When I was a girl, I used to call Victoria Day, ‘Firecracker Day’ for obvious reasons. I always loved going to watch the firework displays with my family during my childhood. There was something nostalgic and magic about it. Loved getting those sparklers and writing your name in the air with them too! Ahhh, the good old days…
But was it really that good back then for Queen Victoria during her reign? This got me thinking about her Royal Highness Vicki. So, I thought I’d do a little digging on some facts you may not know about her. This is what I found:
1. She was barely five feet tall. For an outspoken broad with an imposing reputation, this tidbit surprised me. In later years, her girth almost caught up to her height. Some accounts claim she had a 50 inch waist by the end of her life. Queen Vicki would have been a shoe-in for the Biggest Loser reality show!
2. She proposed to hubby, Prince Albert, and not vice versa. Vicki was only 16 when she met her first cousin Albert (yup, they were related) and was immediately smitten with him. Her uncle Leopold suggested that she propose to Albert since she was the queen, and he couldn’t propose to her. Guess it must have been true love—after all, they had nine children together!
3. She was raised by a single mom, and later became a single mom herself. Her father, Edward, Duke of Kent died of pneumonia in 1820 when poor Vicki was less than a year old. She was left to be brought up by her mother who was under the influence of her advisor, and not out for her daughter’s best interests. When Vicki was crowned queen, she booted mommy-dearest out of the limelight and to a distant set of apartments. Oh yeah, and she fired that useless advisor too. Royalty has its perks.
4. She was the first known carrier of hemophilia, an affliction that would become known as the ‘Royal disease’. Who knew marrying into the family gene pool would weaken it too? Hemophilia is a blood clotting disorder passed along the maternal lines within families; men are more likely to develop it, while women are the carriers. Bummer. Sufferers can bleed excessively, since their blood does not proper coagulate, leading to extreme pain and even death. Her son Leopold and three of her grandsons died from the disease. Presently, hemophilia appears to be extinct in the European royal lines. Someone got smart enough not to push the DNA envelope anymore.
5. She had at a least six serious assassination attempts made against her during her reign—most while she was riding in a carriage. At least two of the trigger-happy gents were found not guilty by reason of insanity. Another would-be assassin fired a gun loaded with paper and tobacco at the queen, but the charge was insufficient. Hmm…maybe he should have been chucked in the insane asylum too. One man even tried to hit the queen with his cane. She wasn’t amused. However, looking for the silver lining, every time there was an assassination attempt on Queen Vicki, her popularity soared among the British public. In these days, guess that would be the same as getting more likes on Facebook. Go, Queen Vicki, go!
6. Finally, she was an artist and writer. Knew I liked the old broad! Queen Vicki began drawing as a child, and throughout her life continued to sketch and paint. She also enjoyed writing, and wrote daily entries in a diary. Her daily journals eventually spanned more than 120 volumes, and this Queen Bee wrote about 2500 words a day. Can you say prolific?
Whatever you decide to do this Victoria Day, take a moment to think about how far we’ve come since Queen Vicki’s rule, then give her silent thanks when you see the burst of color streaking through the sky as you watch the firework display with your family or friends. Salute!
When I write historical fiction, I know any success I might have in recreating an era for my readers largely hinges on my getting the details right. I relied heavily on research when writing The Glass Inheritance, my mystery novel involving Depression era glassware, and found it invaluable to visit historically significant sites from the Great Depression and World War II era. I toured a Japanese internment camp in Wyoming, Pearl Harbor, two concentration camps in Germany, and three Holocaust museums, among other sites. Such travel isn’t always financially feasible, but I’ve discovered local sites offer a wealth of information and inspiration also.
Just this summer I toured a Victorian mansion here in the Midwest and was thrilled to see the museum had a bowl of calling cards near the door. Because I had read in Victorian era novels about characters dropping off their calling cards at one another’s houses, I recognized what the cards were. The tour guide allowed me to pick the cards up and look through them even though the cards were authentic, not reproductions.
Some of the cards clearly came from a printer as is, but others appeared to be homemade or had the owner’s name stenciled in after printing. They were all works of art compared with today’s business cards.
Holding these cards gave me insight and inspiration I doubt I would have drawn from just reading about them. I may choose to write a story involving calling cards and have more assurance now of getting the details right.
Bloggers, please add your link below. Readers, I hope you visit all of today's posters.
Thanks!
Osborne, Mary Pope and Natalie Pope Boyce. 2010.
Rags and Riches: Kids in the Time of Charles Dickens. (
Magic Tree House Research Guide series #22)New York: Random House.
This is the companion book to
A Ghost Tale for Christmas Time, a historical fantasy romp through Dickens'
A Christmas Carol,which is why it has the subtitle,
Kids in the Time of Charles Dickens, when "Kids in the Victorian Era" might seem more logical.
Charles Dickens lived from 1812 - 1870, largely in the Victoria Era. Queen Victoria reigned from 1837- 1901. Rich or poor, life was difficult for Britain's children in those days. Rich children suffered from serious diseases and were raised largely apart from their parents. Boys were sent away to strict schools while girls studied at home with a governess those subjects which were thought most likely to win them a suitable husband - French, dancing, drawing, music. Of course, they were still much better off than the poor children and street children who filled the streets of London. They slept outside in rags or lived in debtors' prisons or squalid housing. They often worked in dangerous factories for long hours with little or no pay - beginning as young as five years old! Cholera and typhoid were epidemic. Life for a poor child in the time of Charles Dickens was wretched.
Rags to Riches explains all these facets of Victorian Era life and more, with liberal use of sketches and period photographs.
It is doubtful that any child can read the accounts in the chapter, "Jobs for Poor Kids," and not be affected. Imagine life as a
climbing boy, often only five or six years old,
Since they were small, they could squeeze through narrow parts of the chimney.
Climbing boys climbed to the top of the chimney and swept the coal dust out on their way back down. They got cuts and bruises from the jagged bricks. To toughen up their skin, salt water was rubbed into it.
If the boys got scared and stopped climbing, the chimney sweeps jabbed their feet with pins or lit fires to keep them moving. At times climbing boys got burned or stuck in the chimneys and suffocated.
Quite a different reality from the friendly, Bert, of Mary Poppins fame!
A children's highlight from the Victoria Era? The birth of the modern children's picture book - Beatrix Potter's illustrated
Tales of Peter Rabbit. Of course, without money, poor children likely only glimpsed the tiny little books through shop windows.
This is not an easy topic for which to create a research guide. A chronological approach does not work well, and the many aspects of a child's life are almost too large in scope for a book of this small scale. Still, Pope has created a semblance of order, dividing the topic into six chapters: 'Hard Times for Kids," "What Charles Dickens Saw," "The London of Dickens," "Jobs for Poor Kids," Rich Kids," and "How
You know, the January Carnival of Children's Literature is fast approaching (deadline January 18; details here at Wizards Wireless, our host). The theme is awards and I've got nothing. I've been working my tail off with the Cybils, so haven't had time to process this year's experience (great) yet. Time to make something up!
Yesterday's delicious notebook discussion has inspired me to make up an award on the fly. And here's the deal: your candidate WILL win, 'cause this award is an award you give. That's right, I want you to present an award to your favorite writing instrument--either in a post of your own or in the comments.
I'm going to give two awards:
1) Writing instrument I use for writing anything longer than one paragraph: The Waterman Ici & la pen in blue. This is Waterman's least expensive and, most importantly, sleekest pen. It fits nicely in my hand and glides over the page. Even though the nib is "fine," it's still a fountain pen, so it has a nice thick line. I prefer the blue-black ink.
2) Writing instrument I use for brief notes and for editing typeface: The Pentel Twist-Erase .9mm lead automatic pencil.
Oh, how I love this pencil! I always have one on me and it never fails to inspire. Because its lead is .9mm, it doesn't break when I write and its squishy barrel is actually comfortable in my hand. I prefer the navy (not pictured), but will use the black and red in a pinch. Colors seem to be limited in the .9mm range. You .5mm folk have all the luck. Needless to say, I like the 2B lead. I like a dark line.
So. Which writing instruments would you award for their faithful service and why? Tell me more. I just can't get enough of the writing supplies.
Last summer I had a complete and total computer meltdown. And, I found out that I was no longer able to write original text by hand. I edit on paper and take notes in a notebook (my favorite is the Moleskine lined reporter's notebook), but writing? I have to type now.
At the time of the computer collapse, I sent a question out into the sphere about how you write and got a ton of great comments about the physical act of writing. (I also put an original poem out there--Requiem for a Laptop--a poem my beloved family laughed at. Thanks a lot, you guys.)
Today I want to return to the physical act of writing and ask you all: which are your favorite notebooks and why?
This final Making Space for Writing post concerns lifestyle changes--major changes one makes to carve out more time for writing. The timing of this post is ironic considering I haven't had time to blog in three days, let alone write. But, be that as it may, writers had some interesting suggestions regarding major changes that can make a difference.
Three comments in particular really spoke to my way of life which is based on the academic calendar:
- Laura G. says, "I wish I knew the answer to this, cuz I sure don't get much writing done when classes are in session! Right now my head is too full of Anna Karenina to make space for anything of my own (which would, of course, pale by comparison)." Boy, can I relate to this comment. And, Laura really made me think. In the future, I think, semesters will be for editing, breaks for first drafts.
- TadMack says something similar about the teaching life: "When I was working full time, I only wrote in the summer. After I published my first book, I scheduled myself an hour before I did any grading in the afternoon - that didn't really work, as after school I was usually on a school "roll," and swapping things didn't work either - because prepwork is never ending, and it would be the next morning before I had time to write. So, I wrote on the weekends, and scheduled "writer's weekends" for myself."
- Amy S. agrees, writing, "I was a much more consistent writer over the summer. And my mind was open and reflective enough that I "noticed" stories, details, dialogue, etc."
Sam Riddleburger recommends becoming a stay-at-home dad. Oops! Too late for me, but this strategy may work for you if you have young kids. (Actually, now that I think about it...becoming a stay-at-home parent when kids are already in school might work even better!)
Kim and
Michele, as I mentioned in an earlier post, recommend getting up at 4 in the morning. This counts as a major lifestyle change for me. And, it's one I've tried. Unfortunately, I'll hit the snooze until 6 unless I have a flight scheduled. No matter what.
Do you have any other major lifestyle changes to suggest?
Previous Making Space for Writing posts:
Writerly TricksWhat to Avoid====================
Don't miss Bruce Black's post on this topic at Wordswimmer. He quotes from "
Author Talk, a collection of brief conversations with fifteen children's book writers, compiled and edited by Leonard Marcus." The quotes all have to do with making mental space for writing. Bruce's commentary on each quote is as fascinating at the quotes themselves are.
Go! Go read it now.
When discussing making mental space for writing, many writers had excellent advice about what NOT to do. Or, rather, what to avoid doing so you can write instead.
Number one on the list: cleaning.
Adrienne says, for example, "I decided second that I would write BEFORE I did any of my housework every day, so I was using good energy for writing and I'm-really-tired-and-want-to-lie-down energy for the dishes."
Liz in Ink agrees, saying, "If your house has to be tidy and your laundry clean and your to-do list complete, forget about it. It'll never happen."
Elaine says, "Skip the housework. Dust happens!"
Gail has ditched the hobbies: "I don't sew much anymore. I don't bake or do as much serious cooking as I used to do. I've accepted I'll never be a gardener. Right now for the first time in decades I'm not doing any volunteer work."
Nick has this to say: "I leave really short blog posts." By the way, Nick (author of The Cat Kin) has a really great blog with really great (not-so-short) posts. If you haven't read it, head on over now.
Original Making Space for Writing post.
Making Space for Writing (I): Writerly Tricks
Next up--Making Space for Writing (III): Lifestyle changes
Last week I posed a question about making space for writing. I wasn't asking about creating an office or clearing off a desk, but rather about clearing your mind during a day of work, and kids, and other responsibilities. Making that all-important mental space.
I received so many helpful and generous replies to this query, that I thought I'd break up the suggestions into a few posts.
Today's topic concerns writerly tricks. You know, the things and actions that switch your mindset from the treadmill to a writing space. Maybe a fluffy pen will do it for you? Or is it Yoga? I think it's up to the writer, but here are the suggestions I received:
- Sara Lewis Holmes suggests "Make the act of writing a rebellion against all the other Must-Dos in your life." Run away and play hooky.
- Sara also recommends a separate notebook for each writing project and "mentally conjure up your favorite reading spot as a kid (or as an adult)."
- Adrienne likes "pink pens and the notebooks" too!
- And, Tricia works with notebooks so she can steal away time when on campus
- Tricia also starts with a poetic form or writing prompt to shock herself into the zone
- Barbara Kerley wrote in and said, "A tiny routine is good to start your writing time. For me, I make a cup of tea, head upstairs, and sit down at my desk."
- Christine M. tries to "get enough stuff off of my to do list"
- P.J. Hoover says she uses a "digital voice recorder to capture quick ideas I have throughout the day"
- Becky Levine suggests sitting down for an hour at the same time every day. (Gail Gauthier agrees!)
- Colleen Cook plans on treating writing like doctor's appointments and scheduling dates she can't miss.
- Liz Garton Scanlon uses the exerise tip: set a "very, very, very modest goal -- 10 or 15 minutes a day -- because once you've started, you'll almost always exceed it."
- Tanita finds weekend writing works great with the academic calendar
- Kelly Fineman has to leave the house or have a clutter-free space
- Cloudscome says "What I do is get up early, sit with my coffee and prayers/meditation, and let my mind wander."
- Michele and Kim find getting up early to write is the trick
Tomorrow we'll discuss "things to avoid" and on Friday "lifestyle changes" that make a difference.
I have a question for you writer folk as we head into the weekend. If you've successfully navigated the submissions process, please provide your two cents. Here's the deal:
I submitted a query to my number-one-top agent. After a few months I got a request for a partial (50 pages). I was excited and sent it off as an exclusive as requested. This was during the second week of June. It's now mid September, so a week ago I sent a status inquiry to the agent's assistant by e-mail. Still nothing.
I'm assuming they're not interested, but I agreed to an exclusive so can't submit elsewhere. I've done a lot of work recently on the manuscript and am ready to submit again. What should I do? How long should I wait? Should I inquire again? I've read and reread the submission instructions and I don't think I've done anything wrong. Help!!!
This is a great topic for kids. Thank you for sharing and for hosting this week.
Thanks for rounding up today!
Hi,
Just wanted everyone to know I have an interview with Shirley Duke today at Wrapped In Foil on the occasion of her 100th blog post. Congratulations Shirley!
Thanks for hosting. (I am intrigued by Packing for Mars from your last post. Can't wait to see that one.)
Ooh, look at that linky thing! Fancy!
I write about nonfiction kids books that DON'T exist on Pink Me today - would love to hear what else people can't find. Thanks for hosting today!
Thanks for taking care of this Monday's event. I've checked out the great selection of books that have been offered and will be looking to add them to the Doucette Library's collection. Great stuff!.
Tammy
Thanks for sharing this, and for the warm welcome to Nonfiction Monday. I can tell I'm going to enjoy it. (By the way, I know my children would be horrified by the "climbing boy" description. They still have a hard time when they get a paper cut :)
Thanks for hosting.
My selection is The History of Counting, written by Denise Schmandt-Besserat and illustrated by Michael Hays.
Janet,
I added your link for you. Thanks for participating.