Category: History and Research
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What I’ve Been Reading
My first blog of 2020, and a last look back at what I’ve been reading in 2019, starting with Relish: The Extraordinary Life of Alexis Soyer, Victorian Celebrity Chef by Ruth Cowan. As you’ll know if you follow any of my other social media, I’m an I am an extremely enthusiastic amateur cook and a…
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The King’s Jaunt
My current work-in-progress is set in Edinburgh in 1822, during the historic royal visit of King George IV, which happily has necessitated a couple of research trips to one of my favourite cities. A combination of circumstances brought the king to Scotland, not least a stand off between his current (and apparently last) mistress, Lady…
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A Visit to Auchindrain – A Highland Village
My current work-in-progress, with the enigmatic working title of The Enemy Within (what on earth is that going to be about, I hope to hear you ask!), is set in Edinburgh in 1822, during the historic royal visit of King George IV. Hence my recent research trips to one of my favourite cities (and more…
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What I’ve Been Reading
Last week I had to empty all my (many) bookcases in order to paint the dining room/library/sewing room, and needless to say I got very distracted going through all the hundreds of books. I came across so many that I want to read again and I’m embarrassed to say loads that I haven’t read yet.…
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A Walk Through Edinburgh’s New Town: History and Hostelries
I love Edinburgh – though I have to confess to avoiding it when it’s at its busiest, during the Festival and at the peak Christmas/Hogmanay season. But those two periods aside, I never tire of the city which seems to me to have the perfect combination of history and hostelries existing cheek by jowl –…
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A Walk Through History – Edinburgh’s Old Town
Edinburgh is one of my absolute favourite cities for all sorts of reasons, but I do tend to favour the New Town, simply because it’s not quite as crowded with tourists. Edinburgh has always been a major international tourist destination (and a very welcome contributor to Scotland’s economy) but I have noticed it becoming increasingly…
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What I’ve Been Reading – Non-Fiction
I have to confess that I’ve not read much non-fiction at all lately. My research reading time (which is usually first thing in the morning) has been consumed by my need to get words on the page. My Gothic romance, The Truth Behind their Practical Marriage, was taking up almost every moment of the day,…
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Bute Walks – Ascog and the Victorian Fernery
You’ll be well aware, if you follow me on Facebook, that I recently spent a driech (Scots words meaning grey and wet) week on the Isle of Bute visiting family, doing a bit of writing, hoping a change of scene would get the creative juices flowing, and a lot of walking. There was rain of…
