A few years ago, my husband and I made a pilgrimage of sorts to see the Sycamore Gap Tree, a popular landmark in Northern England. Daylight was fading and rain was falling as we made our way along an uncertain path that, thanks to my husband's keen navigation skills, led us up and down wet hills and slippery footpaths along Hadrian's Wall until we reached one of the most photographed trees in … [Read more...]

A few months ago, our own Karen Witemeyer wrote a great post called Word Nerd about the enjoyment she takes in learning the history behind some of the words she comes across while researching and writing her novels. I too, consider myself a word nerd, and the one tab I almost always have open when I’m writing and editing is the Online Etymology Dictionary, so I can check to see if words I want to … [Read more...]

On one of the questions I am most often asked is, "Why do you write books set in England?" And considering I am from the midwestern U.S., it is an understandable question! I truly think what we read as young people has a profound and lifelong effect. When I am asked, "Why is a midwestern girl writing about England?" the answer comes back to the books I read at a young age: The Secret Garden … [Read more...]

Looking for a new book to read? I recently read and endorsed these three novels, and today I simply want to recommend them to you! Children of the Shadows by Erica Vetsch A multilayered Regency-era mystery with unexpected twists, appealing characters, sweetly satisfying romance, and an ending worth waiting for!" Erica's new book releases soon (October 10, 2023) but it's available for … [Read more...]

After a stressful time that had somewhat drained my creativity and focus, I found myself behind on writing the first draft of next year’s book. (Don’t worry, this year’s novel, A Winter by the Sea (releasing December 2023) is written and edited and on its merry way through production. 😊) Hoping to flee distractions and get back on track, I went on a solo writing getaway for a few days. I … [Read more...]