Some of you may be aware (since I posted about it in March) that I am currently working on a mystery novel that takes place in the 1800s. This will have some rather familiar issues for people who are thinking about the 19th century in general – specifically the Victorian era, as it were. But being a historian, I’m digging around in the past, lining things up and trying to get everything as close to right as I can.
The trouble is, when you are writing about a character who has fallen back in time and is dealing with 19th century murderers, well, you have to research 19th century murders. And let me tell you – you thought Jack the Ripper was scary.
Well, okay. Maybe he is still the scariest of the lot, but when you are a creative type (like I am) it means having a very overactive imagination. It comes in handy when I’m working as a costumed interpreter, but it also has a tendency to scare the bejeezus out of you when you’re reading even factual books on murder in a dark house. Turns out I should probably only write this book with all the lights in the house on or during daylight hours.
I am beginning to get somewhere with all this research, however, and I’m almost ready to start writing more earnestly. Tuppence will shortly be falling through time, it’s only a matter of days now.
This all being said, I have much to thank Lucy Worsley and Judith Flanders for – their books have been invaluable resources. And of course – The Marble Faun in Salem for providing me with tea and the aforementioned books. You will all be getting proper thanks in the Acknowledgements, no worries.