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The Squire's Tavern => Squire's Tavern => Topic started by: nliedel on October 28, 2008, 01:18:23 PM

Title: Help from a Renaissance Expert
Post by: nliedel on October 28, 2008, 01:18:23 PM
I'm writing a book partly set in the Renaissance in a small village. There are going to be witches and a dragon in it, so some creative licence will be taken, okay a lot of creative license, I write fiction. However, I want the setting and speech correct as possible and still understood. I know I'm authentic on clothing and living conditions, but other than that, I have a few questions. Can anyone offer help?
Title: Re: Help from a Renaissance Expert
Post by: DonaCatalina on October 28, 2008, 01:57:05 PM
Everyday life in a midieval village (http://www.amazon.com/Life-Medieval-Village-Frances-Gies/dp/0060920467)
should be a good place to start.
Title: Re: Help from a Renaissance Expert
Post by: anne of oaktower on October 28, 2008, 04:21:58 PM
Witches have existed since the beginning of time, but not necessarily in the long-black-robes-pointy-hat-warty-nose kind of way.  Look into some of Shakespeare's works for inspiration  ;D
Title: Re: Help from a Renaissance Expert
Post by: nliedel on October 29, 2008, 07:32:42 AM
Quote from: anne of oaktower on October 28, 2008, 04:21:58 PM
Witches have existed since the beginning of time, but not necessarily in the long-black-robes-pointy-hat-warty-nose kind of way.  Look into some of Shakespeare's works for inspiration  ;D

Being a pagan and a realistic pagan (knowing folklore has a lot to do with what some would label witchcraft), I'm all good with that. That's the one part I do have under control, and remember there is a great deal of fantasy in this book, although brooked with realism. My sixteenth century witch is a midwife. They were often accused of witchcraft.

"Thrice the brindled cat hath mewed. Thrice and once the hedge pig whined. Harpier cries, tis time, tis time." I've loved that since I first heard it when I was six.
Title: Re: Help from a Renaissance Expert
Post by: nliedel on October 29, 2008, 07:36:21 AM
Quote from: DonaCatalina on October 28, 2008, 01:57:05 PM
Everyday life in a midieval village (http://www.amazon.com/Life-Medieval-Village-Frances-Gies/dp/0060920467)
should be a good place to start.

Thank you, I am ordering a copy today.