Blog
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Writing Medieval Lincoln – Lincoln Castle
I wish I lived closer to Lincoln or could have the Enterprise transporter take me the 4000+ miles in a few seconds. While I am wishing for the transporter, I might as well add a time machine to the mix. Where is the TARDIS when you need it? I didn’t have a chance to visit Lincoln until…
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Writing Medieval Lincoln -Lincoln Cathedral
I am standing at the top of the observatory tower of Lincoln Castle eyeing the streets of Lincoln and the magnificent Cathedral. What a fine setting for a novel, don’t you think? Yes, so did I, which is how Sir Stephan l’Aigle ends up in Lincoln in 1193 in For King and Country. But, the…
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A Young Earl, A Bad Marriage
Some medieval arranged marriages were successful: Edward III & Philippa; William Marshal and Isabel de Clare. Love blossomed between couples brought together for political or business alliances. Last week on English Historical Fiction Authors I shared the story of a not-so-happily-ever-after. Constance of Brittany, the widow of Henry II’s son, married Ranulf de Blundeville, 6th earl of…
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For King and Country is a finalist in the Chaucer Awards for Pre-1750 Historical Fiction
I am delighted to announce that For King and Country has been named a finalist in the Chaucer Awards for Pre-1750 Historical Fiction. Chanticleer Book Reviews runs the annual competition as a way to recognize “emerging new talent and outstanding works.” My novel has made it through Round 1. Finalists compete through 2 more rounds for a coveted…
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My visit to Nottingham Castle
As part of my travels in September, I was able to return to Nottingham for a half day adventure to explore the Castle. I set several scenes of For King and Country there, so you can imagine how exciting it was for me to have an opportunity to see it from the perspective of someone with research interests…
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Visiting with author Helena Schrader about my novel For King and Country
Join me on Helena Schrader’s blog today as we talk about For King and Country. I “met” Helena virtually when Battle Scars I, Men of the Cross, was published and Helena was writing her trilogy on Balian d’Ibelin covering the years prior to the Third Crusade. Our common interests in that time period led…
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B.R.A.G. Medallion awarded to For King and Country
Thank you, indieBRAG! I am thrilled For King and Country has been awarded the B.R.A.G. Medallion. B.R.A.G. is the Book Readers Appreciation Group. Indie-published books are put through a tough review process. As indieBRAG notes on their website: This entails an initial screening to ensure that the author’s work meets certain minimum standards of quality and…
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A shout-out from Sharon Kay Penman
August slipped past and I never managed to mention that the lovely Sharon Kay Penman mentioned both For King and Country and Men of the Cross on her blog at the end of July. Sharon writes: “I think they might be of interest to my history-loving, book-loving readers and friends.” What a thrill to have my books noted by a best-selling author…