Fresh FIction Box Not To Miss
Kate Maddison | A Trip to London
Author Guest / August 7, 2014

One of the most exciting things I did in research for my YA mystery romance novel, THE INCREDIBLE CHARLOTTE SYCAMORE AND THE SECRET TRAPS, was take a trip to London for a behind-the-scenes tour of Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle. The top 8 things I discovered: 1.) There are secret hallways in Buckingham Palace that are used only by Queen Elizabeth. Our group was shown how one of the fireplaces swings open from floor to ceiling so that the Queen doesn’t travel the corridors like everyone else, to maintain her privacy and security. 2.) It’s considered rude to turn your back on royalty. During Queen Victoria’s time, all staff had to walk backward out of a room when Her Majesty was in it. This rippled through our culture and is still a matter of etiquette. Have you ever had someone apologize when their back was turned to you? 3.) In North America, we call rivers by their name, then add “river” behind it. Such as Mississippi River, Fraser River, etc. In England they do it the other way around. People call it the River Thames. (Eek! Last minute edit change in my manuscript caught just before printing!) 4.) Windsor Castle…