…here’s a link to my feature article appearing in today’s Staunton News Leader: Playing with Fire. It’s about a local blacksmithing guild, and I did a lot of very fun and interesting research for the article.
If you don’t see the link on “Playing with Fire” above, hover your cursor over the “Published Works” tab above, select Non-Fiction, and scroll down to NEWSPAPER ARTICLES.
Your article is of particular interest to me as the hero of my novel is a blacksmith. Also, I had a neighbor whose hobby was smithing, and since his retirement, he has become extremely accomplished (gates, fences, table bases, etc.). It’s fascinating to watch the transformation of a simple iron bar into an object of beauty–you’ve done a great job of describing the craft and the creativity that inspires the smiths’ work.
Unexpected Paths 
Your article is of particular interest to me as the hero of my novel is a blacksmith. Also, I had a neighbor whose hobby was smithing, and since his retirement, he has become extremely accomplished (gates, fences, table bases, etc.). It’s fascinating to watch the transformation of a simple iron bar into an object of beauty–you’ve done a great job of describing the craft and the creativity that inspires the smiths’ work.
Thanks! I like any sort of transforming craft–smithing, woodworking. Looks like magic. I’m glad you enjoyed the article.