For my book, Butcher, Baker, Candlestick Taker, I loved researching historical clothing circa 1901 in which to clothe my men and women. But let’s be honest: the women are always more fun for the variety! When it came to first-hand accounts, I was greatly inspired by the Women’s Column of the Spokesman-Review. Below you’ll find …
One of my favorite parts of writing historical fiction is getting the chance to set a story where my characters can have chance encounters with real people from history. In my book Butcher, Baker, Candlestick Taker, although I’ve invented all the primary characters, I’ve sprinkled the story with cameos from some of the most well-known, …
What made me choose Spokane, Washington as the setting of my historical mystery Butcher, Baker, Candlestick Taker? Three things: people, locations, and events. Over the next several months leading up to my Big Book Announcement, I’m excited to tell you more about why Spokane, Washington, of all places, really needed a book set in its …
This short story actually began life as the prologue to my book Butcher, Baker, Candlestick Taker. I thought it’d be fun to share with you this fun little adventure that started things off. What makes this story even more fun, in my opinion, is that it was inspired by a real article from The Spokane …
I’m giving my presentation on the marvelous collection of letters titled Dear Mother this Saturday up at the Loon Lake Library. (If you’re in the area—be sure to stop by at 2:00!) So I’ve been thinking a lot lately about how much I prefer first-hand accounts when it comes to research. When I first discovered …
Welcome to Part 2 of my Look Up, Spokane! series. Last month I showed you some pictures I took of the Spokesman Review Building. Today, we’re going across the street. I had never noticed something rather fascinating about this more modern building: outside, along Monroe, are a series of twelve busts. Each bust is of …
How often do we look up anymore? More often than not, we’re looking down at our phone, or down at our feet to make sure we’re not stepping in dog poop or something. But the last time I was downtown in Spokane, I felt the urge to look up, to see what I was missing. …
I found the following little editorial article published in The Spokesman-Review, May 6, 1901, and thought it exceedingly interesting. I hope you do, too! (Transcription for easier reading) What is the language of postage stamps when pasted on letters? M.K. The following, called the postage stamp flirtation, may be what you want: Upside down, left …
