I love summer because it's vacation time for me. I was going to write a post about my summer routine, but when I started thinking about it I realized that I don’t have a summer routine. I don't follow a schedule. And quite honestly, I love it. Another Example of My No-Routine Routine I wrote here … Continue reading My Summer Routine (Hint: I Don’t Have One)
Top Summer Reads of 2025: My 5 Favorite Picks
The Joy of Summer Reading It goes without saying that I read a lot during the summer, especially these days when I’m hardly leaving the house because it’s so hot outside. I know you’re thinking but you live in the desert…of course it’s hot! True, but the heat hit us sooner this year and we’ve … Continue reading Top Summer Reads of 2025: My 5 Favorite Picks
A Sneak Peek: An Excerpt from The Professor of Eventide
I’ve had so many questions about The Professor of Eventide, which makes me very happy, so keep them coming. You can always send your questions to me through the Contact link above or at meredithallardauthor@gmail.com. Right now, readers mainly want to know when the book will be published. If you’ve been following me for any … Continue reading A Sneak Peek: An Excerpt from The Professor of Eventide
How to Create Memorable Characters Your Readers Will Love
How to Create Memorable Characters I've been asked many times how I create such well-rounded characters. The truth is, I'm not entirely sure myself. Here I am, minding my own business as I think my way through a story, and suddenly these people appear. Who are you? I find myself asking the question aloud sometimes, … Continue reading How to Create Memorable Characters Your Readers Will Love
Poe and the Gothic: Researching His Literary Style
Sharing More Book Research Since I shared my research into the nineteenth-century spiritualism movement last week, I thought I’d share some research into one of my favorite authors, Edgar Allan Poe. Yes, if you’re wondering, this research also plays into my new novel, though I can’t say how yet. I’ve read so many biographies about … Continue reading Poe and the Gothic: Researching His Literary Style
Victorian Séance Research: History, Mediums, and Beliefs
The Belief in Spiritualism It's hard to talk about my current WIP without spoilers! I think it's safe to say that some of the book is about spiritualism in the nineteenth century. I've touched on spiritualism before in the Loving Husband Series, specifically with Olivia, who, of course, is one of the most powerful witches … Continue reading Victorian Séance Research: History, Mediums, and Beliefs
Annotating Books for Research and Enjoyment: My Personal Methods
The Joy of Annotating Books I’ve been a bookworm all my life. I started reading at a young age, which my mother attributes to my watching Sesame Street. Ernie and Bert and ABC songs aside, books were my first and best friends. I lived in books. In books I saw that there were other worlds, … Continue reading Annotating Books for Research and Enjoyment: My Personal Methods
Exploring Humanity Through Storytelling: The Heart of My Novels
Why I Focus on Humanity in my Storytelling One of the most common responses I've heard from readers is how human James Wentworth is. If you’re not familiar with the Loving Husband Trilogy, James Wentworth is one of the main characters. He’s also a vampire. He's also more humane than most of the humans in the … Continue reading Exploring Humanity Through Storytelling: The Heart of My Novels
Hidden Gems: My Favorite Bookish YouTube Channels Revealed
I’ve made no secret of the fact that I enjoy watching YouTube videos occasionally, particularly of the BookTube variety. Not all BookTube videos are created equal, though. Some are just okay, and there are too many BookTubers who recommend the same books and say the same things as other BookTubers. Then there are the creators who … Continue reading Hidden Gems: My Favorite Bookish YouTube Channels Revealed
Behind the Scenes: My Writing Space and Creative Sanctuary
Where Do You Write? Where we write is as important as how we write since our writing space can affect how we feel emotionally, mentally, even physically. Having a dedicated space to write has made such a difference in how I feel about sitting down to work every day. For years, I didn’t think much … Continue reading Behind the Scenes: My Writing Space and Creative Sanctuary