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"I don’t change the facts to enhance the drama. I think of it the other way round, the drama has got to fit the facts,
and it’s your job as a writer to find the shape in real life."
Hilary Mantel


Mar 6, 2021

The Return to Blogging

 The blogging went on hiatus for the second half of my Pandemic Year. It wasn't exactly intentional, but not entirely accidental, either.

As 2020 wound down, my Isle of Man trilogy was re-published in an ebook omnibus edition. Ordering information available here.

I was preoccupied with final proofing and edits and more proofing for The Limits of Limelight, my 14th historical novel, scheduled for publication in mid-September.


This 3rd work of biographical historical fiction features Phyllis Fraser (whose first cousin was Ginger Rogers), plus notables of Golden Age Hollywood and literary New York. Advance Reader copies are being distributed, and early reviews are most gratifying. I'll be sharing a great deal more as pre-order time and publication day draw nearer.


The snow arrived early--as it often does--when the roses were still blooming. It made for some interesting photographs:



Christmas was appropriately festive, despite quarantine conditions. It was also white.


As was February, much to young dog Dot's delight. 


Senior dog Ruth, isn't as thrilled.


There has been a benefit to lockdown times, and that's the ability to do writers' conference presentations and to participate in bookstore events and meet with book clubs who selected Beautiful Invention: A Novel of Hedy Lamarr as their monthly reading  selection. I've had a wonderful time sharing information about Hedy and her frequency-hopping innovation during World War II, and discussing her films and Golden Age Hollywood.


I've begun work on novel #15, which marks a return to the theatrical realm of 18th century London. When not writing, I've been reading like mad--new releases by author colleagues, advance reader copies from debut and veteran historical novelists. Now that my NetGalley account is reactiviated, I intend to post reviews there and here in coming weeks. 

If I made New Year's resolutions, one of mine would've been to be a more dedicated blogger in 2021!