The Sharp Fire of a Celtic Halloween
The forgotten Celtic legend of Teine Biorach, the Sharp Fire, tells of a mysterious light that glows on Samhain night to guide travelers between worlds.
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The Gothic Heart of Romance
Romance has always had a gothic heartbeat. And today’s essay explores why readers—and writers—are drawn to moody, windswept love stories where passion and fear intertwine, and love survives the storm.
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The Hungry {Romance} Writer: Creamy Crockpot Chicken & Leeks
It’s one of the first fall weekends where the weather is chilly and I have the fireplace on, and this is a perfect meal to start off a fall weekend.
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Rough Draft Preptober: Part 2
If you’re looking forward to writing a new rough draft in November, I’ve compiled some resources that can help you prepare for your next writing journey.
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Prepping the Fall Garden
Let’s prepare our vegetable garden and flower beds for fall and early winter. From soil care and mulching to planting cool-season crops, these garden prep tips will keep your plants healthy and ready for spring.
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Pennhurst: A Place of Memory, Decay, and Reckoning
Step inside the haunting history of Pennhurst Asylum, once known as the Eastern Pennsylvania State Institution for the Feeble-Minded and Epileptic. In this first installment of my Pennhurst series, I explore the asylum’s dark past and its legacy as an International Site of Conscience.
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Put a Spell on Your October Reading List
Today I’m sharing my favorite enchanting books perfect for October. From cozy magical tales to dark, spellbinding fantasies, these witch-themed reads will cast a spell on your autumn nights.
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Holly and Heartstrings Vol. 2 Cover Reveal
It’s another cover reveal day., but this time it’s for a holiday romance anthology that will be an exclusive gift for my readers. I can’t wait to show you the wonderful cover for Holly and Heartstrings Vol. 2!
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Understanding Heat Levels in Romance and Romantasy
Heat levels in romance and romantasy can be confusing because every chart and publisher uses different terms. From ‘sweet’ to ‘spicy,’ closed door to open door, here’s a guide to understanding the spectrum of intimacy in romance (and why YA adds another twist).
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Haunted Houses & Love Stories: Rough Draft Preptober Part 1
Haunted houses aren’t just for ghost stories—they’re perfect for love stories, too. In this Preptober post, I share how gothic, spooky, and “haunted” settings can heighten romance, sharpen conflict, and inspire your November Rough Draft project.
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Restocking the Autumn Pantry
It’s time to get our pantries fall-ready with cozy seasonal staples and emergency essentials. From soups and spices to power-outage prep, here’s how to stock your shelves for comfort, cold weather, and peace of mind.
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Michaelmas and Revenge of the Blackberry (Tarts)
September is flying by much faster than I’d prefer. But that also means it’s time again to prepare for Michaelmas by collecting the last of the blackberries. And this year I’m baking tarts!
