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
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
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
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