Category Archives: Research Rabbit Holes

Inspiring A Writer—Jane Austen’s Dragons! part 1

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What goes into inspiring a writer? Take a down that long, unusual road with me. True confessions time here. While I don’t watch a great deal of television, I do like competition shows. Chopped, Forged in Fire, Project Runway and Face Off are some of my favorites. Although it may hurt your brain to think about it, the shows have some strong similarities (Chopped  was actually the inspiration for Forged in Fire but that’s another … Continue reading →

Marginal Cats by Cait Reynolds

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 I’d like to welcome my friend Cait Reynolds today as she takes us along for a trip down the research rabbit hole finding cats in the margins. I’ve heard it said that the more thing change, the more they stay the same, and I’m pretty convinced it’s true.  Though I write historical fiction that reflects the attitudes and understandings of the times, human beings are still pretty much the same then as they are now.  … Continue reading →

Castles 101

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Though there is a lot of debate, castles are generally considered to be the private fortified resident of a lord or noble. (Palaces are not fortified)  Castles did not serve as a public defense. They originated in Europe in the 9th and 10th century. Castles served not only as military structures, but as centers of administration and symbols of the nobility’s power. Since their first function was defense, castles often exploited natural defenses like hilltops … Continue reading →