Have you ever pondered what it would be like to stroll through history hand-in-hand with a renowned literary figure? Imagine sifting through their letters, reliving their friendships, and even catching a glimpse of the spaces they inhabited. This is exactly what I’ve been doing as I immerse myself in the captivating life of Libbie Custer—a prominent socialite in the 19th and early 20th centuries. The thrill of unearthing hidden gems of information is an absolute joy, almost akin to sifting for gold. Each discovery paints a clearer picture of not only Libbie’s life but also the illustrious connections she nurtured, most notably with the legendary Mark Twain. This exploration of parallel play with historical figures allows us to draw rich, vivid comparisons and insights that resonate even today. Curious to discover more about this intriguing process? LEARN MORE.
Parallel play with historical figures
I have been writing a historical novel about Libbie Custer who was known in literati circles at the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century.
The research part of the project has been a great joy, as I keep uncovering new nuggets of information. The most successful part of my research has been looking at books and documents that are adjacent to my character.
Letters, websites, libraries, books
She was friends with Mark Twain, so I have the letters from Mark Twain on my Kindle, as I do essays by John Boroughs, who was a frequent visitor at one of her clubs. I bought a book about one of the clubs she belonged to. I did find her picture there, but I could also place her in the club by looking at pictures from the early 20th century and describing the background furnishing of the club’s parlor in my novel.
I found historical descriptions of the neighborhoods she lived in by visiting the historical society websites of those cities. Mark Twain’s house, which she visited, is also amply described and pictured on that historical home’s website (the museum home is open to the public).
A good friend of hers, Candace Wheeler, wrote several books and is written about as one of the…
