Wonderstruck is here! Catch Allie answering questions at Fresh Fiction and blogging over at Joyfully Joy on Creating While Stressed: Seven Ways to Nurture Creativity When the World is Difficult.

One of my favorite parts of writing the Magic in Manhattan series has been diving into American history–not just what I was taught in school, but the history that would have impacted Rory, Arthur, and their friends. Although works of fiction, the books are still set in “real” historical New York, and I try to weave these real historical details in alongside the magic and romance.

I’ve written some about my historical research already, but with Starcrossed’s audiobook now here after Covid-19 delayed production for months, I wanted to share a little bit more–including some pictures of my own!

(All images copyright as noted or otherwise mine.)

Upstate New York

Hyde Park, West Park, Poughkeepsie

Some readers may have recognized the inspiration behind Harry Kenzie’s Hyde Park mansion as the real-life Vanderbilt Mansion. Built between 1896 and 1899, this mansion is now a National Historic Site. Harry’s library was inspired by the den and study/office, and Rory’s basement quarters were inspired by the mansion’s staff quarters. 

True peace is not merely the absence of tension: it is the presence of justice.

Martin Luther King Jr.

Like millions of my fellow Americans, I am outraged by the race-based police brutality, injustice, racism and human rights violations that continue to poison our country.

I want to share resources for racial justice for anyone else looking for how they can help:

• Ways You Can Help: Black Lives Matter Carrd
• NAACP: #WeAreDoneDying Campaign
• Black Lives Matter Resources Archive
• Showing Up For Racial Justice Resources
• Racial Equity Tools
• Mental Health Issues Facing the Black Community (a guide from Sunshine Behavioral Health)
• Building Inclusive AI: Strategies for Training Against Racism (thank you to Ms. Emily’s class for sharing this article!)

Page will continue to be updated.

The Important of Found Families in Fiction

Find me over on the Harlequin Blog, where Annabeth Albert and I blogged on the importance of found families in our books.

Trope: Wrapped around your pinky

See, don’t ever set me free
I always want to be by your side

You Really Got Me/The Kinks

May 2020 is #RomBkLove, a social media celebration of romance tropes and romance-related conversations. I’m a romance author, but a reader too, and as part of the fun, I’m talking about the trope wrapped around your pinky. 

To me, this about softness. Who, or what, makes the MC show their soft side? Who enchants the tough cookies or melts icy hearts? What does that normally stoic character get mushy and adoring for?