Favorite Historical Novels–Lately
People often ask what my favorite book is. Just one? Are they kidding? I’ve read LOTS of books in my lifetime and loved most of them. It’s hard to choose one, or even a single genre. Historical novels have been my mainstay throughout my adult life, but I like mysteries and nonfiction, too. Recently I […]
Pine River’s 150th Celebration
I’ve been doing a lot of research on frontier logging for SISTER LUMBERJACK, coming out in January of 2024. When Colleen Moser asked me to write a skit for the Variety Show, she allowed me to choose an historical topic pertinent to Pine River’s early days. Of course, I used my logging research to write […]
Fan Letter and Photos
Thank you, Dale, for taking the time to both read and comment on Abercrombie Trail. #Fort Abercrombie #Grankokken Savannah Waterfowl Area #Minnesota history #Civil War “Candace, I just wanted to reach out and say how great your books are. I’ve read two so far, Abercrombie Trail and Blooming Prairie. I just started Pomme De […]
Daily Inspiration: Meet Candace Simar (By VoyageMinnesota)
AS ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED ON VOYAGEMINNESOTA.COM Today we’d like to introduce you to Candace Simar. Candace, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin? I’ve always been a history buff. Quite by accident, I stumbled across a bit of family genealogy that I couldn’t wait […]
Let’s Write Your Story!
Anna V’s B&B in Lanesboro, MN, was my first solo venture in directing a writing retreat. Since that time in 2015, I have enjoyed teaching the craft of writing in many different places. What wonderful people I have met along the way. About 10% of the population feels they have a story to write. It’s […]
Bagley Friends of the Library Wall Hanging
I was so grateful to be included in this 2016 wall hanging created by the Bagley Friends of the Library. Minnesota authors were asked to autograph a strip of cloth that became the spines of the books on this gorgeous work of art. It was raffled off with the funds used to support library activities. […]
Inspiration Found in a Norwegian Bunad
I’ve attended a lot of Scandinavian festivals promoting my historical novels about Norwegian immigrants. The Norwegian bunads are always interesting. More than traditional dress-up clothes, the bunads are specific to the different regions of Norway, similar to a state flag. One glance tells you which region of Norway the wearer is from. A bunad inspired […]
Museum of Appalachia near Knoxville, Tennessee
We recently visited the Museum of Appalachia near Knoxville, Tennessee. The 60-acre farm and pioneer village set my mind whirling with story possibilities. Try to visit sometime if you’re in Tennessee. It’s a mile off Interstate 75, and worth your time. I loved the frontier buildings–and enjoyed shopping in their gift shop.
Grant County Museum in Elbow Lake, Minnesota
I love all museums, but I have a special place in my heart for the museum at Elbow Lake, Minnesota. Although Fort Pomme de Terre is no longer, a to scale model of the old Fort Pomme de Terre is on display at the museum. Patti Benson, the wonderful manager, steered me toward information about […]
Who writes like Ernie Altbacker?
My final and perhaps most surprising match from my SCORE IT! writing style evaluation is my match with Ernie Altbacker, author of The SHARK WARS SERIES for middle-schoolers, plus a long list of screenwriting credits! EJ Altbacker is an Emmy nominated screenwriter who has written for such shows as Spooksville, Green Lantern: The Animated Series, […]