5. Lastly, I do spot research. Sometimes the story demands knowledge I don’t have. I’m what I call a “fly into the mist” writer, which means that I don’t pre-plot my books. I develop my characters and their situation, but then I let them tell their story. Most books surprise me, not in the romantic storyline, but in the details that emerge as important to the supporting plot.

In Forbidden Magic, for example, the heroine owns a risque ancient statue that grants wishes at a price. It’s a sheelagh-na-gig. This plot device popped into my mind because I’d come across a discussion of the fertility goddess statues years before. Having decided to use it, I had to find out details. In one of the strange synchronicities that often happen, I opened the paper one day to fine a whole article on them!

In Tempting Fortune, I wanted my hero to be involved in some risky but worthwhile investments. Because I write linked books, the timing of the book was constrained. What was going on in 1761? The Duke of Bridgewater was building his first canal. Bingo! I was familiar with that from my English education, but again, I needed research, especially as Bridgewater was going to be a secondary character.

For Skylark, I wanted an explanation for someone having disappeared for ten years. A look at the news of Autumn 1816 took me straight to the Battle of Algiers, when the British Navy under Lord Exmouth liberated Christian slaves from the Barbary States of North Africa, especially Algeria. However, as is sometimes the case, research showed that my initial plot idea wouldn’t work. Certainly there were slaves, but they were nearly all peasants or lowly seamen. Any captive who could pay ransom was released, and there were very few British slaves. I worked with the truth, however, and developed what I think is a deeper, more interesting story.

In A Lady’s Secret, my characters start out in Northern France. I’ve been there, but I still had to do some research about geography, but also about travel in France in the 1760s. I found a fascinating book in Googlebooks about exactly that. It’s a great resource of period books. Put in a subject and then limit the date of publication to, for example, 1750-1780. You’ll be amazed what you find.

There’s a complete list of my books on my web page with excerpts etc.

The internet is a wonder for details. There are web pages, bulletin boards, and mailings lists for every group and interest all around the world, and I’ve generally found people delighted to help.

So, I build my fictional world with basic research; first person accounts; precise details of the time covered in the novel; and as much as possible about everyday living. Then I add spot research as necessary. The beauty of setting many novels in the same period is that this research constantly enriches my knowledge base.