Author of Historical Fiction and Mysteries
The Power to Deny introduces the reader to one of the forgotten figures of the late colonial and revolutionary America. Elizabeth Graeme was a Philadelphia socialite and a poet in her own right who was friends with, and admired by, many in her day, including some of the men who went on to sign the Declaration... Continue Reading →
The Witch's Trinity spent a good couple of years on my TBR list, and I am so glad I finally got to it. Transporting the reader into late medieval Germany, it tackles the fascinating and terrifying topic of witch trials and the social, economic and religious structures that made them possible. During the winter of... Continue Reading →
Among the slew of Tudor-era historical fiction novels The Locksmith's Daughter stands out with an interesting premise: its protagonist is a female whose primary identity is not that of someone's wife or mistress. On the contrary, Mallory Bright has a trade - of sorts. She can pick any lock. This being the 16th century, Mallory... Continue Reading →
Part of being an indie author - in effect your own publisher - is doing your own marketing in order to get your book(s) into readers' hands. If you're like me, you're not too crazy about that part, and it's OK. The good news is there is a multitude of ways in which you can... Continue Reading →
Prologue Bari, Kingdom of Naples March 1560 The nightmares did not start until my old age, when sleep becomes elusive for some, while for others it is burdened with images from their past they would rather not remember. The stone cellar, dank and malodorous; the glint of a blade; the killer’s cold eyes; the victim’s... Continue Reading →
Guest post by Deb Atwood I was a kid. We stood—my mother, father, and I—in front of our washing machine, which had ceased to function. With one deft movement, my mother lifted the top of the machine. My dad stared, open-mouthed. Then he turned to me, grinned, and said, “Never underestimate the power of a... Continue Reading →
Guest blog by Pat Wahler There is an abundance of information, some accurate and some pure fantasy, on the infamous outlaw Jesse James. He had a wife, and I couldn’t help but wonder about her. Why would she marry a man on the wrong side of the law? Why would she stand by him despite... Continue Reading →
Chapter 1 Abbey of St. Disibod, September 1143 I folded the letter and rose from my desk, intending to go find Volmar in the scriptorium to share the long-awaited news. It was a reply from Abbot Bernard of Clairvaux, to whom I had sent a chapter of my new book some months earlier in hopes... Continue Reading →
Guest blog by Lesley McDowell I first became interested in the real-life figure of Isabella Baxter Booth when I read what her friend, Mary Shelley, wrote about her in 1823: I have now renewed my acquaintance with the friend of my girlish days – she has been ill a long time, even disturbed in her... Continue Reading →
Guest blog by Sydney Avey My great-grandmother Nellie Belle Carter was the family’s black sheep. In the early 1900s she left the fold to pursue an unusual career. My mother described her as a stern, sarcastic, determined woman who was an excellent writer. But it was her independent ways that made her a legend. “And,... Continue Reading →
