For the last five years, I have owned only one Regency-era dress, which I have worn to several events and balls. So, with another JASNA (Jane Austen Society of North America) conference coming up in October (in Louisville this year), I decided it was time to pursue a second “Jane Austen-style” gown.   I was spurred on by my agent, Wendy Lawton, founder of The Lawton Doll company. … [Read more...]

One of the things I never anticipated when becoming a published author was the unexpected blessing of having my books published in other countries and sold (and read!) in languages other than English. How fun! Sometimes I receive fan mail I can’t even read. (At least I hope it’s fan mail… :) ) Thank goodness for Google translate.   So, just for fun, here are a few of my books in … [Read more...]

  Change is in the air here in Minnesota. Mornings are getting cooler. Evenings are growing darker earlier. I’ve dug out my sweatshirts and fuzzy slippers, and attended my son’s first high school football game. Soon I will be switching out short sleeves for long, and rain gear for snow.   It’s transition time between writing projects as well. I’m winding down publicity for … [Read more...]

Near the Edge. While writing my latest historical, Lady Maybe, I needed to find a road in England dangerously near a cliff’s edge overlooking the sea. Initially, I searched for the location using Google Earth and old maps. I finally found the ideal setting—a coastal road in North Devon along the Bristol Channel. Over the Edge. I wrote my first draft before I ever visited the area. Then, … [Read more...]

I love libraries. When I was a student at the University of Illinois years ago, I worked at the library to help support myself through school. I remember pushing my shelving cart through the crowded aisles and wishing I could have a book in a library someday. I'm so thankful that dream has come true. Recently, I went to a new-to-me library with fellow writers Gail Helgeson, Stacy Monson, … [Read more...]