It was a no-brainer to set my next novel in Paris, a city so rich with culture, history, beauty, tradition, and flare. With a rough outline of the plot already written, I was looking for those je-ne-sais-quoi details to add an extra spark of interest or to twist the plot another notch. What have I found?
More work to be done and the brain is churning.
13 Responses
That crinoline frame! What’s it made from?
The info from the museum did not state the materials, although I’ve seen reference to steel, horsehair, whalebone and cane (doesn’t that sound comfortable?). Here’s what the info card said: “The taste for the 19th century during the Second Empire was expressed through the crinoline as an interpretation of the pannier. From 1845, robes a transformation appeared comprising at least two bodices that could be changed according to the occasion – generally there was one for the day and one for the evening. Initially round, it [the crinoline] began projecting its mass towards the back as of 1861. From 1867, it once again became a more modest conical form.”
What an interesting idea for a blog post to intrigue readers into the story you’re writing. Already I’m intrigued by that woman who might be dressed as a soldier and that little garden so close to the hotel.
Many thanks, Beth. I appreciate your interest. All I need to do now is figure out how to feature them! Ideas welcome and thanks for stopping by.
With the crinoline, fans, and wartime setting, you have all the makings of a French “Gone with the Wind”!
Well then … there’s my story! All I need to do is change the characters a wee bit and we’re all set 🙂 Thanks for your comment, Sophie. Hope your writing is going well.
I’m writing an Historical Fiction book “LaRose Land” based on my mother’s family history. Setting of story is late 1580’s -1606 in Limoges, France. Research plays a big part of the story setting and a whole of imagination to create the story line.
So interesting, Paul. Do you have any historical artifacts kept in the family to help with your story? Going back to the 16th century must be a real challenge.
I too am intrigued by the uniform worn by women working in, and around, the battefiled to help support the soldiers…I wonder what else they did, and if this was the siuation in other battles?
So interesting:)
I imagine there could be a book to come from this tidbit. Apparently the cantinieres were always married to soldiers and if their husband died they had to give up the role. They began in Napoleon I’s army and made money by selling mainly food and drink to the soldiers (did not have a salary).
Can’t wait to read!
Many thanks, Sharon. Now that I’ve done some more research, the outline is almost complete so I need to get down to writing! Then editing and so on. In the meantime, I have a third novel coming out at the end of summer – it’s called Time and Regret and will be published by Lake Union. Perhaps you’ll enjoy that!