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
Author: Meredith Allard
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.
Who Are You When You’re Not Writing?
When I wrote The Swirl and Swing of Words in 2024, I was coming off of a writing hiatus, one of several that I’ve taken over the 25 years that I’ve been a published writer. I had hopped from one project to the next for 13 years; beginning in 2009, when I began writing Her … Continue reading Who Are You When You’re Not Writing?
My Bookshelf Aesthetic: Why I Keep Murakami, Morrison, and Thoreau Next to My Penguin Classics
Explore the bookshelf where Haruki Murakami meets Toni Morrison, Thoreau, and Penguin Black Classics. Discover the aesthetic and philosophy behind mixing surreal fiction with literary tradition.
Author Update: The Latest on My Upcoming Book and New Stories From Old Friends
I love sharing what I’ve learned about writing with everyone, and I’ve been enjoying sharing the process posts while I’ve been studying my own writing process in depth as I’m working on my latest novel. I also love sharing snippets from my historical research. This week, I wanted to share an author update since I … Continue reading Author Update: The Latest on My Upcoming Book and New Stories From Old Friends
The Evolution of Vampires in Fiction: From Monsters to Mirrors
Fans of the Loving Husband Series know that I’ve written about a vampire or two. Maybe three. Four? To be honest, I still don’t read anything bloody or violent since I’m not into the horror genre. I won’t go into how I came to write Her Dear & Loving Husband (it’s here if you’re interested), … Continue reading The Evolution of Vampires in Fiction: From Monsters to Mirrors
From Dickens To Today: Why Writers Can’t Escape Time and Mortality
As I’ve been working on my WIP, two main themes have emerged so far: time and mortality. The passing of time and impending death are common themes in some of my favorite novels, poems, and plays. Death is the great equalizer, after all. Since this is Halloween month, I thought it was a good time … Continue reading From Dickens To Today: Why Writers Can’t Escape Time and Mortality
My Weekend Routine as a Working Writer
* * * * * The Loving Husband Trilogy Box Set will be a Kindle Countdown sale starting tomorrow, 10/15, on Amazon. If you have Kindle Unlimited, all three books are FREE until 11/16. This Halloween, surrender to the shadows of the paranormal with three novels, one Gothic romance, and many deadly secrets. The countdown … Continue reading My Weekend Routine as a Working Writer
Soundtracking Shadows: A Dark Academia Writing Playlist
In Painting the Past: A Guide for Writing Historical Fiction, I waxed poetic about how I love to listen to music as a way to get into the mindset of my story while I’m writing. Sometimes I listen to whatever I want. Sometimes I listen to music inspired by the time or the mood I’m … Continue reading Soundtracking Shadows: A Dark Academia Writing Playlist