Living the Regency

Some people think authors should write what they know. Now that's a dilemma for me, because I haven't experienced a lot, but I have learned a great deal. I know a lot about certain places and times, even though I've never been there. And sometimes I think I know more about imagined places than my own present day reality. But an author can draw on more than just the mundane experiences of daily life.

For example, I'm taken with the Regency period. I love all things Jane Austen. It's one of a few favourite time periods, but will always hold a special place in my heart -- because I lived it for two summers!

Talk about your ideal summer job. I worked at Discovery Harbour in the little town of Penetanguishene, Ontario. It's a picturesque naval and military fort from the War of 1812. I got to be a "real" Regency lady, at least, the backwoods version -- doing embroidery, playing music, dressing in the fashions of the day. Those days back in high school were the foundation of all my present Regency writing, and directly inspired two of my Regency short stories: "Arms o' the Sea", and the soon-to-be-released "The Farmer's Son".

So I guess that goes to show that you should write what you know, but you should never let that limit you!

A Grown-Up Highland Romance

I just finished reading Blood on the Tartan by Chris Holmes and thought I'd share my review:

Chris Holmes weaves a bittersweet tale worthy of a clan storyteller against the backdrop of the Highlands of Scotland. The year is 1854 and the economy of the Highlands is shifting -- from tenant crop farming to sheep farming. And sheep need room to graze. Landlords all over Scotland are "clearing" their tenants in place of four-footed clansmen, and the lord of Strath Carron is no different.

Catherine Ross is no stranger to the Clearances. Displaced from her childhood home, she made a life with her husband in the village of Greenyards. Now a widow, she has only her son and her home in the valley of Strath Carron, for generations her family's place.

Ian Macgregor is a constable newly stationed in Strath Carron. Idealistic and full of faith in Victorian justice, he acquaints himself with the villagers of Greenyards, and the attractive young widow Catherine.

Their growing sweet romance will be put to the test when the Clearances come to Greenyards. Catherine urges her neighbours to resist the unjust evictions, while Ian is trapped between his love for her and his duty to uphold the law.

I thoroughly enjoyed this read -- the characters are vibrant, bringing to life all the emotions and motivations behind the tumultuous period of the Highland Clearances. Chris Holmes has a true bard's voice.

Trailer for "Counterpoint"

Here is my latest book trailer for my second story, "Counterpoint", just released in Romance Upon a Midnight Clear, from Highland Press.



Counterpoint is available on its own in e-format:

Counterpoint (e-story)

or as part of the anthology Romance Upon a Midnight Clear with stories from 7 other talented authors:

Romance Upon a Midnight Clear (Anthology)


Be sure to check out my book trailer for my first story, "Where the Sea Meets Skye"

"Counterpoint" Now Available!

Wow! I finally get to share the news -- my second story "Counterpoint" is available singly at CoffeeTime.com, or in a complete anthology of eight wonderful Christmas Stories called Romance Upon a Midnight Clear. I'll post a trailer for this story when it's available.

Eve Martin never thought she'd spend Christmas Eve at the hospital, watching her husband, and the life that she knew, slowly slip away. Her marriage is in a shambles, her heart broken beyond repair. But then a handsome stranger wanders into the room, and offers her a chance at happiness she thought was gone forever.

Counterpoint (E-Story)

Romance Upon a Midnight Clear (Complete Anthology)

Trailer for "Where the Sea Meets Skye"

My first story, "Where the Sea Meets Skye" is available in the anthology Blue Moon Magic, from Highland Press. It tells the story of Celine Terreau, a broken-hearted marine biologist alone on a backpacking trip to Scotland meant for two. She's come to study the seals, but when she meets Ronan Morrison on a quiet beach on the Isle of Skye, she comes face to face with the selkies.

Here's my book trailer for the story. Keep watching for news of my second release, "Counterpoint" in Romance Upon a Midnight Clear, due out any day now!