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...]

A short and sweet post for today. I just want to share some good news. Last week I signed a contract with Bethany House Publishers for four more Regency-era novels. I'm excited! Past contracts have been in paper form, and I would pose while my husband dutifully took a signing photo. Nowadays, the contracts come by email and are signed with a few clicks online. To be honest, I was still in my … [Read more...]

I am always on the lookout for gifts for Austen lovers, Regency readers...or myself. I recently came across these fun items on Etsy and posted them on FB. Favorites seem to be the mug, T-shirt, and cutting board. What about you? Which would you choose? Gardens of Pemberley Candle Probably Reading Regency Romance T-shirt Jane Austen Vintage Book Cover Cookies “Excellent Boiled … [Read more...]

I can’t wait! In one month, the inaugural Going Deeper Conference begins. This writers conference is the brain-child of author-friend Erica Vetsch, and will be held in her hometown of Rochester, Minnesota April 25-27.   Yes, I will be co-teaching a fun class with Erica and Michelle Griep, but what I’m most looking forward to is a weekend with sister writers. There is something so … [Read more...]

This past Saturday, I attended a Jane Austen meeting with author-friend Erica Vetsch. Our speaker was the talented and knowledgeable Candice Hern. She introduced us to a category of small, ornamental, folding fans now called Brisé fans, which were popular during the Regency period. (Although then referred to as ivory fans or pierced fans.) Unlike fans of folded silk or paper, these were made … [Read more...]