Photograph by M.C. Whitney of the Inis Oírr Lighthouse
May 12, 2022 - Book 2 A Whiff of Smoke
As part of my research for Book 2 – A Whiff of Smoke, I am reading Emigrants and Exiles by Kerby Miller for the motivations of emigrates and what Ireland was like before the famine. He goes into the economics, politics and conflicts inherent in Irish culture. This is a topic for another Blog.
Another storyline in my Book 2 is about the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius in 79 CE (Common Era). After all, Bridgette is an archaeologist and would be interested in it. I read Pliny the Younger’s Letters about the eruption and I use these two letters to describe the eruption. But his descriptions stop on the second day. My Book 2 has my characters escaping from the eruption. So I am rereading the escape scenes from Freedom’s Landing by Anne McCaffery.
Another storyline in my Book 2 is about the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius in 79 CE (Common Era). After all, Bridgette is an archaeologist and would be interested in it. I read Pliny the Younger’s Letters about the eruption and I use these two letters to describe the eruption. But his descriptions stop on the second day. My Book 2 has my characters escaping from the eruption. So I am rereading the escape scenes from Freedom’s Landing by Anne McCaffery.
May 11, 2022 - Changing Verbs to Reflect Characters Innate Nature.
So once I enfolded Irish mythology and culture into my characters, I went back and changed many of the verbs I used to reflect the true nature. With Bridgette I use water verbs, flow, meander, splashes. With Grace I use fire terminology. Flashing eyes, simmers, and percolates. Róisín I use air terminology she floats up, shimmers, or like a breath of fresh air. It was fun to change up the verbs, so that when I label each character with their true nature, the reader should not question it. It is already visible in my writing.
May 10, 2022 - So Sorry to Disappear...
.I apologize for being gone for a while... I have been working on major revisions on Book One... and writing Book Two. A Whiff of Smoke.
Book One... Learning to write as I edit – Causing Tension
Right now, I have been working on getting tension into my storyline. About six months ago, my editor told me that I didn't have enough tension in the beginning of my book. “We need to really care about our characters and what they are going through.” So, I have edited and edited again… trying to draw my readers into the story. With each version, I feel that I am getting closer.
I don’t want my book to be about conflict. These books are not about large battles but about life-changing story...about the adjustments we must make in life as the years pass.
Normally, when I read a book, I am so involved in the story, I don’t pay attention to the way the author structured the book to keep me involved. I need to explore this with the mind of an author and not a reader.
Back to the tension—for some reason, it is easier for me to see the tension in McCaffery’s book than in the Outlander series. When I mapped out both series I see that Outlander has many more characters with different concerns. No wonder she catches me up in the story.
Here is a map outline of Freedom’s Landing by Anne McCaffery…
Main concerns first chapters – Safety, food, water and shelter
Main Concerns second chapter – Critters in ground that eat people at night, mechanicals and fliers
Later chapters as the first concerns are met – Safety from the aliens who kidnapped us – Cattini
They have stun guns, stingers and all are powerful
Safety from the aliens who farm this planet
Safety from each other
Conflicts within the exiles – Use of stocks and not violence to quell disquiet
What will happen next?
Outlander's Complexity of Tension
As I reread Echo in the Bone by Gabaldon for the history of the Battles of Saratoga she drew me into the story. Even though I knew what was going to happen. I have read it a few times. I like how she engages me and I can't put the book down.
Spoiler Alter… Don’t read this is you are have not read the books. In examining how she hooks me in, I find that Gabaldon is much more subtle in how she builds her tension. This list may give some things away from Book 8.
The drum of history
Internment on Ocean
Drawn into Ft. Ticonderoga and along with escaping army
Jamie pointing out that cannon on Mt. Defiance can bomb the fort.
They escape at night, confusion and panic
Capture Claire and Jamie and Ian help her escape
Battles along the way sometimes experienced by William from British viewpoint
Jamie’s role as soldier and leader
Claire’s role as physician
Conflict innate in war, pestilence and the struggle for survival day to day
The relationship between Jamie and Claire
Suffering… apart, together, apart, together
And sex and meaningful conversation when together
Relationship with their family members
What will Ian do?
From earlier books, we learn more about his time with the Mohawk.
Can his violent nature be overcome to be with Rachel
When his family is threated, he will do what is needed to protect them
What will his family think about him
Rolo
What will William do?
Conflict over Rachel Hunter
Dr. Hunter’s conflict with Quaker religion and war surgeon
Will William find out who his biological father is?
What will Lord John do?
Why is he father to William?
Taking care of Claire leads to conflict with Jamie.
He lets Jamie do what is needed to spare Claire his anger
Taking care of Claire leads to conflict with his own army, Brother, King.
What will Marsali and Fergus do?
Their threat with the printing business
The children in the midst of a war
Marsali’s getting pregnant all the time
What does Bauxchamp want with Fergus?
What of Brianna and Roger and their kids
Bad people in 1980
Did Gemmy go back in time?
Roger and Buck go back in time will they
Will they ever get back
We know that Buck did not get back to his time
Wow, when I read over this list of conflicts I now understand how Gabaldon draws us in and keeps us engaged. She layers these concerns in such an integral way that we do not notice… except it is hard to put the book down.
This other thing that I find interesting is that very few of these tensions are about war or injury. They are about human relations. That really makes me feel better about putting conflict into my writing.
After examining these, I was able to make my rewrite more engaging. I hope...
Book One... Learning to write as I edit – Causing Tension
Right now, I have been working on getting tension into my storyline. About six months ago, my editor told me that I didn't have enough tension in the beginning of my book. “We need to really care about our characters and what they are going through.” So, I have edited and edited again… trying to draw my readers into the story. With each version, I feel that I am getting closer.
I don’t want my book to be about conflict. These books are not about large battles but about life-changing story...about the adjustments we must make in life as the years pass.
Normally, when I read a book, I am so involved in the story, I don’t pay attention to the way the author structured the book to keep me involved. I need to explore this with the mind of an author and not a reader.
Back to the tension—for some reason, it is easier for me to see the tension in McCaffery’s book than in the Outlander series. When I mapped out both series I see that Outlander has many more characters with different concerns. No wonder she catches me up in the story.
Here is a map outline of Freedom’s Landing by Anne McCaffery…
Main concerns first chapters – Safety, food, water and shelter
Main Concerns second chapter – Critters in ground that eat people at night, mechanicals and fliers
Later chapters as the first concerns are met – Safety from the aliens who kidnapped us – Cattini
They have stun guns, stingers and all are powerful
Safety from the aliens who farm this planet
Safety from each other
Conflicts within the exiles – Use of stocks and not violence to quell disquiet
What will happen next?
Outlander's Complexity of Tension
As I reread Echo in the Bone by Gabaldon for the history of the Battles of Saratoga she drew me into the story. Even though I knew what was going to happen. I have read it a few times. I like how she engages me and I can't put the book down.
Spoiler Alter… Don’t read this is you are have not read the books. In examining how she hooks me in, I find that Gabaldon is much more subtle in how she builds her tension. This list may give some things away from Book 8.
The drum of history
Internment on Ocean
Drawn into Ft. Ticonderoga and along with escaping army
Jamie pointing out that cannon on Mt. Defiance can bomb the fort.
They escape at night, confusion and panic
Capture Claire and Jamie and Ian help her escape
Battles along the way sometimes experienced by William from British viewpoint
Jamie’s role as soldier and leader
Claire’s role as physician
Conflict innate in war, pestilence and the struggle for survival day to day
The relationship between Jamie and Claire
Suffering… apart, together, apart, together
And sex and meaningful conversation when together
Relationship with their family members
What will Ian do?
From earlier books, we learn more about his time with the Mohawk.
Can his violent nature be overcome to be with Rachel
When his family is threated, he will do what is needed to protect them
What will his family think about him
Rolo
What will William do?
Conflict over Rachel Hunter
Dr. Hunter’s conflict with Quaker religion and war surgeon
Will William find out who his biological father is?
What will Lord John do?
Why is he father to William?
Taking care of Claire leads to conflict with Jamie.
He lets Jamie do what is needed to spare Claire his anger
Taking care of Claire leads to conflict with his own army, Brother, King.
What will Marsali and Fergus do?
Their threat with the printing business
The children in the midst of a war
Marsali’s getting pregnant all the time
What does Bauxchamp want with Fergus?
What of Brianna and Roger and their kids
Bad people in 1980
Did Gemmy go back in time?
Roger and Buck go back in time will they
Will they ever get back
We know that Buck did not get back to his time
Wow, when I read over this list of conflicts I now understand how Gabaldon draws us in and keeps us engaged. She layers these concerns in such an integral way that we do not notice… except it is hard to put the book down.
This other thing that I find interesting is that very few of these tensions are about war or injury. They are about human relations. That really makes me feel better about putting conflict into my writing.
After examining these, I was able to make my rewrite more engaging. I hope...
October 10, 2021 – Dreaming as a way to Travel in Time
I have always loved science fiction, especially time-travel books. My favorite series include: Outlander by Diana Gabaldon, The Windrose Chronicles by Barbara Hambly and even Legend and Knight in Shining Armor by Jude Deveraux. I also love history. I actually love researching history. I know… I am a geek.
But in this book, I love transforming the analytics of history by writing it as one would experience it. How would it feel, smell or taste… to be on a ship leaving everything you know to sail to Canada or the United States during the potato famine?
Because this series of books began with a dream, I think it is fun to have my heroine travel through time in her dreams… to experience history as it happens. The question is… is she actually there on the ship? Or is she safe in bed in Ireland?
October 7, 2021 – Learning to write – Folding in history to my story
So one of the most interesting things for me about writing Book 1, is that I had to teach myself how to write a novel. I have written quite a few scholarly articles and my dissertation, but this is my first foray into fiction.
I add historical information into my storyline in three ways. First, my heroin, Bridgette, reads a book and comments on it. Second, I fold it into the storyline through conversations between my characters. Or third, by having Bridgette dream about the information I have read.
I know it sounds strange, this is relatively easy for me because I enjoy reading history and figuring out how to bring it to life. The biggest problem I had was cutting superfluous historical information from my book. I don’t want to be lecturing.
Diane Gabaldon’s Echo in the Bone is a perfect example of this enlivening history through her characters. Let me backtrack to explain why I am rereading Book 8 for maybe the sixth time. Not that I am counting or anything.
n August, my cousin Charlie came to visit and I told him I wanted to see the American Revolutionary battlefield of Saratoga while he was here. As preparation, he sent me the history book Saratoga by Richard M. Ketchum.
I have lived in Vermont for three years and have seen Fort Ticonderoga and the Battlefield at Hubberton, but I hadn’t connected them with the battles of Saratoga.
I was only halfway through Saratoga, the book, when Charlie arrived. Our trip to Saratoga included attending the famous horse races, a late Mexican lunch (There are few Mexican Restaurants in Vermont)… Consequently, we arrived at the battlefield only an hour before closing. As we rushed around to see everything, I remembered some scenes from the Outlander book Echo in the Bone that were about the escape from Ft. Ticonderoga and the battles at Saratoga… and the death of Simon Fraser, a relative of our hero Jamie… But, I had read Echo in the Bone a while ago and didn’t remember everything.
After Charlie left, I finished reading the history book and realized that I live in the middle of the escape route from Ft. Ticonderoga. The Battle at Hubberton happened just ten miles away from my house. Castle Town, Rutland, Skenesbouorgh, Bennington and Saratoga have parts in the story and are within a hundred miles of me.
I even turn to get to Vermont at Whitehall, New York. During the Revolutionary War, it was called Skenesbouorgh. It was were the US Navy began in 1775 and ‘76. It was also where the boats filled with supplies, women and invalids were headed as they fled from Ft. Ticonderoga. The fact that battles at Saratoga were a continuation of that campaign in the summer and fall of 1777. How did I miss that they were all attached in one bloody campaign?
Once I finished Saratoga, I opened Echo in the Bone and saw how Gabaldon brought Ketchum’s information to life. She uses the facts of the history but brings it to life through her characters’ experiences, such as… their fright, thirst, hunger and fatigue. She always begins her scenes with the smells of a place. I love how this easily decants me into her imaginary,yet real world.
I add historical information into my storyline in three ways. First, my heroin, Bridgette, reads a book and comments on it. Second, I fold it into the storyline through conversations between my characters. Or third, by having Bridgette dream about the information I have read.
I know it sounds strange, this is relatively easy for me because I enjoy reading history and figuring out how to bring it to life. The biggest problem I had was cutting superfluous historical information from my book. I don’t want to be lecturing.
Diane Gabaldon’s Echo in the Bone is a perfect example of this enlivening history through her characters. Let me backtrack to explain why I am rereading Book 8 for maybe the sixth time. Not that I am counting or anything.
n August, my cousin Charlie came to visit and I told him I wanted to see the American Revolutionary battlefield of Saratoga while he was here. As preparation, he sent me the history book Saratoga by Richard M. Ketchum.
I have lived in Vermont for three years and have seen Fort Ticonderoga and the Battlefield at Hubberton, but I hadn’t connected them with the battles of Saratoga.
I was only halfway through Saratoga, the book, when Charlie arrived. Our trip to Saratoga included attending the famous horse races, a late Mexican lunch (There are few Mexican Restaurants in Vermont)… Consequently, we arrived at the battlefield only an hour before closing. As we rushed around to see everything, I remembered some scenes from the Outlander book Echo in the Bone that were about the escape from Ft. Ticonderoga and the battles at Saratoga… and the death of Simon Fraser, a relative of our hero Jamie… But, I had read Echo in the Bone a while ago and didn’t remember everything.
After Charlie left, I finished reading the history book and realized that I live in the middle of the escape route from Ft. Ticonderoga. The Battle at Hubberton happened just ten miles away from my house. Castle Town, Rutland, Skenesbouorgh, Bennington and Saratoga have parts in the story and are within a hundred miles of me.
I even turn to get to Vermont at Whitehall, New York. During the Revolutionary War, it was called Skenesbouorgh. It was were the US Navy began in 1775 and ‘76. It was also where the boats filled with supplies, women and invalids were headed as they fled from Ft. Ticonderoga. The fact that battles at Saratoga were a continuation of that campaign in the summer and fall of 1777. How did I miss that they were all attached in one bloody campaign?
Once I finished Saratoga, I opened Echo in the Bone and saw how Gabaldon brought Ketchum’s information to life. She uses the facts of the history but brings it to life through her characters’ experiences, such as… their fright, thirst, hunger and fatigue. She always begins her scenes with the smells of a place. I love how this easily decants me into her imaginary,yet real world.
September 20, 2021 – Multiple Names for Buildings on Inis Oírr
In my book... at the Grand Opening of Our Neighbors’ Garden, the following discussion happens about the many names of everything in Ireland:
After a while, I ask, “Why is the church ruin up the road called so many names Teampall Chaomháin, St. Kevin's, St. Cavan, St. Caomhan's, and the Seven Sisters?”
Róisín looks pleased, and Aisling warns, “Watch out, here comes the tour guide! She was a tour guide on the island for over twenty years. Did you know she speaks French and German?”
In her tour guide tone of voice, Róisín says, “Well, Teampall Chaomháin is Irish, St. Caomhan's is Anglicized, St. Cavan is the abbreviated Anglicized version of the same name. (which is more like how it is pronounced). Some people simplify it to St. Kevin or even St. Keevin, but I think St. Kevin was someone else altogether… he is famous on the mainland of Ireland, sort of like St. Patrick.” She savors another sip of tea. I encourage her by leaning forward in my chair.
“St. Chaomháin is the patron saint of fishermen here on Inis Oírr. He was born in Ireland in the sixth or eighth-century… history isn't sure of the date, but they buried him here. The building northeast of the church ruin covers his grave.” She takes a bite of scone, “My goodness Brighid (Róisín calls Bridgette the older name Brighid) these are light and airy. Good job for your first time making them.”
Back to the real world…
When editing my book, Cormac Coyne asked me if I confused Teampall Chaomháin (pronounced Keevaun) with the Church of the Seven Daughters? No…I had not even heard of the Church of the Seven Daughters. Cormac sent me a photograph of the gravemarkers, which is all that is left of that church.
I found the Church of the Seven Sisters on Google Maps. Just to let you know, I did not make this up. The Google Map site calls Teampall Chaomháin the Church of the Seven Sisters. The idea of seven women forms the main framework of my book and the series I am writing. The books are based on seven friends, sooo.. Even though, Teampall Chaomháin may not be called the Church of the Seven Sisters on Inis Oírr. It is in my book.
I now think that the grave markers of the Seven Daughters is just over the hill from Teampall Chaomháin and that is what the map labels the Seven Sisters. I will find out when I visit the island.
After a while, I ask, “Why is the church ruin up the road called so many names Teampall Chaomháin, St. Kevin's, St. Cavan, St. Caomhan's, and the Seven Sisters?”
Róisín looks pleased, and Aisling warns, “Watch out, here comes the tour guide! She was a tour guide on the island for over twenty years. Did you know she speaks French and German?”
In her tour guide tone of voice, Róisín says, “Well, Teampall Chaomháin is Irish, St. Caomhan's is Anglicized, St. Cavan is the abbreviated Anglicized version of the same name. (which is more like how it is pronounced). Some people simplify it to St. Kevin or even St. Keevin, but I think St. Kevin was someone else altogether… he is famous on the mainland of Ireland, sort of like St. Patrick.” She savors another sip of tea. I encourage her by leaning forward in my chair.
“St. Chaomháin is the patron saint of fishermen here on Inis Oírr. He was born in Ireland in the sixth or eighth-century… history isn't sure of the date, but they buried him here. The building northeast of the church ruin covers his grave.” She takes a bite of scone, “My goodness Brighid (Róisín calls Bridgette the older name Brighid) these are light and airy. Good job for your first time making them.”
Back to the real world…
When editing my book, Cormac Coyne asked me if I confused Teampall Chaomháin (pronounced Keevaun) with the Church of the Seven Daughters? No…I had not even heard of the Church of the Seven Daughters. Cormac sent me a photograph of the gravemarkers, which is all that is left of that church.
I found the Church of the Seven Sisters on Google Maps. Just to let you know, I did not make this up. The Google Map site calls Teampall Chaomháin the Church of the Seven Sisters. The idea of seven women forms the main framework of my book and the series I am writing. The books are based on seven friends, sooo.. Even though, Teampall Chaomháin may not be called the Church of the Seven Sisters on Inis Oírr. It is in my book.
I now think that the grave markers of the Seven Daughters is just over the hill from Teampall Chaomháin and that is what the map labels the Seven Sisters. I will find out when I visit the island.
September 18, 2021 – Working from Maps and Websites
Confession #2. I have never been to Inis Oírr, but I have been to the Cliffs of Moher.
I am working from online websites from Inis Oírr and photographs, especially ones by Cormac Coyne. He and I have never met, but when I saw his beautiful photographs… I contacted him and we are now online buddies.
Through his photographs, I captured small details of life on Inis Oírr. For example, initially, I had no cars on the island, like Mackinaw Island in Michigan. But I saw vehicles in his photographs and had to give that idea up. Also, I realized that the lights of Galway would be visible at night from Inis Oírr.
Working from maps, and photographs especially when there are multiple names for sites, can be confusing. For example, I confused An Tur Faire (the Napoleonic Watch Tower) with Caislean Ui Bhriain (O’Brien’s Castle, sometimes also called O’Brien’s Tower).
I was on my eighth revision when I finally realized they were two separate places. Once I figured that out, I now consistently call Caislean Ui Bhriain, O’Brien’s Castle because it is more than a tower and I do not want to confuse my readers.
I am working from online websites from Inis Oírr and photographs, especially ones by Cormac Coyne. He and I have never met, but when I saw his beautiful photographs… I contacted him and we are now online buddies.
Through his photographs, I captured small details of life on Inis Oírr. For example, initially, I had no cars on the island, like Mackinaw Island in Michigan. But I saw vehicles in his photographs and had to give that idea up. Also, I realized that the lights of Galway would be visible at night from Inis Oírr.
Working from maps, and photographs especially when there are multiple names for sites, can be confusing. For example, I confused An Tur Faire (the Napoleonic Watch Tower) with Caislean Ui Bhriain (O’Brien’s Castle, sometimes also called O’Brien’s Tower).
I was on my eighth revision when I finally realized they were two separate places. Once I figured that out, I now consistently call Caislean Ui Bhriain, O’Brien’s Castle because it is more than a tower and I do not want to confuse my readers.
September 16, 2021 – Magical Creatures
Faeries… No leprechauns, please.
While my book is about a magical house on Inis Oírr, I did not want to include all the magical creatures of Ireland. Somehow, I think the story is more believable… without leprechauns. Well, maybe it is… I just don’t like the teasing nature of leprechauns. They seem to always be stirring up people with their tricks. I don’t really like that trait in humans and really dislike it in Leprechauns.
So, this is my story and my excuse for leaving them out. There may be other magical creatures appearing in A Whiff of Smoke, Book Two. Who knows… well, actually, I do, but I am not spilling the beans, yet.
While my book is about a magical house on Inis Oírr, I did not want to include all the magical creatures of Ireland. Somehow, I think the story is more believable… without leprechauns. Well, maybe it is… I just don’t like the teasing nature of leprechauns. They seem to always be stirring up people with their tricks. I don’t really like that trait in humans and really dislike it in Leprechauns.
So, this is my story and my excuse for leaving them out. There may be other magical creatures appearing in A Whiff of Smoke, Book Two. Who knows… well, actually, I do, but I am not spilling the beans, yet.
My Blog about the Process of Writing a Complex Novel
An Unintended Haven: A Modern Celtic Tale is:
A fantasy book of magical realism grounded in mythological Ireland.
Bridgette time-travels in her dreams, which are grounded in historical research.
The grand opening of the magical Our Neighbors' Garden Restaurant that serves re-imagined Irish cuisine.
There are Beltane ceremonies, the Full-Moon Art Festival and St.Chaomháin's Vigil.
Bridgette's island life includes gardening, soaring, sailing and wine making.
The story examines the relationship of extreme commitment to achieving and letting go of perfection to find contentment.
And it is about the relationship between seven women that enable each to find the best in themselves.
A fantasy book of magical realism grounded in mythological Ireland.
Bridgette time-travels in her dreams, which are grounded in historical research.
The grand opening of the magical Our Neighbors' Garden Restaurant that serves re-imagined Irish cuisine.
There are Beltane ceremonies, the Full-Moon Art Festival and St.Chaomháin's Vigil.
Bridgette's island life includes gardening, soaring, sailing and wine making.
The story examines the relationship of extreme commitment to achieving and letting go of perfection to find contentment.
And it is about the relationship between seven women that enable each to find the best in themselves.
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Plassey Ship Wreck Photos by Cormac Coyne Inis Oírr's O'Brien's Castle
September 14, 2021 – Disclosure, I am almost half Celtic
When I began writing this book, I thought I was half English, a quarter Irish and a quarter German.
While writing Book 1, An Unintended Haven, I took a DNA test to write with authority about the experience. Surprise, I actually am 45% Celtic. That is 16% Irish from Munster, 26% Scot and 3% Welsh. I am 48% English and Northwest European, plus 2% Germanic and 5% Norse. Oh, those sneaky Norse marauders left their seeds in all of the above locations. The power of the gene counts.
On Ancestry.com family tree website, I found my English maternal grandfather was a quarter Welsh. My English paternal grandfather was half Irish. Who knew? Now, my Grandfather Corson’s toasts make sense. “Here’s to you Fuzzy Wuzzy, with your fuzzy head of hair. You’re a bold benighted heathen, but you broke the British Square.” That toast is definitely anti-British, which I thought strange... until now.
In addition, for ten years in the 1980s, my mother-in-law had researched her family back to the 1690s in Denmark and 1632 in England. In the 1990s, I traveled with my in-laws to unearth their ‘dead relatives’ in Denmark, England, Scotland and Ireland.
So anyway, when I traveled in England, our hosts at Bed & Breakfasts would look at me askance when I quipped about something inane. But when I did the same thing in Ireland, our hostess quipped right back… “Baby, I am home.” I was happy to discover that my sense of humor is Irish.
I hope my mother-in-law looks down on me with delight that I finally am researching my family tree.
While writing Book 1, An Unintended Haven, I took a DNA test to write with authority about the experience. Surprise, I actually am 45% Celtic. That is 16% Irish from Munster, 26% Scot and 3% Welsh. I am 48% English and Northwest European, plus 2% Germanic and 5% Norse. Oh, those sneaky Norse marauders left their seeds in all of the above locations. The power of the gene counts.
On Ancestry.com family tree website, I found my English maternal grandfather was a quarter Welsh. My English paternal grandfather was half Irish. Who knew? Now, my Grandfather Corson’s toasts make sense. “Here’s to you Fuzzy Wuzzy, with your fuzzy head of hair. You’re a bold benighted heathen, but you broke the British Square.” That toast is definitely anti-British, which I thought strange... until now.
In addition, for ten years in the 1980s, my mother-in-law had researched her family back to the 1690s in Denmark and 1632 in England. In the 1990s, I traveled with my in-laws to unearth their ‘dead relatives’ in Denmark, England, Scotland and Ireland.
So anyway, when I traveled in England, our hosts at Bed & Breakfasts would look at me askance when I quipped about something inane. But when I did the same thing in Ireland, our hostess quipped right back… “Baby, I am home.” I was happy to discover that my sense of humor is Irish.
I hope my mother-in-law looks down on me with delight that I finally am researching my family tree.
September 12, 2021 – The Church of the Seven Sisters
Update as of May 12, 2022... I was confused about Tempall Chaomhain and the Seven Sisters being the same. Seven Sisters is actually called the Graves of the Seven Daughters. It is located on the lane to the lighthouse.
Tempall Chaomhain has four different names and is by the airport.
When I examined the online map, the Church of St. Chaomháin’s was called the Church of the Seven Sisters. I extrapolated this name into an essential aspect of my story, seven women finding strength in their shared relationships.
Eventually, I transformed the idea of seven women to represent Irish mythological traits.
When I examined Irish mythology, I found the four elements: earth, water, air, and fire. In addition, I asked myself, “What makes Ireland, Ireland?” I realized that the Irish are known for their music, literature and art.
This gave me seven traits which I applied to seven women who became ‘sisters’ of Bridgette’s heart.
As the story progressed, balance became an important theme; consequently, I re-imagined seven male characters to morph into having similar characteristics. They all come together for the denouement.
Tempall Chaomhain has four different names and is by the airport.
When I examined the online map, the Church of St. Chaomháin’s was called the Church of the Seven Sisters. I extrapolated this name into an essential aspect of my story, seven women finding strength in their shared relationships.
Eventually, I transformed the idea of seven women to represent Irish mythological traits.
When I examined Irish mythology, I found the four elements: earth, water, air, and fire. In addition, I asked myself, “What makes Ireland, Ireland?” I realized that the Irish are known for their music, literature and art.
This gave me seven traits which I applied to seven women who became ‘sisters’ of Bridgette’s heart.
As the story progressed, balance became an important theme; consequently, I re-imagined seven male characters to morph into having similar characteristics. They all come together for the denouement.
September 7, 2021 – Chants and Songs
I confess that the ceremonies, chants, songs, and poetry are of my construction. Each time I wrote one, I would read Irish songs and chants. When I sat down to write the words just flowed out of me. I hope that my attempts at writing Irish poetry have not offended anyone. I do not consider myself a poet, but I could not get permissions to use actual Irish chants and songs; therefore my invention.
For the vigil of St. Chaomháin, I examined other vigils. Then wrote. Once I had edited the text to an inch of its life… I asked a local priest to review my work to make sure I had captured the essence of a Catholic vigil. I was relieved when he approved my writing.
The only thing he did not know what 'turas' were. It is an Irish ceremony of walking 'pilgrimage' or 'rounds' a sacred site as a form of blessing.
For the vigil of St. Chaomháin, I examined other vigils. Then wrote. Once I had edited the text to an inch of its life… I asked a local priest to review my work to make sure I had captured the essence of a Catholic vigil. I was relieved when he approved my writing.
The only thing he did not know what 'turas' were. It is an Irish ceremony of walking 'pilgrimage' or 'rounds' a sacred site as a form of blessing.
September 6, 2021 – My Calendar Concerns
My book is done in a blog format, with dates for every day’s events. In the beginning, I invented dates, putting Beltane on Saturday, May 1. I needed to leave time for the restaurant to appear with a couple of days of preparation... before the Grand Opening parties on the following weekend.
Once the book took shape, I wanted to ground the dates in a year. Finally, in desperation, I searched on my cell phone… low and behold, Sunday, May 1, was in 2022. This was a pivotal moment because I did not want the book to be about COVID-19, but it was an enormous elephant in the room because I was writing while being quarantined. By moving the year to 2022, it allowed me to put the pandemic in the past. So I could address it tangentially rather than it being the focus of the story. I hoped that by April 2022 that a vaccine has been invented, tested, and disseminated so that Bridgette could take her celebratory tour of Ireland.
Then my editor, Cherri Randall, suggested that I remove the COVID-19 reference because it dates the book. In addition, I was concerned that readers will be tired of COVID-19 by the time the book is published and will not want to be reminded of it. So I changed Bridgette’s illness to nontubular mycobacteria that comes from the soil. Which, of course, relates to her being an archaeologist. People with this infection have coughed so hard they have broken ribs and it takes a year of a cocktail of antibiotics to recover from the infection.
Although I think that people with this infection can work... I had Bridgette stay home while she was treated for it, I needed her to be separated from her career to add tension.
Once the book took shape, I wanted to ground the dates in a year. Finally, in desperation, I searched on my cell phone… low and behold, Sunday, May 1, was in 2022. This was a pivotal moment because I did not want the book to be about COVID-19, but it was an enormous elephant in the room because I was writing while being quarantined. By moving the year to 2022, it allowed me to put the pandemic in the past. So I could address it tangentially rather than it being the focus of the story. I hoped that by April 2022 that a vaccine has been invented, tested, and disseminated so that Bridgette could take her celebratory tour of Ireland.
Then my editor, Cherri Randall, suggested that I remove the COVID-19 reference because it dates the book. In addition, I was concerned that readers will be tired of COVID-19 by the time the book is published and will not want to be reminded of it. So I changed Bridgette’s illness to nontubular mycobacteria that comes from the soil. Which, of course, relates to her being an archaeologist. People with this infection have coughed so hard they have broken ribs and it takes a year of a cocktail of antibiotics to recover from the infection.
Although I think that people with this infection can work... I had Bridgette stay home while she was treated for it, I needed her to be separated from her career to add tension.
September 5, 2021 – Process of Writing the Historical Part of Fiction
I knew that I wanted Bridgette to time travel through her dreams and wanted these dreams to be based on reality. I ordered the books Paddy’s Lament by Thomas Gallagher and Ship Fever by Andrea Barrett about the famine and immigration. My schedule was writing in the morning and reading in the afternoon. The information just naturally folded into the story. These facts ground my fantasy into the actual flow of history. After all, Bridgette is an archaeologist.
I take full responsibility for any errors in the facts… that are not flat-out lies. (Someone at Writer’s Digest said in fictions write two truths and a lie.)
I take full responsibility for any errors in the facts… that are not flat-out lies. (Someone at Writer’s Digest said in fictions write two truths and a lie.)
September 4, 2021 – How my Story Began
So on March 22, 2019, I had an intriguing dream. It was about a restaurant appearing in a house that I was renting somewhere in Europe. The dream was so clear and exciting, the next morning, I wrote, "As I was crawling into bed, I said aloud, “I wish there was a restaurant nearer. I am too tired to go out.” In the morning, near dawn, I come downstairs and there is an extra staircase into what was a non-existent basement. As I creep down the new stairs, and peak around the corner, I see a sparkling glare. As I move into the space a sea of white linen and glistening silver, china and glassware is set aglow by the rising sun streaming in windows. It seems that I have a fine dining restaurant in my walkout basement. The Maitre d' leans in to tell me to be careful of what I think... It may come to be."
The dream stuck with me… within six months, I had written about 4,500 words. That is about fifteen pages, and that seemed like a lot for someone who has only written professional scholarly papers since I finished my dissertation for my Ph.D. in 2008. My dissertation was agony to write. I researched for two years, wrote for one, and then edited it for two more years. So the thought of writing a book was not in my purview.
But I persisted writing, and in October, I read part of it to friends… and they were not overly impressed. I think I had too many lists of things in the house.
I continued with my writing by deleting many lists. I only for a couple of hours a week. I decided to put the house in Ireland mainly because Nora Roberts had established “the magic of Ireland” in many of her romance trilogies. I looked in western Ireland for a small town with a grocery store and library. The only village I could find on my phone was Inisheer or Inis Oírr in the Irish language.
One of the many bonuses of Inis Oírr was... I had already written my heroine could not understand the language, so while much of Ireland speaks English, Inis Oírr prides itself with still using the old tongue. They actually have students from all over the world studying the Irish language come for the summer to improve their speaking skills.
Another bonus of Inis Oírr is it has a font of intriguing locations, from 1500 BCE Neolithic cist, to two ruined churches and a ruined castle brooding over the village. I was off and flying. By Christmas, I had written 7000 words.
In January, I went to Florida to see friends. I read Phyllis my description of the magic house and she was intrigued. We spent the next three days brainstorming. By that time, I had read her most of what I had written to her and we came up with An Unintended Haven: A Modern Celtic Tale as the book’s title. We changed my heroine’s name to Bridgette O’Brien. Later, I discovered that Brien Boru was the first king of all Ireland, and many buildings carry the O’Brien name, including the castle ruin at the top of Inis Oírr. This opened a whole new line of research about the O’Brien clan.
And then COVID-19 hit in real life and I was sequestered alone in my house in Vermont. Rather than fretting about what I could not do… I escaped by researching Inis Oírr every day and playing in my imagination with my imaginary friends.
As I was writing, I bought books about how to write and I joined the Writer’s Digest and learned more about how to write novels. Someone on that website suggested in fiction the writer can use two truths and a lie. Oh, my goodness, that opened a whole new way of thinking about my book.
My dream began this book and in that process, I became a fiction writer. Who knew?
The dream stuck with me… within six months, I had written about 4,500 words. That is about fifteen pages, and that seemed like a lot for someone who has only written professional scholarly papers since I finished my dissertation for my Ph.D. in 2008. My dissertation was agony to write. I researched for two years, wrote for one, and then edited it for two more years. So the thought of writing a book was not in my purview.
But I persisted writing, and in October, I read part of it to friends… and they were not overly impressed. I think I had too many lists of things in the house.
I continued with my writing by deleting many lists. I only for a couple of hours a week. I decided to put the house in Ireland mainly because Nora Roberts had established “the magic of Ireland” in many of her romance trilogies. I looked in western Ireland for a small town with a grocery store and library. The only village I could find on my phone was Inisheer or Inis Oírr in the Irish language.
One of the many bonuses of Inis Oírr was... I had already written my heroine could not understand the language, so while much of Ireland speaks English, Inis Oírr prides itself with still using the old tongue. They actually have students from all over the world studying the Irish language come for the summer to improve their speaking skills.
Another bonus of Inis Oírr is it has a font of intriguing locations, from 1500 BCE Neolithic cist, to two ruined churches and a ruined castle brooding over the village. I was off and flying. By Christmas, I had written 7000 words.
In January, I went to Florida to see friends. I read Phyllis my description of the magic house and she was intrigued. We spent the next three days brainstorming. By that time, I had read her most of what I had written to her and we came up with An Unintended Haven: A Modern Celtic Tale as the book’s title. We changed my heroine’s name to Bridgette O’Brien. Later, I discovered that Brien Boru was the first king of all Ireland, and many buildings carry the O’Brien name, including the castle ruin at the top of Inis Oírr. This opened a whole new line of research about the O’Brien clan.
And then COVID-19 hit in real life and I was sequestered alone in my house in Vermont. Rather than fretting about what I could not do… I escaped by researching Inis Oírr every day and playing in my imagination with my imaginary friends.
As I was writing, I bought books about how to write and I joined the Writer’s Digest and learned more about how to write novels. Someone on that website suggested in fiction the writer can use two truths and a lie. Oh, my goodness, that opened a whole new way of thinking about my book.
My dream began this book and in that process, I became a fiction writer. Who knew?