Birthday Pupcakes. Quick, easy, and packed with flavour. These lip-smacking pupcakes are my dogs' favourite treats - soon, your furry friends will crave them, too! This week is Zoey's birthday, and as it has been our tradition for many years with our current furry children as well as our last two, Lana and Darren, I baked some yummy pupcakes to help us celebrate. While the baked goods were made for our furry companions and their friends, they can also be consumed by humans, a

Can you believe it's already August? Where has the year gone? It seems like summer just began, yet before we know it, autumn will be knocking at the door. But before I get swept away by more summertime adventures, it's time to look back at the month that was. So, without further ado, here are the most popular blog posts from July 2026, as chosen by you—my wonderful readers! Birthdays in Literature - Rowan Burrows Welcome to Birthdays in Literature! Many people know when Shake

Writing historical fiction is a journey that never truly ends. Every page turned, every fact checked, and every detail uncovered leads to more questions. The research process is not a one-time task but a continuous exploration that shapes the story and deepens the author’s connection to the past. This post shares a candid look at why research remains an ongoing part of writing historical fiction and how it enriches the creative process. The Endless Quest for Accuracy Historic

When writing about history, the challenge is not just finding facts but choosing which ones to include. History is full of details, some essential and others less so. Deciding what to keep and what to leave out shapes how readers understand the past. This post explains how I make those choices to create clear, engaging, and meaningful historical narratives. Focus on the Story’s Purpose Every historical piece has a goal. It might explain a major event, highlight a person’s imp

Welcome to Birthdays in Literature! Many people know when Shakespeare was born or when J. K. Rowling celebrates her special day, but I wanted to shine a light on the talented authors who may not be household names—yet still enrich our lives through their stories. While their names may not appear in history books, their words matter, their creativity inspires, and their contributions deserve to be celebrated. Join me each month as we honor an author and help wish them a very H

Starting out as an indie author can feel overwhelming when you look at the big names in publishing. Their success stories, bestseller lists, and polished marketing campaigns can make your own efforts seem small or insignificant. But comparing your journey to theirs can drain your motivation and cloud your vision. The truth is, your path is unique, and embracing it fully will help you grow as a writer and build a fulfilling career. This post offers practical advice to help you

Hello, July! Where did June go? It seems like just yesterday we were welcoming summer, and now the year is already halfway over. With sunshine, longer days, and plenty of outdoor fun ahead, it's tempting to focus only on what's next. But first, let's take a moment to look back at the month we just finished. Thank you for reading, commenting, and sharing your favorite posts. Your support means so much! Now, without further ado, here are the most popular blog posts from June 20

Welcome to Birthdays in Literature! Many people know when Shakespeare was born or when J. K. Rowling celebrates her special day, but I wanted to shine a light on the talented authors who may not be household names—yet still enrich our lives through their stories. While their names may not appear in history books, their words matter, their creativity inspires, and their contributions deserve to be celebrated. Join me each month as we honor an author and help wish them a very H

From the outside, writing historical fiction often looks romantic. There’s a certain image attached to it—an author surrounded by old books, sipping coffee, effortlessly weaving together facts and imagination while bringing the past to life. And while there are moments that feel exactly like that, they are only a very small part of the reality. Because what it really takes to write historical fiction… is something quite different. It Starts With Curiosity—But Doesn’t End Ther

History, as we know it, has often been told through a narrow lens. Names of kings, emperors, explorers, and generals dominate the pages, their legacies carefully recorded and passed down through generations. But standing just outside that spotlight—sometimes in the shadows, sometimes deliberately pushed there—are the women whose lives, contributions, and voices were often overlooked. These are the forgotten women of history. And yet, their stories matter just as much—if not m