Novel Magic: A-Viking We Go with Jean Grant
Researching Culture and Setting: Viking ships, Abbeys, and Enchanting Castles Like any novel[ist], I take my research seriously! A Hundred Breaths delves into the Norse culture and I was fortunate to tour an actual Viking ship, the Draken Harald Hårfagre , last year. When I heard this ship was coming to a port near us (Mystic, CT, and only an hour drive away), I messaged the captain and booked myself tickets. The researcher in me squealed with delight. The ship did not let me down. I asked questions, got to walk along the deck, and my sons got to “steer” with the steerboard. This ship was built as a fully working replica based on much research of Norse vessels. The crew was handpicked and sailed it cross the Atlantic Ocean. Exploring the vessel gave me a taste of what it must have been like to sail the ocean as a Viking. Gwyn and Simon’s journey in A Hundred Breaths also takes them to Dryburgh Abbey . I had loved Scotland for years, and in 2008, finally planned a visit there. One stop...