I was thinking about the shows that my husband and I tend to watch on television. Most of them require me to Google while I watch, meaning they are typically rooted in some sort of reality or history, and we’re often pausing the television as we search to see how much of it is true.
Do you do this, too?
The benefit of online access is that we can check dates, facts, people’s names and histories, etc. The problem is, we need to know which credible sources we can turn to in times of our curiosity and which ones are accurate. One of the things I’ve prided myself on all these years as a professor is sharing with students the wonderful capacity to be lifelong learners and to never lose that sense of being curious—of wanting to know more.
I remember watching the Showtime series The Tudors and frantically looking things up after each episode. I’ve always been fascinated with British history and Henry VIII tops the list. Of course, the creators and writers of the show take liberties with the “facts as they know them,” but I have to say, in terms of the historical timeline, everything was spot on. British shows like Atlantic Crossing, The English Game, and Ridley Road have forced my husband and me to become historical researchers, just so we can learn more about that time period and the facts surrounding it. Even the show Call the Midwife has me looking up diseases and trends in history.
Which shows do you watch that cause you to do the same? I would love to know, and we also welcome recommendations.
Book Launch Update
As we approach Week 3 of the publication of The Letters in the Books, I’m pleased to report it’s been a very good launch, mostly thanks to you all and your wonderful support of the novel. I’ve been talking about writing and the process or writing and publishing on Instagram since I set up my account, and it’s been wonderful to see people help me get the word out about the novel.
Many of you know it took me two and a half years to write, edit, and produce that novel. The time and energy I spent on it even warranted a comment from my husband who said this: “You’ve taken so much time on this particular book. Why?” Well, I can answer that. I want to put out a good product, and I want readers to enjoy the story. If it takes me a long time to get it the way I want it, so be it.
I’ve been trying to market the book with Instagram and TikTok videos, background information about the novel and its setting of Annapolis, and tidbits about the novel’s characters and their backstories.
Additionally, our local bookstore here in town is selling the books with handwritten letters I penned tucked inside them. It’s been kind of fun, honestly, to promote this book! If you’re looking for a copy to read, check Amazon.com, BN.com, or Park Books in Severna Park in person or online.
House of the Dragon
Those of you who have followed me for a while know that I was obsessed with, an unlikely match, for sure, since I’m not a big action/adventure/fantasy fan. But Game of Thrones won me over with its interesting, unpredictable, and often maniacal characters. They were fascinating to dissect episode after episode. So, as you can imagine, I, along with millions of other fans, are highly anticipating the prequel that arrives August 21 called The House of the Dragon. Anyone else chomping at the bit for this one?
How ‘Bout ‘Dem O’s, Hon?
Baltimore Orioles fans, come one, admit it. This year is fun! It’s been exciting to see the team surprise us with nail-biters and big wins! I’ve been to a lot of games this year (and am going tomorrow night, too), and the energy in the ballpark reminds me of the good old days. If you haven’t been to a game in person, you’re missing out. Plus, the post-game concert series and fireworks nights are well worth it! As a former employee and someone who is married to someone who works there now, things are looking up—it’s a ton of fun in Birdland. They’ve kept us on our toes as we watch the rebuilding in process. Additionally, a group of us who all worked together will be gathering in September to celebrate the 30th Anniversary of Camden Yards. I’m looking forward to seeing everyone at the reunion!
That’s all for now, folks! Have a greet weekend and upcoming week!
Stephanie
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STEPHANIE VERNI is the author of THE LETTERS IN THE BOOKS; FROM HUMBUG TO HUMBLE: THE TRANSFORMATION OF EBENEZER SCROOGE; BENEATH THE MIMOSA TREE; INN SIGNIFICANT; LITTLE MILESTONES; THE POSTCARD; and ANNA IN TUSCANY. She is also a co-author of the textbook, EVENT PLANNING: COMMUNICATING THEORY & PRACTICE. Currently an adjunct professor at Stevenson University Online, she instructs communication courses for undergraduate and graduate students. She and her husband reside in Severna Park, Maryland, and have two children. On the side, she enjoys writing travel articles for marylandroadtrips.com.
