Research
For historical writers, this word packs a lot of punch, as our work cannot be written without it. But for contemporary writers it can have great importance as well, especially if you're writing a book with a specific career path for one of your main characters, or if there is crime involved in your plot. As a medieval writer myself, I've found several research avenues useful, and I'd like to share some of them with you here. The first line of research for me almost always includes books. Books, books, and MORE books! I've amassed upwards of 100 research books on English, Scottish, Welsh, Irish, and yes, even Russian history. The Russian books came from my own undergraduate studies for the most part, and from my study abroad summer semester at the then University of Leningrad in 1987 - but the others are what I use most often in day-to-day historical romance book writing. I have books devoted solely to warfare and weapons, books, on underclothes (yes, there is a book called "The History of Underclothes" by C. Willett and Phillis Cunnington!), books on feasting and medieval foods, on everyday life in the middle ages, on tournaments, castle structure, knighthood, women's lives, herb studies, magic - even books on medieval outlawry and prostitution. When I stumble across a "detail" in my book that needs fleshing out, I often find myself thumbing through one of my research tomes in search of an answer. But books aren't your only resource, of course. The internet is useful in many ways as well. You just need to be careful to find reputable sites - often those connected to a university or fairly well-known institute are "safe" as far as historical research goes. I've listed some of my favorites on this website under the "About Mary" tab - click on the "Favorite Sites" link and it'll take you to a list that can then transport you to a research lover's nirvana of British historical detail. So go out, do your research, and have some fun too. And hey, you never know?even if what you learn isn't useful for your current manuscript, it just might help you win the next round of your favorite game show!
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