3 Inspirations that Did Not Lead to a Sparkly Vampire

Don’t you wonder how Stephenie Meyer came up with the idea of a sparkly vampire? How did Diana Gabaldon decide on a portal in a standing stone that whisked Claire off to a Highlander hunk named Jamie? And Hobbits? Really? Where do authors get their ideas? Well, I can only speak to what’s worked for me with Love’s Courage: a word, a photo, and a visit. A Word Rich and I are word nerds. Okay, I’m a word nerd and Rich indulges me. Every morning at breakfast, we look up Merriam Webster’s Word of the Day. On Feb. 26, 2016, Read More

The Brentwood Saga Has Arrived

May I introduce you to The Brentwood Saga? You can now enjoy my first two historical romances, Love’s Destiny and Love’s Spirit, in a new bundle announced by my publisher, Crimson Romance, an imprint of Simon & Schuster. The Brentwood Saga will be released on. July 17. Now available for pre-order for only $1.99 at the following sites: Amazon Barnes & Noble Kobo iTunes   I must say, the man and woman on the cover look exactly like my hero and heroine, Jonathon Brentwood and Emily Wentworth.   I have Kathleen Woodiwiss and my friend Marilyn to thank for my venture into Read More

R. Charlton’s Coffeehouse: the Starbucks of Colonial Williamsburg

One of the highlights of my visit to Colonial Williamsburg in September was a stop at R. Charlton’s Coffeehouse. While I had read about the patriots gathering at the Raleigh Tavern to share information, plan against the British and foment the patriot cause, I didn’t realize this also happened in the coffeehouses where the local gentry met and mingled. Here they discussed the politics of the day, gathered news, and exchanged gossip. Tacked on the wall, posters and flyers announced proclamations, upcoming events and want ads.   Beverages Patrons’ beverage choices were limited and did not include Starbucks varieties like Read More