Category Archives: writing

Author’s Voice

Years ago, when I was still beating my head against the wall while teaching English in the public classrooms of three different states, I attempted repeatedly to explain “author voice” to my students. I encouraged my students to write with … Continue reading →

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“Angel Comes to the Devil’s Keep,” a new Romantic Suspense from Regina Jeffers + Excerpt + Giveaway

It went live over the weekend!!! My latest Regency-based romantic suspense is available from Black Opal Books. Angel Comes to the Devil’s Keep is the first book in the Twins’ Trilogy. The Earl Claims His Comfort and Lady Chandler’s Sister … Continue reading →

Posted in Black Opal Books, book excerpts, book release, excerpt, Georgian England, Georgian Era, historical fiction, Living in the Regency, Regency era, Regency romance, romance, suspense, writing | Tagged , , , , , , | 7 Comments

Colorful, Colored, and Colorless Words: Fixing Writing Errors

Do you recall the dreaded 500-words’ essay often assigned by English teachers? Do you also recall the sinking feeling of coming up with 500 words on a subject for which you held no opinion? Do you also recall writing something … Continue reading →

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Scotland’s Merrick Murder Hole and The Old Grey Man

  This article first appeared on the Dark Jane Austen Book Club Website on March 11, 2013.  The Disappearance of Georgiana Darcy Shackled in the dungeon of a macabre castle with no recollection of her past, a young woman finds … Continue reading →

Posted in British history, Georgian England, Georgian Era, gothic and paranormal, Great Britain, historical fiction, history, Jane Austen, legends and myths, Living in the Regency, Living in the UK, mystery, Pride and Prejudice, real life tales, Regency era, Scotland, spooky tales, Ulysses Press, writing | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | Comments Off on Scotland’s Merrick Murder Hole and The Old Grey Man

“X” Does Not Always Mark the Spot

Recently, I spent a delightful morning counting words in Pride and Prejudice. Why? You may ask: Regina, do you not have enough to do with your retirement years than to sit around counting how many times Jane Austen used the word … Continue reading →

Posted in book excerpts, British history, Georgian England, Georgian Era, Jane Austen, Living in the Regency, writing | Tagged , , , , | 9 Comments

Do You Know The Origin of These Words and Phrases?

Three Sheets to the Wind – Urban Dictionary defines this phrase to mean “to be explicitly drunk; inebriated.” The origin is likely found in practicality: Sheets actually refer to the ropes that are used to secure a ship’s sail. If the … Continue reading →

Posted in Age of Chaucer, Canterbury tales, etymology, history, Jane Austen, real life tales, tall tales, word origins, word play, writing | Tagged , , , , , | 4 Comments

Carolina Book Festival 2016

Book Signing Carolina Book Fest is a book signing taking place in the Queen City of Charlotte, North Carolina, on October 15, 2016. The book signing will be held at the Marriott City Center (100 West Trade Street) in downtown Charlotte from 10 AM … Continue reading →

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Welcome Suspense Writer, Tierney James, and the Latest Release in the Enigma Series

Today, I welcome fellow Black Opal Books Author, Tierney James, and news of her latest release. Tierney and I have included a short Q and A to introduce her and her Enigma mystery series.  I know you love to travel. … Continue reading →

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Do You Know These Words and Phrases?

Dead as a Doornail. The “doornail” is the plate or knocker upon which the hammer of a door knocker strikes. Phrases.org gives us this explanation on the origin of the phrase. In 1350,  William Langland used the phrase in a translation … Continue reading →

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