I'm nearing the end of writing my current #WIP. It's not done done but it's getting there. I've completed the fourth draft, and I'm currently giving the manuscript (and myself) a rest for a week or two. The way things stand now, the novel will be published in 2026. As soon as I have a … Continue reading How Atmosphere, Ambition, and Mystery Inspired My #WIP
Author: Meredith Allard
How To Create a Personal Curriculum: A Step-by-Step Guide
Happy New Year everyone! Since this is my first post of the new year, I thought I’d share a wonderful tool that has really made a difference in how I approach my personal learning. Last summer, I began watching some personal curriculum videos on YouTube. As a long-time teacher and academic, I think these videos … Continue reading How To Create a Personal Curriculum: A Step-by-Step Guide
A Sneak Peek: The Professor of Eventide
For my final blog post of 2025, I wanted to share a snippet of the #WIP I've been talking about for over a year now. This is still very much a work in progress, but it's in good enough shape to share among friends. The snippet below is from Chapter 2. I think. Happy New … Continue reading A Sneak Peek: The Professor of Eventide
Introducing “Dreams and Departures”: A New Loving Husband Short
Hello Friends: With Christmas right around the corner, I wanted to share a holiday gift with all of you. Next year, 2026, will be the 15th anniversary of the publication of Her Dear & Loving Husband. Even as I write those words, I can hardly believe it. To celebrate, I've been writing short stories set … Continue reading Introducing “Dreams and Departures”: A New Loving Husband Short
Books To Curl Up With This Winter
Since I’ve been in a Victorian mood lately, with working on my literary scholarship about Dickens and researching the Victorian era in general, I wanted to focus on winter books with some of the same themes you’ll find in Christmas at Hembry Castle, stories about love and loss, memory and redemption, the pull of history … Continue reading Books To Curl Up With This Winter
A Candlelit Christmas: More Holiday Traditions in Victorian England
From the New York Public Library Lately, as I’ve been engrossed in my annual reread of A Christmas Carol, I’ve been finding myself drawn once again to that glowing, sentimental vision of Christmas Dickens gave us. The Victorians, with their love of family, storytelling, and beauty, didn’t just celebrate Christmas. In many ways, they invented … Continue reading A Candlelit Christmas: More Holiday Traditions in Victorian England
The Creative Power of Humor: Writing Lessons from Dickens
Charles Dickens was more than a social critic—he was a master of humor. Discover how Dickens used comedy to build characters, balance dark themes, and connect with readers, and what modern writers can learn from him.
Remembering Gratitude: The Secret Weapon for Every Creative Soul
Discover how gratitude can transform your creative practice. Learn why thankfulness isn't just feel-good advice—it's a powerful tool for overcoming blocks, sustaining motivation, and deepening your craft as a writer.