This year, for the first time, I attended the Jane Austen Festival in Bath, England. The festival, held every September, draws hundreds of Jane Austen fans (like me) to one of the biggest gatherings of Regency reenactors in the world. On Saturday, my husband and I participated in the “Grand Regency Costumed Promenade.” As I mentioned in a previous post, the Bath Jane Austen Festival … [Read more...]

My first ten books have been stand-alone novels. As I mentioned in a previous post, I am coming out with my first series this year, called Tales From Ivy Hill. Book One, The Innkeeper of Ivy Hill, releases in December. One of the main reasons I am looking forward to trying my hand at writing a series is that it will allow me to stay in one place for awhile. I have often lamented that after I … [Read more...]

Some of you may remember that last year I attended the Jane Austen Society of North America’s AGM (national conference) in Louisville, where I had the chance to dress up in this beautiful, modified court dress made by our niece, Jennifer S. Klassen. This year, Lord willing, my husband and I will attend the Jane Austen Festival in Bath, England. In preparation, I am having a spencer jacket … [Read more...]

Most of you know I love to visit historic houses—usually in England where my books are set. But this past weekend, I toured a historic home in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. We were there to visit my younger brother, his wife, and their three girls for a weekend of board games, swimming, walks, and boat rides (and yes, Pokemon Go). Touring a historic house was icing on the cake. I’m glad my … [Read more...]

Sometimes a writer’s journey is more than just staring out a coffee shop window, daydreaming. Sometimes those dreams take on reality . . . like when I skipped across the pond in May to roam the wilds of England. I know what you’re thinking. England—Wild? Sheesh. The only thing dangerous over there are the roundabouts. To which I reply, Ahh, perhaps, but only if you’re looking through the … [Read more...]