Turning tragedy into timeless romance.
Beau Brummell took Regency England by storm with his devious good looks, witticism, and fashion sense. He was an ideal dandy, meaning a man who placed importance in his appearance, pursued his passions to the utmost, and adhered to romantic ideals. Beau took these beliefs to heart, taking great pains with his wardrobe. He disdained... Continue Reading →
One of my favorite things to do is to dig into the English annals and discover really weird stories. I’ve covered some strange and deranged stories on this blog, from Lady Caroline Lamb sending her bloody pubes to Lord Byron to one of life’s most baffling questions—was Jack the Ripper a woman? This month I... Continue Reading →
What images come to mind for the Victorian era? Maybe corsets, tea, and large country homes come to mind. Maybe the values of the time: wealth, family, morality, and strict gender roles (like divorce as a rare occurrence and society's obsession with virginity). The last thing you might think of is a crazy sex cult... Continue Reading →
"A Most Charming Couple," a sweet, feminist fairy tale, was recently published in Corvid Queen. This story is about growing old, making new friends, and finding true love. Read it here!
In the Victorian era, courtship was a business. There was even a term for it: "the marriage mart." Dowries, lands, and titles served as motivators for selecting a life partner. A gentleman might ask, "Is her dowry large enough?" A lady might ask, "Is his title high enough?" a However, finding genuine love and affection... Continue Reading →
Check out my most recent story! "The Scent of Lavender," which started as a Jack the Ripper origin story but mutated into a monster of its own, was performed on the 441st episode of Tales to Terrify, a Hugo award-nominated podcast.
Looking for something to read? Check out my latest story, "Secrets in the Poison," a story of suspense set in the Victorian era countryside.
Check out my latest story! "A Damsel in Bedlam," a Victorian love story set in an insane asylum, was published in the Summer 2020 issue of The Writing Disorder.
Is Minsden Chapel haunted by a ghostly monk that clanks around in spectral shackles? Ok, maybe I took a little bit of creative license with the shackle part, but a monk has been alleged to wander through the crumbling ruins. a Built in the 14th century, Minsden Chapel was in use through the 18th century.... Continue Reading →
Before the "Adult" section on Craigslist or hookup sites, there was Harris's List of Covent Garden Ladies. Printed annually between 1757 and 1795, this pocket-sized guidebook acted as a directory to Georgian London's prostitutes. a a Each issue featured 120-190 prostitutes who worked in or near Covent Gardens, often giving erotic details and reviews on the... Continue Reading →
