When you read my debut novel, A Talent Within, you’ll see I’ve kept a lot of the details accurate to medieval Europe, but in my own world of Valmora.
So why did I take the time to be certain my characters are eating spices appropriate to a specific time and region in European history, if I’m writing fantasy?
When I decided to write a novel, I knew it was best to stick with something I love researching—the medieval period. I’ve spent my whole life reading books, taking classes, and watching documentaries about the Middle Ages for fun. I’m no historian so historical fiction felt too constraining and I love YA fantasy. Why not combine them?
Some writers really enjoy creating a completely fantastical world. Think Dune or Priory of the Orange Tree. My story is about two girls born in a very medieval world, and their struggle to assert who they are when the social and religious system is designed to thwart them.
I hope you enjoy the small details when you read about Evelyne and Annika’s love story.
Medieval Spices and European Power Brokering
Here’s a great article about a ship found off the coast of Sweden. The spices on the wreck were part of an attempt by the King of Denmark and Norway to buy the crown of Sweden for himself. Talk about a delicious bribe.