A Writer's Notepad

Welcome to A Writer’s Notepad, the website of historical fiction author Maryanne Fantalis.

My series Shakespeare’s Women Speak is published by City Owl Press. It gives voice to the heroines of the comedies, reimagining Shakespeare’s plays for long-time fans and newcomers alike.

The series starts with FINDING KATE, which lets Kate, the titular “shrew” of “The Taming of the Shrew,” tell her story, and you’d better believe this shrew has her reasons. Next up is LOVING BEATRICE, in which witty Beatrice of “Much Ado About Nothing” decides whether she can risk her heart with the charming Benedict. The series will continue with retellings of “Twelfth Night,” “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” and more.

You can buy my books in paperback and in your favorite digital format through any of the following vendors: Amazon.com (Kindle) and (print), BN.com, Kobo, Apple iBooks, or directly through my publisher, City Owl Press.

My writing combines two things I love: Shakespeare and medieval history (especially the Tudor dynasty and the Wars of the Roses). I also like to write about writing — whether it’s working through an issue in my own writing or teaching writing or what I find in someone else’s writing — and about the books I read, usually two or three at a time. I hope that you’ll look around and join in the conversation. Despite being a wrapped-in-a-blanket-on-the-couch-on-Friday-night introvert, I really love to chat!

You can also engage me in conversation on Facebook or on Twitter. If you want to get information about my upcoming novels or connect with other readers, you can like my author pages on Goodreads, BookBub, and Amazon.

I have dreamed of being a published author since I was old enough to write stories in pencil and illustrate them with crayons. So, welcome! I’m so glad you’re here!