Writing Category
Writer’s Deep Dive: Anchors
Posted on January 6, 2023 Leave a Comment
A ship’s anchor is a critical piece of equipment. It allows the vessel to be secured in place when a dock or pier is unavailable. However, just like the hull and sail shapes, the anchor has a significant amount of technology in its design. Now, let’s dive in! Terminology Shank – The long piece of […]
The Writer’s Guide: Introduction to Sailing Ships
Posted on November 25, 2022 1 Comment
There is something romantic, magical even, about sailing ships. Vessels with motors lack a certain enchantment. It should come as no surprise that writers love to include sailing craft in literature and many an adventure yarn starts with boarding a ship. The vessel can be a vital part of the story, such as the Hispaniola […]
Writer’s Deep Dive: Toledo Steel
Posted on November 11, 2022 1 Comment
Damascus, Syria was not the only city that became famous for its steel. Toledo, Spain was also producing high quality and highly valued blades from ancient times. Now, let’s dive in! What is Toledo Steel? Toledo steel was famous for being flexible and strong and its production was a closely guarded secret until the 20th […]
Writer’s Deep Dive: Metalworkers
Posted on September 16, 2022 1 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 […]
Rebecca Shedd - Author 