Ask the Author: Terri Evert Karsten
“Thank you to everyone who entered my recent giveaway. I'm ready to answer any questions you have about my book, A Mistake of Consequence.”
Terri Evert Karsten
Answered Questions (10)
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Terri Evert Karsten
One of my favorite fictional worlds is Pern. I like it because of the medieval set-up, the richly varied communities, and the complex culture. Besides, riding dragons would be a blast!
Terri Evert Karsten
I plan to start with Hounded, given to me by my son. Also on the list is A History of the World in 12 Maps.
Terri Evert Karsten
For awhile I lived in a very old 'maison' or student dormitory in France. I was convinced my room was haunted by the ghost of an unhappy former student. I could never find out what happened to her, but I'm sure there's a story in there somewhere.
Terri Evert Karsten
I get to make up worlds.
Terri Evert Karsten
I rarely have writer's block because my writing time is so precious. But if I do run into a snag, a good brisk walk usually puts me back in the writing zone.
Terri Evert Karsten
I'd have to say Claire and Jamie Fraser. Their love transcends centuries, and both are strong. They support and rescue each other. And Jamie has the most delicious Scots accent.
Terri Evert Karsten
I'm glad you are enjoying it! The answer to both questions is research. For the dialects, I read widely, especially from the time period I'm covering. So I've read newspapers from the era, as well as all of Abigail Adams letters, and a lot of Ben Franklin's writings. Another thing that helps is my degree in linguistics. I have studied a great deal of how language in general works. Finally, there are many websites that provide information on dialects. I always check several websites to verify the information.
For sailing vessels, I've done some reading and some hands on research, like touring period vessels, and sailing in San Francisco bay and Lake Superior.
For sailing vessels, I've done some reading and some hands on research, like touring period vessels, and sailing in San Francisco bay and Lake Superior.
Terri Evert Karsten
Now that A Mistake of Consequence is out, I'm working on a murder mystery, also set in colonial America.
Terri Evert Karsten
When I was in second grade we had to write a story. Mine was about a puppy that got lost. I found it exciting and powerful to create my own world, my own 'truth.' I've been writing ever since.
Terri Evert Karsten
A Mistake of Consequence is historical fiction, centered around the idea of indentured servants in the American colonies. I first got the idea for the book when a read a letter from a young woman in Maryland colony, begging her father in England to at least send her some clothes. The young woman sounded miserable. I was intrigued and began exploring just what it meant to be indentured, either by choice or by circumstances.
Sara Whitford
Now I really can't wait to read your book! I was inspired in the same way when it came to writing my own book series. One of my ancestors had been pla
Now I really can't wait to read your book! I was inspired in the same way when it came to writing my own book series. One of my ancestors had been placed into an apprenticeship as a teenage boy and had an awful time of it. A lot of people don't realize that the apprentice system was often just a cheap means to slave labor. Not all masters were benevolent teachers whose primary concern it was to train up a young person in their trade. The same is certainly true of indentured servants! People don't realize what a difficult and abusive set of circumstances those servants often faced. I love writing historical fiction for that very reason—to tell the stories that we don't often learn about in school. That, and I just love the colonial era in America.
...more
Apr 12, 2015 09:23PM
Apr 12, 2015 09:23PM
Terri Karsten
Yes, the system was miserable for many, but many others also benefitted. I guess a lot depended on the benevolence of the 'master.'
Yes, the system was miserable for many, but many others also benefitted. I guess a lot depended on the benevolence of the 'master.'
...more
Apr 14, 2015 06:43PM
Apr 14, 2015 06:43PM
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