Help me welcome our guest blogger today, Joan Donaldson, as she shares insight into getting it right.

Lilacs blooming in July? A character seeing a wren in Minnesota in February? Such mistakes as a horse sleeping in a stall spread with hay, whittle away at the credibility of historical fiction. Just as authors research the fashions worn during a certain time, writers need to consider details about nature and gardens. Here are a few tips for resources that provide information about nature.

While writing my novel, On Viney’s Mountain, I often contacted friends living in Rugby, Tennessee and asked, “What’s blooming now? Which birds are singing?”

I wanted to ensure that the scenes in the novel contained the correct information about blooming wildflowers and which birds had returned in March. When those sorts of details are included in a narrative, they help create a rich sense of place. Plus, if someone from Tennessee or a visitor familiar with the territory read my novel, they could confirm that the descriptions matched their experiences.

If a writer has no contacts within a region, she can research about birds at the Cornell Ornithology website or a state’s Department of Natural Resources site. When she needs information about plants, most states have an extension service that helps gardeners. Some states may have a master gardener program that can provide experts to answer questions. Or consider searching online for famous gardens in a specific location because the manager could offer suggestions.

When a writer needs details about farm animals, ask questions at feed stores, a place that hires folks familiar with common animals. Or again, inquire at a state’s extension services or perhaps talk to the staff at a large animal veterinary clinic. Sometimes a nonprofit organization such as Tillers International that trains oxen and horses can offer in depth details about draft animals. Some universities have academic websites where an author can find links to an expert and can email her with questions.

As always, a writer should make sure that a website is sponsored by a creditable source such as a university, a state government, or a nonprofit. When researched details are woven into a narrative, the writing flows with an authentic sense of a place.

Learn more about her latest release:  

https://www.amazon.com/Vineys-Mountain-Cumberland/dp/1500493740

Author Spotlight:

Joan Donaldson’s historical novel, On Viney’s Mountain, won the 2010 Friends of American Writers Award for Outstanding Young Adult novel and it represented the State of Tennessee at the 2010 National Book Festival. Her book, Hearts of Mercy, continues Viney’s story. She and her husband live on an organic blueberry farm in Michigan along with their dairy goats, four cats and a flock of chickens. She loves playing her Irish harp, working in her gardens, and fussing over her scented geraniums.

You can learn more about Joan and sign up for her newsletter at:

        https://www.joandonaldson.com/

www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063743282694

https://pleasanthillfarm.eatfromfarms.com/