March is a month of transition—a time when the last whispers of winter give way to the green promise of spring. And, of course, it’s the month we celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, when streets fill with the hum of bagpipes, the clinking of glasses, and the proud echoes of an Irish past that still shapes […]
Category Archives: Story Telling
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, […]
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 […]
The Haunting Shadows Between Life and Death: A Halloween Reflection with Sharon Virts
As the autumn chill sets in and the shadows lengthen, there’s something in the air that stirs a deep sense of mystery and foreboding. Halloween, the season of fright and intrigue, is the perfect time to delve into the darker corners of our imaginations, where the lines between life and death blur, and the monsters […]
The Art of Questioning
Digging Deeper into the Characters of Our Past As a historical fiction author, the heart of my craft lies not just in recounting tales from the past but in reviving the characters who lived through these times. Whether I’m weaving narratives of honor and deceit in Masque of Honor or exploring themes of murder and […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
