From my blog...

Author Archives: Patricia

The Modern Medieval: Day 1

Posted on August 22, 2016 by Patricia

Welcome to a week of The Modern Medieval: a series of brief posts about modern day street names in England that evoke the medieval past. (Note: there are LOTS of them, but I’ll focus on just a few because otherwise … Read More →

Posted in History, Medieval | Tagged | Leave a comment

What Happened at Bosham Church

Posted on May 29, 2016 by Patricia

What we think of as history is sometimes little more than legend or hearsay or speculation – especially when we look back one thousand years or more. A writer of historical fiction must look at legends as well as facts, … Read More →

Posted in Inspiration | Tagged , , , , , | 10 Comments

Guest Post: Bestselling Author Candace Robb

Posted on May 20, 2016 by Patricia

Have you ever wondered where an author’s ideas come from? How they develop from an image or idea and grow into story? My guest today, historical mystery novelist Candace Robb, is about to enlighten you. Candace Robb is the bestselling author … Read More →

Posted in Guest Post | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Special Guest Post: Historical Novelist Elisabeth Storrs

Posted on May 2, 2016 by Patricia

Today I am delighted to welcome historical novelist Elisabeth Storrs, author of the Tales of Ancient Rome saga – three novels set in the late 4th century BC. A graduate of Arts Law from the University of Sydney where she … Read More →

Posted in Guest Post | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

A Tale of St. Patrick

Posted on March 17, 2016 by Patricia

As you may imagine, given my first name, I have a vested interest in St. Patrick’s Day.  Indeed, one set of great grandparents was Irish – Bridget and Patrick Curtin. They arrived in New York in the 1860’s, most likely … Read More →

Posted in History, Ireland | Tagged , | 2 Comments

Emma, England’s Forgotten Queen

Posted on March 6, 2016 by Patricia

Emma, a gem more splendid through the splendors of her merits… So begins the epigram written late in the 11th century by Godfrey, prior of Winchester, in honor of Emma, Queen of England. Queen Emma died on 6 March, 1052, … Read More →

Posted in Books, History | Tagged , , , , , | 5 Comments

Favorite Childhood Reads

Posted on January 29, 2016 by Patricia

January is when many bloggers write about their favorite books of the previous year. I’m going to be a little perverse and look back a little farther than that – all the way to… Grammar School When I was a … Read More →

Posted in Books, Inspiration | Tagged , , , , , , | 4 Comments

The Last Kingdom, Episode 8: The Battle of Edington

Posted on November 30, 2015 by Patricia

878 A.D. In the seventh week after Easter King Alfred rode to Ecbryht’s Stone…All those of Somerset came to meet him, and those of Wiltshire and Hampshire…they were glad of his coming. ..He went from that camp…to Edington, and there … Read More →

Posted in Anglo-Saxons, History, Review, The Last Kingdom, UK, Vikings | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 5 Comments

The Last Kingdom, Episode 7: The Sack of Wessex

Posted on November 23, 2015 by Patricia

When last we left our hero Uhtred, the question on the table was, “What’s up with Leofric?” Why did Uhtred’s good friend (who we REALLY LIKE!) offer damning evidence against our favorite Northumbrian regarding their lawless adventures in Cornwall? The … Read More →

Posted in Uncategorized | 4 Comments

The Last Kingdom, Episode Six: He is the One

Posted on November 15, 2015 by Patricia

“I was young and I was foolish and I was arrogant and I was never able to resist a stupid impulse.” UHTRED. The Pale Horseman, Chapter 5. Bernard Cornwell That about says it all, Uhtred. In Episode Six our hero … Read More →

Posted in The Last Kingdom | 3 Comments