The amount of research I conduct for my novels varies considerably, but as an author of historical fiction, research is vital. As the History Quill puts it, “One of the trickiest aspects of writing historical fiction is doing all the research required to create an immersive, authentic historical world.” Luckily, I love history, and I […]
Developing My Latest Works in Progress
How did I get the idea for my latest work in progress? Well, it depends on which one you’re referring to. I have several. In 2022, I will launch three historical fiction novellas, Journey of Hope, Rose’s Assignment and The Unmarriable Kind. All three were inspired by the WWI trilogy. Below are the author notes […]
How to Create Fictional Characters
Without characters you don’t have a story. So how do authors develop them? There are many different methods. For this blog, I’m sharing some tips from writing experts. Novel Writing Help cautions against creating characters that are “dislikeable or, worse, deadly dull.” To prevent this, the website recommends: Characters don’t need to be beautiful, eloquent […]
Are My Characters Based on Real People?
Are my characters based on real people? The quick answer to this is “no.” However, it’s a bit more complicated than that. While none of my characters are based directly on someone, several are named after real people and several are representative of people who existed. In addition, all my characters feel real to me, […]
Do You Have a Love-Hate Relationship With Your Characters?
Is it possible for an author to have a love-hate relationship with her fictional characters? Merriam-Webster defines a love-hate relationship as “strong feelings of both love and hatred for someone.” The website Love Bondings takes that a step further, stating that the strong feelings can occur in any time of relationship – romantic, familial or […]
Establishing a Writing Routine: My Best Tips
Establishing a writing routine can be a challenge for many newer writers. There’s plenty of advice out there on how to establish a routine, so I decided to compile a list of the strategies that worked for me. Make Writing a Priority: If being published is your goal, then you must make writing a priority. […]
Meet the Bartlettes: Extended Family in the WW1 Trilogy
The Bartlettes are extended family to the Stewards in my WW1 Trilogy. The trilogy is comprised of Angel of Mercy (released in 2019), Those Left Behind (released 2020) and Adjustment Year (launching April 2021). Here are the six members of the Bartlette family: Amelia “You don’t know how difficult it is,” Amelia said between sobs, […]
Meet the Stewards: The Main Characters in the WW1 Trilogy
The Stewards are the main characters in my WW1 Trilogy comprised of Angel of Mercy (released in 2019), Those Left Behind (released in 2020) and Adjustment Year (launching April 2021). Here are the 10 members of the Steward family: Benjamin “Your mother and I must learn to accept that most of our children are grown […]
A Guide to My WW1 Trilogy
My historical fiction WW1 trilogy is comprised of Angel of Mercy (released in 2019), Those Left Behind (released in 2020) and Adjustment Year (launching in April 2021). Here’s your guide to the trilogy. Some spoilers ahead! Each One is a Stand Alone Story Each novel in the trilogy is its own standalone story. They are […]
Little House on the Prairie: The Most Influential Book I Ever Read
Authors often are asked, “What was the most influential book you ever read?” or “Which author inspired you?” I was an avid reader throughout my youth and early adulthood, graduated with a degree in English, and Edith Wharton is my favorite author. However, the most influential book was Little House on the Prairie by Laura […]
Nice to Meet You. My Name is Henrietta Steward
Hello. My name is Henrietta Steward, but the people who are closest to me call me Hettie. I was born May 25, 1892, in Barrie, Ontario, and I’ve lived in this province my entire life. I am the fourth of eight children born to Benjamin and Lucretia Stewart. My siblings are Ida, Walter, Mabel, Freddie, […]
Erich Maria Remarque’s All Quiet on the Western Front
Historical events are captured, recorded, and interpreted in numerous ways. Primarily remembered in academic fields, history is emanated through popular culture as well. Films, TV shows, plays, books, and artwork tell the story behind some of history’s most significant events and people. For World War I, the preeminent example is arguably Erich Maria Remarque’s seminal […]