I also have to make extensive executive decisions along the way. Academics disagree – it’s the fundamental core of academia, I suppose, that no academic will spontaneously support another’s view on a historical fact.
We’ve all seen ladies riding side-saddle in various movies and TV dramas (Downton Abbey as an example.) The correct term is Riding Aside. My daughter rides, competes and jumps aside. (Yes, that is what I said: jumps.) Contrary to belief riding side-saddle, at least with a modern (post Victorian) saddle, is safer than riding astride!
I am delighted to welcome Ginger Myrick onto my blog for a guest post and excerpt from her latest historical fiction novel exploring the life of the enigmatic Maria Antoinette – enjoy: Marie Antoinette was perhaps most iconically known for her sense of style. Although many of the ideas of French fashion we associate with … Read more
L. P. Hartley wrote: “The past is a foreign country: they do things differently there.” This, as every historical novelist will tell you, is true. But perhaps it is an oversimplification. Perhaps the past is not just one foreign country, but several. Is the process for writing historical fiction the same regardless of the era … Read more
It is my pleasure to welcome onto my blog today, Stuart MacAllister. Many of you know him as the blogger behind Sir Read-A-Lot and today you can get a glimpse of him not only under that alias, but also under the alias of writer! Enjoy my bloggerinos: Tell me a little about yourself, Stuart? (e.g. … Read more
Yep, those are my favorite types of books and movies, swashbuckling adventure. I couldn’t get enough when I was younger. Top of the list was Dumas’ The Three Musketeers. Being so captivated, I took up fencing with the rapier. While other girls daydreamed about being swept away by Prince Charming, I imagined fighting with D’Artagnan … Read more
“The characteristic of an English country dance is that of gay simplicity. The steps should be few and easy, and the corresponding motion of the arms and body unaffected, modest, and graceful.” – The Mirror of Graces, 1811 [youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wqC2DlB8P1Q&w=420&h=315] Above is an example of the Quadrille In a society governed by strict rules regulating … Read more
I am pleased to welcome onto my blog this week, author Maria Grace. Maria is quite a lady having two graduate degrees, a husband, six cats and eight writing projects under her belt! Maria is here to talk about Regency Cooking & House-Keeping so without further ado: ‘There’s an old saying: The more things change, … Read more
I am very pleased to welcome onto my blog author Regina Jeffers. Regina is a resident of North Carolina, USA, a teacher and a Jane Austen enthusiast. This love of the English author has lead her to writing several Jane Austen adaptations and sequels, Regency Romances and contemporary romances, novels include: The Disappearance of Georgiana … Read more