The question has occurred often and my natural response is to answer, “Why not?” Spain is the predominant setting for half of the books I have written. Inspiration derives from the richness of its history and culture, and the influence of different religions on the architecture and food. Spain is… Read More »Why Spain? by Lisa Yarde
Although the idea of writing a 1920s rum-running novel had occasionally tempted me, what made it begin to take shape was a merry-go-round … and a chance meeting with an old man on a beach. Don’t picture sweeping stretches of sand with acres of bikini-clad bodies. This was a beach… Read More »Where They Hid the Booze, by M. Ruth Myers
On the cover of my new book The Crimson Bed is a beautiful picture by John William Waterhouse. (1849-1917) He was not a part of the original Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood which had disbanded as a group by the time Waterhouse was a young man. However, like many other artists who came… Read More »Where did the Skull Go? by Loretta Proctor
Most historical fiction writers have a few specific reasons why they have jumped into the research and study that produces their stories. Settings, too can often be motivators all by themselves. A clearly defined sense of place is something I really strive for in my own work, but readers may… Read More »Why Ireland? by Richard Sutton
Childbirth could be especially dangerous during the Middle Ages, especially for women with complications. A safe delivery and a healthy child were cause for celebration, as well as imposing a few restrictions. Whether Christian, Muslim or Jewish, the lying-in for the mother was a tradition that crisscrossed cultures and religions.… Read More »Medieval Childbirth by Lisa Yarde