The Glitters and Gold Club

What’s in a name?

To make things more interesting (and bring more people into the community), I’ve decided to change things around a little bit. So, instead of sending out a newsletter every other month, shorter, pithier news and stories will come out a little more often. I hope it will operate more like a literary club, so everyone will be able to contribute and spread the word about some interesting stuff. Foodies, bookworms, historians, puzzle-solvers and mystery fans will all find something here.

Now, about the name. Shakespeare’s original line is ‘All that glitters is not gold’, which is a very good thing to remember in this world of misinformation, hidden information, and flat out lies. However, it’s also important to give credit to all those things which glitter even when they aren’t gold. We need to shine with all the gleam we can muster, even on those days when there is no gold to offer. As my grandmother always used to say, ‘I’m doing the best I can with what I’ve got.’

This new club is designed to celebrate that. I’m hoping that its members will contribute to the information, reviews and stories that are produced (if they want to), provide additional details and interesting resources, and comment on what they would like to see show up more often.

It’s important to remember, though, that we are offering glitters and gold, not muck and slime. Negativity, incorrect information, conspiracy theories, opinions without evidence and hate speech of any kind will not be included.

What’s it about?

In this new structure, there will be Club Exclusives coming to your inboxes at random times, just for fun - and hopefully, each one will be a surprise. However, most content will fit into one of the four categories summarized below.

Book Club

I am very much hoping that this category will be more than me telling you what books I’ve been reading. People are welcome to email ransoang@gmail.com with reviews of the books they’ve read, and I will add them in.

Any review will need to have the name of the book, the name of the author, and 3-5 sentences about the book and why you liked it (or why you didn’t).

History Mysteries

I have been scouring the sources for Tudor and Stuart mysteries that might amaze and intrigue you. Can you succeed in figuring out what happened when archaeologists, archivists and historians could not? Let’s find out!

Location, Location, Location

As I write more stories set in Tudor times, I keep gathering information about the palaces and castles that existed in the sixteenth century. However, it’s rare to find a complete floor plan of any of them: even places that still exist, such as Hampton Court Palace, have changed greatly since Elizabeth I walked the halls. That is why I have to get creative, which is a greatly enjoyable process I hope to share with you.

Culinary Adventures

It won’t be until the new year, but I’m going to do it. I’ve always wanted to try Tudor recipes, so this category will record my attempts and whether or not I am at all successful. I will also include other recipes in this one that you might like - quick weekday meals, ways to use leftovers and fun festive feasts. Some are glitter, some are gold.