I’ve just returned home from a wonderful few days in the United Kingdom, where I attended the annual meeting of the Historical Novel Society. This event was fantastic on so many levels: the chance to explore Oxford; the opportunity to learn from my historical novelist colleagues; and the joy of hugging my friends in person–especially those I rarely see or have only met virtually. Here are just a few highlights of a fun-filled weekend:

Exploring Oxford

The town of Oxford took my breath away… The architecture is so impressive!

Oxford architecture

The Conference

The Bodleian Library

A Particular Type of Costume Party

Leave it to the historical novelists to come up with a very specific kind of costume party! Attendees were invited to come dressed as a character from a historical novel, even one of their own! Now put this into context. We writers are by and large introverts… for 364 days a year. On day 365, we come out of our caves, don ridiculous costumes, and parade across a stage in front of 300 people!

Oxford-23-costume

Author Margaret George as the brave Celtic warrior Boudica

 

Cross-dressing isn't part of my normal routine, but I played the role of a 15th-century gondolier for the costume pageant. And guess what? I won second place--ha ha! (Maybe I should do it more often?) Can you see the resemblance? Vittore Carpaccio, Detail from the Miracles of the True Cross, ca. 1490, Gallerie dell'Accademia, Venice.

Cross-dressing isn’t part of my normal routine, but I played the role of a 15th-century gondolier for the costume pageant. And guess what? I won second place–ha ha! (Maybe I should do it more often?) Can you see the resemblance? (Vittore Carpaccio, Detail from the Miracles of the True Cross, ca. 1490, Gallerie dell’Accademia, Venice.)

Next year the HNS conference is in Portland, Oregon. What should I wear for next year’s costume pageant? Let me know your suggestions. Comment below!