A few weeks ago, I had the novel experience of participating in a Book Festival in Budapest, Hungary. There, I met readers like Dalma, signed books, took photos, and listened to heartwarming stories (with some translating help). I also met members of the Hungarian publishing team. When I first started writing, I never imagined having readers (and a publishing team) in another … [Read more...]

Become a published author is my lifelong dream come true. I have written stories from a young age and, if I'm honest, wanted the pleasure of seeing something I wrote on a library shelf or in a bookstore. But over the years I've realized there are far greater pleasures and blessings on this writing journey. Here are just five of them, in no particular order: Friendships with readers: Whether … [Read more...]

This past weekend, I attended another interesting talk hosted by the Jane Austen Society of North American (Minnesota chapter). For this month's meeting, we met in a dressmaking studio in St. Paul. The topic: The Art of Regency-Inspired Dressmaking: Tips and Tricks from a London-Trained Dressmaker. Our speaker was master seamstress, Colleen Kahn. Colleen talked about dress design and how (and … [Read more...]

I recently enjoyed having tea and a delicious meal with members of a favorite book club who have become friends. Sharing teatime with these gracious, generous ladies has become something of an annual tradition and I was pleased to share this lovely experience with sister-author Erica Vetsch. Tasty food, rich Earl Grey tea, sweet fellowship, and book chat in a beautiful setting. I'd call … [Read more...]

This past weekend, I had the pleasure of giving a talk to members of the Minnesota Chapter of the Jane Austen Society of North America. I shared highlights from my research into English seaside resorts and customs during the Georgian and Regency eras, from the rising popularity of resort towns, their social activities and amenities, bathing machines, bathing costumes, beliefs about the medicinal … [Read more...]