Search Results for: "reason why writing takes so long"

Napoleon, Invasion, and Jane Austen

Random Bits of Fascination Posted on by

I’d like to welcome Abigail Reynolds today. We’ll be discussing just how likely was a Napoleonic invasion of England during the regency era.  “[France] must destroy the English monarchy, or expect itself to be destroyed by these intriguing and enterprising islanders…Let us concentrate all our efforts on the navy and annihilate England. That done, Europe is at our feet.” – Napoleon Bonaparte, 1797 What if Napoleon really had conquered England as he had planned? When … Continue reading →

What do Show Chickens have to do with Dragons? Everything!

Random Bits of Fascination Posted on by

It kind of goes without saying that historical fiction takes tons of research. Tons. Literally heaps and gobs of it. Great stacks and piles. I thought my doctoral dissertation took a lot of research. That was nothing in comparison to the thousands of pages I have read and saved on my hard drive. History=Research. OK. Moving on. What has surprised the daylights out of me is how much time I spend researching things that do … Continue reading →

Caroline Bingley Plans a Ball

Random Bits of Fascination Posted on by

The Bennets have just visited Netherfield and Lydia has named the day of the ball. Now it is up to Caroline to plan a ball. Nov 14, 1811 The garish Bennet women finally trundled out of Netherfield’s parlor. Not a moment too soon. Caroline pressed her eyes with thumb and forefinger. They had already overstayed their allotted quarter hour by that much again. How much trouble had that wrought? What disaster might ensue if they … Continue reading →

I Cuss Like a Kindergartener

Random Bits of Fascination Posted on by

‘When angry, count to four; when very angry, swear.’ ~Mark Twain     As a writer, I find I’m often in the position to discover things about myself as I wander about in my story worlds. One of the recent discoveries is that I cuss like a kindergartener. Seriously, I do. Kind of embarrassing that. But given that for the first maybe forty (ack!) years of my life, I never really did it, maybe I … Continue reading →

Stir it up Sunday

Random Bits of Fascination Posted on by

The Sunday before the Netherfield Ball was Stir it up Sunday, the day Christmas puddings were traditionally made. Mr. Collins makes it a bit interesting this year.  November 24, 1811 Papa paced along his favorite track in the parlor, back and forth in front of the fireplace whilst the rest of the family assembled there before church. “Mrs. Bennet, we await your presence.” He stared at the doorway as though that might bring her in … Continue reading →