History in the Making
The Desire for Street Cars-Then and Now
In the early 1900s trolleys, otherwise known as “streetcars,” began popping up all over the United States. (For this…
January 20, 2023-
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History in the Making
Have You Considered Living History?
While experiencing a major event in life, have you ever stopped and thought about the fact that, at that…
October 20, 2021 -
History in the Making
A Snapshot of a Lifesaving Organization
Consider this scene: “Another final notice.” She glared at her husband, slapped the paper bill with the back of…
August 24, 2021 -
History in the Making
An Unexpected Nugget
When doing research for a historical novel, you may find an unexpected nugget that could add some extra excitement,…
July 20, 2021 -
History in the Making
The Tale of Two Celebrations
Smell the churros? That cinnamon doughnutty aroma that draws you to the vendor’s stand? Or maybe your eyes are…
May 20, 2021 -
History in the Making
Corn Flakes, The Journey of a Favorite Cereal
A health guru… Stale wheat… A tight budget… This hodgepodge of events would lead to the creation of a…
February 20, 2021 -
History in the Making
A Parade of Events
Thanksgiving morning! Heroine’s day begins in the kitchen helping Mother stuff Tom Turkey. Task done, they lug the heavy…
November 20, 2020 -
History in the Making
Using Your Research for More than Your Novel
Writing a novel is hard work and takes time. Writing a Historical Fiction novel may require more time and…
October 20, 2020 -
History in the Making
Thinking Inside the Icebox
From the ingenuity of Thomas Moore, the icebox first appeared on the American scene in 1802. Like many new…
August 20, 2020 -
Fantasy-Sci-FiHow to Write Tactful Fantasy and Science Fiction During COVID-19
Writing during a global pandemic is probably not something you thought you’d be tackling. Writing is hard enough by…
June 7, 2020 -
History in the Making
Why You Need to Get Your Historical Facts Straight
If you’re a historical fiction writer who is under quarantine or lockdown, whether voluntary or government mandated, now would…
May 31, 2020 -
History in the Making
Unexpected Treasures
As both a reader and a writer, I enjoy spending time in book stores and libraries. This year some…
January 20, 2020 -
History in the Making
BOGGED DOWN IN CRANBERRY SAUCE: A condensed history of a Thanksgiving favorite
Think cranberries! From there, it’s not a long stretch to thoughts of Thanksgiving. And for a writer, creative juices…
November 20, 2019 -
Guest PostsResearch Tips for your Historical Fiction Novel— From a History PhD
You don’t need a PhD in history to write historical fiction. Grad school, after all, trains students to ask…
July 18, 2019 -
Writer EncouragementIngredients are Key
Ever have a latte from your favorite coffee shop and they forgot to add a key ingredient? I recently…
May 11, 2019 -
History in the Making
Three Surprises I’ve Discovered in Researching My Historical Novels
My fifth historical romance releases next summer. I’ve written nine others that are “pre-published,” most requiring months of research.…
January 20, 2019 -
History in the Making
Is Writing Historical Fiction a Good Fit for You?
I enjoy digging into the past, following bunny trails of history, and learning about cultures long interred and nearly…
September 20, 2018 -
History in the Making
Electrifying Fiction
The dark house looked lonely and foreboding as Ellen pulled the key from her reticule and fumbled with the…
August 20, 2018 -
History in the Making
Naming Characters in Your Historical Novels
Have you ever read a fictional novel set in the 1700s where the main character is named Harper (22…
July 30, 2018 -
Talking CharacterWriting Historical Characters
Sometimes fiction authors write about real people. Especially those who write historical fiction. Real historical characters can add a…
February 20, 2018 -
History in the MakingHistorical Writing Requires Attention to Details
By Sandra Merville Hart When it comes to research, contemporary writers have it so easy, right? I am teasing,…
March 21, 2017 -
History in the MakingCombatting the Noise Issue
By Sandra Merville Hart A few family members came over to watch a movie this weekend. The dramatic…
February 24, 2017 -
History in the MakingResearch’s Unexpected Benefit
By Sandra Merville Hart It happened again. Somewhere in the middle of writing the novel, the story got stuck…
January 21, 2017 -
History in the MakingWhat Historical Authors Glean from Old Photos
Historical authors can glean a wealth of information from old photos. They give an unintentional glimpse into everyday life…
November 19, 2016 -
History in the MakingDon’t Say
I watched a movie set in the 1800s recently where a child said, “Cool!” He didn’t refer to the…
October 21, 2016
