Tag Archives: authors

HOW TO USE 3,000 STRAIGHT PINS

Queen Elizabeth (b. 1533 – d. 1603) used about 3,000 straight pins a month, probably more than most, but still an impressive amount. Pins have been used for about 4,000 years, appearing around the emergence of the bronze age. You … Continue reading

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HOW FAR DO WE STRETCH THE TRUTH?

Stretch the reader’s credulity, his sense of logic, to the upmost—it is quite elastic—but don’t break it. In this way, you will write something new, surprising and entertaining to both yourself and the reader. -Patricia Highsmith If you’ve read Highsmith’s, … Continue reading

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Part 3: THOSE SNEAKY RESEARCH ASSUMPTIONS: Who wrote the 1635 version of “A Relation of Maryland”?

Imagine this: It’s England, the year, 1635. You’ve angered some notable Protestants along with the king’s men.You need to leave because you’re Catholic, and now they’re searching for you. A friend whispers in your ear for you to hurry down … Continue reading

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PART 2: WHEN FACTS AREN’T FACTS Historical Writing Pitfalls and What to Do

As a child, I saw Frog legs listed on the menu. Horrified, I could only imagine the little frog’s pain from having the legs torn off. Mother comforted me by saying, “They grow back.” Truly? No way. But to this … Continue reading

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WHEN FACTS AREN’T FACTS AND ASSUMPTIONS ARE FAULTY Historical Writing Pitfalls and What to Do: Part I

A DIFFERENT TIME AND PLACE I write historical stories and constantly worry I’ve overlooked something. Most likely, I have. Anachronistic traps hide everywhere. I hadn’t realized pre-colonial Maryland indentured servants went barefooted because shoes costs too much, or Governor Calvert … Continue reading

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SouthWest Writers Interview #2

Way back in the early 1990s I joined Southwest Writers Workshop (now SouthWest Writers). This writers’ group welcomes all writers and authors with conferences, contests, classes on the craft, and open-armed friendship. If you hear someone in NM say they … Continue reading

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