Blog - Emily Owen
My Blog
Discover more about the past, learn how I write my books, and see some real life automata.
Researching the past
Lords, Ladies and Misters: A Guide to Addressing the Peerage (And the Common People)
Back in the nineteenth century, it was important to 'know your place' in society, and if you wanted to make a good impression, you had to know how to address your social superiors or inferiors.
A Look into Fashion of the 1850s: Ladies
A mid-Victorian lady would have many outfits for many occasions, such as calling on friends, attending dinners, balls or maybe just lounging around the house.
A Look into Fashion of the 1850s: Gentlemen
We've already explored the elements of an 1850's lady's wardrobe, so now it's the gentlemen's turn!
5 Tips for Researching the Past
Are you trying to write historical fiction and wondering how to go about your research? I share 5 tips based on my experience of conducting research for my stories set in the Victorian era.
Marriage Laws and Elopement in Nineteenth-Century England
Marriage was the cornerstone of Victorian society (or so the Victorians would have you believe). But say your family and friends disapprove...
The Victorians and Makeup Part 1: The Virtue of Skincare
In this first half of a two-part article, I'll explore Victorian attitudes to cosmetics and the products that formed a nineteenth-century lady's beauty regime, with a focus on skincare.
Novels
The Process of Self-Publishing a Book: Part Two
This second blog in my series covers the steps involved in turning your story into a professionally-prepared manuscript ready for typesetting.
The Process of Self-Publishing a Book: Part One
A walkthrough of the steps involved in publishing your book through a self-publishing company.
Why D&D Alignments are a Useful Writing Tool
Using examples from my book series, I show how Dungeons and Dragon's concept of moral alignment can help you better understand what drives your characters.
My Experience of Co-Authoring a Novella
I share my reflections on co-authoring a novella set in a world on the brink of collapse.
Writing a Series: 3 Lessons I Learned
I share the three most useful lessons that I’ve learned from my experience of embarking on a book series.
How I Wrote my First Novel
I share insights into the process of writing my debut novel, 'The Mechanical Maestro'.
Automata and Mechanical Curios
Andrew Alden's Automata
While I’ve created a lot of fictional androids in my writing, today we’re shining the spotlight on some real-life automata, created by Andrew Alden from Huddersfield.