I know as an author I’m always wanting new resources for my research. In my searching and reading, I came across two places I wanted to share with you. Even if you aren’t writing historical fiction, they are still lots of fun to just look at. (Or maybe I’m just strange.) 

Have you ever had trouble writing historical fiction because you don’t know when something was invented or when a phrase came into use?

Would you like to know just who was in power in different countries around the world when your story takes place?

Or what music would your characters have been listening to?

If you have, try this new online resource I just discovered! I can’t recommend all of what is on this site as you have to have a paid subscription for much of it. But this part, giving overviews of the centuries from the 1650’s until the 2000’s, is free and offers quick information in an easy way.

But perhaps you are looking for something a little different.

Would you like to know what kinds of foods were popular during the time of your story?

You may be surprised by some of it! If you are like me and need help coming up with actual dishes (some have the recipes if you want to make them), then take a look or two at this delightful website! I used it quite a bit when I was preparing for last years “History Day” party. Talk about fun! (You may have to scroll down a ways to get to more modern times, but it’s worth it.)

So have fun! Let me know if you made any of those dishes or discovered an invention you had no idea was around during your story.