This is the first in a three-part series featuring the research that went into my newest book, Taylor Davis and the Clash of Kingdoms.
Every time I write a new book, I enter the world in which my characters reside. Sometimes they bring me to places and events I’m not very familiar with. Sometimes I have a lot to learn! So part of my preparation always includes research. This time, it carried me to a slave fortress that still stands on the coast of Ghana, West Africa.
Elmina Castle was built in 1482…yeah, ten years before Columbus discovered the West Indies. At that time, the Portuguese wanted to protect their gold trade along the African coast. But within a century or two, colonies in the Americas had grown to include huge plantations with an endless need for laborers. As we humans have an amazing propensity for greed, selfishness, and exploitation, traders soon started buying and selling the West Africans themselves. The Atlantic slave trade was born.
Elmina transferred hands in the 1600’s, becoming the property of the Dutch and later the English. None of this features prominently in Clash of Kingdoms. It’s a humorous adventure that takes place in the present day. Taylor and his friends simply pass through the area, glean some information for their quest, and move on. But I find that solid historical facts can ground even a fantasy in real life. It makes the story richer, more believable, and provides opportunities for my characters to learn and transferred it gives me a chance to explore new places and share them with my readers.
Here’s a Wikipedia article and another great website if you’re interested in reading more about Elmina, Ghana. Or you could just wait for Taylor Davis and the Clash of Kingdoms. 🙂 It releases on January 1, 2014.
Next post: African Tricksters.
Nice article, Michelle! I know I enjoy reading stories where it’s clear that the author knows what they’re talking about – and I can definitely tell when they’ve done research as opposed to making it up or hoping that they’re right. Best wishes on your writing!
I’m with you, that research is way more fun than the word makes it sound! In fact, I’d say it’s one of the best perks about being a writer. 🙂
Love the sound of that wip!
Thanks, Suzanne. It was a fun one to write!
Fascinating castle and history behind it. The Internet sure does make research fun and easy.
Dang, my comment’s gone! Fantastic castle. Too bad it was for slavery.
It’s still there. Just had to be approved. I approved you, Lynn. 😉
Yeah, it’s cool history, but the things people do to each other are horrible.
I liked your post about the weapons. That must’ve been fun research. 🙂 That sounds like an interesting piece of history. Can’t wait to read the next TD! 😀
Ah, yes, the medieval weapons that Taylor and company wield. That was a fun topic!
You really exel at research and make your settings and characters so believable. I think I’d enjoy researching too — used to as a journalist. There is always something new to learn.
“There is always something new to learn.” That’s just it, Pat. I don’t know what I don’t know till I dig in there and find out. The search is exciting!
I think a trip to Ghana is in order.
Shall we go? 🙂
When you’re doing a time travel series you gotta know the facts to create the fiction, Michelle! Wonderful post on a part of our past I’m not too proud of. We’ve come a long way, but need to go farther! Cheers and best wishes for a bestseller with your upcoming Taylor Davis saga!
Time travel does give you some very unique opportunities to work in history, Sharon. I do have Arch of Atlantis on my reading list.