When Historical Research Gets Fun
I'm in the midst of researching for my next story. It's the second in a three-book series (the first, Redemption's Path, is being shopped to editors as I type this!).
Redemption's Path was set between 1863 and 1918. This second story, which has a few of the same characters, is set between 1864 and 1890. The third story, which will also have one or two of the same characters, will be set between 1805 and 1890. I know. Unusual. But trust me, it all works. :)
The series is inspired by real people and real stories (my favorite kind!). One central figure in the series is a man named Chief Bird in Sky. He is loosely based off the great Chief Hole-in-the-Day, an Ojibwe (Chippewa) Chief who represented his people in Minnesota from 1847 until his assassination in 1868. Chief Hole-in-the-Day was a national figure. He captured the imagination of the United States and was a frequent guest in the White House. He was an extraordinary speaker, and had the ability to sway an audience in his favor. He was also a handsome man, full of confidence and pride.
Ojibwe Chief Hole-in-the-Day c.1865I'm reading two amazing accounts of Chief Hole-in-the-Day, and the village of Crow Wing, where he lived with several wives.
On their own, these books might appear dry. However, to me, these books are ripe with information and accurate historical details, which I will use to make my fictional stories come alive! They are like treasure troves, with each page offering up precious jewels.
I'm specifically on a quest to learn more about Chief Hole-in-the-Day's white wife, Ellen McCarthy. While married to several Indian women, he took a trip to Washington, D.C., where he met and fell in love with Ellen, who became his only legal wife. The trouble is, I can't find much about her! I know she's out there somewhere, I just need to dig deeper.
The next research book I'll be devouring is Chippewa Customs by Frances Densmore (originally published in 1929).
I can't wait to see what riches I'll discover next!
Your Turn: If you're a reader, do you enjoy stories inspired by real people and events? Do you conduct your own research about the real people and events after you finish the story? If you're a writer, do you enjoy researching? Do you have any suggestions on how I might find more about Ellen McCarthy??
Gabrielle Meyer:
Find me on Facebook
Find me on Pinterest
Find me on Twitter
Find me on Amazon
Find me on Goodreads
Find me on My Website
Redemption's Path was set between 1863 and 1918. This second story, which has a few of the same characters, is set between 1864 and 1890. The third story, which will also have one or two of the same characters, will be set between 1805 and 1890. I know. Unusual. But trust me, it all works. :)
The series is inspired by real people and real stories (my favorite kind!). One central figure in the series is a man named Chief Bird in Sky. He is loosely based off the great Chief Hole-in-the-Day, an Ojibwe (Chippewa) Chief who represented his people in Minnesota from 1847 until his assassination in 1868. Chief Hole-in-the-Day was a national figure. He captured the imagination of the United States and was a frequent guest in the White House. He was an extraordinary speaker, and had the ability to sway an audience in his favor. He was also a handsome man, full of confidence and pride.
Ojibwe Chief Hole-in-the-Day c.1865I'm reading two amazing accounts of Chief Hole-in-the-Day, and the village of Crow Wing, where he lived with several wives.
On their own, these books might appear dry. However, to me, these books are ripe with information and accurate historical details, which I will use to make my fictional stories come alive! They are like treasure troves, with each page offering up precious jewels.I'm specifically on a quest to learn more about Chief Hole-in-the-Day's white wife, Ellen McCarthy. While married to several Indian women, he took a trip to Washington, D.C., where he met and fell in love with Ellen, who became his only legal wife. The trouble is, I can't find much about her! I know she's out there somewhere, I just need to dig deeper.
The next research book I'll be devouring is Chippewa Customs by Frances Densmore (originally published in 1929).
I can't wait to see what riches I'll discover next!
Your Turn: If you're a reader, do you enjoy stories inspired by real people and events? Do you conduct your own research about the real people and events after you finish the story? If you're a writer, do you enjoy researching? Do you have any suggestions on how I might find more about Ellen McCarthy??
Gabrielle Meyer:
Find me on Facebook
Find me on Pinterest
Find me on Twitter
Find me on Amazon
Find me on Goodreads
Find me on My Website
No comments have been added yet.
