While I was writing my historical novels set during the Klondike gold rush, I wanted to see the area - Yukon Territory in Canada and Alaska in the USA. I took my first research trip as an author and visited a gorgeous destination. My family joined me. Here are some of my favorite photos from the trip. … Continue reading Yukon and Alaska
I love writing about the Wild West. Some of my books are set in the American West, but since I live in Canada, I also write about the Mounties. A brief explanation of historical differences: The U.S. has always had about ten times the population of Canada, so Canada’s West was settled about 30-50 years … Continue reading History of the Klondike and My Visit There
Dressed in red uniforms with wide, brown Stetsons, the Mounties galloped across the prairies, and symbolized everything romantic about how Canada’s West was tamed. These were resourceful men, quick to make decisions, respectful, handsome, and daring. Because of the sheer volume of population, America’s West was settled fifty years before Canada’s. The U.S. had sheriffs and … Continue reading The Canadian Wild West and the Mounties
Have you ever wondered what it was like to pan for gold? Some of my books are set in the late 1800s, during the Klondike Gold Rush. On a trip to the Yukon for research, I had a taste of it. Gold is nineteen times the weight of water, so it naturally sinks to the … Continue reading Dipping and Shaking for Gold
When the time came to finalize the research details for THE INCREDIBLE CHARLOTTE SYCAMORE, I set off for the airport with my husband - we were on our way to England! Big Ben No wonder Mr. Bean can fit inside! Inside the Salisbury Cathedral Salisbury Cathedral Salisbury Cathedral bookstore Salisbury Cathedral Parliament buildings The Prime Minister's home Surrounded by Whitehall … Continue reading Overseas in London
A research trip to London! One of the most exciting things I did while writing my YA books in Charlotte's Teen Fantasy Adventure series, starting with THE INCREDIBLE CHARLOTTE SYCAMORE, was take a behind-the-scenes tour of Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle. Top 8 things I discovered: 1. There are secret hallways in Buckingham Palace that … Continue reading Top 8 Things I Discovered in London
