Male Nuns, Misogynistic Kings, and Mother Cabrini

Research for my new novel sends me down some unusual rabbit holes.

Renaissance Recordings and New York Nonnas

As summer peaks, a recent trip to Manhattan's Little Italy put me in a nostalgic Italian-American state of mind. Plus, another podcast recording, perfect to listen to on an upcoming walk, drive, or flight!

Jane Austen @ 250

Here's how I celebrated Jane Austen's 250th birthday. How will you?

Casanova @ 300 (+ a new novel!)

I put the finishing touches on the first full draft of my newest manuscript not that long ago, and let me tell you that it feels really good. I always liken writing a book to birthing a baby, so now perhaps the baby is freshly born but will still need a lot of mothering before … Continue reading Casanova @ 300 (+ a new novel!) →

First Place Winner of the 2023 Chaucer Awards!

The Virgins of Venice has just won first place in the 2023 Chaucer Awards for Early Historical Fiction! I am beyond thrilled by this award and by this honor! After spending years researching, writing, editing, and marketing, it is so gratifying to have my work recognized independently. Thank you so much to the Chanticleer International … Continue reading First Place Winner of the 2023 Chaucer Awards! →

WOMAN IN HISTORY: Melisende, Queen of Jerusalem

I'm thrilled to announce that The Virgins of Venice has made it past the longlist, shortlist, and semi-finalist list to be named a FINALIST for the Chaucer 2023 Award for Early Historical Fiction! *** WOMAN IN HISTORY: I first heard of Melisende on the BBC: In Our Time podcast. There had been a Queen of … Continue reading WOMAN IN HISTORY: Melisende, Queen of Jerusalem →

“The Woman Question”: Down the Rabbit Hole of History

While my new book will focus on one woman in particular (although I'm not yet ready to reveal more!), my research recently made me aware of quite a few women that no one but professors seem to know about. Yet each of their stories deserves to be told, to further enrich our knowledge of women of the past. Learn more.