Susanne Dunlap's Blog, page 11

Historical Novel Society Conference

We writers are a solitary bunch. I personally have been so involved in trying to keep the various bits of my life together that I think I'm a terrible friend. One of those things that stopped me interacting with people was designing and laying out the program for the Historical Novelty Society Third North American Conference, which is where I am right now. It's in Schaumburg, a suburb of Chicago. All I've seen is this hotel, though (comfortable I hasten to add). Chicago itself will have to wait

A milestone in my next novel

[image error] It's been a while since I've blogged on my site, mostly because I've been so insanely busy. Having a full-time day job and writing novels in bits of time around it is not easy. If I had a demanding family life too, it would be pretty much impossible, I think!

But I'm pleased to announce that I finished the manuscript for my next novel, for now entitled Anastasia's Secret. Finished, but the editing process now begins.

For a glimpse of what the novel's about, I can't do better than the synopsis my a

An incredible day

[image error] What, you ask, could The Musician's Daughter have to do with the inauguration of our first black president?

First, both of these are things that make me proud. I'm proud my book was thought worthy of publishing. I'm incredibly proud that I voted for someone who promises to be such an amazing agent for change and to restore everyone's faith in America.

But without meaning to be political, there's something similar in the fight to be taken seriously and to be given every opportunity in the world as

It's available!

[image error] It's always an amazing thing when the book actually appears. I must say, the folks at Bloomsbury did a superb job producing it. It's beautifully printed and bound. I feel quite proud.

Even more amazing is realizing that people out there have read it—and seem to like it. I've got 19 customer reviews on Amazon already, and none from my friends and family! It's popping up on blogs and in reviews, and one friend reported seeing it nearly sold out on a display of young adult books in Nashville, Tennes

Why don't we wear hats any more?

[image error] Not so long ago, no self-respecting young lady would leave the house without wearing a hat and gloves. As recently as the fifties, hats and gloves were regular parts of any outfit. I think it's partly our driving culture that has led to the change. Hats and headrests don't mix, and you have to have gloves that grip a steering wheel or it's dangerous. But I like to mix things up and wear gloves and hat every now and again—especially since my daily commute is via subway.

But back to the 18th centur