KarenYF asked Sandra Gulland:

You portray the sights, sounds, and atmosphere of the times so well in Josephine B. What research beyond her biographies did you do to take the reader to her time so vividly?

Sandra Gulland Thank you so much, Karen! I'm pleased that you feel that way. To answer your question: travel research is essential for me, not so much from what I learn (although I invariably learn a great deal), as, rather, that it gives me a vivid sense of place that I can call upon when writing or revising a scene. Seeing the place where something actually happened makes it more real to me. First-hand ccounts written during the period can help, as well. Other than that, simply immersing myself in the character of Josephine and calling upon her senses of feel, taste, sound, etc., all help flesh out a scene.

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