Thursday 13 March 2014

GUEST POST: Stefan Haucke

Hello everyone! Today we've got a guest post from the ever-so-wonderful Stefan Haucke, author of 'Shadow of Ghosts' (review coming soon!!)



In the post, Stefan talks briefly about some of the interesting things he learned whilst doing research for his book.

"Shadows of Ghosts is a fantasy novel that takes place in a land that has many parallels to the United States during the era leading up to and during the Civil War. When I was researching this era I discovered that there was a rapid advancement in the technology of communications and travel; and this rapid advancement dramatically changed society during the first part of the nineteenth century.

Before the start of the nineteenth century, travel and communication was slow. Then, the invention of the steamboat and the building of railroads and canals suddenly made traveling long distances dramatically faster and more convenient. At the same time, the telegraph was invented. Now, with the telegraph, long distance communication became almost instantaneous. There were also major improvements in the ability to rapidly print newspapers and books. These changes in communications and travel allowed new ideas to flow across the United States. The abolitionist movement gained strength. The temperance movement, women's rights, improvement in the care of the mentally ill, prison reform—all these ideas gained a greater audience and led to major societal improvements due to the innovations in communications and travel."

A review of 'Shadow of Ghosts' is coming soon so keep your eyes peeled!!

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