Highwaymen of the 17th century

I do have an obsession for highwaymen, especially the 17th century variety. It’s possibly because the most famous of this collection were closely associated with the English Civil War and had fought for the king. Many soldiers returned from the war to impoverished conditions and some turned to highway robbery. Others continued to war against the enemy on the highway instead of a battlefield; and still others just took advantage of the upheaval to make a ‘living’. Let me introduce to you three of my favourite 17th century highwaymen. Without a doubt, Captain James Hind tops my list. Also…

Historical Perspective and the Modern Audience

August 29, 2017August 19, 2019 Categories: WritingTags: A Writer of History · Cryssa Bazos · historical fiction · historical perspective · historical perspective and the modern audience · M.K Tod · Traitor's Knot4 Comments

Writing historical fiction requires balancing the historical sensibilities (speech, culture, customs) for the modern reader. Today, I’m a guest on Mary Tod’s award winning blog, A Writer of History, where I discuss how to do it and why it’s important. Click here for the article. If you’re interested in getting an insight into all aspects of historical fiction, I highly recommend Mary’s blog. There are many fascinating articles.

The Hudson’s Bay Company: a 17th century multicultural start up

August 16, 2017May 6, 2020 Categories: 17th centuryTags: #17thcentury · fur trade · fur trapping · HBC · Hudson's Bay Company · King Charles II · Medard des Groseilliers · Pierre-Esprit Radisson · Prince Rupert · Rupert's Land · Traitor's Knot2 Comments

I’ve been thinking about how Canada became a nation and the long line of diverse people who paved the way. Curiously enough, Canada’s early story revolves a department store—the Hudson’s Bay Company. When you think Hudson’s Bay Company, you’re probably thinking of HBC, Bay Days sales and that iconic point blanket. I think of all that, but I also see an institution with a quintessential Canadian history, that started as a multicultural startup in the 17th century. It started with a dream. Two French Canadian trappers (coureurs de bois), Pierre-Esprit Radisson and Médard des Groseilliers, were looking for the holy…

Combining words, art, and a book launch

July 31, 2017August 19, 2019 Categories: News · Traitor's KnotTags: book launch · David Wysotski · Station Gallery · Traitor's KnotLeave a comment

The Traitor’s Knot book launch was held on July 27th at Whitby’s Station Gallery. Family, friends and friends of friends came out to help me celebrate my debut novel. I’m still overwhelmed by the support of those who came out. Thank you! It was a very special evening held an incredibly creative venue. Station Gallery is a community gallery in Whitby, Ontario situated in the historic Whitby’s Grand Trunk Railroad station. Station Gallery has operated as a community visual arts centre for 45 years. The exhibit running at that time showcased the work of David Wysotski, a local artist who explored…

Because it happened: How not to write historical fiction

July 26, 2017August 19, 2019 Categories: WritingTags: Alternative history · Charles Stuart · Featured · Fugitive King · historical fiction · historical fiction writing tips · King Charles II · Traitor's Knot · writing tips9 Comments

When I started writing the first dirty draft of Traitor’s Knot, I was so focused on the details of the events, that I often neglected the human reaction to the drama. It’s understandable given that there is so much pressure to get the historical facts nailed. Historical fiction writers have the advantage of knowing what happened to their subjects, but sometimes that knowledge blunts the suspense. This doesn’t seem to be a problem for other genres, with perhaps the exception of memoire. Science fiction and fantasy–your imagination defines what or what doesn’t happen. Contemporary or romance, ditto. Thrillers? You guys are…