Throughout human history, epidemics have had enormous impact on the civilizations of the world. From great plaques to disfiguring disease, mankind has been at constant war with these invisible enemies. During the 18th century, there were thirteen severe epidemics throughout the world. In the 19th century, there were twelve. Historians and virologists estimate that eight […]
Category Archives: Story Telling
Top News Stories of the 19th Century
The delivery of the daily news was quite different in the 19th century than today. Throughout the 1800s, newspaper distributors, or “post riders” would deliver papers to smaller post offices and suburban areas. Over time, young boys called “newsboys” were employed and assigned specific routes to deliver newspapers to people’s homes. It was also commonplace […]
The Rise of Mass Entertainment: Leisure Time and Fun in Pre-Civil War America
In a time of growth and territorial expansion, early 19th Century America saw many changes occur in day-to-day life. Advancements in technology brought a new wave of industrialization, and the population grew exponentially. Due to an economic boom, the American people were living more comfortably and in better conditions. Whereas before only the wealthy could […]
19th Century Culture: The Irish in the Antebellum & Their Impact on American Culture
Our country has persistently been a symbol of freedom and hope for those seeking refuge—from its birth, to the present day, and especially so in the 1800s. The newly prosperous America was seen as the land of opportunity, attracting immigrants from around the world. From the beginning of the century, an overwhelming majority of these […]
The Charm of Loudoun County Virginia and Belmont Manor
Like most grand houses with a past, Belmont Manor had a long trajectory as the place to see and be seen. Built by Ludwell Lee between the years of 1799 and 1802 on land he acquired through marriage to his first cousin Flora Lee, Belmont saw its fair share of luminaries brighten its imposing doorstep. […]
Why My Books are Set in 19th Century America
When I first began this journey as an author, I was single-minded, focused solely on writing Selma’s stories and specifically, Masque of Honor. But, my research on that book introduced me to a number of other historical events that intrigued me. Now it seems wherever I go, I am always on the hunt for a […]
Book Review: The Dutch House by Ann Patchett
For my book club, I will be choosing current titles (2019 and 2020 as released) to read, review and recommend. Initially I had picked The Water Dancer by Ta-Nehisi Coates to launch my book club, but after reading it, I was largely unimpressed. So, I scoured the reviews and selected The Dutch House, by Ann […]
2019 Year in Review
Looking back on 2019 From ringing in the year with a completed first draft of my manuscript to ending the year with the final manuscript at the publishers, 2019 has been a terrific year to launch to my writing career. I’ve managed to land an agent, an editor, production/publishing company and a publicist. I’ve worked […]
19th Century Toys Under the Christmas Tree
What kinds of toys were under your tree Christmas morning? Did you spend hours dreaming about that perfect pair of roller skates or a Barbie Dreamhouse? All of the research I’ve done for Masque of Honor has fueled literally a thousand questions and curiosities about then vs. now. And regardless of when you were born, […]
EVERY HOUSE TELLS A STORY
Selma was my inspiration for writing Masque of Honor. When we undertook the restoration of Selma, stories began to unfold and ideas filled my mind and heart. Every house is comprised of the stories of its past and current inhabitants. Selma has a complicated and periodically documented past; it has been so much fun unraveling […]
