The last few weeks have been all about background research. Having discovered that I desperately needed background information on Saratoga Springs, I dove right into old newspaper articles, guide books and local anthologies to bolster my limited knowledge of that storied town. I even solicited the help of my husband Jim on a Sunday afternoon jaunt. Together we toured the Saratoga Springs History Museum in the Canfield Casino, made the rounds of Congress Park, enjoyed a delicious repast at Mrs. London’s and generally familiarized ourselves with the town.
That done, I went home to bury myself in books: “Such Was Saratoga” and “Saratoga Lost” were new reads, and I reread “The Hudson-Mohawk Gateway”. I feel I’ve re-immersed myself in the feel of those times. I can feel the heady atmosphere of a town that has it all: gamblers, grand hotels, temperance leagues and healing springs.
Slowly but surely, the second half of the book is coalescing. My research is doing its job: every fact I absorb weaves itself into the tapestry that will be my story. Soon, I’ll reach that critical number and I’ll know it is time to start writing again.
Until then, I research. Next up: the rules of faro, a card game that was one of the most popular at gambling establishments. It was also one of the easiest for the house to fix. Beyond that, I know little. But soon, I’ll know the rules as well as any hardened 19th century gambler.
Who knows? Maybe I’ll host a game night and subject my friends and acquaintances to my newfound game discovery. Just a friendly game of course.
