Category Archives: legends

The Headless Horseman and the House of Dun

 We have all heard of the Headless Horseman. Surely, you know something of the tale written by Washington Irving in 1820: “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow.” However, did you realize that the Headless Horseman had been a much used motif … Continue reading

Posted in British history, castles, Georgian Era, legends, legends and myths, Scotland, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Pots of Gold and Other Legends + the PreOrder of My Upcoming Release of “Lyon’s Obsession From Dragonblade Publishing (Arriving 17 September 2025)

We have all heard tales of pots of gold buried at the ends of rainbows, but do you know from where many of those tales originate. Some believe the tales come from the Vikings’ invasion of Ireland in 795 A.D. … Continue reading

Posted in aristocracy, book excerpts, book release, British history, Dragonblade Publishers, eBooks, excerpt, Georgian England, Georgian Era, Great Britain, hero, heroines, historical fiction, Ireland, legends, legends and myths, Living in the Regency, mystery, publishing, reading, Regency era, Regency romance, research, suspense, tradtions, writing | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Comments Off on Pots of Gold and Other Legends + the PreOrder of My Upcoming Release of “Lyon’s Obsession From Dragonblade Publishing (Arriving 17 September 2025)

Question from a Reader/Writer Regarding the Pump Room in Bath

Question: Somehow, I expect I know the answer to this already. Sigh. In a scene I am writing set in the Pump Room, I have described a marble fountain dispensing the waters, only to go, “Wait a minute, is that … Continue reading

Posted in aristocracy, British history, buildings and structures, England, fashion, Georgian Era, history, Jane Austen, legacy, legends | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Proud Member of Clan MacThomas, Whose Blood Flows Through My Veins

When I traveled to Disney World with my son and his family several years back, I was quite disappointed for I only saw my favorite Disney princess once. That is Merida from “Brave.” One of things I like about Merida … Continue reading

Posted in castles, customs and tradiitons, family, Great Britain, heraldry, hero, history, legends, Scotland | Tagged , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Friday, the 13th is Only Unlucky in Western Civilizations

Friday the 13th is a Western civilization superstition. The 13th falls on a Friday, at least, once every year on the Gregorian calendar, but it can happen up to three times in year. 2024 had two Friday the 13th. “For … Continue reading

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All Hallow’s Eve During the Regency

For this piece, I pulled together bits of information on All Hallow’s Eve from a variety of sources, all of which are cited within the post. I hope you enjoy learning of some of Halloween’s traditions.  All Hallow’s Eve (Halloween … Continue reading

Posted in British history, history, holidays, Ireland, Jane Austen, legends, legends and myths, medieval, Northanger Abbey, real life tales, religion, Scotland, Wales | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Comments Off on All Hallow’s Eve During the Regency

How Are Lemmings Associated with the Release of “Loving Lord Lindmore”?

I still handwrite my stories on paper. Black ink. Wide ruled spiral notebooks. Wide ruled means I can squeeze in words or phrases. What I write today will receive its first edit tomorrow before I continue on with the story. … Continue reading

Posted in book excerpts, book release, British history, eBooks, excerpt, Georgian England, Georgian Era, historical fiction, legends, Living in the Regency, publishing, reading, real life tales, Regency romance, research, terminology, writing | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

St. Agnes Eve, a Plot Point in “A Dance with Mr. Darcy” + Excerpt

A major turning point in my latest Austen-inspired vagary, A Dance with Mr. Darcy, comes when Lydia convinces Elizabeth to join in the St  Agnes Eve festivities.  But who was St Agnes? And why would we still celebrate her? Meredith Ringel … Continue reading

Posted in book excerpts, book release, books, customs and tradiitons, eBooks, historical fiction, history, Jane Austen, legends, legends and myths, medieval, Pride and Prejudice, publishing, research, Scotland, Vagary | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 37 Comments

William Strickland, the Man Who Introduced Turkeys to England

Tomorrow in the U.S., we will be all about the turkey and fixings and football and preparing for Black Friday sales, but in the U.K., turkeys are a more traditional dish for Christmas. Why might you ask? We can blame … Continue reading

Posted in British history, buildings and structures, Christmas, Church of England, customs and tradiitons, England, history, holidays, kings and queens, legends, Living in the UK, real life tales, religion, Thanksgiving | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

Mystery and Suspense Month: The Mysterious Death of Mr. Darcy: A Pride and Prejudice Mystery on Sale Until November 5

THE MYSTERIOUS DEATH OF MR. DARCY was originally published on February 18, 2013. It is a cozy mystery set in Dorset, and it is a real thriller. There are witches and resurrectionists and a mass murderer, oh my!!! I hope … Continue reading

Posted in book excerpts, British history, Dorset, excerpt, Georgian England, Georgian Era, heroines, historical fiction, history, Jane Austen, legends, mystery, Pride and Prejudice, publishing, real life tales, Regency era, research, suspense, Vagary, witchcraft acts, writing | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Comments Off on Mystery and Suspense Month: The Mysterious Death of Mr. Darcy: A Pride and Prejudice Mystery on Sale Until November 5