I read a lot about history when I research topics for books in the Through the Mist series. I am one of those nuts who is annoyed whenever a book, movie, or TV show uses something that is wildly inaccurate. I have posted about it in the past.
For example, in an episode of a favorite show, a character said, “I will get a pen.” The show was set in a time period before the pen was invented. Even pencils weren’t available then! Sadly, I focused more on the inaccuracy than what happened in the scene, something I doubt the writer wanted.
When I write my books, I try hard not to make the same mistake. I research the most minute details. Yet, I still make mistakes.
Which leads me to the latest rabbit hole.
Clothes Hangers Haven’t Been Around That Long
When I wrote the first five books in the Through the Mist series, I had visions of Sarah, Tilly’s maid, flipping through dresses hanging from a metal or wooden pole in a tall wardrobe. Guess what? That’s wrong!
Clothes hangers resembling something we would recognize today did not exist until around 1869. Before then, clothes were folded or laid flat.
TMI!
I have read more about clothes hangers now that I ever wanted to read. I have looked at pictures of early versions. I have thought about how one might store clothes without a hanger. I have considered how the information might alter certain scenes.
Too much information!!! Fortunately for you, dear reader, I will not subject you to the same cruelty. As with other topics, the history of hangers may constitute one tiny detail in the background of a scene. If your curiosity must be sated, just search Google for history of clothes hangers. I am so sorry – I tried to warn you.
Yes, It’s a Diversion
I need to write the sixth book in the series. I know what’s going to happen. It must happen. It is for the good of the story.
But, I don’t want to write it.
So, I am procrastinating by tumbling down a rabbit hole filled with clothes hangers.
It’s the process….