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...]
On This Foundation
It’s always an exciting day when my newest novel arrives in the mail, hot off the press. It’s especially exciting this year because On This Foundation is the third and final book in my biblical fiction series, “Restoration Chronicles.” When readers asked me to write more biblical fiction like my “Chronicles of the Kings” series, the stories of Ezra and Nehemiah immediately came to mind. These two … [Read more...]
The Strangest Tradition of All: Witnessing a Marriage Consummation
My new historical, Luther and Katharina has released. Reviews are pouring in and invariably readers are commenting on the strangeness of one particular tradition in the book: the witnessing of the betrothal night consummation. Witnessing of a marriage consummation? What is that? Essentially the newly married couple had sex in the presence of witnesses, usually with the bed curtains closed and … [Read more...]
New Jobs and Conference Time
Last month, I shared a post about the change I was facing in my day job. (If you didn't see it, you can read that post here.) Well, I'm happy to announce that I survived the transition! Or at least I have so far. This is my first week in the new job. I've been busy with training and learning new systems and have been on the phone with the Help Desk about 47 times to get all my technology working … [Read more...]
These boots are made for walking
So yesterday was National Bootie Day. I'm not sure if that was real or a marketing ploy to get me to buy more boots. I love boots so I usually get a new pair each fall. This weekend I found a pair of sixties inspired black zipper booties. I'll have to pull out my bell bottoms to wear with those. I thought it would be fun to reminiscence about boots. Did you wear them as a child? Do you wear them … [Read more...]
Everything old is new again
I've been looking for an old farm table that I could use for a desk in my office, and I finally found one! Only, it didn't look like the picture below when we got it. I thought I'd taken a before picture but, for the life of me, I can't find it. So just use your imagination, okay? The top of the farm table was dry and cracked in places and had obviously been used as a cutting board somewhere … [Read more...]
Duck, Duck, Goose!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ehgH4nV3rDc Two and a half years ago, we moved from a house just outside our small town's city limits, to the big city of Wichita. We're four minutes from Starbucks, Chipotle, and all kinds of civilization. I never expected to have a veritable zoo in our backyard in the city! But we do. And it provides so much entertainment every day. The latest is our family of … [Read more...]
4 Steps For Beginning Writers
One of the questions I'm often asked in interviewers, or by friends, or by strangers is, "What are your recommendations for beginning writers?" Chances are, even if you yourself have no interest in writing, you know at least one person who does have that interest. Thus, I thought I'd summarize my suggestions here! 1. Educate yourself on the craft of writing. When I first decided … [Read more...]
A Trip to Merry England
Sometimes life sends a happy detour your way. The first week of this month, I was in York, England for a professional conference. Eric and I had a direct flight in and out of Edinburgh (Hugely less expensive) so added a couple days to the end, so we could explore that beautiful city, too. It was a time filled with conference sessions and relaxing. Ambling and rambling around cities just to see … [Read more...]
Life Has Its Challenges
My goodness gracious. The two weeks since I last posted have been eventful and somewhat challenging. First off, my college studies have resumed, and this term I'm taking the College Math Prep class (basically Algebra 1). So far so good, but I do find myself thinking, "What possible difference is this going to make in my life at my age and with my particular career?" The answer, None. But to get … [Read more...]
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