Kieran’s Home

I’ve been working on revisions for Slave to Her Desires and am about 1/3 of the way through. I was going through some of my research pictures, and I came across this photograph that I don’t think I’ve shared with you before. It’s a photograph of where my hero Kieran lives and the workspace he might use when it’s possible to do woodworking out of doors.

I’ve been talking with an archaeologist who teaches at the University College of Dublin and has written papers on medieval woodworking. I learned that they would carve wood while it was still green (freshly cut), and they used to use butter and animal fats to help prevent cracking. In the photograph here, the shelter to the left contains a hand-turned lathe where they could turn posts for furniture.

As for the stone hut itself, notice that there weren’t any windows! When I went inside, it was very dark, but I imagine it was also very cosy at night. My hero has to carve a wooden figure of the heroine, and I had a lot of fun with the scenes involving the “sittings” if that’s what you could call them.

At some point soon, I want to add more photographs to the For Readers page, because I have so many that relate to the books! I had such a good time in Ireland, I can’t wait to go back. For those of you who have read the books, are there any particular things you’d like to see? Scenery? Weapons? Just curious.

No baby yet. Clearly the child has plans to just stay in there forever. It’s a conspiracy. My friend Julie believes that anyone who asks a 9 months pregnant woman, “Hasn’t that baby come yet?” should be obligated to bring her a casserole after she gives birth. I’m beginning to see merit in the idea….