After a lot of thought, I have chosen the name for the hero of my new novel. It is Dominic aka Nic Carlton. I've also chosen his sister's name, Caroline Carlton.
When I choose names, I also research their history.
The origin of Dominic is the Latin word dominicus, which means 'of the Lord'. According to The Oxford Dictionary of English Christian names Dominic may have been given to children born on a Sunday. "The name was never common in England and after the Reformations was used almost exclusively by Roman Catholics."
With regard to the hero of Tuesday's Child, his family have chosen to name boys Dominic from generation to generation before and after the Reformation.
Caroline was introduced to England by George II's queen, Caroline of Brandenburg-Ansbach. "It became a favourite English Christian name in England in the 18th century."
Now that I have chosen their names I can work on their character profiles.
I hope you like the name I chose for a Regency gentleman.
P.S. I know the Prince Regent's house in London was Carlton House but I don't think my choice of Carlton is a problem.
Friday, 8 May 2015
Thursday, 7 May 2015
Choosing the Name of the Hero of My New Novel
Yesterday I chose the name Harry Royston for the hero of my new Regency novel Tuesday's Child a follow on novel from Sunday's Child and Monday's Child. However, the heroine of Tuesday''s Child is Harriet, who had a walk on, but important part, in Monday's Child. I think Harry and Harriet might be confusing, but most people would address Harry as Royston, so maybe I'll choose it.
Other possibilities are for a strong name for a strong hero and a nickname which implies fun and light heartedness are:
Alexander aka Alex, but does Alex imply fun and light-heartedness?
Christopher aka Kit, but the name fell into disfavour in the 19th century.
Dominic aka Nic; I think Nic implies a devil may care attitude which might be amusing.
Of course the surname will be as important as the Christian name.
Wednesday, 6 May 2015
First Step to Writing a New Novel
I have not finished the revision of my mediaeval novel but, after a lot of thought about the characters, plan and plot while doing housework, gardening or shopping, I am almost ready to begin writing Tuesday's Child, the follow on novel from my published novel Sunday's Child, and Monday's Child, which will be published in spring, 2016.
Before I begin a novel I name the main characters.
To choose the hero's name I searched The Oxford Dictionary of English Christian Names. I want a strong name which also implies an element of light-heartedness. My first choice was Harry Royston, but the name of the heroine, who took part in Sunday's Child, is Harriet. So Harry, which would have been ideal is unsuitable because Harry and Harriet would be confusing.
So, back to the Dictionary to see if I can find the right name for the gentleman I have in mind.
Before I begin a novel I name the main characters.
To choose the hero's name I searched The Oxford Dictionary of English Christian Names. I want a strong name which also implies an element of light-heartedness. My first choice was Harry Royston, but the name of the heroine, who took part in Sunday's Child, is Harriet. So Harry, which would have been ideal is unsuitable because Harry and Harriet would be confusing.
So, back to the Dictionary to see if I can find the right name for the gentleman I have in mind.
Tuesday, 5 May 2015
Suite Francais
A friend and I went to see Suite Francaise on Sunday afternoon. Can't praise it enough. I didn't know it was based on a non-fiction book. Must read it.
Monday, 4 May 2015
Historic London - Bus Tour
On Saturday a friend and I went on a London Bus Tour, which allows the passengers get on and off whenever they want to.
It was very interesting seeing how London developed over the centuries north and south of the River Thames.
Sandwiched between very modern buildings and narrow roads and lanes are many small and large mediaeval buildings to admire.
A building which fascinated me was the St George, the narrowest pub in London a tall black and white timber building, which I hope to visit.
The tour clearly delineated London from the oldest to the most modern parts.
All in all, a day well spent.
It was very interesting seeing how London developed over the centuries north and south of the River Thames.
Sandwiched between very modern buildings and narrow roads and lanes are many small and large mediaeval buildings to admire.
A building which fascinated me was the St George, the narrowest pub in London a tall black and white timber building, which I hope to visit.
The tour clearly delineated London from the oldest to the most modern parts.
All in all, a day well spent.
Friday, 1 May 2015
Medieval Novel, Revision, Sequence of Events
Apart from reading each sentence carefully and rewriting it if necessary, it is also important to make sure that the sequence of events is correct.
This morning I realised that after the birth of their son, Nicholas told his wife that his father was delighted, but he and his father have not spoken since the child was born. I should have written that Nicholas told his wife he knew his father would be delighted by the birth of his grandson, or something similar.
Carried away by writing the story, it is all too easy to overlook such inconsistencies.
This morning I realised that after the birth of their son, Nicholas told his wife that his father was delighted, but he and his father have not spoken since the child was born. I should have written that Nicholas told his wife he knew his father would be delighted by the birth of his grandson, or something similar.
Carried away by writing the story, it is all too easy to overlook such inconsistencies.
Thursday, 30 April 2015
Medieval Novel. Revision With Style.
While I revise my medieval novel set in England during the reign of Edward II I get rid of repeated words and phrases.
I also rephrase sentences which contain gerunds that I tend to over use. For example:-
I changed "...trying to smooth away his pain" to "in an attempt to smooth away his pain."
Another examples follow.
I replaced "Yvonne broke her fast in the great hall before going..." with "Yvonne broke her fast in the great hall before she went..."
After I tweak the next 100 pages I shalll read the novel from beginning to end to check I for the last time.
I hope that the rewrite will be stylish after so much hard work.
I also rephrase sentences which contain gerunds that I tend to over use. For example:-
I changed "...trying to smooth away his pain" to "in an attempt to smooth away his pain."
Another examples follow.
I replaced "Yvonne broke her fast in the great hall before going..." with "Yvonne broke her fast in the great hall before she went..."
After I tweak the next 100 pages I shalll read the novel from beginning to end to check I for the last time.
I hope that the rewrite will be stylish after so much hard work.
Wednesday, 29 April 2015
Medieval Novel Revision and Emotion
This morning I continued to revise my medieval novel set in the reign of Edward II of England.
From the day of her birth the heroine's life takes many twists and turns, some of them tragic. While she grows from childhood into a capable lady, I'm happy when she is and cry when she does. I hope that when the novel is published my readers will be swept away on the same tide of emotion and care deeply about her.
From the day of her birth the heroine's life takes many twists and turns, some of them tragic. While she grows from childhood into a capable lady, I'm happy when she is and cry when she does. I hope that when the novel is published my readers will be swept away on the same tide of emotion and care deeply about her.
Tuesday, 28 April 2015
Raised Bed & radishes.
I have an eight foot by four foot raised bed in which I planted rows of baby lettuce, radish, rocket, carrots, turnip and beetroot. All of the vegetables, which I make good use of, are flourishing. Radish and turnip greens as well as beetroot leaves can be cooked and enjoyed in various ways.
Today, I ate this season's first radishes with crackers spread with Philadelphia cheese. Previously, I bought some radishes from the supermarket. They were large, a little woody and almost tasteless. My home grown ones are tender, juicy and slightly spicy. My grandson, who popped in after school to give me a slice of upside down cake that he made in food technology, agreed with me when he tasted the radishes.
Such a humble salad vegetable but so delicious. I shall plant another row elsewhere.
Today, I ate this season's first radishes with crackers spread with Philadelphia cheese. Previously, I bought some radishes from the supermarket. They were large, a little woody and almost tasteless. My home grown ones are tender, juicy and slightly spicy. My grandson, who popped in after school to give me a slice of upside down cake that he made in food technology, agreed with me when he tasted the radishes.
Such a humble salad vegetable but so delicious. I shall plant another row elsewhere.
Monday, 27 April 2015
Mediaeval Novel - Final Revision
I wrote my mediaeval novel set in the reign of Edward II of England a few years ago. Since then, I five of my novels have been published and a sixth has been accepted for publication. In between writing those novels and dealing with lots of 'writerly' matters as well as the demands of daily life, I have dipped in and out of my mediaeval novel. Now, I am determined to finish the revision, but the main problem is that I have dipped in and out of it so often that I see what should be on the page, not what is actually on it. Sometimes it seems as if it will never be ready to submit but, fingers crossed, I shall submit it in June.
Sunday, 26 April 2015
Winston and Winnie Are Dead
Winston and Winnie, a pair of plump wood pigeons annoyed me when alive. They pecked at any greens in the garden which were not covered with netting and stone seeds I put out for smaller birds.
On Friday, feathers floated on the surface of my small garden pond. This morning, I saw feathers scattered over the lawn near the pond. I assume a fox from the nearby woods caught them or, maybe, a cat.
So sad not to have seen them today.
On Friday, feathers floated on the surface of my small garden pond. This morning, I saw feathers scattered over the lawn near the pond. I assume a fox from the nearby woods caught them or, maybe, a cat.
So sad not to have seen them today.
Friday, 24 April 2015
False Pretences a Romantic Regency Mystery is a Guest
My novel, False Pretences. a Romantic Regency Mystery and I are guests at Story Teller Alley, do pop in and visit us at: http://storytelleralley.com/falsepretenses (My hostess misspelt pretenses and will correct it, so you might need to visit: http://storytelleralley.com/falsepretences.)
Thursday, 23 April 2015
What is Romance?
What is Romance? Not an easy question to
answer. I suppose everyone has a different opinion.
The cynical poet, Lord Byron wrote:
For no one cares for matrimonial cooings,
There’s nothing wrong with a connubial kiss:
Think you, if Laura had been Petrarch’s wife,
He would have written sonnets all his life?
The comforts are so sweet
When they do meet.
Only they not embrace,
We face to face.
Ah, you may sigh that is romance in
marriage.
Too Many Strawberry Plants?
On a sunny day the fragrance of ripe strawberries growing in the garden tantalises the taste buds. The pleasure of biting into a sweet, sun-warmed strawberry is far superior biting into one from the supermarket. With this in mind, I ordered 36 strawberry plants, 6 each of 6 varieties, which should provide fruit from April to September.
I'm an optimistic organic gardener, who always imagines bumper rewards from my small fruit and vegetable plots, some of which are in the front garden, some and in the back garden as well as those in pots. However, after I placed my order I panicked. Where would I find the space to plant them?
I decided to pot up the twelve plants which fruit earliest in the year and put them in the greenhouse where I will pollinate them with a paint brush. The remainder should thrive in plant troughs.
If I plant all of them in John Innes Number 3 compost I should have plenty of fruit for the next three years which will repay me for my investment. Hopefully, not only will I have fresh strawberries to eat, I will also have enough to make jam and, maybe, cordial.
I'm an optimistic organic gardener, who always imagines bumper rewards from my small fruit and vegetable plots, some of which are in the front garden, some and in the back garden as well as those in pots. However, after I placed my order I panicked. Where would I find the space to plant them?
I decided to pot up the twelve plants which fruit earliest in the year and put them in the greenhouse where I will pollinate them with a paint brush. The remainder should thrive in plant troughs.
If I plant all of them in John Innes Number 3 compost I should have plenty of fruit for the next three years which will repay me for my investment. Hopefully, not only will I have fresh strawberries to eat, I will also have enough to make jam and, maybe, cordial.
Wednesday, 22 April 2015
My Organic Garden
I woke at 6 a.m. and worked on my novel and other 'writerly' matters until 10.a.m when I went into my organic garden.
I thinned a row of turnips and used the greens to steam and then stir fried them with thin slices of sweet potato cut in half, tofu and rice, and added a vegetable stock pot cube, lemon juice and black pepper for flavour.
Turnip greens are very nutritious so I felt virtuous while I ate lunch.
During the morning I sorted out more plant pots and arranged them on a shelf in the shed.
To straighten it, I tied the stem of my patio cherry tree, which I had planted in the garden, to a pole. It is in full flower. This year I shall find a way of protecting the cherries so that the birds don't eat them the second they ripen.
I then harvested some baby carrots and stored them in the fridge. Afterward I potted up French Beans and covered them with polythene. French Bean seeds can be temperamental so I put two in each pot in the hope that they will sprout. Finally I sowed cucumbers in pots and stood them in a heated propagator.
Tomorrow I'll sow peas, which are soaking in water to encourage them to sprout.
All in all, a happy, productive morning.
I thinned a row of turnips and used the greens to steam and then stir fried them with thin slices of sweet potato cut in half, tofu and rice, and added a vegetable stock pot cube, lemon juice and black pepper for flavour.
Turnip greens are very nutritious so I felt virtuous while I ate lunch.
During the morning I sorted out more plant pots and arranged them on a shelf in the shed.
To straighten it, I tied the stem of my patio cherry tree, which I had planted in the garden, to a pole. It is in full flower. This year I shall find a way of protecting the cherries so that the birds don't eat them the second they ripen.
I then harvested some baby carrots and stored them in the fridge. Afterward I potted up French Beans and covered them with polythene. French Bean seeds can be temperamental so I put two in each pot in the hope that they will sprout. Finally I sowed cucumbers in pots and stood them in a heated propagator.
Tomorrow I'll sow peas, which are soaking in water to encourage them to sprout.
All in all, a happy, productive morning.
Tuesday, 21 April 2015
Invitation
Delighted to invite you to visit Sara-Jayne at: http://sayssara.wordpress.com where I am her guest.
Can't describe how I feel when I see myself and my historical fiction featured.
Can't describe how I feel when I see myself and my historical fiction featured.
Sunday, 19 April 2015
Bribery - Gambados - Granddaughter
I bribed my granddaughter to be good, not only with me, with a promise to take her to Gambados, an indoor play area. Earlier in the week, I promised to take her on Sunday because my daughter said she had behaved well throughout the Easter holiday. She was so excited that she told the plumber, the postman and everyone else she came into contact with: "My grandma's taking me to Gambados."
So, yesterday, with cucumber and cheese sandwiches, shortbread topped with chocolate, and small cartons of apple juice for lunch, she had her reward, and I deserve wings and a halo. Gambados is an indoor children's play area. The music turned up to full volume, excited children's chatter etc., and adult conversation conducted loudly in order to be heard is deafening.
My five year-old granddaughter's enthusiasm and happiness made the visit worth while although my wings and halo haven't appeared. From 10 30 a.m. when we arrived until we left at 12.45 she did not stop smiling. She climbed up the platforms to the overhead area with tunnels and other challenges, drove bumper cars making three point turns and reversing with expertise, hurtled down a long slide as well as riding a horse on the fairground style carousel.
She loved our visit so much that I've promised to take her again if she continues to be good.
I took her home, and then, for an end of the holidays treat, we went to our favourite vegetarian Indian restaurant, Sakonis, in Harrow.
Full to the brim with good food, we went home and I dashed down to Asda to buy some Schlur and nibbles to contribute to Watford Writers official change of venue from Cha Café to Oddfellows Hall.
So, yesterday, with cucumber and cheese sandwiches, shortbread topped with chocolate, and small cartons of apple juice for lunch, she had her reward, and I deserve wings and a halo. Gambados is an indoor children's play area. The music turned up to full volume, excited children's chatter etc., and adult conversation conducted loudly in order to be heard is deafening.
My five year-old granddaughter's enthusiasm and happiness made the visit worth while although my wings and halo haven't appeared. From 10 30 a.m. when we arrived until we left at 12.45 she did not stop smiling. She climbed up the platforms to the overhead area with tunnels and other challenges, drove bumper cars making three point turns and reversing with expertise, hurtled down a long slide as well as riding a horse on the fairground style carousel.
She loved our visit so much that I've promised to take her again if she continues to be good.
I took her home, and then, for an end of the holidays treat, we went to our favourite vegetarian Indian restaurant, Sakonis, in Harrow.
Full to the brim with good food, we went home and I dashed down to Asda to buy some Schlur and nibbles to contribute to Watford Writers official change of venue from Cha Café to Oddfellows Hall.
Saturday, 18 April 2015
False Pretences a Romantic Regency Mystery - Back Cover
False Pretences
By Rosemary Morris
Traditional Regency Romance
Five-year-old
Annabelle arrived at boarding school fluent in French and English. Separated
from her nurse, a dismal shadow blights Annabelle’s life because she does not
know who her parents are.
Although
high-spirited, Annabelle is financially dependent on her unknown guardian. She
refuses to marry a French baron more than twice her age.
Her life
in danger, Annabelle is saved by a gentleman, who says he will help her to
discover her identity. Yet, from then on nothing is as it seems, and she is
forced to run away for the second time to protect her rescuer.
Even more
determined to discover her parents’ identity, in spite of many false pretences,
Annabelle must learn who to trust. Her attempts to unravel the mystery of her
birth, lead to further danger, despair, unbearable heartache and even more
false pretences until the only person who has ever wanted to cherish her,
reveals the startling truth, and all’s well that ends well.
Extract from False Pretences a Romantic Regency Mystery
False Pretences by Rosemary Morris
Romantic Regency Mystery
Abbreviated Extract from Chapter One
1815
“My dear child, you are fortunate,” said Miss Chalfont, headmistress of
The Beeches Boarding School for Young Ladies. “Your guardian has arranged for
you to marry, Monsieur le Baron de Beauchamp.”
Annabelle looked up with a mixture of astonishment, disbelief, and
intense indignation at the arrangement that took no heed of her wishes. “I am
to marry a man I have never met?”
With restless fingers, Miss Chalfont adjusted her frilled mobcap. “Yes,
your guardian has arranged for you to marry Monsieur le Baron tomorrow.”
Annabelle stared at her kind teacher as though she had turned into a
monster. “Mon dieu!” she raged, reverting to the French she spoke when
she was a small child. “My God! Tomorrow? My guardian expects me to marry a
Frenchman tomorrow? Miss Chalfont, surely you do not approve of such haste.”
“Do not take the Lord’s name in vain.” Miss Chalfont tapped her fingers
on her desk. “My approval or disapproval is of no consequence. Your guardian
wishes you to marry immediately so there is little more to be said. A special licence
has been procured and the vicar has been informed.” Miss Chalfont smiled at
her. “You have nothing to fear. This letter informs me that Monsieur speaks
English and lives in this country.”
Annabelle scowled. Her hands trembled. For the first time, she defied
her head mistress. “Nothing to fear? My life is to be put in the hands of a
husband with the right to…beat me…or…starve me, and you say I have nothing to
fear, Miss Chalfont? Please believe me when I say that nothing will
persuade me to marry in such haste.”
Not the least display of emotion crossed the head teacher’s face. “You
should not allow your imagination to agitate your sensibilities. For all you
know, the monsieur is charming and will be a good, kind husband.”
“On the other hand, he might be a monster,” Annabelle said.” ‘
“He is described as a handsome gentleman of mature years.”
“One would think the description is of a piece of mature cheese or a
bottle of vintage wine.”
Miss Chalfont frowned. “Do not be impertinent, Annabelle, you are not
too old to be punished.”
“I beg your pardon, ma’am, but please tell me how mature he is,”
Annabelle said, her eyes wide open and her entire body taut with apprehension.
“Monsieur le Baron is some forty-years-old.”
“How mature?” Annabelle persisted with her usual bluntness.
“He is forty-two-years-old.”
Annabelle stood, bent forward, and drummed her fingers on the edge of
the desk. “Please be kind enough to inform my guardian that I will not play
Guinevere to an aging Arthur. I would prefer to build my nest with a young
Lancelot.”
False Pretences is available as an e-book
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