Inspired by research she undertook into the lives of medieval women mystics, Rose is currently at work on her first novel. The book interweaves two narratives, one of a contemporary woman artist, a painter, and one of the story she uncovers – that of a 12th century British woman mystic whose history is brief, murky, and much-debated. Having come across the nun's tale in some papers left her by her recently deceased mother, our contemporary heroine finds herself increasingly obsessed with uncovering the truth of the 12th century woman's life and finds, as she goes, that the nun's story begins to affect her own life and art in surprising and tumultuous ways.

At right, Rose stands on Weary All Hill in Glastonbury, England, where part of her novel is set. Behind her, you see Glastonbury Tor, a sacred mystical site for both Pagans and Christians.

An excerpt from the novel appears in the anthology, Enhanced Gravity: More Fiction by Washington Area Women, edited by Richard Peabody, published by Paycock Press. Visit www.atticusbooks.com for more information.