Merry Farmer's Blog, page 39

"Indian Shawls"

Reblogged from Of Ravens and Writing Desks...: With Monica's guest post, and subsequent discussions by Lizzie at The Vintage Traveler, I have been inspired to revisit a topic dear to my heart -- Kashmir shawls, and their European imitations.   'I have spared no expense in trousseau,' were the next words Margaret heard. 'She has [...]

2013 Book #3 – Writing the Breakout Novel, by Donald Maass

So why has it taken me so long to read and post a book report about this book when the last book report was weeks ago? Well, it’s because this is one of the most juicy, rich, thought-provoking books on the writing craft that I’ve read in a long time! It was excellent. It also [...]

The Beauty and Evolution of 19th Century Hairstyles

Yet another insult fate has added to injury in the story of how I should have been born 125 years before I was, thus living out the plumb of my days in the late Victorian era, is the fact that I have 19th century hair. Yes, I do. Everything about my hair, from the volume [...]

What Writers Can Learn From Public Radio

The local radio station that I listen to every day (WRTI in Philadelphia) is in the midst of its spring membership drive right now. That, of course, means hour after hour of the radio hosts going on and on about how I should pledge, how the station depends on me, and how the only reason [...]

The Inner Life of Secondary Characters

Last weekend I posted a fun scene from my latest novel, Fool for Love, that highlights one of the secondary characters in the series, Jacinta Archer. I love that scene because Jacinta is such a character (no pun intended). She has a whole inner world and her mind works in definitive ways – ways that [...]

There’s Nothing Like A Sexy 19th Century Greatcoat

I’ll confess. I have one little tiny historically debatable detail in my latest release, Fool for Love. It’s a little something one of my beta-readers and fellow historical romance writers, Angela Quarles, pointed out to me. In the 19th century men’s shirts only buttoned halfway down. Like this: She’s right. However, at one point I [...]

A Taste of Fool for Love … and Jacinta Archer

It’s release day! I’ve been so busy getting Fool for Love up and available that I haven’t had time to write blog posts. But I did want to give you something. So how about one of my favorite scenes from Fool for Love, which includes one of my absolute favorite side characters ever, Jacinta Archer. [...]

An Interview with Future Regency Romance Star, Ella Quinn

I am so pleased today to introduce you to a woman who is not only about to become a Regency Romance star, she is a wonderful person who has offered me help and friendship, Ella Quinn.  Ella’s first nove, The … Continue reading →

Retail Therapy 1800s Style

Yes, I’m guilty. I’ve been known to go out and buy myself something pretty when I’m feeling down. Haven’t we all? Ah! Retail therapy! It’s a modern curse, right? Not necessarily. We think of zipping out and buying something ready-made … Continue reading →

2013 Book #11 – Zoe’s Muster, by Barbara Hannay

I recently started writing a Contemporary Romance set in Australia, so what better book to read for homework than a Contemporary Romance set in Australia! On top of that, Zoe’s Muster, by Barbara Hannay is nominated for a RITA this … Continue reading →