As we step into 2025, marking 200 years since the pivotal events of the 1824 presidential election, my next novel invites readers to revisit one of the most contentious and transformative periods in American history. A sequel to Masque of Honor, this new story, which is based on true events, delves into the political and […]
Author Archives: Sharon Virts
Balancing Truth with Fiction
My Goldilocks Paradigm For me, one of the major challenges in writing historical fiction is balancing my intellectual need to stay true to the facts of the real-life events that inspire my stories with my desire to write page-turning novels that are relatable to audiences today. Often I find myself walking this treacherous path of […]
Traversing the Echoes of Time: A Journey Through the Layers of History Along Europe’s Mediterranean Coast
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 […]
Edgar Allan Poe: Shaping the Shadows of Modern Mystery
When we trace the lineage of modern mystery fiction, few names loom as large and as enigmatic as Edgar Allan Poe. His contributions to the genre not only established foundational principles but also introduced elements that continue to influence writers and captivate readers today. As a historical fiction author who has always been fascinated by […]
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 […]
