novel research in historic massachusetts

Hey, y’all.

Well, if you follow me on Instagram you know that I just returned from several days in coastal Massachusetts, conducting researching for my new historical novel. It was everything I dreamed it would be: productive, fun, relaxing (a hotel room to myself, with the AC knocked down to 68 degrees?!), and full of magic moments which only happen when you stay open to them.

I don’t talk about what I’m writing much when I’m writing it. I think it messes with the magic, and I’m not taking chances. But I can tell you that the new novel is set in Massachusetts in the 1930s and the 1770s, and it’s a dual-timeline story which features a protagonist in each timeline inspired by a real woman from American history.

I traveled all around the Plymouth/Quincy/Manomet/Barnstable areas. But the best part of the trip (aside from the peaceful hotel room)? Meeting up with fellow history people who showed me the places that they love, whether intentionally or because I popped my head in a door.

I did a lot of posting and some videos about the process—plus my tips on getting the most out of novel research—over on Insta, so check it out!