Hillary Clinton’s historic turn as first woman presidential nominee of a major U.S. political party has sparked renewed interest in Victoria Claflin Woodhull. Victoria who? Back in 1872, when Victoria Woodhull became the first woman to run for President of the United States, nobody would have asked that question. Considered a visionary by some, a…
The Real Liriodendron
I’ve enjoyed meeting readers through various interviews and book events these past two weeks. Having the opportunity to discuss NEWPORT is a real perk. Often, readers point out aspects of the novel that I’d never considered, and it’s fun to realize that they’re absolutely right. I’ve been asked one particular question several times now, and…
My History with Historical Fiction
There are only two weeks before Newport‘s official publication date, so please excuse me if this post is a little scattered and self-indulgent. Really, it’s better to let me get it out of my system now so that I can start being more interesting as quickly as possible. I’ve been thinking about my love affair with…
Superstorm Sandy and Love Locks
Newport’s Cliff Walk is one of my all-time favorite places. What’s not to like? It’s a 3.5 mile public access walkway that skirts the ocean, offering phenomenal views of not only the sea but many of Newport’s Gilded Age mansions as well. It wasn’t always like this, of course. Historians suspect that the original path…
Muses
Let’s talk about muses and inspiration, because I am a total believer. I’m not talking about the classical Greek muses. There were nine of them, plenty to go around. Daughters of Zeus and Mnemosyne, they were raised by the god Apollo and the nymph Eufime. They grew up to become the sources of inspiration for…
