Hello and welcome! I’m Robin and I’m a writer.

You have no idea how many years it’s taken me to be able to say that.

But after 15 years of writing, revising, and rejections, I’m thrilled to be able to say that my debut novel, The Walled Garden, is coming out with SparkPress in May 2022!

And I’m very much looking forward to getting to know you.

An Incomplete List of Subjects I’d Like to Blog About

Books

Before I was a writer, I was a reader. I can’t wait to share my favorite books with you and hear about yours. Reading with the seasons is something I especially enjoy.

The Language of Flowers

I’m fascinated by the idea of using flowers to communicate messages that can’t be spoken or written. In the Victorian era, some resourceful (probably incredibly frustrated) soul assigned specific meanings to flowers, trees, and plants, and the Language of Flowers was born. Imagine a world where you would gasp when someone gave you a bunch of American Cowslips, knowing they were telling you, You are my divinity! Or being given a bouquet of Mignonette, which would tell you that Your qualities surpass your charms. (Wait—what?)

When I was writing The Walled Garden, I wondered—what if someone had designed a whole garden, not just a bouquet, using the Language of Flowers? And then, what if the message was never received.

Until . . .

My Garden

As well as being a writer, I’m a gardener. If I had a personal motto, it would be the garden in all things. I want to explore how gardens make me feel, why the garden, and how I try to incorporate a garden feeling into my daily life. Not much practical gardening advice because there are a million great sources for that, and I’ll definitely share some of my favorites with you.

Travel—Especially England

My favorite place in the world and one I’ve been blessed to visit many times. Yes, I’m an American (and a lifelong Washingtonian), but England is my country. I was six years old when I made the startling discovery that I had been born in the wrong place. My first trip to England when I was 22 confirmed it. I get cranky with longing for it when too much time goes by between visits (hello, pandemic).

Tea

Another early obsession that has lasted all my life and only grown more intense as time goes on. I can still remember my first taste of it at the home of one of my mother’s friends when I was eight or nine years old. (Of course I wanted to drink it every day. My mother said it would stunt my growth. It didn’t.)

Besides the taste of tea, I love everything about it: teapots, cups and saucers, scones, tea sandwiches, and cakes. (I have a delicious recipe for Pink Cakes that no tea party should be without—and I’ll share it with you!) Darjeeling is a special favorite, and, of course, English Breakfast, and sometimes green or white teas. I discover new teas all the time, and I’d love to hear about your favorite teas and tea discoveries.

Cats

Because, cats. I have two beautiful Siamese feline literary assistants and they rule my world.

I’m sure I’ll come up with more topics as time goes on, but that’s enough for now.

Again, welcome! I’m looking forward to getting to know you and sharing books, gardens and tea together.

Do you have favorite books that just say fall to you, books you look forward to rereading every autumn? Tell me some of your favorite fall reads and, in my next post, I’ll share some of mine!