Remember When . . . Or Not?

Remember When . . . Or Not?

Quick reminder–don’t forget to enter the giveaway for Leanna Ellis’s Once in a Blue Moon.

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I’ve come across this a couple times in recent months as I research for my historicals. I find myself reading histories that are . . . well . . . not so accurate. Oh, don’t get me wrong, they still work as research, since it’s either (a) how it was at the time my story is set in or (b) what was thought at the time. But still. It’s fun.

Right now I’m reading a super-fantabulous little book called Annapolis: Its Colonial and Naval History. It’s just perfect for my research needs, given that I’m writing about Annapolis of 1784. What makes it even better is that it was written in 1925, so it has that lovely, lyrical, understatedly humorous quality to it. (Yes, I know ‘understatedly’ isn’t a word. This is pre-coffee. Bear with me.) I believe I mentioned this book in my post on Bladen’s Folly, so you know I must love it to be using it again. 😉

Yesterday I got a grin from reading one small paragraph about the house of Charles Carroll, the Barrister (who ought not be confused with Charles Carroll, the Declaration Signer, or the scads of other Charles Carrolls in the Maryland/Virginia area of the time). It describes in detail where this house is situated, what it overlooks, etc.

Um . . . no. Sorry, dude. It was at the time, yes–and I was actually wondering where it had once been. But not long after this book was written, someone wanted to put something else there, so what is now just called the Carroll-Barrister House was moved to St. John’s College. (New readers, that’s where I went to school.) Where it became the Admissions and Advancement Office.

Now, I worked in the Admissions Office for four years, where I did data entry, answered phones, stuffed envelopes, and gave tours. I spent so many hours in that creaky old house that I daresay I know it’s features waaaaaaay better than the writer of this Annapolis book. AND I LOVE THAT!! Because I remember walking into it the first time as a 16-year-old visitor getting my first glance of the school. I wrote an essay my senior year of high school on how that building made me supremely aware of how I was walking into history–something I’d never felt so keenly before.

As a history lover, as a historical fiction writer, there is nothing better than the ‘hometown shout out’ thing. You know, like when a rockband screams how great it is to be in your town. For me, it’s exactly the same when a history–or a historical–gives a shout out to what is “mine.” There are novels I’ve read solely because they mention Cumberland, Maryland. There are histories I plow through largely because I can go, “Hey, I know where that is!! COOL!”

I’m not sure why this excites me so much–there’s always the option that I’m just weird. 😉 But I think it’s mostly because it stops the clock. It makes time stand still, or at least takes me out of it. It makes me realize that History isn’t this ephemeral flower that has bloomed and is now gone, it’s . . . it’s . . . us. Does that make sense?

We still live in the same buildings that were used hundreds of years ago. We still walk the streets that were first paved with bricks. We still sit under the shade of the tree that cast its shadows over the Patriots.

We still live in grace bought by the blood of a man who lived, died, and rose again two thousand years ago.

History is real. And, even when it changes, it matters. It’s mine. But don’t worry–I’ll share. 😉

Remember When . . . Manners Were King? Part II

Don’t forget to enter the giveaway for Love’s Winding Path that posted yesterday. And for those who are eager for a copy of A Stray Drop of Blood, there are still two days left to enter the giveaway on Michelle V.’s blog.

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I’m busy with prep for my Book Talk this evening, so we’re going to revisit the manners of the 1700s and have a few more of the Rules of Civility as put down by George Washington. It’s quick and easy. =)

~ Mock not nor Jest at any thing of Importance break no Jest that are Sharp Biting and if you Deliver any thing witty and Pleasent abstain from Laughing there at yourself.

~ Wherein wherein you reprove Another be unblameable yourself; for example is more prevalent than Precepts.

~ Wear not your Cloths, foul, unript or Dusty but See they be Brush’d once every day at least and take heed that you approach not to any Uncleaness.

~ Run not in the Streets, neither go too slowly nor with Mouth open go not Shaking yr Arms kick not the earth with yr feet, go not upon the Toes, nor in a Dancing fashion.

~ Eat not in the Streets, nor in the House, out of Season.

~ Speak not of doleful Things in a Time of Mirth or at the Table; Speak not of Melancholy Things as Death and Wounds, and if others Mention them Change if you can the Discourse tell not your Dreams, but to your intimate Friend.

~ Go not thither, where you know not, whether you Shall be Welcome or not. Give not Advice without being Ask’d & when desired do it briefly.

~Reprehend not the imperfections of others for that belongs to Parents Masters and Superiours.

Hope y’all enjoy! Wish me luck tonight, eh? =)

Remember When . . . The Money Ran Out?

Two giveaways to remind you of! First is Friday’s of Never Far from Home, and then yesterday I put up a new one of Liberty’s Promise. Check them out!


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Once upon a time, there was a Maryland governor named Bladen. He held office in the cultural hub of the New World, Annapolis. There, balls and soirees and parties of unsurpassed splendor ruled the day. Nowhere else in America could you find such wealth, such beauty, such style. For good reason, the town had been dubbed the “Athens of America.” Bladen undoubtedly thought himself pretty darn special. He was governor. The State House overlooked the city with grace and elegance. The Who’s Who of the colonies often dropped by. So naturally, he deserved a governor’s mansion. One whose glory would reflect the State House across the street. There was only one problem . . . he ran out of money before the mansion was finished. Oops!

For years, the shell of building sat empty and, we can suppose, forlorn. I imagine the governor was pretty embarrassed, too, since the mocking facade came to be known as Bladen’s Folly. Kinda funny, since Thomas Jefferson called it “the only publick building worth mentioning” in Annapolis in 1766.

In the 1780s, Bladen’s Folly sat on 4 acres of land abutting King William’s School, a grammar/prep school for boys that were usually bound for Oxford. After the Revolution, Maryland officials decided it was high time the state had a college, and the state offered Bladen’s Folly and the land with it if the college would be placed in Annapolis, as opposed to on the Eastern Shore, as some wanted. In 1784 (when my new work-in-progress takes place), St. John’s College was chartered, its home to be Bladen’s Folly–after they completed it of course. In order to streamline, they merged with King William’s School, and grammar-level instruction continued in the basement while higher learning took place on the higher floors. (The cupola and bell tower were added then.)

Now this is of utmost interest to me for several reasons. First, because my hero attended King William’s School a decade earlier, so he’d be pretty interested in all this. Second, because I attended St. John’s. =) The third oldest college in the nation (only because they can claim the charter of King William’s School, actually–it was founded in 1696), St. John’s still uses the building once called Bladen’s Folly as its central building, though now it’s called McDowell Hall. Which means I got to walk the moat that was deepened during the new construction in 1786. I got to look out over the Great Hall where centuries’of students met before me. I got to look out the windows of the third floor and see the dome of the State House where George Washington resigned his commission, where the Treaty of Paris ending the Revolution was ratified.

I just love placing my feet on the steps of history. Don’t you?

Remember When . . . Manners Were King?

Don’t forget to enter yesterday’s giveaway for The Big 5-Oh!

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One of the most interesting tidbits I’ve come across thus far in my research for my 1784 story is on manners of the day. The Colonial Williamsburg site has a page on the Rules of Civility and Decent Behavior in Company and Conversation, as transcribed by George Washington at the age of 16 or so.

I’ve read through about half of the 100+ rules of etiquette, and I gotta say, it’s really enriched my understanding of the culture of the time. And explained some things. You know how you get that particular feeling of decorum and elegance from paintings of the time? These rules actually make it pretty clear it wasn’t a trick of the artist. I’m going to give y’all a taste of some of their rules and manners. The spelling and capitalization are all George’s. =) Enjoy!

~In the Presence of Others Sing not to yourself with a humming Noise, nor Drum with your Fingers or Feet.

~Shift not yourself in the Sight of others nor Gnaw your nails.

~(One of my favorites) Shake not the head, Feet, or Legs rowl not the Eys lift not one eyebrow higher than the other wry not the mouth, and bedew no mans face with your Spittle, by approaching too near him when you Speak.

~Kill no Vermin as Fleas, lice ticks &c in the Sight of Others, if you See any filth or thick Spittle put your foot Dexteriously upon it if it be upon the Cloths of your Companions, Put it off privately, and if it be upon your own Cloths return Thanks to him who puts it off.

~let your Countenance be pleasant but in Serious Matters Somewhat grave.

~Shew not yourself glad at the Misfortune of another though he were your enemy.

~Superfluous Complements and all Affectation of Ceremonie are to be avoided, yet where due they are not to be Neglected.

~Let your Discourse with Men of Business be Short and Comprehensive.

~Undertake not to Teach your equal in the art himself Proffesses; it Savours of arrogancy.

~Do not express Joy before one sick or in pain for that contrary Passion will aggravate his Misery.

There are still a ton more, so maybe I’ll treat you to a few other lessons next week. =)

My Friend Michelle – Interview

My Friend Michelle – Interview

Today I’m thrilled to welcome my friend and fellow HisWriter, Michelle Greip. Michelle’s going to talk with us today about her medieval, Gallimore. You’re in for a treat! This lady is going to make you laugh.

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About Michelle

Michelle’s been writing since she first discovered Crayolas and blank wall space. She seeks to glorify God by imparting Biblical truths through the medium of fiction…well, except for that graffiti phase she went through as a teenager.

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About Gallimore

Jessica Neale’s faith is lost the day of her husband’s death, and with it, her belief in love. In a journey to find peace, she encounters a gentle, green-eyed stranger who leads her to the ruins of the medieval castle, Gallimore.

On his way to battle, Colwyn Haukswyrth, knight of Gallimore, comes face to face with a storm the likes of which he’s never seen, and a woman in the midst of it who claims to live centuries in the future. The Lady Jessica of Neale is an irksome, provoking bit of woman to be sure. And she’s about to turn his beliefs on end.

The product of a family rooted in pain and evil, Colwyn has focused on naught but himself—until Jessica. To a mysterious prophecy stitched on a tapestry, through the invasion of Gallimore itself, Colwyn and Jessica are bound together by a lesson in forgiveness and love—a bond that might be strong enough to survive the grave.

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What’s your latest book?

Most recent is Gallimore, by Black Lyon Publishing, which released December 2008.

I remember when I got it in the mail to review–my mother stole it before I had a chance to read it, LOL. Such a great cover! I need to remember to get it back from her so I can read it. For now, you can tell me about it. Is there a theme to this book?
Love and forgiveness are choices, not feelings. I don’t think Jesus particularly felt like having his back ripped open or getting nailed to a hunk of wood and left to die. Nevertheless, He chose to do so. Should we do any less?

Okay, OW. And point well taken. =) So what are you reading right now—and what do you want to read next?

For now my bookmarks are in: The Silent Governess by Julie Klassen, The Raven Saint by Marylu Tyndall, and Bleak House by Charles Dickens.

My to-be-read pile is kind of frightening, actually, but at surfacing at the top is Pirate Latitudes: a Novel by Michael Crichton.

Your reading stack is my to-read stack. =) What lessons have you learned through the publication process that you wouldn’t have guessed as a pre-published writer?

This is hands-down the slowest business known to mankind. Sheesh. Waiting for a response to a query, then a proposal, followed by a manuscript read, and finally hurdling countless committees…during which at any point in the process you can receive a rejection and have to go back to start.

I hear ya! Are there any people (family, writing group, editors) who you rely on when writing?

I’ve got several critiquers who I trust will not let me out in public with literary toilet paper trailing on my writing shoes. Silverarrows, Y (who shall forever remain a capital letter), and Shannon McNear.

Okay, got a good grin out of that one. Aside from writing, what takes up most of your time?

Homeschooling and teaching (high school level Creative Writing and Civics). That and cleaning up the continual trail of destruction left behind in the wake of my behaviorally challenged dog.

Oh, I could tell you some stories about the destruction trailing a dog, LOL. What writing goal have you set for yourself that would be the hardest (or unlikeliest) but most rewarding to achieve?

You mean besides hitting number one on the New York Bestsellers list for fifty-two consecutive weeks in a row? Then it would definitely be having one soul (thousands would be preferable) seek after and find the amazing God of the universe because of something I wrote.

I got both a grin AND an “ah” out of that one! Do you remember where you were when you got your first or most important call about a book contract?

Yeah. Good thing I was sitting at my home office desk…I hadn’t wet my pants since second grade.

LOL! What are you writing right now?

Currently I’m half-way through a historical set in 1795 England. The hero is an opium addict and the heroine lives with her brother who is an Anglican priest going mad.

Wow. That’s obviously just a stroll-through-the-country romance, right? 😉 Is there another author who has greatly influenced your writing?

Several…
Dr. Seuss – for whimsy
Ginger Garrett – killer prose and clever phrases
Charlotte Bronte – haunting settings
Charles Dickens – amazingly descriptive characters

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Thanks for visiting, Michelle! You are such a fun lady to talk to. =) Hope everyone enjoyed getting to know her a little better. Check out her website at www.MMGriep.com

You can purchase Gallimore from the publisher.

Remember When . . . Your Hair Went White?

Remember When . . . Your Hair Went White?

Wow, TWO giveaways to remind you of! First is Friday’s of Deliver Us from Evil by Robin Caroll (romantic suspense), and then yesterday’s of The Stones by Eleanor Gustafson (Biblical Fiction).

And while I’m reminding, don’t forget to check out giveaways of A Stray Drop of Blood on ICFW, A Fiction-Filled Life, and Mary’s Musings.

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So, those of you who have been reading this blog for months may recall my mention over the summer over of a story idea that would take place in post-Revolution Annapolis, Maryland. I got the go-ahead to put together a proposal for it, so now I have all these 1780s tidbits floating around my head. Hope y’all are interested, cuz you’re about to get some of them!

One of things I’m coming across for my particular stretch of time–late 1783 through early 1784–is that fashion was drastically changing for the first time in a couple decades. For quite a while, the hairstyles had gotten larger, more extravagant, and were either powdered or covered with powdered wigs. Then all of a sudden hats got more extravagant, and hair was all of a sudden worn in loose curls, totally down, in a natural color.

For decades dresses had been large, hooped, bustled (though that wasn’t the word for it at the time) and frilled–especially formal wear. Then in the mid 1780s Marie Antoinette all of a sudden introduced the “chemise gown.” So named because instead of volume, it was a simple swath, sashes, a precursor to the empire styles we know and love from Regency days. When it first appeared on the scene, to most it looked like nothing more than an undergarment, hence the name “chemise.”

Interesting, huh? I’m always so intrigued by how fashion can change subtly, subtly, and the WHAM! All of sudden hemlines rise (in the case of the 1920s), necklines plunge, volume decreases, undergarments change, hair goes from up-to-the-ceiling to totally down . . . and why, I ask, do my settings always seem to be in those transition years?? I don’t plan it that way, but every time I look up the fashion for my particular year, I find it to be in transition, not what I associate with the “typical” for an era. Sheesh. 😉

Another thing that struck me yet again is the corset. They were called stays at the time, but still. It was a corset. Corset were worn by all women for centuries and centuries, even well into ours. They made a brief exit in the early 1920s, but women didn’t like the bulges that emerged without them, so they quickly came back in, though in a more comfortable form. What happened to that?? I mean, I’m all for comfort, but seriously. I find it strange.

And that sums up my musings on fashion for now. I got a few books out of the Library I’m going to be looking at tomorrow, so who knows what weird little factoids I’ll have for you next week. 😉 Hope everyone has a fun Wednesday!