Workshop Description: (No workshop post on Thanksgiving day)
The majesty and beauty of the Scottish Highlands provide many a backdrop for historical novels. Out of the mists rise proud Highlanders who value honor and duty above all else. Their steadfastness and sorrow arouse deep emotions in us. Although the odds are against them, they fight for their beliefs, knowing they may not survive, but unwilling to be branded cowards. The Romans, English, and Lowland Scots brand them barbarians. The French seek their alliance and use them to advance their own agendas.
Cindy shares her love and knowledge of the Scottish Highlands and their people in this workshop that provides a basic understanding of Highland history and culture of the 17th and 18th centuries. She begins with a historical overview then discusses Highland clans, warrior life, folk life and folk ways, clothing, herbs and plants, and special events in during one’s lifetime.
She enhances the workshop with a variety of handouts and story excerpts to illustrate how she weaves fact into fiction. Activities assist participants in melding realism and fiction in their stories. At the end of the workshop, Cindy offers to provide a free chapter edit.
Instructor Bio:
A retired librarian, Cindy Vallar is a historical novelist and freelance editor specializing in historical fiction. For fourteen years, she penned an editing column called “The Red Pencil” for Historical Novels Review. She is also the Editor of Pirates and Privateers. She belongs to the Historical Novel Society and, in 2005, received the first Friend of Clan Cameron Award at the Clan Cameron North American Rally. She is also a member of Historical Writers of America and the National Association of Writers and Editors. She invites you to visit her award-winning web site, Thistles & Pirates (http://www.cindyvallar.com/), to learn more.