Hands-on History

Sara Dahmen

Dear Reader,
I apparently fell off the face of the blogisphere. Real life has been non-stop since last fall and doesn't look to be slowing down anytime soon. But, I thought I'd take a moment to jot down a quick little post before I head to #RWA19. 

I've pulled out the suitcases and started a packing list, my calendar is double and triple booked, yet I still feel grossly unprepared. There is so much to do before I leave next week. Yet, I'm really looking forward to go to my fourth RWA Nationals. I can't wait to meet new people (yes, this coming from an introvert), seeing old friends, and learning and networking.

Perhaps, what I am most excited about is that my dear friend Sara Dahmen and I are teaching a class together on the Saturday of the conference. If you write historicals or just love history, you won't want to miss it.  Given that between the two of us we have about 20 years of historical reenacting experience in multiple eras, we wanted to teach a class to help break some stereotypes and allow writers to touch the past. That means, if you attend, you'll get to touch either extant objects and clothing, reproduction clothing, and maybe try your hand at making or creating objects as they used to be made.

Our class is called Hands on History: A Physical Experience into the Past.  The blurb from the RWA website describes it as follows: "Nothing can make your book come alive like hands-on research and experiences. This workshop makes the past come alive with a hands-on approach to understanding the past, the truth behind some historical stereotypes and myths, and a tactile experience to help you better explain history and take your readers on a deeper journey."

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Our aim in the class is for attendees to take away a better understanding that the way people walked, talked, thought, moved and interacted within their world could be very different than what we assume, or what we have been made to believe from television and film. We'll break down stereotypes, and share practical sources and ideas for really delving into the period(s) you are writing. Don't be surprised if we ask for volunteers to try things out. And, we'll likely encourage you all to attend some reenactments because, let's face it, even though you're learning, they are fun. And, that's what we want: for our attendees to have fun with history.

If you're in NYC and will be at #RWA19, come to learn, come to play dress up, come to touch the past. I hope we'll see you there. 

Let us know in the comments if you're attending #RWA19 or our class!

Till next time.

I'll be seeing you.
​Molly