http://publicrecords.onlinesearches.com/UnitedStates.htm
http://www.artsandlettersdaily.com/
A valuable resource for links to columnists, magazines, newspapers, essays, and all sorts of news and literary commentary.
http://www.blueangels.net/metalist.html
mega search engines: vary your search engine selection
From group 6 (Artifact box)-I typed in "Harper Lee" in the search box and... perhaps, you can do the same for the author of your choice.
http://www.classicnewspapers.com/
Historical Newspapers
http://www.compulsivereader.com/html/index.php?name=News&catid=&topic=3
The Compulsive Reader (Survey the side-bar for the "search" link as well as links for other resources.) You may also want to check-out "blogtalk radio." Just click on the image and search to determine if there is any information on your author-this could serve as an artifact.
Signs of Life in Music, Films and Culture-type the name of your chosen author in the search box...