While researching Prohibition for THE STILLS, set in 1927, I learned about U.S. Assistant Attorney General Mabel Walker Willebrandt, the highest-ranking woman in federal government in her day. Mabel was the second woman to receive an appointment to...
Two weeks ago, I wrote about a goofy aspect of my experience doing historical research--diving down a research rabbit hole about, of all things, egg beaters! But of course I do a lot of serious background research for each of my novels. For THE...
I'm often asked at writer's workshop and book club gatherings about how I research my novels. Do I: (a) Do all the research and then write my novel? (b) Do a bit of research, and then mix writing and researching? For me, the answer is B, with a...
A shocking piece of American history is woven into the background of THE HOLLOWS.
The story of the true-life inspiration (Maude Collins, Ohio’s first female sheriff in 1925) for Lily Ross.
The Battle for Blair Mountain–a stunning, historic uprising that many have not heard of.
