Today in Medieval History
On this date, April 19th, in medieval history: 1154 – Pope Leo IX dies 1390 – King Robert II of Scotland dies and is succeeded by his son Robert III
Review of The Amber Treasure by Richard Denning
The Amber Treasure by Richard Denning ISBN: 978-1-84914-023-2 Paperback: 411 pages Publisher: Completely Novel Set in 6th century Northumbria, The Amber Treasure is told from the perspective of Cerdic, the nephew of a once great Anglo-Saxon war hero, Cynric. Cerdic lives a peaceful life in a small village, and he dreams… Read More »Review of The Amber Treasure by Richard Denning
Today in Medieval History
On this date, April 4, in medieval history: 636 – Death of St. Isidore of Seville 1081 – Alexius Comnenus crowned as Byzantine emperor
The Novelist’s Responsibility to History
Masterpiece’s Richard Maurer recently interviewed Bernard Cornwell and asked him the following question: “Each of your novels ends with a historical essay about the actual incidents and sources behind your story. What do you believe is the historical novelist’s responsibility to history?” Cornwell: “I think those afterwords are absolutely necessary,… Read More »The Novelist’s Responsibility to History
Back from Vacation
I was on vacation at the end of last week until Sunday, which is why I missed a couple of days of regular posting, like my Friday medieval history term of the week. But I’m back now and should be able to return to a normal posting routine. While on… Read More »Back from Vacation
The Medieval Bow and Arrow
This post will focus mostly on the bow and arrow from the time of the Anglo-Saxons, Vikings, and Normans. The English longbow is a completely separate discussion. The Anglo-Saxons primarily used the bow for hunting. It is less frequently mentioned as being employed during battle, though according to one source,… Read More »The Medieval Bow and Arrow
Discussion Topic: Free-Writing vs. Outlining
What are your thoughts on free-writing vs. outlining? Do you like to start writing and let the story evolve as your write, or do you plan out your plot points, characters, etc. before you ever begin your story? I would say I’m more of a free-writer. Though I may switch… Read More »Discussion Topic: Free-Writing vs. Outlining
Today in Medieval History, March 4
On this date, March 4, in medieval history: 1152 – Frederick I Barbarossa is elected King of Germany 1193 – Saladin dies 1394 – The birth of Prince Henry the Navigator 1461 – Edward IV ascends to the English throne
Discussion Topic: Author Pseudonyms
What are your thoughts about authors using pseudonyms in place of their real names? Also, if you can think of one, list an author who uses a pen name to mask his/her true identity. I’ll go first. Robin Hobb’s real name is Margaret Astrid Lindholm Ogden. From 1983 to 1992,… Read More »Discussion Topic: Author Pseudonyms