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….
Michelle posted in Writing @ 10:09 am | Viewed 2716 times
Missie Says:
I am feeling for you, oh pregnified one. I predict it will be today, Friday the 16th, around 8:30 pm, and it will be a girl.
The last few days are the longest, aren’t they?
Kelly Says:
Sorry there’s no baby yet! But I hope you get lots of casseroles!!
Christy H. Says:
Michelle your baby doesn’t seem ready to enter the world yet. My granddaughter was overly eager: http://www.ksl.com/?nid=148&sid=2030358 She not only came early, she surprised everyone and was born in the tub.
Michelle Says:
Christy–wow, that’s quite a story for her scrapbook! Wish it were that easy for every birth.
Kim A. Says:
I hope s/he makes an appearance soon, Michelle, and that the birth is as easy as possible. I’m looking forward to seeing some baby pics.
Really neat photo, by the way. Archaeology is an interest of mine, though more the paleolithic and neolithic eras. Oh, but I think a trip to Ireland would be fabulous! North American (non-Indigenous, I mean) history is nothing, compared to “European” in terms of age.
-Kim
-Kim
Michelle Styles Says:
As I have said before — 3rd babies niggle and are unpredictable.
Interesting info on the Irish.
Keep your chin and keep revising.
Julie Cohen Says:
leaving another casserole