Tag Archives: Historical research

HOW TO USE 3,000 STRAIGHT PINS

Posted on January 3, 2023 by Char of inkydancestudios

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

Posted on June 7, 2022 by Char of inkydancestudios

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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SECRETS OF HISTORICAL LETTER WRITING or How to Lock your Letters

Posted on June 19, 2021 by Char of inkydancestudios

Richard Fisher (16 June 2021) posted a terrific article giving insight as to how a postal-free delivery system in the 1200-1850s kept correspondence from prying eyes. This task required ingenuity and adept eye-hand coordination. In my newest book (working title: … Continue reading →

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Ale and Leather. . . Let ‘s Drink to it.

Posted on June 22, 2020 by Char of inkydancestudios

If you sailed from England to the New World in the 1630s, before the age of coffee or tea, your beverage of choice would be cider or ale.  No one trusted the purity of onboard water. On the ship your … Continue reading →

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HOW TO USE 3,000 STRAIGHT PINS

Posted on June 15, 2020 by Char of inkydancestudios

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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