Writing

I’m a Finalist!

on January 27, 2025

I’m thrilled to share that my short story “Millie and Loretta at the Desert Oasis” is one of twelve short stories accepted for the Historical Novel Society North America‘s first conference anthology!!!! Whoo-hoo! It’s so exciting to have a short story I’ve written and love resonate with readers! Even more Whoo-hoo, I’m a finalist for… Read More


Historical Fiction Update: Character flaws & much, much better traits!

on June 21, 2024

As Jillianne Hamilton shares in this week’s PLW Q&A: “All readers adore characters with appealing traits: bravery, determination, intelligent, wit, generosity or charm. However, to make a character fully real and believable, authors must give their characters flaws. It’s their flaws that can actually make a character the most interesting and relatable. The right combination… Read More


Hidden History: Time Team and Beyond!

on April 23, 2024

Perhaps the very best thing about hidden history is that it’s being revealed all the time! In today’s PLW blog, I’m sharing both an old hidden history favorite and some of the latest reveals. Ancient Pompeian frescos, anyone?


You had me until “her wedding gown on fire”

on December 28, 2023

One of the things to remember, as you use historical newspapers to research your historical novel or short story, is that “You can’t always believe what you read.” I found this article in the (Thursday September 25) 1919 New York Times and was immediately intrigued. How often do you read of a person being killed… Read More


Death By Dancing…what a way to go!

on December 15, 2023

Research is definitely of the joys of writing historical mysteries. I love it! My work-in-progress is a sequel to THE RED-HOT BLUES CHANTEUSE and takes place in one of my favorite cities in the world…New Orleans. Since starting THE MAGNOLIA VOODOO BRAWLERS (working title) I’ve been on the hunt for unsavory snippets about any French… Read More