Behind the scenes
At the moment, I’m working on my Irish slave book, and I thought I’d share some of the inspiration behind the story. Last year, I visited Ireland and went to a reenactment village at Craggaunowen. One of the smaller ringfort exhibits had a woodworker’s shelter set up, as you see here. This is a model of an ancient lathe, used to turn wood and make furniture. Since my own father is a woodworker, I was interested in seeing how a medieval craftsman would create furnishings and carvings. The character of Kieran O’Brannon was born in my mind.
He developed even further when I saw carvings like this one at Bunratty Castle. Although this is a 15th century piece made in Germany, the carving techniques must have been passed down. I’ve seen sculptures and stonework from ancient Egypt that were every bit as detailed as this. I started imagining Kieran carving a woman’s face, the face of a woman he loved but couldn’t have. And the rest of the story evolved from there.
I wanted to take the love story of Tristan and Iseult and give it a happy ending. It will still be wonderfully tragic and heartwrenching in places, but ultimately, I want these two to have happiness.
Speaking of tearjerkers, have you read any books lately that have been deeply emotional? Any that made you sniffle? If not, what’s your favorite movie that made you cry?
Michelle posted in Writing @ 7:22 am | Viewed 2497 times
kayemanro Says:
Hi Michelle! I love the photos. Ireland is so beautiful. I’m glad you share so much behind the scenes with everyone. Can’t wait to read Warrior’s Touch. From the excerpt on eharlequin it sounds great. What a writer you are! I can’t believe how much you can produce given your life with kids, being with child, and teaching! Now if I could only write like that…
Melissa Says:
Bet Me by Jennifer Crusie made me cry like a baby. And I always have to watch Forest Gump with a box of Kleenez near by. The scene when he first sees his son and asks if he’s like him . .
beth Says:
I enjoyed Craggaunowen when we were by - it’s been fun to see your photos (in fact, we have some that are very similar
) What was super cool to me when reading HIW was that I totally got the souterrain thing! (You described it beautifully.)
One book that makes me cry every time I finish it and I really have very little idea why is Dragonsinger (Anne McCaffrey). I used to enjoy a good tearjerker. Sadly, if Tim catches me sniffling while I’m reading he does that look/headshake that husbands seem to have…makes me self conscious.
jeanne s. Says:
Harry Potter made me cry but of course I can’t say what part. My favorite movie is Forever Young - it makes me laugh and cry every time.
Michelle Says:
Hi Kaye! Hope you enjoy the book. I loved Connor’s character.
Melissa–Oh, “Forrest Gump” is a GREAT tearjerker. I bawled like a baby. Love that movie.
Beth–we need to do an Ireland road trip, I’m thinking.
I’ve never read Dragonsinger.
Jeanne S.–I think I know the part you mean. But it was such a poignant moment, wasn’t it? I haven’t seen Forever Young. But that reminds me of an older movie “Dying Young” that I saw years ago. That one was another good tearjerker.
Holly Says:
Wonderful pictures and what great inspiration!
As for books…I get misty reading Robin Donald’s The Guarded Heart and Linda Wisdom’s Snow Queen.
As for movies…there are a lot…Fried Green Tomatoes, Steel Magnolias, The Notebook(rips my heart out).
But my favorites that make me cry would have to be Persuasion(with Amanda Root and Ciaran Hines)when Anne reads Captain Wentworth’s letter and realizes he’s loved her all those years that she thought she was the only one who remembered the love they had shared.
And I can’t forget Sense and Sensibility…most especially the part when Elinor(played by the lovely Emma Thompson) begins sobbing hysterically when she realized Edward(Hugh Grant) was not the one who had married. As soon as I anticipate her hysteria, I can’t help but grab the tissues and start bawling too. LOL
Suzanne Says:
Ooh, that’s neat, I love the carving!
Leanne Says:
Congrats on your book sales Michelle!!
We just got back ourselves today from Williamsburg. It was great, the USS Wisconsin, Nauticus, Jamestown settlement, and VA beach, with that awesome big statue of King Neptune.(I think thats who that is anyway) I’m glad you got to go out and celebrate with your friends. Just wished I’d asked how bad the traffic could be. 
Hope everyone has a great day today.
LeAnne