Reading

Snip, Snip, Snip…the story of Paul and Denise Poiret

on November 4, 2025

Sure, the couple in this photo might look like they’re having a blast—partying like it’s 1911 and all—but there’s tension underneath. HE is King of Fashion Paul Poiret and SHE is his muse, model and wife Denise, and in 1915, their marital tension finally explodes. Read all about it in my latest Paper Lantern Writers… Read More


Bye-bye Historical Fiction Writing Myths!

on May 16, 2025

Come along with my favorite War of the Roses author C.V. Lee as she quizzes me and my fellow Paper Lantern Writers about Myths About Writing Historical Fiction You Should Stop Believing. And then leave those myths in the past!  


The Gilded Age ~ A Historical Fiction+ Link List

on May 9, 2025

Come away today to the land of The Gilded Age…where women sport bustles, men sock away their money, and children…well, if you’re a reader of Caleb Carr or Jacob Riis, you’ll know that Gilded Age children of any class didn’t fare too well.   But, nevertheless!   Today at Paper Lantern Writers, I present a… Read More


Distractingly Gorgeous Libraries – A Link List

on April 11, 2025

Welcome to National Library Week, April 6-12 in the U.S. I hope you’ve taken a few moments this week to appreciate the wonderful, wonderful world that is a library and, of course, thank a librarian! While the collection and the library staff always top my “what makes a library great” list, the appearance of the… Read More


Which Romantic Couple in Historical Fiction has Intrigued You Most?

on February 21, 2025

In February’s PLW Q&A, C.V.Lee asked us, “Which Romantic Couple in Historical Fiction has Intrigued You Most?” Mari A. Christie, author of The Sailing Home Series, Anne M. Beggs, author of the Dahlquin Series, C.V Lee, author of The de Carteret Chronicles: Legacy of Rebels, and I shared some of our favs.


BIG LOVE: Historical Fiction Romantic Subplots Rule!

on February 11, 2025

I may read and write historical mysteries, but I’m also a dedicated historical romance reader! In honor of Valentine’s week, I shared a few of my BIG LOVE historical fiction mystery series duos on the Paper Lantern Writers blog.Or as Veronica Speedwell would declare, Excelsior!


February Historical Fiction Giveaway!

on February 1, 2025

It’s February and that brings another batch of free books! Fifty-One free historical fiction novels or short stories, to be exact. None of mine are included this month, but there are some excellent stories from my PLW historical fiction pals C. V. Lee, Mari Anne Christie, Alina Rubin, Anne M. Beggs, and Jonathan Posner. Enjoy!


Whatcha reading in 2025?

on January 17, 2025

I’ll share my historical fiction picks for 2025 if you share yours…. Thanks to Paper Lantern Writer Anne M. Beggs for posing the question!      


Ana Recommends: 25+ Historical Fiction Newsletters & Substacks

on January 10, 2025

QUESTION: What do Alison Epstein, Cryssa Bazos, George Saunders, and Laurie King have in common? ANSWER: They all share their love of historical fiction through entertaining newsletters or Substacks. Get the links to these (and many more) fabulous historical fiction authors in my first Link List of 2025: 25+ Historical Fiction Newsletters & Substacks.