New–and very short–contest!

on August 1, 2018

I’m a guest blogger on Suzanne Adair’s Relevant History blog this week. Enjoy my Sanborn Fire Insurance Map post and enter my contest to win a 13 oz. can of New Orleans’ Cafe du Monde’s French Roast Coffee and a Kindle ebook copy of Fanny Newcomb and the Irish Channel Ripper. To enter, just comment… Read More


The starts and stops of writing a historical mystery

on July 30, 2018

Since Fanny Newcomb is set in Gilded Age New Orleans, I want to start with a short word association game. When I say “New Orleans”, I’m guessing that you’ll say “Mardi Gras parades! Streetcars! Beignets! Hurricanes! The French Quarter! Jazz!” And when I say “Gilded Age New Orleans”, I’m guessing that you’ll ask “What’s the… Read More


Gilded Age New Orleans: So much more than hookers, hurricanes, and Mardi Gras!

on July 28, 2018

Although late 19th century New Orleans was renowned for the hookers of Storyville, the devastating hurricanes of the 1880s, and the elevation of Mardi Gras to a state holiday, there’s so much more to know about the Crescent City during this time! For starters, there was an assassination that was followed by lynchings (1890), an… Read More


Double your chances!

on February 6, 2018

If you’d really like to win an autographed copy of Fanny Newcomb and the Irish Channel Ripper…head over to Amy Bruno’s Historical Fiction Virtual Book Tour. The Giveaway ends around March 19. AND…check out my book tour schedule. Fun for all!


Additional ideas for Writing a Killer First Chapter…

on January 27, 2018

On January 28 I’ll be sharing ideas on “Writing a Killer First Chapter” with the Redwood Writers (a Branch of the California Writers Club) in Santa Rosa. Here are some links with more info…. For novels: • 10 Things Your Opening Chapter Should Do: A Check-List for Self-Editing • Finding the Perfect Place to Start… Read More


Fanny Newcomb Kindle sale!

on December 9, 2017

For two days only (Saturday December 9 and Sunday December 10), Fanny Newcomb & the Irish Channel Ripper for Kindle is on sale for 99 cents! ALSO this weekend….all SAND HILL REVIEW PRESS Kindle editions  are available for 99 cents!


Roast Turkey with Truffles from “The Picayune’s Creole Cook Book”

on November 22, 2017

Here’s the recipe directly from “The Picayune’s Creole Cook Book”: And here’s the 2017 easier-to-follow version: Roast Turkey With Truffles. Dinde Truffle Rotie. 1 Fine Young Hen Turkey. 1 Pound of Lean Ham, Cut into Dice. 2 Pounds of Truffles. 1/4 Nutmeg. 1/4 of a Teaspoonful of Pepper. 1 Bay Leaf, Minced Fine. 1. Clean… Read More


Stuffed tomatoes from “The Picayune’s Creole Cook Book”

on November 21, 2017

Here’s the recipe directly from “The Picayune’s Creole Cook Book”: And here’s a rearranged version: Stuffed Tomatoes. Tomates Farcies. 6 Tomatoes. 1 Tablespoonful of Butter. 1 Cup of Wet Bread, Squeezed Thoroughly. Salt, Pepper and Cayenne to Taste. 1 Clove of Garlic (if desired.) 1 Onion. 1/4 Inch of Ham. 1. Wash the tomatoes, selecting… Read More


Pineapple fritters from “The Picayune’s Creole Cook Book”

on November 20, 2017

Here’s the recipe directly from “The Picayune’s Creole Cook Book”: And here’s a rearranged version: Pineapple Fritters. Beignets d’Ananas. ½ a Pineapple. Fritter Batter. ½ Cup of Sugar. 1 Gill White Wine. 1. Slice the pineapple, and cut the slices in halves. 2. Sprinkle with sugar and White Wine, and let them soak for an… Read More


From the pages of “The Picayune’s Creole Cook Book”

on November 19, 2017

Just in case you’re still looking for that perfect dish for your Thanksgiving table…this week, I’m going to be posting some of my favorite turn-of-the-century recipes from New Orleans! First up, your appetizer–Cream of Asparagus Soup. Here’s the recipe directly from “The Picayune’s Creole Cook Book”: And here’s a rearranged version: Cream of Asparagus Soup…. Read More