When I first walked through the doors of Selma Mansion, I wasn’t looking for a story—I was looking for home. But the walls had other plans. Nestled in the heart of Northern Virginia, Selma was grand but crumbling. It had seen generations pass through its halls, from early senators and statesmen to Civil War soldiers […]
Author Archives: Sharon Virts
Tariffs: A Tale as Old as Time
In fourteen hundred ninety-two,Columbus sailed the ocean blue… Most of us have recited this rhyme to remember the year of America’s discovery, but how many know the motivation behind Christopher Columbus’ ocean voyage? Columbus was trying to find a new route to the far east, but why? The answer: to bypass the Silk Road tariffs. […]
Reflections on Black History Month: Compelling Stories That Must Be Told
February is Black History Month—a time to reflect, learn, and honor the profound contributions Black Americans have made to our nation’s history. For me, it’s also a time to look critically at the complex and often painful chapters of our past, particularly those I have explored in my historical fiction novels. Two of my books, […]
Revisiting History: Exploring the 1824 Election and Its Legacy
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 […]
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 […]
