Erin Conner
asked
Charles Todd:
How do you research for your book to set up the stories so well with historical accuracy? The things I’m learning about the time period are just amazing in both the Rutledge and Crawford series and I am amazed at how seamlessly everything comes together in the stories. From to interactions in different kinds of environments, etc.
Charles Todd
Dear Erin:
I believe you have to go to the places you write about, That is where our stories come from. I guess you could say it is a mind set. The what if? Emgland has a very old history and especially in the towns we visit, not much has changed.
The real work begins when we get home and facts meet fiction. What ever you choose to write about, you must study your subject. Fortunately, it is work I love. When you stuble on some fact or occurance that reinforces the story you are writing or augments your subject, that is joy!. England has been a place Caroline first visited in 1968 and I visited for the first time in 1978. English history has been a joy for us since early childhood. Ivanhoe, Treasure Island and many more were tales we loved.
When I write a Bess or Rutledge I am there with them, I see what they see and if I am not sure, it is time for more study. Except the towns where the crime takes place in these stories you can go visit these places and see some of what our characters saw.
.
Your question is excellent, but difficult to answer. If the places and perople that you write about don;t fasxinate you, write something else.
All the Best,
Charles
Once home
I believe you have to go to the places you write about, That is where our stories come from. I guess you could say it is a mind set. The what if? Emgland has a very old history and especially in the towns we visit, not much has changed.
The real work begins when we get home and facts meet fiction. What ever you choose to write about, you must study your subject. Fortunately, it is work I love. When you stuble on some fact or occurance that reinforces the story you are writing or augments your subject, that is joy!. England has been a place Caroline first visited in 1968 and I visited for the first time in 1978. English history has been a joy for us since early childhood. Ivanhoe, Treasure Island and many more were tales we loved.
When I write a Bess or Rutledge I am there with them, I see what they see and if I am not sure, it is time for more study. Except the towns where the crime takes place in these stories you can go visit these places and see some of what our characters saw.
.
Your question is excellent, but difficult to answer. If the places and perople that you write about don;t fasxinate you, write something else.
All the Best,
Charles
Once home
More Answered Questions
Kaye
asked
Charles Todd:
LOVED The Black Ascot! In your Acknowledgments you thank Jane at Delamain House for her hospitality and suggest visiting there. When I researched it I found that there appears to be a mistake and Delamain House is really spelled Dalemain House and Gardens (There is a Delamain House but it is in New Zealand). Am I correct in that there is a mistake in spelling here? I would love to visit this historic home.
Patti Procopi
asked
Charles Todd:
Love both the Inspector Rutledge and Bess Crawford series. I did notice an error on the page when Rutledge first meets Hastings. You begin the chapter by saying he gets there first thing in the morning. A few paragraphs later, I think Hastings says "Good Afternoon." Slip of the tongue? I meant to mark the page but was too busy reading!
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