Anyway, that little tidbit already had me digging around on the internet for more information on how this part of the law could have come about, so this book came along just at the right time. I'm looking forward to delving into it.
Showing posts with label research for writers. Show all posts
Showing posts with label research for writers. Show all posts
Thursday, June 13, 2019
The Wife in History
I have a thing for quirky reference books, so I was excited to come across this little gem today titled A History of the Wife.. I wasn't actually looking for a new book, and finding it was one of those weird woo-woo moments. Less than a week ago,I was reading a novel that took place in England in 1814, and a character in the book (a solicitor) mentioned that the laws of the time stipulated that if a woman gave birth within a year after her husband's death, the child would be considered the legitimate offspring of the deceased husband!Whoa! You do the math.
Anyway, that little tidbit already had me digging around on the internet for more information on how this part of the law could have come about, so this book came along just at the right time. I'm looking forward to delving into it.
Anyway, that little tidbit already had me digging around on the internet for more information on how this part of the law could have come about, so this book came along just at the right time. I'm looking forward to delving into it.
Monday, September 26, 2016
More Resources for Writers: Name Generators and More
In past posts I've mentioned some of my favorite reference books I use when writing a book. One of those is a visual dictionary. You can buy a print copy of Merriam-Webster's Visual Dictionary, and this is the kind of book I do like to have in print, because I get ideas just flipping through it.
But sometimes I want something quickly, and the online version of the visual dictionary is great for that.
Sometimes when I'm describing a house, I want to get a feel for how things are laid out, especially if it's a house belonging to a major character. Often, I just design my own, but sometimes I need inspiration. When that happens, one place I go is a website that sells home plans. You can view drawings of the exterior of the house and preview a layout of the building as well. It's a good place to go for ideas.
I've mentioned my favorite naming sites before (probably numerous times), and like most writers I have a nice supply of naming books, but sometimes I need a nudge. That's where random name generators come in. I may not use the results, but they're great inspiration. (I may have mentioned some of these previously, but I'm not sure where that post is, so here goes).
Note: I have not tried all of the name generators, so if any of them aren't working correctly, let me know and I'll check things out/delete troublesome ones.
These are some of the most fun resources I use.
Enjoy creating your next book!
Myrna
Saturday, August 20, 2016
Favorite Reference Books
Like most people (I assume), I do a lot of research online. But for some things, I still need (want) a book I can flip through. So, I keep a collection of those on my bookshelf.
Here are some of my favorites.
1. A naming book (I have seven or eight of these, but From Aaron to Zoe is my favorite). I also, yes, rely on the internet and on a personal list I keep in a notebook where I can reference which names I've already used and when/where they were used.
2. A couple of visual dictionaries. These are useful when you know what the whole object is called, but you don't know the individual parts. I recently found a science visual dictionary, but I'm not sure when or if I'll be using that.
3. Several usage manuals. I have more, but The Chicago Manual of Style, The Merriam Webster Dictionary of English Usage and Words into Type are three of my favorites. These are especially helpful when I'm editing and get into one of those head scratching moments when I've forgotten the rule that applies. For the record, I've also occasionally subscribed to The Chicago Manual of Style's online presence (where questions can be asked or where a person can access questions others have asked), but that costs money that must be paid annually, so usually I just rely on the book.
4. The book that is standing up is one I found at an estate sale the other day. It's by Rodale of thesaurus fame, and it's an interesting addition. I can look up a word and find other words that might be used to describe it (such as Honey, described as pure; limpid; thick; flavored; fine; fermented; amber; sweet and nectareous. I doubt I'll be using the word nectareous any time in the foreseeable future, but this is still a useful tool).
I also have books listing flowers, trees, birds, and buildings, among other topics.
What can I say? The internet is great, but sometimes a writer just needs a good book to help her (or him) along.
Have a great day!
Myrna
Here are some of my favorites.
1. A naming book (I have seven or eight of these, but From Aaron to Zoe is my favorite). I also, yes, rely on the internet and on a personal list I keep in a notebook where I can reference which names I've already used and when/where they were used.
2. A couple of visual dictionaries. These are useful when you know what the whole object is called, but you don't know the individual parts. I recently found a science visual dictionary, but I'm not sure when or if I'll be using that.
3. Several usage manuals. I have more, but The Chicago Manual of Style, The Merriam Webster Dictionary of English Usage and Words into Type are three of my favorites. These are especially helpful when I'm editing and get into one of those head scratching moments when I've forgotten the rule that applies. For the record, I've also occasionally subscribed to The Chicago Manual of Style's online presence (where questions can be asked or where a person can access questions others have asked), but that costs money that must be paid annually, so usually I just rely on the book.
4. The book that is standing up is one I found at an estate sale the other day. It's by Rodale of thesaurus fame, and it's an interesting addition. I can look up a word and find other words that might be used to describe it (such as Honey, described as pure; limpid; thick; flavored; fine; fermented; amber; sweet and nectareous. I doubt I'll be using the word nectareous any time in the foreseeable future, but this is still a useful tool).
I also have books listing flowers, trees, birds, and buildings, among other topics.
What can I say? The internet is great, but sometimes a writer just needs a good book to help her (or him) along.
Have a great day!
Myrna
Sunday, April 7, 2013
If You've Ever Wanted (or Needed) to Know How to Wear a Full Kilt
I've spent a lot of my writing time over the years doing research, and while I've never written a book set in Scotland, I found this video on how to dress in a full kilt (with all accessories) interesting.
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