Welcome to Rebecca’s Writer Resources

I’m very glad you’re here. My goal is to provide writers with the knowledge they need to make their work more believable and realistic. Unfortunately, there is a lot of misinformation out there and a lot of inaccuracies that are repeated in books, movies, and television shows. I will be covering a wide variety of topics from historical clothing to weaponry to horses. There will be a focus on medieval-inspired fantasy and historical fiction. I will likely also be throwing in things I have learned over the course of my author’s journey.

Why Does Accuracy Matter?

Accuracy matters because it lends realism and helps ground your story. Yes, you are welcome to throw out all the rules in your novel if you wish but if you are writing a story set in the real world or including real world elements in your fantasy or science fiction work, such as castles, historical clothing, horses or archery, it is exceptionally helpful to know how those things work. Another reason for accuracy is it prevents throwing knowledgeable readers out of the story.

My goal is to provide you with accurate information so you can make your writing and worldbuilding better. My focus is to be positive and encouraging. I am not here to berate anyone for falling victim to misinformation.

What Makes Me an Expert?

I hesitate to claim to be an expert. I do however have practical and real-world experience in several areas and I have spent many hours on research.

I have a Bachelor of Science in Animal Science, Equine Industry, which basically translates to a degree in horses. I have been riding since I have 11-years-old and worked in the horse industry professionally for five years. I have been involved in Western, English and driving and have worked with multiple breeds from draft horses to miniatures.

I have been a historical reenactor since 2001 and I am currently involved in multiple time periods including the Middle Ages, the Renaissance, the American Revolution, the American Civil War, the Victorian era, and the Irish War of Independence. I also sew almost everything myself and my husband wear for these events from the undergarments out. I have spent a lot of time researching historical dress, silhouette, and construction.

I have been involved in archery since 2002 and currently shoot an English longbow with wood-shafted arrows that I make myself. None of those moderns bows with training wheels here. Through my various reenactments I have gained experience with swords, polearms, and armor. I have a black belt in bujinkan ninjutsu, which includes knowledge of unarmed and armed combat.

I am excited to help you write better stories. However, I don’t want this blog to be a one-way street. I want to interact with you. If you have a question or suggestions for future posts, please reach out through the Contact Me form on my website or add a comment. If I got something wrong, please let me know. Although, fair warning, I will probably ask you to write a guest post.

I will be posting every Friday. If you want my blog delivered straight to your inbox every month along with exclusive content and giveaways please sign up for my email list.

Let’s get writing!