When I sat down to begin writing/researching for the Ancient Words Series, one of the first questions I had asked was, "If a man joined the Confederacy from Bedford Co. TN, which regiment would he join?" There were two infantry regiments. I chose the 17th and drowned myself in its history. I read everything… Continue reading When Fiction Meets Reality: The Battle of Chickamauga
Category: History
A Quick Guide to Common Eras in Historical Fiction
If you've been around Historical Fiction for any amount of time, you would have picked up on keywords such as Edwardian, Regency, Antebellum, and Victorian to name a few. But what are these eras? How can you tell them apart? Is it possible to get a fairly accurate guess of the era just by the… Continue reading A Quick Guide to Common Eras in Historical Fiction
Civil War Research Book Review: Recollections and Letters of General Robert E. Lee
The book is both the most wonderful thing and the most dreadful all at once. First, let's talk about what's so great about it. What I Loved: There's nothing like reading original letters from people in the past. They shine so much light on the culture of the time. This recollection and letters by the… Continue reading Civil War Research Book Review: Recollections and Letters of General Robert E. Lee
The Wise Words of Lincoln
In honor of the 151st anniversary of Lincoln's death earlier this month, I've pulled together a list of wise and witty sayings from our former president. Which is your favorite? “Folks are usually about as happy as they make their minds up to be.” “There are no bad pictures; that's just how your face looks… Continue reading The Wise Words of Lincoln
Civil War Research Book Review: The Writer’s Guide to Everyday Life in the 1800s by Marc McCutcheon
The wonderful and fascinating details of the 1800s have been gathered into one interesting volume, in which McCutcheon has included quotes from 19th-century citizens concerning or describing hairstyles and fashion, favorite swear words and slang, jokes of the period, courtship and marriage rituals, and more. A must for both fiction and nonfiction historical writers. Oh… Continue reading Civil War Research Book Review: The Writer’s Guide to Everyday Life in the 1800s by Marc McCutcheon
Civil War Letters: A Southern Dinner
The longer the war lasted, the harder it was to find food on Southern tables. We often read about the soldier's fare, but what were they eating at home? I had the pleasure of reading some interesting accounts of Southern meals from 1865 written by Eliza Frances Andrews. Enjoy! "She had such a dinner as… Continue reading Civil War Letters: A Southern Dinner
Civil War Research Book Review: The Civil War Years: A Day-by-Day Chronicle by Robert E. Denney
Follow the story of the Civil War as it unfolds in the words of the people who lived through it. With records of daily events from January 1, 1861 to May 30, 1866, this fascinating chronicle includes illuminating background information on the population of America, its society and economics, the issue of states' rights, and… Continue reading Civil War Research Book Review: The Civil War Years: A Day-by-Day Chronicle by Robert E. Denney
Civil War Letters: Honest Journal Entries
One of the highlights to reading a journal is the brutally honest approach the author has when she believes no one will ever read her journal. I've had the pleasure of reading two journals written by women so far and will be sharing a few quotes from these ladies. I should warn you, that I've… Continue reading Civil War Letters: Honest Journal Entries
Civil War Letters: The War at Home
I've had the pleasure of reading and learning from Eliza Frances Andrews and her journal titled: The War-Time Journal of a Georgia Girl 1864-1865. I have so many highlighted sections that I want to bring to you, but today, I want to share a couple of excerpts with you on Eliza's experience in a divided… Continue reading Civil War Letters: The War at Home
Christmas During the Civil War: From the Frontlines
Instead of focusing on one single letter, I'm bringing to you a collection of snippets from soldiers during the Civil War. I know that together, they'll paint an accurate picture. December 25, 1862: "This is Christmas, and my mind wanders back to that home made lonesome by my absence, while far away from the peace… Continue reading Christmas During the Civil War: From the Frontlines
Christian Author: A.M. Heath 