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| Catherine Kean |
Readers often ask me why, out of all the historical eras to choose from, I write about the Middle Ages.I pen emotionally-intense, romantic books about knights in chain mail armor and the strong-willed ladies who win their hearts because, as I teenager, I fell in love with all things medieval.
My British dad often took me to England during summer vacations to visit relatives. We toured many historic sites, including windswept castle ruins; Medieval churches; and the British Museum and V & A where I admired textiles, armor, swords, sculptures, and other items crafted centuries ago. Every place and object had a fascinating story to tell.After I completed a B.A. in English and History (Double Major, first class), I spent a year in London, England studying with Sotheby’s auctioneers. Part of the course included visits to private collections and museums. To me, history was no longer a textbook timeline of facts. It became tangible, poignant even.
In the oak trestle table that had once been in a manor hall, I saw the scratches left by bowls, mugs, and eating utensils. The silver goblet, gleaming in the museum case, had once
held French wine sipped by a nobleman. The jeweled cloak pins lined up on display had held ladies’ garments closed against the biting cold—because in medieval times, catching a chill could be deadly.
When I sit down to write, all of those first-hand memories fill my mind. I have plenty of good research books, but my best inspiration comes from my own personal experiences because, after all, my characters are people, individuals with heartfelt dreams, deep desires, and emotional conflicts. I hope that through my stories readers not only fall in love with my characters, but grow to share my lifelong love of the Middle Ages.
