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...]

My editors are busy working away on The Sisters of Sea View (Book One in my new series, On Devonshire Shores, which releases Dec 2022). So now, I am beginning one of my favorite phases of starting a new novel: the initial research phase. As I plan out the details for Book Two, I am searching out what I can online or in books I already own, and am ordering additional books (often used/out of print … [Read more...]

Springtime seems to finally be making its presence known in Minnesota, where winter likes to hold on with icy talons for as long as possible. Despite its best efforts and a lingering chance of snow, my crocuses have pushed forth their heads and the grass is beginning to green. I find myself perusing seed catalogs, visiting greenhouses, and waiting anxiously for the return of hummingbirds. One … [Read more...]