Writing Category
Writer’s Deep Dive: Metalworkers
Posted on September 16, 2022 Leave a Comment
When most people think of metalworkers, the image that commonly comes to their mind is a medieval blacksmith hammering at his anvil. However, there are other types of metalworkers, most of whom were skilled in a specialized craft. I will focus in this article on metal crafts from before the Industrial Revolution. Unfortunately, that means […]
The Writer’s Guide to the History of Blacksmithing
Posted on September 2, 2022 Leave a Comment
Blacksmithing has a long history. Only stone working is older. The craft was refined and advanced by trial and error and through interactions between cultures. The weapons and tools produced by these early smiths forged cities and countries. As always, magic is the exception to the rule. Because magic. The Copper Age Between the Stone […]
Writer’s Deep Dive: Anvils
Posted on August 19, 2022 2 Comments
The anvil is an essential piece of a blacksmith’s equipment and the most iconic symbol of the trade. They may look simple, but there is an incredible amount of clever design that goes into this piece of technology. Now, let’s dive in! The Basics The first anvils were made of stone, then bronze, then wrought […]
The Writer’s Guide to Blacksmithing Basics
Posted on August 5, 2022 2 Comments
Since much of fantasy was inspired by the Middle Ages, it makes sense that many novels include blacksmiths. Of course, in a magical setting, blacksmiths can be elevated from hammering out horseshoes to crafting magic rings or enchanted blades. It is also common to see them highlighted in visual medium during the big “gearing up” […]
The Writer’s Guide to Medieval Army Logistics
Posted on July 22, 2022 1 Comment
Raising an army and learning how to deploy it tactically will only get your protagonist so far. To keep your army in the fight, he or she will have to supply it. This can be a challenge, especially in a pre-industrial world without automobiles, trains, or airplanes. History again can provide us with a wealth […]
Writer’s Deep Dive: The Battle of Hastings
Posted on July 8, 2022 2 Comments
For our third and final historical battle, I am covering the Battle of Hastings. This engagement shows how an army can start in a dominate position and still lose. Now, let’s dive in! The Basics The battle of Hastings was fought on October 14th, 1066 between the Anglo-Saxon King Harold Godwinson and the invading Norman-French […]
The Writer’s Guide to Medieval Army Tactics
Posted on June 24, 2022 1 Comment
Now that your protagonist has raised an army, he or she must learn how best to deploy it. There have been many tactics used throughout history to win battles, and the list below is not exhaustive. Some tactics can be used by all the types of soldiers I covered in my The Writer’s Guide to […]
Rebecca Shedd - Author 