Category Archives: history

Consciousness, the Grail, and the Writing Process

Posted on April 18, 2014 by

On Monday evening, I had the chance to attend a presentation entitled “Grail Mania,” by Diana Durham, which included a scene from her play about  Perceval’s meeting with the Fisher King and his vision of the grail.  Maybe you’re a … Continue reading →

Posted in essays, fantasy, fiction, history, magic, medieval, Uncategorized, writing, writing process | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Deleted Settings: The Traitors’ Gate

Posted on April 9, 2014 by

The Tower of London, built by William the Conqueror to dominate his new capital, has a long and fascinating history well worth reading up on. As I approached The Dark Apostle series, and especially the second book, Elisha Magus, it … Continue reading →

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A Brief History of “Romance”

Posted on April 3, 2014 by

I am putting the finishing touches on a novella set in the Dark Apostle world, around the time of the accession of King Hugh. I’m happy with the work, but also a little concerned that it might have too much … Continue reading →

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Longing for Spring: researching a historical garden

Posted on March 26, 2014 by

In just a few months, on July 1, Elisha Magus, book 2 in my Dark Apostle series, will hit the bookstores. Needless to say, I am thrilled. But when my window shows a snowy landscape, and my radio suggests that … Continue reading →

Posted in fiction, history, medieval, research, Uncategorized, worldbuilding | Tagged , , , , , | 1 Comment

Bilbo Baggins’ Bathrobe, revisited, with special guest, Lisa Evans

Posted on February 28, 2014 by

Back at Arisia in January, I had the pleasure of sharing a panel on historical research with Lisa Evans. When I found out her specialty is European patchwork, I asked if she would write me a guest blog with her … Continue reading →

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The Seasons of War

Posted on February 20, 2014 by

As I set out from my home to do battle, once again, with the forces of Winter, I mused upon my recent reading, a historical novel, which, in part, depicted battles between Mongols and the knights of the European High … Continue reading →

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Sad Tales of the Death of Kings: William II and the Rufus Stones

Posted on February 12, 2014 by

One of the curious features, to Americans, of the south coast of England is a area called “The New Forest,” which is, of course, many years older than most of the forests remaining to us in the states, and yet, … Continue reading →

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“Shaolin,” an Interesting Approach to Violence

Posted on January 22, 2014 by

As you may know, I’m currently researching Chinese history for a new project (don’t worry–there’s plenty more Dark Apostle to come as well!). I made a list of topics to research and one of them was the Shaolin Monastery school … Continue reading →

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Religious Influence on Medical Care, A Historical Perspective

Posted on December 23, 2013 by

A couple of recent court cases and the advent of recent changes to health insurance law have brought the issue of who controls the patient’s access to health care into the public mind, particularly in relation to religious freedom. Should … Continue reading →

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Why Things Sound Better in French

Posted on December 4, 2013 by

I was strolling through a gourmet food display recently, when a young companion asked why you don’t pronounce the “-t” at the end of the word, then observed that it must be French. She then went on to wonder why … Continue reading →

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