Category Archives: random thoughts

The One Thing Historical Fiction Writers Ought to Know

Posted on March 12, 2017 by

The Gender-Genre Wars In a recent issue of Writer’s Digest, literary agent Irene Goodman offered her advice on “16 Things All Historical Fiction Writers Need to Know.” Among them was the caution (?) that “This kind of fiction requires high … Continue reading →

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Advice on How to Write Historical Fiction–Not

Posted on July 13, 2016 by

By the way, did anyone notice that there has been much ‘how-to’ and ‘advice’ offered lately on writing historical fiction ? A perusal of the ‘literature’—and I confess to have done my share—finds that some are more ‘creative’ than others Continue reading →

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…on to Fontevraud Abbey (Pt. III)

Posted on June 18, 2013 by

Fontevraud Abbey: What can one say? The tombs of Henry II, Richard, Isabelle d’Angoulême and Aliénor (dare one be on first name basis with that lady?)  It rained. The countryside is somewhat rolling hills with fields and a few forested … Continue reading →

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…on to Parthenay (Pt. II)

Posted on June 18, 2013 by

Parthenay: We breezed past Saint Maixent-l’École to get to Parthenay, again approached via a fairly flat ground. Parthenay has a population of about 10,000 and I worried, of course, about driving down a maze of streets to find the hotel, … Continue reading →

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Three Simple Rules for Writing Historical or any other Fiction:

Posted on August 12, 2012 by

Advice is cheap—and in the case of advice aimed at writers, plentiful. It is dispensed by authors, writers, publishers, editors, agents, and can be had in the form of a ‘how to’ books on ‘how to’ write books from $9.99 … Continue reading →

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“History is Bunk,” and other Facts of History (with a Bit of Irony )

Posted on May 26, 2012 by

 Recently, I again came across someone quoting that hoary “history is bunk” statement, attributed to Henry Ford.  I have never considered those who quote it worth the effort to engage,  but this time it got me thinking about the facts … Continue reading →

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How to Write for Fame and Fortune?

Posted on October 27, 2011 by

 It’s that time of the year—the leaves are falling, deadlines are approaching, NANOWRIMO is upon us. A few days ago over lunch, my friend, an accomplished, ‘traditionally’ published romance writer, and I were mulling over the fate of writers in … Continue reading →

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