Next up in my series about people who write historical fiction is Carol Maginn, who shares with us her journey into history and its influence on her writing. She also tells us how she avoids the pitfalls of historical research – and I know from my own experience what those are!
Category Archives: Historical Fiction
Magic and the Supernatural in Corsica
The Corsican people have always held strong beliefs in the supernatural and magic, which predate the modern Catholic religion by a long way. The spirit world was, Corsicans believed, never very far from ours and the two coincided at certain times. The dead had to be appeased and bad omens banished with spells to avertContinue reading “Magic and the Supernatural in Corsica”
History People #5: Sue Barnard, Random and Retrospective?
Sue Barnard is not only a friend and fellow Crooked Cat author, but she’s also my editor! Today, she’s here with her author hat on, though, to tell us about her approach to the history she includes in her own books. Take it away, Sue.
History People #4: Nancy Jardine, fascinated by Roman Britain
A big welcome back to the blog to Crooked Cat colleague Nancy Jardine, the latest of my history people. Nancy’s enthusiasm for her subject leaps off the page! Read on and you’ll see what I mean.
History People #3: Cathie Dunn, a Medieval History Fan
I’m delighted to welcome back author Cathie Dunn to the blog today, who continues my series about writers of historical fiction. Thank you, Vanessa, for hosting me today. I love talking about history and research, and I’m grateful for the offer to do so again.
Chestnuts are not Just for Christmas in Corsica
“Chestnuts roasting on an open fire,” goes the Festive Season song. We associate chestnuts with Christmas, roasted whole or made into succulent stuffing. But this seasonal treat was once a staple food for many people, including the Corsicans.
The Story Behind ‘The List’: Occupied France 1941-42
It’s surprising where research can lead you. I have been reading about World War II and France. Robert Gildea’s book Marianne in Chains: Daily Life in the Heart of France During the German Occupation describes everyday life in the Occupied Zone and investigates certain myths about ordinary French people’s attitudes and fears.
History People #2: Miriam Drori, an Unintentional History Person
A big welcome to fellow Crooked Cat author Miriam Drori, who continues my series about authors who write historical fiction. She’s involved in an interesting co-authoring project with another writer, but I’ll let her tell you about that.
Sunday Sojourn – Corsica
Originally posted on Jennifer C. Wilson:
Happy Sunday everyone – the last before December kicks in… Today, we’re travelling to Corsica, with Vanessa Couchman. It’s somewhere I’ve always thought of visiting, but never quite got around to, so I’m sure I’ll be tempted after this! Hidden Treasure in Corsica Thank you for inviting me, Jennifer.…
Women in Traditional Corsican Society
Oppressed, subservient, insignificant? Does that accurately describe Corsican women in past times? Not always. That Corsica was a patriarchal society can’t be denied. But to portray the island’s women as downtrodden and overlooked is to over-simplify a complex situation. A previous post explored marriage customs in Corsica. This time, I look specifically at the roleContinue reading “Women in Traditional Corsican Society”
Vanessa Couchman 