Monday, September 23, 2013

Researching Medieval Times in pictures - by Vijaya Schartz


Castle in Forez
The Curse of the Lost Isle is an ongoing series that will include many installments.

I am currently writing Book 5 - CHATELAINE OF FOREZ, to come out this winter, but as I research small details, I come across fodder for my future novels in the series. 

This book will again feature Melusine the Fae, a princess of Strathclyde, former lady of Luxembourg, but a few decades have passed.

The Curse of the Lost Isle series
4 books published so far - in kindle only
 

Arms of Forez
This is the banner of Forez, and the golden dolphin represents Melusine the Fae, a water creature. As many of you know, Melusine is immortal, but cursed to become a water serpent from the waist down one day each month. At the start of the 11th Century, she roams the swamps, lakes, springs, and rivers of Forez, where she meets Count Artaud, a Pagan knight, who might be the reincarnation of Melusine's very first love, Sigefroi of Luxembourg.

During research, I'm often distracted by facts and images that pop up in my searches. I'm very visual, so images bring up a slew of ideas.



Book 6 will cover the first Crusade, and it became difficult to remain focused on the book I'm presently writing, so I decided to stash away pictures and information for the future books in the series. Here are some of my precious finds I stashed on Pinterest for my next novel. 

Godfrey of Bouillon 1st Crusader
Godfrey of Bouillon (in Belgium) will be a character in Book 6. He initiated the first knights' Crusade, which will serve as the backdrop for that novel.

But right now, I have to get back to writing Book 5, CHATELAINE OF FOREZ, so you can enjoy it during the holidays.

Wishing you all HAPPY READING.

Vijaya Schartz
Swords, Romance with a Kick
http://www.vijayaschartz.com


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7 comments:

  1. Hey Vijaya! It all sounds wonderful! I can't wait to find out what interesting things you'll unearth and put into your novels!

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  2. Wow.. you have tons of research. It must be so fun to dig into the past like that. I wish I could find the time. I wish you all the best!

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  3. Thanks for commenting, Charlotte. Melissa, it does take time to research, but it's all worth it, for the pleasure and for the ideas that end up in the books.

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  4. I love to do research too. I have the first 3 books in this series and can't wait to read them. :)

    Kelley

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    1. Hope you like the books, Kelley.
      Have a wonderful day.

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  5. What an unusual and awesome line of stories, Vijaya. I love research, too, and this time in history is so fascinating. Best of luck with your stories.

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    1. It is a fascinating period, Gemma. Besides, the historical records are so thin, it's easy to fill the blanks with the legends. Thanks for commenting.

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