As a historical fiction author, the allure of the past is not just a fleeting interest but a perpetual call. It is the desire to not only uncover stories that time has obscured but also to experience firsthand the physical remnants left behind by those gone before us. My journey this month along the coast […]
Author Archives: Sharon Virts
The Unexpected Heroes in Historical Fiction
As a historical fiction author, my characters are not just figments of my imagination—they are the heart and soul of my narratives, and sometimes, they have minds of their own. Often, I begin writing with a clear outline of who my characters are and the roles they will play. However, the creative process is full […]
Dorothea Dix: A Beacon of Hope in Civil War Nursing and Mental Health Reform
Today, we celebrate the monumental contributions of Dorothea Dix, a true pioneer in the field of mental health care and a formidable figure during the Civil War era. Dix’s unyielding dedication to the humane treatment of the mentally ill transformed the landscape of psychiatric care in the 19th century. During the Civil War, Dix was […]
From Idea to Bookshelf: Inside an Author’s Odyssey
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 […]
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 […]
