The most common misunderstanding when it comes to wagons is the type. The type of covered wagon used is a misconception that is addressed in almost any book talking about the trail, yet is so widespread that most people still think of Conestoga wagons when thinking about the Oregon/California Trail. I even recently saw anContinueContinue reading “On the Trail: Wagons”
Tag Archives: Research
19th Century Shoes: 1800 – 1810
Today, I want to talk about shoes. Yes, you may well blink in surprise. Because who, when doing a post on historical fashion, ever concentrates on shoes? Well, exactly! I mean, do you know how hard it is, when you are creating a scene for an historical fiction book, to figure out what shoe they’dContinueContinue reading “19th Century Shoes: 1800 – 1810”
On the Trail: Jumping Off Towns
In any search regarding the Oregon/California trails, you’ll probably come across the term “Jumping off place” or town or city, or you know, something similar – the key part being “jumping off”. It’s such a commonplace term for anyone looking at the overland trail, that it took me awhile to realize not everyone knew whatContinueContinue reading “On the Trail: Jumping Off Towns”
19th Century Fashion: Part Two
See? I told you I’d come back to it! I know how you’ve been waiting with bated breath, so I’ll start right up where I left off: Super Quick Overview Part 2 1850ish – 1860ish Huge skirts with multiple petticoats, eventually replaced by cage crinolines (hoopskirts) Bright colors and silk favored Natural waistline High necklinesContinueContinue reading “19th Century Fashion: Part Two”
Dinner at 1800: Strawberry Dumplings
For this month’s Dinner at 1800, we are going on the trail! Yup, today’s recipe is from Mary Power’s diary when she was traveling to California in 1856, which means attempting to replicate it was quite an adventure. See the highlights over on Instagram! So many thank yous to my sister, Tianna, without whom, theContinueContinue reading “Dinner at 1800: Strawberry Dumplings”
Podcasts and Conferences
There’s a country song that has been going over and over in my head this month, called Sounds Like Life to Me by Darryl Worley. Essentially the song talks about how crazy life is and how no matter how much we want life to be predictable and/or fairytale-ish, it’s actually unpredictable with lots of upsContinueContinue reading “Podcasts and Conferences”
The Overland Trails: Overview
I know what you are all thinking: “Um, Jacinta, you promised us a part two of that AMAZING historical fashion overview…what on earth is this?? I’ve been on pins and needles ALL WEEK waiting to see how fashion changed once it hit the 1850s!” Don’t worry, I haven’t forgotten. Part 2 is coming next month.ContinueContinue reading “The Overland Trails: Overview”
19th Century Fashion: Part One
I love historical fashion. I know. Shock. Take a moment to recover, please. All right, that’s enough. But, lucky for YOU ALL LOVELY READERS, I’ve decided to combine my love of historical fashion and my blogging so that you also can have the benefit of learning more about clothing. No, it has nothing to doContinueContinue reading “19th Century Fashion: Part One”
Turtle Mode
My beta readers were due to send edits back to me on April 15th. For all you writers out there, you know how nerve-wracking that is. I mean, a project you have spent months–or in many cases years–or in my case ten years–on and you finally sent it out into a cold, cruel world whoContinueContinue reading “Turtle Mode”
Next Steps
And, after pushing myself probably more than was healthy, I finally sent my book off to beta readers around 2:00 AM on Saturday. Or would that technically be Sunday? Anyway, once the book was gone, it was like a huge load dropped off my shoulders and left only weariness in its place. It has beenContinueContinue reading “Next Steps”
Forest Idylls 