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. […]
Category Archives: Story Telling
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 […]
