I spent a couple of hours researching Tudor and Elizabethan history today. I have friends who will pin me to the wall with their sewing needles (that’s a helluva lot of needles!) if I make a major error in depicting the time periods.

The Queen’s Viper occurs during Tudor/Elizabethan and modern day, centered around London. In writing the introductory chapters for old London, I wrote the creative content first, then I sought validation of my setting. With minor changes it would work.

But the characters inside the story arc were unhappy and not able to pursue their path easily – at least that’s the way it felt when I thought about the plot. I tried pushing past the nagging feeling that I was doing something wrong by working on other aspects of the novel.

I meandered through my research books and browsed the internet. I found a morsel of information which I crafted into a  deeper understanding of my protagonist and the world She inhabits. In light of this, I asked Her questions and She provided me with revealing answers, not only about Herself, but of Her peers and enemies.

With that flash of insight, the first portion of the old London story re-wrote itself in my head. It also meant that I’d have to completely re-work the chapters I already completed.

My heart wants to pound the keys until the early hours of the morning tonight! Sadly, my pocketbook needs me to be a fully functional medical professional during the day and parent in the early evening. Such are the tribulations of starting over. I still need to pay homage to the life which brought me this far.

So, goodnight universe and Queen Elizabeth I. I’ll see you all in my dreams.