Friday, August 17, 2012

Inspirational Images & Documents for "Unquiet Souls"


George Jacobs House c. 1891
Unquiet Souls is a YA Paranormal novel based on the premise that restless spirits may attempt to satisfy their thwarted passions through the living.  (Seeking representation).

The story is set in present day Maine but has connections to the Salem Witch Trials of 1692.

I am descended from Mary Towne Estey.  She and her two sisters, Rebecca Nurse and Sarah Cloyce, were accused of witchcraft.  Mary and Rebecca were hanged.  During my research for this book I was most inspired by Margaret Jacobs, accused at age seventeen.

Trial of George Jacobs by Thompkins H. Matteson 1855

There are no known images of Margaret Jacobs or her grandfather, just as there are no known trial records.  Her grandfather wears a red cape (note his walking stick on the floor).  Margaret is in the tawny skirt, pointing - accusing him of witchcraft.  Her mother, known to be mentally disturbed, lunges at her from behind. Margaret's father, George Jr. is beside George Sr.  The young people in the front are having "fits".

 

Miniature believed to be of S. Parris

George Jacobs Senior's Marker
at Rebecca Nurse Homestead


 
Some of my sea glass collection



Tuesday, August 14, 2012

Some Visual Inspirations for "Tendril"


Tendril is a YA Neo-Gothic novel with fairy tale elements (seeking representation).  It is set in present day Maine.  The MacBride family curse decrees that Opal’s albinism and magical living hair will prevent her from finding true love.  
Photo courtesy of Kari Jo Spear
link to her blog on my blog list

My favorite cemetery in Portsmouth, NH
(the inspiration for Hope Cemetery)


Nineteenth Century Sisters with Albinism


That's me (on the right) at Pere Lachaise Cemetery in Paris



Cemetery in Maine


 

Raven


Barn Owl