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One of my favorite parts of researching Kita's Courage, my historical novel set in Fort Jones, California, in 1898, is discovering the everyday details that help bring the past to life. Food is one of those details. In my story, Kita's mother owns a bakery and café in Fort Jones. She is a Swiss-German immigrant who brings recipes and baking traditions from her homeland to California. But her bakery isn't just a place where she makes the foods she grew up with. She also enjoys

One of my favorite parts of researching Kita's Courage, my historical novel set in Fort Jones, California, in 1898, is discovering what music people listened to—and what they might have heard drifting through the windows of a home, church, dance hall, or saloon. I've been looking into the music of the 1890s: popular hymns, love songs, sentimental ballads, dance music, and lively ragtime tunes. I'm not sure all my discoveries will end up within the pages of one of my books, bu

Five years ago, I gave away my beloved upright piano. I had played it for years, but we were preparing to move, and I wasn't playing it as often anymore. Rather than move it with us, I advertised it for free to anyone willing to pick it up. I was away when a couple came to get it, and I remember feeling a little sad when it was gone. After we moved, I bought a keyboard and began playing again. Over time, though, I played less and less. I didn't know then that God was quietly

Nestled atop Forest Mountain Pass between Yreka and Fort Jones, California, Robbers Rock holds a mysterious place in Northern California’s history. This rugged outcrop witnessed countless stagecoach robberies during the 19th century, a time when law enforcement struggled to keep pace with the region’s outlaw activity. The stories of stolen gold and hidden loot buried in caves nearby have inspired my current manuscript, Kita’s Courage, where the search for the fictional and el

History often reveals itself in unexpected ways. While researching the rich past of Fort Jones, California, I stumbled upon a remarkable piece of local heritage: a 1937 black and white video showcasing Fort Jones, Etna, and Callahan. This vintage film not only captures the essence of these small towns but also promotes local merchants, encouraging community support. Even though my book is set in the late 1890s, this video offers a unique window into the daily life and commerc

The Keys to Gramercy Park by Candice Sue Patterson is a delightful blend of history, romance, and mystery. While the intriguing plot kept me turning pages, Candice's beautiful writing is what truly captivated me. For example, her descriptions are vivid and memorable, such as, "It sprouted a tumbleweed of fear and doubt in her stomach." Readers may find that same tumbleweed growing in their own stomachs as they worry over the villain's wicked schemes and wonder whether justice

Since I’ve been sitting down to write about my heroine Kita McDade — a nineteen-year-old lumberjack’s daughter who rides horses bareback before dawn, wears trousers to work in her mother's bakery, and heads fearlessly into danger to help catch a band of stagecoach robbers — I knew exactly what kind of young woman she's going to be. She is a tomboy. And as I’m discovering while researching Kita’s world in 1896 Fort Jones, California, I know I can use this term, because it carr

When I wrote A Widow's Whim, I wanted to bring a little sparkle and style to my main character Vivian’s world. She’s a woman who’s learning to find her own voice and confidence after being betrayed by a former lover, and what better way to reinvent herself than through her appearance? That’s where the Gibson Girl hairstyle comes into play. Vivian’s first attempt at the Gibson hairstyle wasn’t just about looking fashionable—it was about stepping into a new chapter of her life.

A seventeen year old girl, already displaced by loss, steps onto a ship with no control over her future and chooses to take control in the only way available to her. The exchange of identity between herself, Marrin, and a stranger named Carina. This is not just a plot turn, it is a moral fracture point. From that moment forward, every sense of safety, belonging, and even love is built on something unstable. That kind of foundation forces the reader to sit with a question most

Dogs often bring unexpected joy and character to stories, and in my first historical romance novel, A Widow's Whim , the dog named Bobo adds a unique charm that readers have come to love. Bobo’s character is not just a product of imagination but inspired by a real dog with an unforgettable personality. This post shares the delightful story behind Bobo’s creation, the real-life adventures that shaped him, and how such a quirky companion enriches storytelling. Bobo’s peaceful n

Getting published by a traditional publisher feels like winning the literary lottery. After countless rejections, late nights, and endless edits, your book finally has a home. It’s a moment of pure joy and validation. But here’s the twist: the stereotype about publishers constantly pestering authors to “Write more!” and “Market harder!” is not just a myth. It’s real. I adore my publisher. They believed in my work when no one else did, and they’ve helped me reach readers I nev

When I sit down to write, the stories I create are deeply rooted in the history of the place I call home. The rivers, forests, remnants of rutted wagon trails, landmarks, and events that shaped my community provide a rich backdrop for my novels. This connection between local history and storytelling fuels my creativity in a very real way. Etna's Main Street, 1905 How Etna Inspired "A Widow's Whim" A lot of my debut novel takes place on Etna's Main Street in the 1890s. Walking

I've been writing my entire life--from children's stories to dabbling in screenplays to eventually testing my mettle with full-length manuscripts. At 57 years of age, I can say it has been a long journey. How younger writers get their work traditionally published is nothing short of astonishing--especially now that I know the hours and years of labor required for such a task. Why did I commit myself to be published by a standard publisher, rather than self-publish? Because of

In a world filled with endless streaming options and digital playlists, there’s something special about tuning into a radio station that...

The 1890s was a fascinating decade filled with change and innovation. It was a time when the world was on the brink of modernity. Julie...