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)
Charles Dickens
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.
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
What I’m Reading: Witches, 16th Century Life, and Demon Copperhead
As always, summer is a wonderful time for reading. While I haven't had a chance to visit the beach, summer days are perfect for lazing around with a good book and a glass of iced tea. Here's a bit of what I've read this summer. The Practical Magic Series by Alice Hoffman So far, I've … Continue reading What I’m Reading: Witches, 16th Century Life, and Demon Copperhead
Six Audiobooks I’ve Enjoyed Lately
Looking For Audiobook Recommendations? As I said in this post, I've finally discovered the joy of audiobooks. I joined Audible, which is slightly pricey at $14.99 a month, but at the moment it's worth it while I'm listening to so many audiobooks. I've enjoyed many of the books I've been listening to, and sometimes I'll … Continue reading Six Audiobooks I’ve Enjoyed Lately
Christmas at Hembry Castle is Now Available
A Sweet Christmas Story For Holiday Cheer Today is the release day for Christmas at Hembry Castle. Hurrah! The lighthearted Victorian Christmas tale, with shades of A Christmas Carol and Downton Abbey, is now available in ebook and paperback formats at major online retailers. One of the most important lessons I've learned this year is … Continue reading Christmas at Hembry Castle is Now Available