I had decided to draw my Unsung Women of History Theme to a close for a while, until a post on the history of pregnancy and childbirth brought me to the incredible story of Princess Charlotte, and I simply could not resist learning more about her. And as I did, I was continuously amazed byContinue reading “Princess Charlotte of Wales (1796 – 1817)”
Author Archives: Rowan Speakman Books
Pregnancy and Childbirth in Unwitting Ages
When thinking of reasons why life as a woman in times past would be unbearable, the realities of childbirth are most likely at the top of the list. It was an undeniably dangerous and frightening prospect for any woman; not only was the science of pregnancy and childbirth not understood until scarily recently in history,Continue reading “Pregnancy and Childbirth in Unwitting Ages”
Travel in Times Past
It can be very inconvenient when writing, when one recalls the fact that one’s characters are not able to travel suddenly from one city to the other when an important plot point occurs. The realities of historical travel can feel like a great hindrance to a narrative, given the length of time such journeys took,Continue reading “Travel in Times Past”
A History of Marriage
When we think of the concept of historical marriage, either one of two extremes comes to mind; firstly, a cold, loveless union in which a wife is treated firmly as subordinate piece of property, or a grand romance full of the chivalry and loyalty often absent from modern ideas of dating. In reality, although marriageContinue reading “A History of Marriage”
Bygone Leisure
It’s quite difficult nowadays to envision a world where our daily lives aren’t populated with modern means of entertainment such as recorded music, the internet and television. But little over a hundred years ago, most of these amenities were unimaginable, which begs the question; what did people two, three, four hundred years ago do toContinue reading “Bygone Leisure”
The Demon’s Dollhouse – COVER REVEAL!
This is a post I can’t believe I am actually writing! I am so excited to reveal the gorgeous cover design for The Demon’s Dollhouse! This incredible cover was designed by Rebecca and Andrew Brown at http://www.designforwriters.com , and I cannot wait to hold the paperback version of it my hands! The Demon’s Dollhouse isContinue reading “The Demon’s Dollhouse – COVER REVEAL!”
Hygiene Throughout History
People from times past tend to be represented in popular culture as uninformed and slovenly when it comes to practices of hygiene and self presentation, and this stems from one vital misconception; that our ancestors had little regard for their own health and cleanliness. In truth, people have always valued hygiene and strived to beContinue reading “Hygiene Throughout History”
Ranking the Best Books on My Shelf
Since I started this blog, I’ve been posting about my favourite books from across a variety of authors and genres, and talking about what makes them examples of fabulous writing, and why they are each so very special to me. Now this theme is drawing to a close (for now), I’ve decided to attempt toContinue reading “Ranking the Best Books on My Shelf”
Writing Historical Fiction
Historical fiction is my favourite genre, to read, to watch and to write. And, as someone who has always struggled to pin down her genre, I am happy to say that I have finally found it; my debut novel, The Demon’s Dollhouse, a psychological romance set in the 1930s, is being released this July, andContinue reading “Writing Historical Fiction”
Lady Hester Stanhope (1776 – 1839)
Undoubtedly one of the most unconventional and charismatic women of her time, Lady Hester Stanhope led a life which begs a big screen adaptation. The relative of several prominent Napoleonic era prime ministers, a sharp and opinionated member of society, a passionate lover, an intrepid explorer, and a revered figure throughout the Middle East areContinue reading “Lady Hester Stanhope (1776 – 1839)”
Rowan Speakman Books 