I've enjoyed reading this history forum these past few weeks and decided to join in!
My main historic interest is European history; especially the Renaissance. I'm currently "plodding" through writing a historical romance novel from the Elizabethan era. I admit, I love historic research and could happily do that all day but need writing discipline too! I have a real appreciation of the tremendously hard work it takes to finish a manuscript.
As I write my story, I have historic questions that have stumped me along the way. It would be great to be able to post research questions here, especially about Dutch and British history. These are two countries I've always been fascinated about.
My earliest memory about enjoying history is when I first saw the BBC production of "Elizabeth R" with Glenda Jackson. I was thirteen years old and my parents were amused how riveted I was to the television screen. The setting, the costumes, the language. I always find it fascinating how people who love history are instinctively draw to certain time periods and just know it will become a passion of theirs and why. I loved the stories of the rising middle class, the arts and the merchant and Anglican history.
It was the same with Dutch history. I saw a television series of "William of Orange" and was amazed how tremendously hard and courageous the Dutch were to fight for their independence. I've always been fascinated by their merchant and maritime history too.
Okay, I better end here before this becomes another novel!
Have a great day! Tara
