From the Author's Desk

A sporadically recurring feature

I don’t often take time to pen a “From the Desk,” but it's a fun, casual look into the writing life. This month, partly due to America’s 250th birthday, I’ve been reflecting on my writing: books, social media, and articles.

Here on Substack, the lens is historical. Taking a vintage view meshes with my author gig. Most of my articles also have the same slant. In large part, bringing history to life in books means being immersed in it myself.

Mashie Monday is golf history: tournaments, clubs, artifacts, apparel, and ephemera. These articles may be more meaningful to those of you who play golf, but—in numerous ways—changes in the game: how it’s played, where it’s played, and who plays it—mirrors changes in American society since the 1920s. Many of those who read my books are interested in fashion, so I’m threading more about clothing into my social media. This week’s Mashie Monday featured ladies’ golf attire. Again, changes in it mirror changes in women’s street clothes.

Bootlegger Briefs deals with various aspects of Prohibition including, but not limited to, gangsters, lawmen, and speakeasies. The time period plays an important role in both my series. Since it has endless fascinating facts, I won’t run out of ideas!

Motorcar Monday looks back at cars over time. Living outside Toledo, I’ve experienced car culture all of my life. For the most part, I look back at vintage vehicles because I’ve used many in my books. Some were real beauties, not to say that today’s automobiles aren’t appealing!

Toward the end of 2026 or the start of 2027, I’ll be adding Mermaid Monday. Those posts will relate to a new series, but also have a historical perspective. Of course.

And yes, I’m still writing books. The Conned Counselor, book nine in the Doro Banyon Historical Mystery series, will be out on November 20. It is a crossover with my Arabella Stewart series, so Bella, Jax, and other characters will appear as Doro and Ev visit Ballantyne. Stay tuned!