Category Archives: writing

Sir Walter Scott, the Historical Romance, and the Creation of a National Identity – Part II

Posted on April 21, 2015 by Regina Jeffers

Last Tuesday, we had our first look at how Sir Walter Scott perfected the “formula” for historical romance while creating a national identity. [April 14 post – Part I]  Sir Walter Scott’s fiction quite often uses the plot devices of … Continue reading →

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The Red Book of Hergest, Welsh Medieval Manuscript

Posted on October 17, 2014 by Regina Jeffers

This is one of three posts I have scheduled related to Hergest Court. We will also have a look at Sir Thomas Vaughan (October 24) and his trials with four English kings and, in celebration of all things haunted, the … Continue reading →

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A Medieval Misconception: All Women Were Chattel, A Guest Post by Kim Rendfeld, who is Celebrating the Release of “The Ashes of Heaven’s Pillar”

Posted on September 25, 2014 by Regina Jeffers

Medieval Misconception: All Women Were Chattel By Kim Rendfeld Early medieval women were far from passive damsels waiting for a knight to rescue them. Of course, this time period is hardly an ideal time for women: childbirth so risky expectant … Continue reading →

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Origin of “Rub-a-dub-dub” Nursery Rhyme

Posted on September 23, 2014 by Regina Jeffers

As part of my writing of “The Prosecution of Mr. Darcy’s Cousin,” I completed research on “Rub-A-Dub-Dub,” an English language nursery rhyme first published at the end of the eighteenth century. The nursery rhyme plays out as part of the … Continue reading →

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Universal Themes and Jane Austen: First Impressions

Posted on September 19, 2014 by Regina Jeffers

Universal Themes and Jane Austen: First Impressions Have you ever met someone with whom you have corresponded several times (Facebook, Twitter, phone, or the old-fashioned way by a letter) only to be surprised by his/her appearance? He/She looks nothing like … Continue reading →

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From Where Does That Phrase Come?

Posted on September 12, 2014 by Regina Jeffers

Catch Word is a word under the right-hand side of the last line on a book page that repeats the first word on the following page – circa 1736. It was commonly used in printing. The phrase has come into … Continue reading →

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Editing 101: Words Frequently Confused (Part 2)

Posted on August 26, 2014 by Regina Jeffers

Most writers enjoy games that test their knowledge of word skills. Yet, knowing which word or phrase to choose can be a challenge even for those of us who consider ourselves “word” worshippers. Are you aware of the distinctions listed … Continue reading →

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From Where Does That Phrase Come? A Bit of Slang

Posted on August 18, 2014 by Regina Jeffers

Slang, consists of a lexicon of non-standard words and phrases in a given language. Use of these words and phrases is typically associated with the subversion of a standard variety (such as Standard English) and is likely to be interpreted … Continue reading →

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From Where Does That Phrase Come?

Posted on August 12, 2014 by Regina Jeffers

Recently, I was checking the source of several key phrases within my current WIP (Work in Progress), a cozy mystery, checking to discover whether the word/phrase would have been used in Regency England. Below, are some of those I researched. … Continue reading →

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Queen Elizabeth I and the Sea Beggars, a Guest Post from Author Barbara Kyle

Posted on July 21, 2014 by Regina Jeffers

Today, it is with great pleasure that I welcome a colleague, who specializes in the time of Queen Elizabeth I. I know you will find Barbara Kyle’s story of deception and courage very interesting. The Elizabethan period is considered a … Continue reading →

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