If you need help creating a setting for your novel, try these fantasy world building questions. Topics include: The World (Basics, Alternate Earth, Not Earth at All), Physical and Historical Features, Magic and Magicians, Peoples and Customs, Social Organization, Commerce and Trade, Daily Life. All of the questions may not… Read More »Fantasy World Building
On this day, February 17, in medieval history: 1461 – The Second Battle of St. Albans: One of the battles fought during the Wars of the Roses. On this particular day, the Lancastrian army led by the Queen Margaret of Anjou defeated the Yorkist faction led by the Earl of Warwick.… Read More »Today in Medieval History, February 17
Sword Song: The Battle for London (Saxon Stories Book #4) by Bernard Cornwell Paperback: 368 pages Publisher: Harper Paperbacks; Reprint edition (December 23, 2008) ISBN-10: 0061379743 Sword Song is the fourth book in Bernard Cornwell’s Saxon series. This series is becoming one of my favorites of all time. The third… Read More »Review of Sword Song by Bernard Cornwell
If you’re a member of Critique Circle, the first chapter of my novel is up for review this week (Feb 10. – Feb. 17). It’s listed under the fantasy genre, and the working title is Beyond the Lands of Snow and Ice. This title will most certainly change. I just… Read More »Novel Update
The Angevin dynasty was established in the county of Anjou, France. In the 12th century, the dynasty ascended to the English throne under Henry II as a result of the marriage of Geoffrey of Anjou to Maltida, daughter of Henry I. King Henry II’s descendants became the Platagenets, and the… Read More »The Angevin Dynasty
As one of the most recognizable religious buildings in England, Tewkesbury Abbey stands along the river Avon on a site possibly once occupied by an 8th century Benedictine monastery. In the year 1087, King William gave the Manor of Tewkesbury to Robert FitzHamon, and in 1092, Robert and the Abbot… Read More »Tewkesbury Abbey
Over the weekend, I finished re-writing the first two chapters of my novel. These chapters, while likely still in need of some editing, should serve as the first two chapters in the final version. I don’t foresee re-writing them yet another time. I’ve lost count, but I think this is… Read More »Novel Update
On this date, January 28th, in medieval history: 814 – Charlemagne dies at Aachen 1457 – Henry VII is born 1547 – Death of Henry VIII The following account of Charlemagne’s death is from the king’s long-time friend and courtier, Einhard: Toward the close of his life [813], when he… Read More »Today in Medieval History
The following are literary Web sites I came across: Bartleby Bartleby is the preeminent Internet publisher of literature, reference, and verse providing students, researchers and the intellectually curious with unlimited access to books and information on the web, free of charge. The site also offers an encyclopedia, dictionary and thesaurus.… Read More »Bartleby, DailyLit and Wikibooks