This past weekend, I spoke to my local chapter of the Jane Austen Society of North America about the inspiration and research for my latest novel, Shadows of Swanford Abbey. Today, I thought I’d share a portion of that information here as well. In writing a novel set in a former Medieval Abbey, I had to research the history of abbeys in general and along the way learned why there are so many … [Read more...]

Last week I met author-friends Michelle Griep (Missouri) and Erica Vetsch (Minnesota) for a writing retreat in Pella, Iowa. We stayed in an Airbnb for a few days and wrote together, ate together, and laughed together. Pella is a charming town, settled by immigrants from the Netherlands in the 1840s who had fled religious persecution in their own country. They called their new home Pella, … [Read more...]

Next week I plan (Lord willing) to meet author-friends Michelle Griep and Erica Vetsch for a writing retreat in Iowa. We’re looking forward to catching up and writing LOTS of words! While we’re there, we’ll also be doing two book talks & signings: Thursday, June 23, 2022 10:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. at Grinnell (1009 Main St) 2:00–4:00 p.m. at Marshalltown (14 W Main St) We'll be … [Read more...]

A week or so ago, I attended a meeting of the Jane Austen Society of North America, Minnesota Chapter. Instead of having a speaker, this month we made Regency-era hats and caps. I have made myself two or three caps to wear of evenings since I came home, and they save me a world of torment as to hairdressing.”—Jane Austen letter, 1813 I am not crafty, but I thought it would be fun to gather … [Read more...]

As someone who has read many British books and watches programs from the UK, I have heard and often wondered how “Mothering Sunday” compares to Mother’s Day as observed in the US. I also wondered if Mother’s Day was a “Hallmark holiday,” or if it had other, older origins. So, with the passing of Mother’s Day a few days ago, I decided to look into it. Maybe you've wondered as well. Mothering … [Read more...]