Love & History with Anna Belfrage

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Love is an important element in any story, not just in romance. It doesn’t have to be the focus of the story—even a small sprinkling can be enough. I would argue that it’s especially important in historical fiction. We live, we love, we strive to maintain relationships, now and in the past. Love is often the gateway to making a historical figure flesh and blood. Today, I’d like to welcome historical fiction author Anna Belfrage to chat about love + historical fiction. Anna’s knowledge of history spans centuries and across continents. I’m always amazed at the breadth of her knowledge. Not only is she a prolific bestselling…

Traitor’s Knot: Happy Publication Day!

Categories: Traitor's KnotTags: · · · · · · · · · · · · · · 4 Comments

World, I am very proud to present my debut novel, Traitor’s Knot! After years of crafting this story, nurturing and polishing it through various edits, I finally release it to the universe. There’s nothing like this exhilaration! In the words of a 17th century poet, no man is an island. This is especially true for a writer. It is only through the support and encouragement of family and friends that this journey has been possible. I would like to thank everyone who cared enough to offer their honest feedback over the years–everyone who believed in me and the story that I wanted…

Maypole madness

Categories: 17th centuryTags: · · · · · · · 6 Comments

On 8 April 1644, Parliament got into a snit over the maypole. They determined that they had enough of it and released An Ordinance (for the better observation of the Lord’s Day) to ban it, calling the maypole a “Heathenish vanity, generally abused to superstition and wickedness”. The Puritans were looking to reshape England into a godly society, and the poor, innocent maypole just had to go. The Ordinance stated: That all and singular May-Poles, that are, or shall be erected, shall be taken down and removed by the Constables, Borsholders, Tything-men, petty Constables, and Churchwardens of the Parishes, and places where the…

The Mystery of the Lobster in the Tower of London

Categories: 17th centuryTags: · · · · · 2 Comments

  On the first day of the England Tour-Fest 2016 (also known as the ‘cover England in two weeks trip), we hit the Tower of London. I was travelling with fellow historical fiction writer, Sally Moore, and together, we were armed with a comprehensive itinerary that a drill sergeant would have envied. For two history geeks like ourselves, there was no question about kicking off the tour here. We had both visited the Tower before, but there is always something new to discover. It’s a remarkable fortress, situated across from London Bridge and hugging the Thames. William the Conqueror built this castle after the Norman…