The path from the initial spark of an idea to a book taking its place on library shelves and in bookstores nationwide is a process replete with creativity, dedication, and a touch of serendipity. Here’s a glimpse into the intricate tapestry of the book writing process. Ideation: The Birth of a Concept Every book begins […]
Author Archives: Sharon Virts
The Hardship and Hope of Virginian’s Reconstruction
Reconstruction brought both hardship and hope. Virginians rebuilt lives from the ashes of conflict, navigating the new social fabric. The Reconstruction era, following the devastating Civil War, was a time of profound contradiction for Virginia. On one hand, the state faced the monumental task of rebuilding its shattered economy and infrastructure, a process fraught with […]
The Influence of African Culinary Traditions on Southern Cuisine
The Reconstruction Era in Virginia was a melting pot of flavors. Freedmen introduced African culinary traditions, influencing Southern cuisine. The Reconstruction Era in Virginia marked a period of profound transformation not just in politics and society, but also in the culinary landscape. As freedmen and women sought to carve out a new life in the […]
Education in Reconstruction Era Virginia
In the aftermath of the Civil War, Virginia became a stage for an unprecedented transformation in the realm of education. The abolishment of slavery opened the doors to a revolution that promised to reshape the future of countless African American children. For the first time in American history, these children had the opportunity to receive […]
Virginia’s Freedmen’s Bureau
The establishment of the Freedmen’s Bureau in the aftermath of the Civil War marked a significant intervention by the federal government to address the immediate needs of the newly freed African American population. Tasked with a wide range of responsibilities, the Freedmen’s Bureau focused on providing essential services such as food, education, and legal assistance […]
Virginia Reenters the Union in 1871
In early 1871, as part of changes brought about by the Reconstruction Acts, Virginia reentered back into the Union. These Acts, a series of legislation aimed at restructuring the Southern states after the Civil War, required states to meet certain conditions before they could be readmitted. Central to these conditions was the ratification of the […]
Virginia’s First Black Legislators
The Reconstruction period in Virginia heralded a seismic shift in the political arena, introducing changes that were both radical and restorative. For the first time in American history, African Americans took their rightful place in public office, breaking the longstanding barriers of racial exclusion. This monumental change was not just symbolic; it represented a tangible […]
Veil of Doubt: A Virtual Book Tour Adventure
In the age of digital, a book tour doesn’t always require a suitcase, a map, and long hours on the road. Thanks to the wonders of technology, we can embark on a literary journey from the comfort of our homes. I recently embarked on an exciting virtual book tour – first of a kind for […]
Unveiling the Dark Side of Fiction: How I Created the Character of Emily Lloyd in Veil of Doubt
Creating a female serial killer character is a challenging endeavor for any writer. It involves delving into the darkest corners of the human psyche, exploring motivations, and building a multi-dimensional character that captivates and terrifies readers in equal measure. Emily Lloyd’s character in Veil of Doubt, has depth, complexity, and contradiction. I wrote her to […]
Unveiling the Past: Research Methods for Crafting a Historical Legal Thriller with 1800s Medical Forensics as Evidence
When writing a historical fiction novel, the task of weaving an enthralling legal thriller set in the 1800s demands more than just literary prowess; it requires meticulous research to authentically recreate the era’s legal system and medical forensics. Transporting readers to a bygone era, where justice was sought through intricate legal battles and emerging medical […]
