In my search for historical authenticity in my writing, the Internet has proven to be a wonderful resource.

I have made the acquaintance of a number of professional people in very disparate areas.

Teresinha and her marvelous website on woad I have already written about.

I also can count a Celtic historian, Anthony McKinley, among the wonderful people who have taken time out of their busy lives to help me get things right, answered many question about ancient Celtic history, and who critiqued a funeral scene for me.

My first book has a blacksmith character, and I corresponded with a modern day blacksmith named “Paw Paw” Wilson, who instructed me on the finer points of smelting iron. PawPaw has since passed away but I hope to give a copy of Ciara’s Tale to his wife when it is published.

Professional beekeepers and sheep farmers have assisted me, too. All in all, I have been amazed at the generosity of the online community to help a new author.

The most recent friend I have made is a Latin teacher at Cardinal O’Hara High School in Tonawanda, NY. I graduated from O’Hara in 1970 and when my sister Bernadine recently informed me that Latin was one of the languages being taught there now, I wondered if I might presume to write and ask for his/her help.

I did indeed find an email address for Mr. Calvin Steck and sent off a note. He responded quickly and soon I had the distinguished assistance of a Latin scholar. In my second historical novel, Eleri’s Tale, my main character is learning to read and write Latin and I desperately needed help to make the scenes correct.

Mr. Steck kindly and cheerfully gave me the benefit of his years of study and knowledge.

So thank you, Mr. Steck!

Your students are fortunate to have you.