From Nun to Novelist: How NL Holmes's Past Informs Her Writing

Welcome to our blog! Today, we delve into the extraordinary life of NL Holmes, an acclaimed historical fiction author whose journey took her from the quietude of a Carmelite monastery to the vibrant world of historical storytelling. Her experiences are as unique as her novels, offering a fascinating perspective on how personal history can profoundly influence creative output. This post expands on the themes we discussed in our latest podcast episode, "NL Holmes- acclaimed author, former nun & archeologist," where we had the privilege of speaking with NL Holmes herself. If you haven't already, we encourage you to listen to the episode for an even deeper dive into her life and work.

NL Holmes: Unveiling the Author Behind the Historical Fiction

NL Holmes, writing under a pen name, is known for her captivating historical fiction series, including The Lord Hani Mysteries, Empire at Twilight, and Hani’s Daughter Mysteries. Her novels are celebrated for their meticulous attention to historical detail, immersive settings, and compelling characters. But beyond the meticulously researched plots and vivid prose, lies a life story that is equally captivating. Understanding her background—her spiritual journey, academic pursuits, and archaeological experiences—provides a richer appreciation for the depth and authenticity of her writing.

From Texas Roots to Carmelite Order: The Formative Years

Born and raised in Fort Worth, Texas, NL Holmes’s early life was far from ordinary. Her initial foray into the professional world began in the antiques business, a realm that likely sparked an early appreciation for history and the tangible remnants of the past. However, a deeper calling soon led her down a different path, one that would profoundly shape her worldview and influence her writing for decades to come. At a relatively young age, she made the significant decision to enter a Carmelite monastery, embarking on a life of contemplation, prayer, and silence.

This decision was not made lightly. The Carmelite Order, known for its strict enclosure and emphasis on contemplative prayer, requires a deep commitment and willingness to detach from the external world. For Holmes, this transition represented a profound shift in focus, from the temporal to the spiritual. It was a time of intense introspection, self-discovery, and a deepening of her faith. These early years in Texas, followed by the dramatic change of entering the Carmelite Order, would eventually lay the groundwork for her unique perspective as a writer, providing a rich reservoir of experiences and insights to draw upon.

Two Decades in Silence: How Religious Life Shaped Perspective

NL Holmes spent two decades as a Carmelite nun, a period of intense spiritual formation and personal growth. Living within the walls of the monastery, she embraced a life of silence, prayer, and communal living. This extended period of introspection allowed her to develop a unique perspective on the world, one that emphasized inner reflection, empathy, and a deep understanding of human nature. The silence, far from being empty, was filled with contemplation, prayer, and a profound awareness of the spiritual dimension of life. It was a time for Holmes to observe, learn, and grow, developing a keen understanding of human emotions and motivations, albeit within the cloistered environment of the monastery.

The Carmelite tradition emphasizes contemplation and a personal relationship with God. This involved rigorous self-examination, deep reflection on scripture, and a constant striving for spiritual growth. The daily rhythms of monastic life – the fixed hours of prayer, the shared meals, the manual labor – created a framework for cultivating inner peace and a sense of connection to something larger than oneself. This intense focus on the inner life provided Holmes with a unique vantage point from which to observe the complexities of human behavior and the timeless struggles of the human condition. Even though the setting was quite insular, the exploration of the human condition was universal.

How did this time in religious life inform her writing? The answer lies in the depth of understanding she gained about human psychology and the motivations that drive our actions. The years spent in contemplation allowed her to develop a keen awareness of the inner lives of her characters. She understands their struggles, their hopes, and their fears with a depth that is rare. This is evident in her novels, where the characters are not simply figures in a historical drama, but complex individuals with believable emotions and motivations.

Archaeology and Academia: Digging Deeper into the Past

After leaving the Carmelite Order, NL Holmes embarked on a new intellectual journey, pursuing a doctorate in Classical and Near Eastern Archaeology from Bryn Mawr College. This transition, from the contemplative life of a nun to the rigorous demands of academia, might seem like a stark contrast. However, both pursuits share a common thread: a deep desire to understand the human condition and explore the mysteries of the past.

Her studies in archaeology provided her with a new lens through which to view history. Instead of relying solely on written texts, she learned to interpret the material remains of past civilizations – the pottery shards, the building foundations, the tools and artifacts that offer tangible evidence of how people lived and worked. This hands-on experience, combined with her rigorous academic training, gave her a deep understanding of the ancient world. She participated in archaeological excavations in Greece and Israel, gaining invaluable experience in the field. This not only enriched her knowledge of ancient cultures but also provided her with a wealth of sensory details that would later find their way into her novels.

Furthermore, her archaeological experience gave her a profound respect for the complexities of history. She learned that the past is not a simple narrative, but a complex tapestry woven from countless individual stories. As a scholar, she became acutely aware of the gaps in our knowledge and the limitations of our interpretations. This humility, combined with her passion for historical accuracy, informs her approach to writing historical fiction. She strives to create stories that are both entertaining and informative, grounded in solid research and informed by a deep understanding of the cultural context.

Following her doctoral work, NL Holmes taught ancient history and humanities at the university level for many years. This experience honed her skills as a storyteller and deepened her understanding of the art of teaching. It also allowed her to engage with students from diverse backgrounds, broadening her perspectives and challenging her own assumptions. The combination of her archaeological fieldwork and her academic teaching provided her with a unique skillset that would prove invaluable in her later career as a novelist.

The Intersection of Faith, History, and Fiction

NL Holmes’s unique background—her spiritual journey, her academic pursuits, and her archaeological experiences—all converge in her writing. Her novels are not simply historical romances or adventure stories; they are deeply thoughtful explorations of faith, culture, and the human condition. She seamlessly weaves together her knowledge of ancient history, her understanding of religious belief, and her empathy for human emotions to create stories that are both entertaining and thought-provoking. Her characters grapple with timeless questions of faith, identity, and purpose, set against the backdrop of vividly rendered historical settings.

The influence of her religious background is particularly evident in her treatment of spiritual themes. She approaches questions of faith with sensitivity and nuance, exploring the complexities of religious belief and the impact of faith on individual lives. Her characters are often faced with moral dilemmas that force them to confront their own values and beliefs. She does not shy away from exploring the darker aspects of religious history, but she also celebrates the beauty and power of faith to inspire hope and compassion. This nuanced approach to faith is what makes her novels so compelling and rewarding to read.

Her academic and archaeological background ensures that her novels are grounded in solid historical research. She meticulously researches the details of daily life in the ancient world, from the food people ate to the clothes they wore to the rituals they practiced. She also pays close attention to the political and social structures of the societies she depicts, striving for historical accuracy and authenticity. This dedication to detail brings her stories to life, immersing the reader in the sights, sounds, and smells of the ancient world.

Exploring NL Holmes's Acclaimed Works

NL Holmes has written several acclaimed historical fiction series, each exploring different aspects of the ancient world. The Lord Hani Mysteries series is set in ancient Egypt and features Lord Hani, a wise and resourceful official who investigates crimes and solves mysteries. This series showcases Holmes’s knowledge of Egyptian history, culture, and religion. The intricate plots, compelling characters, and vivid descriptions of ancient Egypt make this series a must-read for fans of historical mysteries.

The Empire at Twilight series explores the twilight years of the Roman Empire, a period of great upheaval and change. This series delves into the political intrigue, military conflicts, and cultural clashes that marked the decline of Rome. Holmes's deep understanding of Roman history and her ability to create complex and believable characters make this series a compelling read.

The Hani’s Daughter Mysteries series continues the adventures of Lord Hani's family, offering further insights into ancient Egyptian life. These books are known for their intricate plots, strong female characters, and vivid descriptions of ancient Egypt. Each series demonstrates Holmes’s ability to bring the past to life, creating immersive and engaging stories that resonate with readers of all backgrounds.

Across all of her works, Holmes demonstrates her mastery of historical detail, her ability to create compelling characters, and her insightful exploration of universal themes. Her novels are not simply historical entertainment; they are works of art that offer readers a deeper understanding of the past and a richer appreciation of the human condition.

Current Life: Balancing Writing, Travel, and Hobbies

Today, NL Holmes divides her time between Tampa, Florida, and northern France, where she lives with her husband and their cats. She continues to write, drawing inspiration from her travels, her garden, and her many hobbies. She is an avid gardener, a skilled weaver, and a talented violinist. These creative pursuits enrich her life and provide her with new perspectives on the world. Her ability to balance her writing with her personal life is a testament to her discipline and her passion for life.

Her continued travels allow her to immerse herself in different cultures and to gain new insights into the human experience. Her garden provides her with a connection to nature and a source of inspiration for her writing. Her weaving allows her to express her creativity in a tangible way, while her violin playing provides her with a form of artistic expression that transcends words. All of these activities contribute to her well-rounded personality and enrich her writing.

NL Holmes’s life is a testament to the power of lifelong learning and the importance of pursuing one's passions. Her journey from Carmelite nun to archaeologist to novelist is an inspiration to us all. She demonstrates that it is never too late to reinvent yourself and to pursue your dreams. Her life is a reminder that the most interesting stories are often found in the most unexpected places.

Conclusion: A Life Richly Lived, Vividly Told

NL Holmes's journey from a Carmelite nun to a celebrated historical fiction author is truly remarkable. Her life experiences, from her two decades in religious life to her academic pursuits in archaeology, have shaped her perspectives and enriched her writing in profound ways. Her novels offer readers a unique blend of historical accuracy, compelling characters, and thought-provoking themes, making her a true master of her craft. We hope this blog post has provided you with a deeper understanding of the author behind the books. Don't forget to listen to our podcast episode, "NL Holmes- acclaimed author, former nun & archeologist," for even more insights into her extraordinary life and career. We were so fortunate to be able to learn about her journey. And don't forget to check out the show notes for a summary of our discussion.