Last week, I wrote about what finishing a book teaches you as a writer. This week, I wanted to take a look at what a good ending in fiction looks like. One of the first things I know about any story I’m writing is how it ends. For my current #WIP, I saw the final … Continue reading The Art of Ending Well: How to Write Satisfying Conclusions
Author: Meredith Allard
What Finishing a Book Teaches You as a Writer
Well, friends, as I've said, The Professor of Eventide is done and ready for its close-up. The first two reviews have come in and they are both five stars. Thank heavens! The funny thing is, I’m almost sorry it’s done. It has been quite a challenge bringing this story to life. On the one hand, … Continue reading What Finishing a Book Teaches You as a Writer
Writing My First Mystery: The Challenges No One Warned Me About
I love to watch mysteries. I’ve watched all of Poirot with David Suchet several times. I’ve watched two different Miss Marples. I've also watched all three Morses (Morse, Lewis, and Endeavour). I’ve read a number of mysteries too (mostly Poirot, Sherlock Holmes, and the Inspector Morse books). Finally, in Spring 2024, I decided to write … Continue reading Writing My First Mystery: The Challenges No One Warned Me About
The Truth About Historical Fiction Research: Mistakes Are Inevitable
When I wrote my first non-fiction book, Painting the Past: A Guide for Writing Historical Fiction, I was drawing on more than two decades of experience reading, writing, and publishing historical fiction. I enjoyed writing that book because I love sharing the lessons I’ve learned about writing. Painting the Past was published in 2021, five … Continue reading The Truth About Historical Fiction Research: Mistakes Are Inevitable
A Professor, a College, and a Secret: The Professor of Eventide Arrives April 7, 2026
We'll be back to our regularly scheduled programming tomorrow, but first, I wanted to make the exciting announcement that my newest novel, The Professor of Eventide, will be released on Tuesday, April 7, 2026. If you love literary Gothic mysteries, then The Professor of Eventide is for you. Here's the blurb: Perfect for readers of … Continue reading A Professor, a College, and a Secret: The Professor of Eventide Arrives April 7, 2026
The Art of Reading Like a Writer: What Books Have Taught Me About Craft
I’ve always believed that we can only ingest so many words from other people until we’re compelled to spill some back out. Long before we understand plot arcs, character construction, or theme, most of us fall first in love with reading. For me, reading in childhood began as an escape from a frantic, stressful family … Continue reading The Art of Reading Like a Writer: What Books Have Taught Me About Craft
Is Being an Independent Author Worth It?
This year, 2026, is the 15th anniversary of the publication of Her Dear & Loving Husband. I’ve written those words several times now, and I still can’t quite believe it. In 2026, James and Sarah Wentworth continue to find new fans all over the world. I still can’t quite believe that either. I've been a … Continue reading Is Being an Independent Author Worth It?
Five Favorite Reads from 2025 (The Books That Stayed With Me)
A page from my reading journal featuring poetry by Mary Oliver and Kafka on the Shore. I’m currently knee-deep into the fifth draft of my current #WIP, but I also don’t want to abandon my streak of blogging once a week since March 2025. This week, I wanted to do a (late-ish) round-up of my … Continue reading Five Favorite Reads from 2025 (The Books That Stayed With Me)