Mary and the Captain was so much fun to write! As part of my writing process I collected several images that helped inspire (directly and indirectly) different scenes in the story. I thought I’d share a few of those images … Continue reading
George Gordon, Lord Byron certainly had a reputation. In fact, he had several reputations. Even today some people think of him as the noble, courageous, yet doomed hero he wrote about in his verses. Others think of him as a scandalous … Continue reading
Inaccurate—and sometimes preposterous—news stories have been circulating since mankind first began stringing words together in a sentence. History shows that even reputable publications sometimes pick up questionable stories and run with them. To illustrate the point, here’s a news item … Continue reading
It’s true what they say about one man’s trash. I should know. I’ve found a few treasures of my own while browsing through jumbles of used items other people have for sale. I never know what I’m going to find in … Continue reading
I love to ride roller coasters. The hair-raising speed, the sudden drops you feel in the pit of your stomach, the hair-pin turns—they all combine to make for one thrilling ride. If roller coasters are a little too intense for … Continue reading
In my collection of old books and documents I have several copies of The Sporting Magazine from the years 1797 and 1798. The Sporting Magazine was a monthly publication for gentlemen. Most of the articles chronicled racing events and reports … Continue reading
I woke up on Christmas morning to find that Book Santa had visited my house! I’ve had visits from Book Santa in the past, so I knew to expect two things: His reading tastes are varied; he enjoys giving fiction … Continue reading
A very merry Christmas and a peaceful and prosperous New Year to you all!
Lydia Bennet was fifteen years old when she fell under the spell of George Wickham in Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice. Willful and foolish, she eloped with Wickham less than a year after making his acquaintance, leaving her family stunned … Continue reading
… and that word is girandole. A girandole is a type of wall sconce for use with candles. Typically, girandoles had a backing made of mirrors or tin or some other reflective material that would increase the candles’ light. They … Continue reading
Home of Topaz Cross Books, Brenda S. Cox
Immerse yourself in Georgian and Regency England
Musings about Louisa May Alcott's Little Women and what might have been...
Explore the architectural history of the UK's country houses and stately homes
Research History Story and Resources
Creating Characters with Character
Author of Historical Fiction and Nonfiction
Random Musings of a Janeite
A Jane Austen book club
Exploring the world of late Georgian and Regency London
Dressing for a Regency ball (and other events) by Mr. Philip Elton
Writing about anything and everything to do with the Georgian Era
read, relax, repeat
Best Period Dramas: New in 2023, British, Romantic, PBS, TV Series, Movies, Netflix, Prime
Nancy Lawrence 