Category Archives: research

Research Mashups

This post was originally written for Risky Regencies. The Duke and the Pirate Queen isn’t a historical. However, it is set in a fantasy world, and I’ve often noted that my approach to creating a fantasy world is very similar … Continue reading

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Be vewy quiet; I’m adding geeky detail!

There are various schools of thought about adding historical detail to fiction. Sometimes you want more detail, sometimes less; partly, that depends on the book’s genre. For example, in a Tom Clancy novel such as The Hunt for Red October, … Continue reading

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Steampunk Research Books

I’ve begun basic research on the history of the American West for a western steampunk novel. My book isn’t going to be a historical, but I want it to be informed by history and in dialogue with history.I chose Frontiers: … Continue reading

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Research – When to Stop

I actually stole this topic from a discussion I read…somewhere, a while back. The question was, “when do you stop researching?” I have two answers.My first answer is never. You never stop researching because everything you read or look at … Continue reading

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WWI Wheels

French soldiers with a bicycle. A bicycle ambulance. Belgian soldiers on motorcycles.

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Contemporary Historical Resources Linkgasm

Here are a few links I’ve found useful in my historical research. These are all collections/archives of contemporary materials. Contemporary to historical periods, I mean.Old Magazine Articles, edited by Matt Jacobsen. “OldMagazineArticles.com is a Los Angeles-based website; privately owned and … Continue reading

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Women in WWI Picspam

Women served in many capacities during World War One. Nurses. VADs. Drivers. Radio Corps. Fundraisers. Factory Workers.

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The 5th Seaforth Highlanders in the trenches

From The Great War Diaries of John Bruce Cairnie of the 5th Seaforth Highlanders, 1915, transcribed by James Bruce. # 06-Jul-15 A fine morning. Had to wait on after stand-to (3 a.m.) in case the Briggie comes along. Shaved, breakfasted … Continue reading

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Non-White WWI Soldier Picspam

Today’s post is picspam – these are all photos of soldiers from World War One. They weren’t all white. Not by a longshot.

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Picspam: Albert I, King of the Belgians

I have learned one very important thing during my recent World War One research. It is that Albert, King of the Belgians, was a total hottie. Particularly when he wore spectacles.Also, he looked great in uniform, whether with helmet in … Continue reading

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