Dear readers,

I just submitted my first round of revisions for my Regency novel to Tyndale Publishers!  We have a tentative publication date for the summer of 2025. Sign up for my newsletter to learn more! In the meantime, I’m sharing a few pictures of inspiration.

A tiny hint for inquiring readers….I’ll be posting in the months to come about the wonderful world of early archeology, known as antiquities!

A crumbling abbey, a brooding viscount with too many secrets, and a bluestocking vicar’s daughter have all the fireworks! Her discovery sets England ablaze!

My regency centers around a bluestocking vicar’s daughter who longs to study antiquities, particularly those of the Roman variety. Her discovery sets all of England ablaze!

The Origins and Evolution of the Term “Bluestocking”

The name “bluestocking” itself has a curious origin, possibly derived from the blue worsted stockings worn by Benjamin Stillingfleet, a frequent guest at the gatherings. In an era when men of learning typically wore black silk stockings, Stillingfleet’s choice of blue worsted stockings became emblematic of the society’s break from convention and its emphasis on intellectual merit over social status. Thus, the term “bluestocking” became associated with women who participated in these intellectual salons.

As the movement grew, the term “bluestocking” began to encompass a broader range of meanings. It came to refer not only to the women of the Blue Stockings Society but also to any woman with intellectual or literary interests. This broader usage reflected the changing attitudes toward women’s education and intellectual engagement in society. Despite the positive connotations of learning and cultural engagement, the term became a slur, used to criticize women who were perceived as overly studious or unfeminine.

The Bluestocking Society itself was a remarkable phenomenon, fostering an environment where women could discuss ideas freely and gain recognition for their intellectual contributions. The society’s gatherings attracted notable figures, including writers, artists, and thinkers such as Samuel Johnson, Edmund Burke, and Horace Walpole. Women like Hannah More, Fanny Burney, and Elizabeth Carter were prominent members who left lasting legacies through their writings and social reforms.

In modern times, “bluestocking” has been reclaimed by some as a badge of honor, celebrating women who value knowledge and intellectual achievement. The history of the term serves as a reminder of the progress in the ongoing quest for equality in education.

I’d love for you to join with me as we wander the English countryside and experience all the Regency drama!

Until next time,