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 […]
Author Archives: Sharon Virts
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 […]
The First National “Decoration Day”
The First National “Decoration Day” In the last years of the Civil War and immediately afterward, communities in the Southern states decorated soldiers’ graves with flowers during the springtime “decoration days.” After visiting a Confederate cemetery in 1866, General John A. Logan, the Commander-in-Chief of the Grand Army of the Republic, proclaimed in an Independence […]
The Fulton Steamboat
Photo credit: Clermont, the first steam ship, designed by Robert Fulton, 1807. Smith Collection/Gado/Getty Images Known for developing the first commercially successful steamboat with the help of business partner Robert Livingston, Robert Fulton began his life as an author and later turned his focus to engineering. He married the niece of his steamboat business partner, […]
Thomas Jackson and the origins of Memorial Day
Mourners at Jackson’s grave On May 10, 1863, “Stonewall” Jackson died after being accidentally shot at the battle of Chancellorsville. Known as one of the most gifted tactical commanders in US History, much has been published about his war record. But did you know that the anniversary of his death became the date selected by many towns […]
#DidYouKnow – April Fools’
#DidYouKnow – The origin of April Fools’ Day is unknown but it is one of the most widely known holidays in the Western world. It appears to be an ancient tradition — with possible roots going back to the Roman spring festival of Hilaria. A Flemish poet wrote a comedic verse in 1561 about a […]
A Box of Books for Christmas
From my earliest days, my world has been filled with writing and reading. When I was growing up, my parents had little money to spend on non-essentials, and Christmastime was no exception. New toys were few, with most of Santa’s gifts having been loved before by some other child. Every Christmas, my biggest gift under […]
The Lovely Lee Sisters of Coton Farm
“The sisters were surrounded by a gaggle of doting admirers. Winnie Lee, the fiery, red-haired, hazel eyed beauty, was directly behind Fanny, sitting in an oversized chair between the fair-haired Betsy and the dark-haired Molly. There were nearly half a dozen men at their feet.” –Masque of Honor There are various accounts of just how […]
American Romanticism: 19th Century Literature & Ideology
The 19th Century was an incredibly rich time in American history. In the wake of the American Revolution and the War of 1812, the United States was still at the early stages of forming its own identity and a culture of its own. This time period, historically remembered as the Romantic Era, greatly affected American […]
