Kristin Holt's Blog, page 7

Victorian Apple Dumplings

As today is National Apple Dumpling Day, I rounded up vintage apple dumplings recipes from various sources (19th century cookbooks and 19th century newspapers) that illustrate different cooking methods and a variety of "dumpling" options, including different sauces and serving methods. Welcome, Autumn!

Guest Post: I Love a Good Challenge, by Caryl McAdoo

Guest blogger Caryl McAdoo shares one component of fiction writing-- the challenge of writing large casts of characters, and making them distinct personalities that sound different and are easy for readers to follow. She shares insights from her first novel (27 titles ago!) and her brand new release, Gone To Texas, that debuted today!

Cool Desserts for a Victorian Summer Evening

Cool, inexpensive dessert recipes appealed to our Victorian grandmothers, especially in summertime heat. These three recipes, published in the Saint Paul Globe of Saint Paul, Minnesota on June 24, 1888 were perfect for a cameo appearance in my Holidays in Mountain Home title 9-- Unmistakably Yours.

Vintage Quips and Poetry Spark Fictional Ideas

Authors' ideas come from the strangest places. Here, I'll share one rhetorical question and one brief bit of poetry, both published in USA Victorian-era newspapers (within 6 years of my title's setting), that contributed to the writing of Isabella's Calico Groom.

BOOK REVIEW: Getting Book Reviews by Rayne Hall

Five-Star Book Review for a helpful title for authors (AND READERS): Getting Book Reviews: Easy, Ethical Strategies for Authors (Writer's Craft 14), by Rayne Hall.

BOOK BIRTHDAY: Read the Opening Scenes of ISABELLA’S CALICO GROOM, FREE! EXCLUSIVE!

New Release Today! (7-10-18)

Read the full first chapter of Isabella's Calico Groom (within Calico Ball: Timeless Western Collection)

“Snow Tires” For 19th Century Wagons: Sled Runners

Our inventive and problem-solving Victorian American ancestors patented some amazing stuff. One of those things were workable "snow tires" for their 19th century farm wagons and buggies. Not everyone owned a sleigh, and even if they did, the wagon bed was often needed. See Victorian America's solution!

International Kissing Day! July 6, 2018

On International Kissing Day (today! July 6, 2018), what better subject than KISSING, and why kissing belongs in romances--both on the silver screen and in books.

Victorians Race: On Foot, On Bicycles, In Wheelbarrows

A key scene within Isabella's Calico Groom (Calico Ball: Timeless Western Collection) is on Independence Day in Evanston, Wyoming Territory (a week shy of Wyoming's acceptance into the Union as the 44th State). In keeping with the historical favorites when celebrating July 4th, the characters took note of the races--on foot, on bicycles, and in wheelbarrows. Victorian Americans enjoyed a wide range of contests with appealing prizes (cash, clothing, shoes, jewelry, etc.). Would you rather compete in a bicycle race, or in chasing a greased pig?

The Victorian Man’s Suit of Clothes

A man's proper suit of clothes was worn by gentlemen, bankers, clerks, professionals... virtually every man except those who labored manually (such as miners). Given men owned so few items of clothing, they certainly wore what they had, despite the demand. Levi Strauss developed the original "Levi's 201's" and "Levi's 501's", built to last in the clothing-destroying mines. Compare and contrast the "suit of clothes" with Levi's originals.