Research Trip to Williamsburg

Wayward takes place in Charlottesville, VA, near the end of the Revolutionary War. I wanted to take a trip to Charlottesville to walk in the places Bennett and Mercy would have walked. I wanted to place myself there, near Monticello and on the cobblestone streets, to more fully immerse myself in my story! So, a few weeks ago, I took off and enjoyed an afternoon in Charlottesville!

Charlottesville is 2 hours from my home. Williamsburg is just 2 more hours away and in a direct path of Revolutionary history! So, once in Charlottesville, we decided to go on to Williamsburg to pick up some props that we'll need for the film. It can't get much more authentic than directly from Colonial Williamsburg!

I want everything to be historically accurate so the props needed to be just right! I got to talk in depth with some Colonial Williamsburg reenactors who work in the Dressmaker's Shop! They shared a lot with me about the clothing that Bennett and Mercy would wear...down to their sock garters and the particular way that tri-corn hats were folded for different people of the 1700s!

The Governor's Palace, some of Bennett's belongings and some replica coins from this era

I also got to talk to some local shop owners and collectors who told me about some archaeological digs that happened in the recent years, where some Revolutionary War waistcoat buttons were unearthed. Apparently a LOT of buttons are unearthed in digs! I am now the proud owner of a real 1700s button! In the film a button becomes a symbol of hope and love. So, it's pretty special to have my very own relic from this bygone era!