In 1915 Isabella’s niece, writer Grace Livingston Hill, was profiled in The Book News Monthly magazine.
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The magazine printed two articles, the first of which was written by Grace’s long-time friend Hilda von Markhen. Hilda described Grace’s “workshop” for writing: an ample, business-like desk at the sunshiny side of an upstairs room. On the desk was her typewriter and a few necessary reference books; behind her was a glass door which led to a small un-roofed upper porch set in the midst of trees in which played birds and squirrels.
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In addition to describing Grace’s workspace, Hilda told the story of how Grace’s first books were published. Sprinkled throughout the article are hints of Grace’s strong Christian beliefs and the work Grace did for those in need, the Sunday school classes she taught, the children Grace “adopted,” and her commitment to The Christian Christian Endeavor society.
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The second article was written by Norma Bright Carson and provides some insight into Grace’s personality and the impression she made on the article’s author.
You can read both articles right now by clicking on the image below.
Isabella Alden 
OH, I loved this!!! I can just imagine her legion of fans poring over this, eagerly devouring every word about their favorite author. Thank you a zillion times over for ferreting this out! LOVED reading this and printed it off to savor more than once. GREAT sleuthing! Karen
Glad you liked the articles, Karen. There are a lot of little details here about GLH. From now on whenever I read one of her books, I’ll imagine her on her upper-story porch, shaded by trees, and typing out the story. —Jenny
Oh, me, too! I was just reading Beauty for Ashes and imagining her typing away, looking off into the trees and dreaming about beautiful estates nearby to populate her settings. I simply love it!
I want to know her daily writing routine. I can’t find a biography of her on Kindle.
I’d love to know her writing routine, too, Kayla! I’m amazed she wrote as much as she did, especially given the amount of hours she devoted to her duties as a minister’s wife, a Sunday school teacher, and her deep involvement in both the Chautauqua movement and Mount Hermon. I haven’t found a biography of Isabella Alden’s life, and I don’t think one was ever written. She did write a book compiled of a collection of memorable events from her life, titled “Memories of Yesterday.” I found a copy of the book in my local library. Unfortunately, it’s not available on Kindle. I hope that helps. —Jenny