One of my biggest fears in writing is grammar and style. One website I like is Guide to Grammar and Writing. Check it out when you get a chance.
The second fear is accuracy in history. Being a history major in college was helpful to a point. It's knowing how to research that makes creating a great historical scene important. (Loving history helps as well). I wish I have one magic database, but I don't. Historical research requires patience and perseverance. Spending hours reading newspapers, books written during the time you are creating, and using images (in particular photographs if it is post-1840s) are the best, in my opinion.
Did they have streetlamps in 1880s London? I had to find out. If they did, were they gas, electric, both? I had to dig for that. Ah, the fun stuff!
The second fear is accuracy in history. Being a history major in college was helpful to a point. It's knowing how to research that makes creating a great historical scene important. (Loving history helps as well). I wish I have one magic database, but I don't. Historical research requires patience and perseverance. Spending hours reading newspapers, books written during the time you are creating, and using images (in particular photographs if it is post-1840s) are the best, in my opinion.
Did they have streetlamps in 1880s London? I had to find out. If they did, were they gas, electric, both? I had to dig for that. Ah, the fun stuff!
