It would seem that a book set only nine years earlier than my first book’s timeline wouldn’t need a ton of research, right? But let’s think about that. How much changes in a decade? Even in contemporary times? We know that ten years can mean the ushering in of technology not available before, social norms shifting, fashion and trend changes. The 1800s were not any different in that regard.

Fashions and lighting have changed a bit since the 1800s. Taken from the British Library’s public domain collection on Flickr.

Stepping back into the Civil War era meant a country with fewer railroads, use of candles instead of gaslights, and women wearing bell-shaped gowns that sometimes filled up an entire room. Some things never change though. Not then and not now.

My goal when I write a story for teens and young adults is to focus on the common emotions and experiences. Teens today wouldn’t usually ride in a carriage. But they’ve still experienced the jolting of a bumpy road. Perhaps they’ve never sat by a fireside monitoring meat roasted on a spit, but likely they’ve tasted it.

What will readers today be able to identify with in their own lives? Many have experienced the fear of facing an adversary. They’ll understand the loss of a loved one or the flicker of first love. I’m always looking for sensory experiences that will transport a reader to the time period, so that the things they’re not familiar with will feel real to them.

So even though I found several historical differences in the times between 1862 (when my Christmas short story takes place) and 1871 and 1873 (the years of my currently published novels, respectively), people are still people throughout the ages, with many of the same dreams, fears, and faith struggles.

In coming months, I plan on sharing some of the great research finds that I hope keep young people riveted to a story or might be of use to a homeschooling family who wants to glean more about the late 1800s when they’re studying the Civil War through the Gilded Age.

Silhouettes have certainly changed a lot over the past 150 years.