Mary Winters's Blog

I traveled a lot this summer, and while I haven’t kept pace with my writing, I have been thinking about writing, and that should count for something, shouldn’t it? The end of May took my family and me to New Orleans, where I found a walking stick similar to Tabitha’s in the Lady of Letters…

I had a wonderful time in New York City for the Edgar Awards. I met many talented writers at The Mysterious Bookshop, the Alfred Hitchcock Mystery Magazine pre-party, and the awards banquet. I also did some sightseeing in Times Square, Rockefeller Center, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, and Central Park. Here are a few pictures from the…

Thanks to Barnes & Noble in Sioux Falls and to all who joined the launch of Murder in Masquerade! I’m so appreciative of all of you and wish I had pictures of everyone who stopped by. Writing is a solitary occupation, and having friends and family present to celebrate the book was special! From the…

I had so much fun talking to readers at the Pettigrew Museum. Thanks to Melissa Godber and staff for their hospitality–and delicious tea!  

Can you imagine getting dressed in the age of the crinoline? Crinolines were originally attached to a petticoat, but later the cage crinoline left legs relatively unencumbered. Although at first welcomed for its light weight (multiple petticoats could get heavy), the crinoline had its hazards, including fire. Lady Dorothy Nevill recounts being close to a…

Most likely you’ve heard the phrase “flash in the pan” and know what it means. But did you know the phrase was being used in the Victorian era? I wouldn’t have except I’d seen it used by Anthony Trollope, a great writer in the Victorian era. He also used the word “fly,” which meant a…

Did you know fans were used to relay secret messages in the Victorian era? A fan across the cheek meant love, a fan through the hand meant hate, and a fan across the eyes meant apology. In fact, there were so many messages that a fan maker printed this leaflet to keep track of them…

Recently, I noted a dedication to the One-Winged Dove in one of the books I’m reading, and it made me smile. I came across the One-Winged Dove in my research of the London Times agony column and always wondered about her situation. For those of you who don’t know, the London Times published “advertisements” on…

I live a quiet life. Most days, I’m reading and writing with my cats beside me. The hallmark of my day is a walk with my dog or a cup of good tea or my children’s conversations about school. But I love travel. Not the physical aspect, mind you. I’m rather terrified to fly. But…

One of my favorite seasonal reads from the Victorian era is A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens. My family and I enjoy the performance of it at the Guthrie Theatre in Minneapolis. I’m happy to share we’ll be going back for the first time in three years this weekend. I’m in love with the music,…