One of the delights of writing historical fiction is the research. Yes, really. It can make the writing process that much longer, because for every line of text, I can spend an hour researching some little detail, like what cribbage boards looked like in 1800, or whether a certain word was in common use. But … Continue reading Isaac Nathan: A New Composer (to me)
One of the tropes that runs through Western folklore is the association of the Devil with music, and specifically with the violin. This goes hand-in-hand with another theme, that of selling one’s soul to the devil in return for some prowess or special knowledge. Where did these ideas come from, and how have they played … Continue reading The Devil Made Me Do It – Diabolus in Musica
Just in time for Canada Day, I have an interview on Wayne Turmel's blog where I talk about my fascination with Canadian history in general, and the history of Nova Scotia in specific. Part of my novel The Assistant takes place in Nova Scotia in the year 1800, and while at that time Nova Scotia … Continue reading For Canada Day – an interview about The Assistant
Yesterday I spent the afternoon in the beautiful Niagara region of Ontario. Less than two hours from the modern bustle and chaos of Toronto, this part of the country is an oasis of bucolic charm, with quaint old villages, stunning views of the Niagara River, and beautiful and first-rate wineries dotting the map. But there … Continue reading Black Nova Scotians
