In the early middle ages, a commendation ceremony to give homage to a liege lord required an oath of fealty that sealed the relationship between the lord and a member of his fighting forces. The Commendation Ceremony The commendation ceremony was divided into two parts: the act of homage and an oath of fealty. Act … Continue reading The Oath of Fealty in the Middle Ages
I made a humbling discovery recently. For a blog series I’m writing, I researched the psychology of conflict and turned up four basic types of internal conflict. The labels in psychology for these four tensions are not understandable by most of us, but here’s my translation: choosing between two positive outcomes, choosing the lessor of … Continue reading Words written in the wind
Since childhood I have admired the long-tailed birds of fantasy found in ancient tapestries. Not surprisingly, the creatures showed up unannounced in Tales of Faeraven. Kaerocs first make their entrance in DawnSinger when Shae and her companions stop for the night in the ruins of Braeth. The birds also put in an appearance in WayFarer … Continue reading The Long-tailed Birds of Fantasy
I have something to confess. I like to think of myself as a rational human being when it comes to my online activities, and for the most part, I am. I can stare down any attempt to glean my email address, get me to create an account, or sell me a must-have product. But there’s … Continue reading The temptation I can never resist
January 15, 2016 Life has a way of happening in a way that is not according to plan. I believe in scheduling my time, but that’s all right with me. Who wants a life you can map out to the last moment, anyway? That would mean no surprises. This week my husband’s birthday required homemade … Continue reading As travelers approach, this stronghold recedes
February 12, 2016 I’m of the theory that if you throw enough work at a large project, eventually you’ll pare it down to size. I’ve been doing that with my workload, but I don’t want to keep this up forever. In a job I once held, I worked a lot of overtime while constantly hoping … Continue reading What I’m Writing Now
Jamaica Inn by Daphne du Maurier If ever there was a season to read Jamaica Inn by Daphne du Maurier, this would be it. Blustery winds, fretful skies, and chilly nights lend a certain atmosphere in keeping with the drama of this story. A true thriller, Jamaica Inn derives tension not from macabre deeds, although … Continue reading Jamaica Inn by Daphne du Maurier
While researching DawnSinger (Tales of Faeraven 1), my epic fantasy novel based on 13th-Century Europe, I stumbled upon the history of England’s Eleanor Crosses. I hope you enjoy discovering this royal love story as much as I did. ~ Janalyn Edward and Eleanor, a Royal Love Story That Transcended Death Contrasted against the cruelty of … Continue reading Edward and Eleanor, a Royal Love Story That Transcended Death
October Giveaway Winner and Product Review This month’s giveaway winner is featured at the end of this post. But first, let’s give our benefactor center stage. MyMemories Suite won my respect by being both nimble and user-friendly, which is why I’m a MyMemories affiliate. I’ve used it to create many projects, website banners, stationery, business … Continue reading MyMemories Suite Review and Giveaway Winner
