historical fiction, history

Impromptu Visit to the Shippen-Wistar House

I had time to kill before my dentist appointment today, so I took a little impromptu detour over to the Shippen-Wistar House. The Shippen-Wistar House in Philadelphia. Yes, it was for sale last year and then a real estate developer bought it this past Feb (hence the for sale sign)to be sold again at $5.5… Continue reading Impromptu Visit to the Shippen-Wistar House

historical fiction, history

238th Anniversary of the Battle of Oriskany

Two historical posts in one week!? I know! And I'm in the middle of moving so things are hectic. But coincidentally, August 6th holds another historical meaning for me in terms of what I write about. This year marks the 238th Anniversary of the Battle of Oriskany. I have mentioned here before that in school… Continue reading 238th Anniversary of the Battle of Oriskany

history

Remembering Hiroshima & Nagasaki 70 Years Later

The bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki have stuck with me ever since I first learned about them. As they should - as they should for most people, I think. On August 6, 1945, "Little Boy" was detonated 2,000 feet above the city of Hiroshima in a blast of around 12 to 15,000 tons of TNT.… Continue reading Remembering Hiroshima & Nagasaki 70 Years Later

historical fiction, history, writer, writing

Sources

I wanted to publish a list of on-going sources I have used in my research. I know I'm probably missing a lot (namely the random things I look up and then forget to mark the site url down), but here are some: 1. Forgotten Allies by Joseph T. Glatthaar and James Kirby Martin 2. Places… Continue reading Sources

historical fiction, history, writer, writing

The Onyota’a:ka Language

The Oneida people play a large role in this book, and as such, I thought it only natural to include their language. I was not unfamiliar with including a language in my writing to which I have little to no knowledge of - The Crash of Hard Water has Japanese. But, finding Japanese translations and… Continue reading The Onyota’a:ka Language

historical fiction, history, writing

Minority Representations in Media & the Importance of Getting it Right

http://indiancountrytodaymedianetwork.com/2015/04/23/native-actors-walk-set-adam-sandler-movie-after-insults-women-elders-160110 It’s disgusting that this is still going on in 2015. They’re humans and deserve to be treated with respect, but what can I expect from hollywood (under-represents minority voices) and from adam sandler (who hasn’t tried since like 1998). I had, and still have, my worries and reservations about having so many Oneida characters… Continue reading Minority Representations in Media & the Importance of Getting it Right

historical fiction, history, writer, writing

Turn: Washington’s Spies

The season two opener really upped the stakes not only in terms of the narrative, but also in the show as a whole. The specific subject matter is not only original, but unprecedented in media, much less encapsulated in a TV show. This show has really inspired me as a writer in terms of the… Continue reading Turn: Washington’s Spies

historical fiction, history, writer, writing

Novel-in-progress update

It's the last day of the year, so I thought it would be nice to post a little update on my progress. (Also, I realize I have been sparse in updating this site.) As I've previously shared on social media outlets, this novel-in-progress is set during the American Revolution. I don't want to give away… Continue reading Novel-in-progress update

Uncategorized

My 2 cents on the Scottish Indy Ref, for what it’s worth…

I'm an American citizen. I have an American father and an English mother. That being said, I've always had a fascination with the history of the British Isles. Although I have English blood, I will not shy away from the fact that the Scottish have endured a great deal of hardships and injustices under English… Continue reading My 2 cents on the Scottish Indy Ref, for what it’s worth…

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“Cherished Possessions”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4kLG4MUmP-w A Photographer friend, Randi Fair (http://www.randifairphotography.com/), recently asked me to take part in a short film she was creating about people's most cherished possessions. I am the last interview and discuss my most cherished possession, something that belonged to Molly. I encourage you to watch the entire video, as the other interviews and objects… Continue reading “Cherished Possessions”