The James Museum & Edward S. Curtis's "The North American Indian"

Going by the principle that one never knows where story ideas will come from, I visit museums that have nothing whatsoever to do with my books. The James Museum is a fine example.

What drew me and especially my long-suffering (from far too much 19th C England) spouse was an exhibition of works by Edward S. Curtis. Visual art of all kinds can trigger ideas, and photography certainly does that. Frankly, though, I just wanted to see the photographs from his magnum opus, The North American Indian.

You can view the complete collection of these beautiful photographs here at the Northwestern Libraries site. If you’re in the St. Petersburg, Florida area, though, I’d strongly recommend visiting the James Museum, to see the photographs full size. Below are a few of the images that struck me particularly.

Top row left to right: Edward S. Curtis ~ Sun Dance Encampment - Piegan ~ The Storm - Apache. Bottom row left to right: A Paguate Entrance ~ The Hopi Maiden ~ Untitled (Two Hopi Girls in a Window)


More about the "Lord of Scoundrels" JQ Special Edition

Last month I announced the inclusion of Lord of Scoundrels in the launch of JQ Special Editions. These are boxed sets of Julia Quinn’s favorite historical romances, in fresh, elegant editions. The 2026 launch also includes Eloisa James’s new release, The Last Lady B, and Alyssa Cole's iconic An Extraordinary Union.

Julia has just informed me that the campaign is in the middle of their Loretta Chase stretch goal. What does this mean? Signed books! If they reach $420k, I’ll be able to sign tip-ins. What are tip-ins? JQ will send me the title page of the book (however many they print plus a few extras in case I make ink blots or spell my name incorrectly (it happens). I sign them (with or without a wrist brace and/or Bengay), then mail them to the printer, who’ll insert them when the book is bound.

As to the rest: Honestly, I’m unfamiliar with Kickstarter, and have only the dimmest idea how it works. However, you are not dependent on my technological incompetence. If you’d like to learn more, please follow this link. The JQ Editions Kickstarter page also provides detailed information about the books and shows what’s in the box. Julia’s team has done a wonderful job with Lord of Scoundrels, as you’ll see: cover art with “Easter eggs”—images relating to the book that are tucked into the cover design—scenes from the book in the end papers, and beautiful decorated edges. I’m particularly pleased because the book had its 30th anniversary last year, and this feels like a slightly belated celebration.

If you’d like to participate, there’s a bit over a month left to do so. Even if you don’t choose to participate, I think you’ll enjoy looking at the books and swag.

You can listen to Julia’s explanation about choosing my book if you follow this link to Facebook. There’s more at this link.

And that is enough unseemly boasting for now.

$1.99 eBook deal for "Dukes Prefer Blondes"

Earlier this month we had a deal for the audio version of Dukes Prefer Blondes, the fourth book in my Dressmakers trilogy (I know). For the rest of this month, the eBook is on sale in the U.S. and Canada for $1.99. If you haven’t yet read the story of Lady Clara Fairfax and barrister “Raven” Radford, or want to introduce a friend to the Dressmakers series, this month is a good time to do so, at a bargain rate.

During my visit to London last year, I was excited to find the house I’d stolen for my obnoxious hero’s parents. You can see photos of the place in the blog post I did at the time, after a visit to Richmond. I also posted a short video on Facebook and Instagram.