Madame Sophie of Versailles: Sisterhood, Secrets, and Royal Connections

In the Royal Court of Versailles in 18th-century France, power, politics, and drama intertwined. In the midst of this opulent setting, one woman stood out: Madame Sophie, the youngest daughter of King Louis XV and Queen Marie Leszczyńska. Her relationships with her sisters and the king himself reveal a tapestry of sisterhood, loyalty, and the complex dynamics of courtly life. The power of sisterhood Let’s … Continue reading Madame Sophie of Versailles: Sisterhood, Secrets, and Royal Connections

Unravelling the Amorous Adventures of Louis XV: The Unapologetically Playful King!

Hey there, history enthusiasts and lovers of scandalous tales! Brace yourselves, folks, because we’re about to unravel the secrets of the royal bedroom! Buckle up and prepare for a wild ride as we dive into the captivating world of one of history’s most notorious Casanovas – Louis XV of France. The perks of being the king Now, we all know that being a monarch comes … Continue reading Unravelling the Amorous Adventures of Louis XV: The Unapologetically Playful King!

Madame Adelaide of Versailles: A Complex Tapestry of Relationships

Step into the glamorous world of the Royal Court of Versailles, where the enigmatic Madame Adelaide took centre stage. Well, for a time, at least. As the eldest surviving daughter of Louis XV, her life was a whirlwind of alliances, rivalries, and unexpected twists. Get ready to unravel the captivating relationships that shaped her journey through power and influence. Sisterhood and solidarity Picture Madame Adelaide … Continue reading Madame Adelaide of Versailles: A Complex Tapestry of Relationships

Rose Bertin: The Fashion Maven of Marie Antoinette’s Court

Step into the dazzling world of 18th-century French fashion and meet Rose Bertin, a trailblazer who transformed clothing into art. She was a celebrated milliner and dressmaker whose influence on the fashion landscape of her time was unmatched. Rose had a special relationship with Marie Antoinette, the iconic queen of France, and together they created couturial magic!  Rose Bertin’s influence on fashion during her time … Continue reading Rose Bertin: The Fashion Maven of Marie Antoinette’s Court

Servants In The Palace Of Versailles

When The Sun King Louis XIV moved his court permanently to the magnificent Palace of Versailles, he made a big mistake. When considering how to house his court, he forgot (or, more likely, didn’t consider it important) to build space for the servants. The palace’s apartments were already cosy for the nobles themselves – housing the help was an ongoing issue. Continue reading Servants In The Palace Of Versailles

Court Dress At The Palace Of Versailles

To be adored at the Royal Court of Versailles, one had to be fashionably dressed. But following fashion trends cost ladies and gentlemen a literal fortune. To afford to keep up with fashion, nobles would raise the rents and taxes owed to them by poor farmers and tenants, which undoubtedly contributed to the French Revolution. So, Why Were Court Dresses So Expensive? Just remember, this … Continue reading Court Dress At The Palace Of Versailles

The Diamond Necklace Affair: The Begining Of The End

In 1785, Paris was buzzing with rumours of a daring theft involving a diamond necklace worth 1.6 million livres, which way back when was equivalent to a wealthy aristocrat’s annual income. In today’s standards, that’s about 54 million Aussie dollars. On a single necklace. Now, on any given year, this might have been enough to have common French citizens shaking their heads, but we’re coming … Continue reading The Diamond Necklace Affair: The Begining Of The End

The Absolutely Elusive (But Totally Achievable) Task of Writing Fantastic Figurative Language

I feel envious of writers who can compose phenomenal figurative language. I love to weave words, but to adorn them in layers of meaning is such hard work. Like William Goldberg when he writes: “The sun in the west was a drop of burning gold that slid nearer and nearer the sill of the world” in Lord of the Fliesi. Will I ever be able … Continue reading The Absolutely Elusive (But Totally Achievable) Task of Writing Fantastic Figurative Language

Should copywriters work for free?

The only reason you should ultimately be doing unpaid work as a freelance copywriter is if it will benefit you in the long run. It may be because you need the experience or because you foresee paid work in the future by doing a little free work now. But you should never feel compelled to work for free – it is by no means a requirement of the job. Continue reading Should copywriters work for free?