People of the Victorian period (until 1901) and the Edwardian period (1901-1914) have acquired a reputation — if countless television programs and movies are any guide — as uptight, stuffy Puritans who call people’s legs ‘limbs’, faint dead away at the mere mention of sex, and drape linen loincloths around Michelangelo’s David.
While Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s engagement has taken over headlines—and headspaces—around the globe, fans, media outlets and, well, just about everybody can’t stop talking about it.
Even so, public fascination with celebrity power couples is nothing new.
Welcome to the very first edition of Robert’s F-Bombs—where the “F” stands for Fascination (of course).
From time to time, or more often if you like it, I will dig into something that caught my eye (and hopefully yours, too), pairing a compelling bit of current news with a deep dive into the Gilded Age and lifestyle bits and tips.
As summer winds down, I’m sharing a special update on what’s been happening lately—and giving you an inside look at the inspiration and journey behind my latest historical fiction romance novel, Winter in the High Sierra!
I try to pack as much useful material into each of my course videos, but by their nature they have to be bite-sized and somewhat general. If you, however, would like to feast on more tips and techniques than I fit into the videos, then One-to-One coaching with me may be an answer.
You’re not alone — but discipline is a skill, not a personality trait. In this video, I’ll break down how to develop discipline as a writer, how to stay consistent, and why it’s the key to building a sustainable, fulfilling creative practice.
In this video, learn a few reference books that are worth having on your shelf, to aid in your communications, learn new words and phrases, and spark creativity in your choice of words.
Delicate, fragrant, and effortlessly refreshing, this elderflower spritz is the perfect drink to brighten up warm afternoons or add a touch of elegance to your next gathering. With just a few simple ingredients, you’ll have a beautifully balanced cocktail that tastes like summer in a glass.
Here’s an authentic Gilded Age cocktail recipe that works just as well for this weekend as it did in 1901. You’ll find it on the pages of my manuscript-in-progress.
As writers, our job is to step into someone else’s shoes—and empathy is the key to doing it well.
In this video, I break down how to understand and develop empathy in your writing to create characters that feel authentic, layered, and emotionally real.
Macarons involve a few steps—this recipe is geared to the beginner baker, so all you’ll need is a bit of patience, and you’ll find yourself with a plate full of delicious fruity macarons.
Here’s this week collection of interesting tidbits and new developments in the world—curated to help you avoid the not-so-interesting stuff (and no affiliate links or gotchas, so click on whatever piques your interest).
The lovely Delaware Park Golf Course, which rolls over one of Frederick Law Olmsted’s many beautiful Buffalo parks, has been a favorite of golfers since the 1890s.
But it was also once the setting for some of the rough-and-tumble social climbing of the young and striving Elmwood Set, who were determined to establish themselves as separate, distinct – and possibly superior – to the the city’s old-money stiffs.
Straight from the Book Club Kit for Current of Darkness. (This recipe is adapted from today’s Food & Wine for easier sourcing of modern day ingredients and temperature settings.)
