When I began writing His by Opening Day, I knew I wanted to write about a young woman who was more interested in her studies than in finding love. Because the story would take place in the summer of 1909, I wanted a science-minded character who loved the outdoors. Butterflies popped into my head, and so I began researching famous lepidopterists, or those who study butterflies and moths.

Research introduced me to Margaret Fountaine (1862-1940), an English lepidopterist who was a collector, researcher, and illustrator during that time period. She was a remarkable woman, and my heroine, Rosie Fountaine, is named in honor of her. 

A few fun facts about Margaret:

• She kept a diary from the age of 16 until her death, offering a wonderful view into a Victorian and Edwardian woman's mind. 
• She visited over 60 countries on 6 continents to collect specimens.
• Her four sketch books of butterfly life-cycles are held at the Natural History Museum in London. 
• The butterfly genus Fontainea was named in her honor!
• Her collection of 22,000 butterflies, called the Fountaine-Neimy collection,  is housed at the Norwich Castle Museum. 

And here are a few photographs to enjoy!

This mixed media artwork is by Barrie Morris. I loved the colors and how adventurous Margaret looks! (Photograph: The Red Dot Gallery)

Here's a beautiful example from Margaret's sketchbooks. When my character, Rosie, is intent on sketching Neophasia menapia in the opening chapters, I imagined it would look something like this. 

When I saw this photograph, I couldn't help but imagine Rosie in a similar pose as she wandered the University of Washington campus where it bordered the fairgrounds. (Photograph: Norwich Castle Museum & Art Gallery)

This photograph has several colorful butterflies from the Fountaine-Neimy collection. This inspired the first scene, where Rosie talks to a butterfly in her own collection.

And that, dear reader, is how a character is born!

Look here for more information about getting your copy of His by Opening Day!