Writing Blog

We’re all here tonight because we love books - and Mullen High School, of course. I thought it might be fun to explore, in this wonderful setting where we’re surrounded by books, the idea that the books we choose have a lot to do with who exactly we are...and who we...

Tonight I’m delighted to have the chance to talk to you about one of my favourite mysteries. It’s something that takes my daily work out of the ordinary into an exciting, almost magical world… A mystery that regularly gives me goosebumps… One that I’ll never...

I’m very honored to be here. I love Nebraska, Nebraskans and books, and here we are with all three…it doesn’t get much better. I’m excited to write my “Nebraska Book” one day, certain to involve Willa Cather. What I do have is a series of mysteries for booklovers, set...

Today we have the opportunity to explore together one of my favourite, most heartfelt topics: the sense of place. The only reason I was ever published, I’m certain, is because of sense of place, so this is a very personal topic. Place was a large part of my motivation...

I am very happy this afternoon to be here at Dartmouth, with others who love both the College and rare books! Today I’m looking forward to sharing with you some of the book-related adventures I’ve had researching and writing the series: first, the adventures that led...

For some reason I had a strong desire to build a story around words themselves, as displayed in the fine art of handwriting or calligraphy. Because of research I had done for another novel in my bibliomystery series, featuring the English bibliophile Samuel Pepys, I...

It’s a dangerous business, writing in a foreign tongue, no matter how familiar it may be. I lived and worked in England for five years, partly as editorial assistant at a publishing house, and partly as staff writer for a magazine. I know the idioms, I know the...

If you’re a writer, and you’re here, you’ve probably had a mentor. I know that without at least three, I would never have made my first attempt in sixth grade, let alone choose a writing career. In general, writers don’t succeed without a little help from friends -...

I am very happy to be here tonight, for two reasons. First, I would have no bibliomystery series and no current project without Norlin Library and its experts. Second, I can’t imagine a more delightful crowd than one filled with fellow bibliophiles…who also love...

I am delighted to be here today, especially because I already know we have a lot in common. First, we all believe in serving our community. Second, since you’ve invited me here, I know you love all things biblio-related: bibliomysteries, bibliocareers,...

As a lowly editorial assistant for an academic publisher in London, I would often look out through iron railings and coral geraniums onto Bedford Square and feel I was living a novel. My duties were far from dramatic: in book publishing you pay your dues early. I...