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 […]
Category Archives: Story Telling
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 […]
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 […]
Living History: Coton Farm
When Thomas Lee (1690-1750) of Stratford Hall, first saw the land where the Potomac River and Goose Creek met, he made arrangements to have 800 acres of that land set aside for himself. Thomas Lee and his wife, Hannah Harrison Ludwell (1701-1750) had eleven children. Two of their sons, Francis Lightfoot Lee and Richard Henry […]
Influenza Pandemics in the 19th Century
Throughout human history, epidemics have had enormous impact on the civilizations of the world. From great plaques to disfiguring disease, mankind has been at constant war with these invisible enemies. During the 18th century, there were thirteen severe epidemics throughout the world. In the 19th century, there were twelve. Historians and virologists estimate that eight […]
Top News Stories of the 19th Century
The delivery of the daily news was quite different in the 19th century than today. Throughout the 1800s, newspaper distributors, or “post riders” would deliver papers to smaller post offices and suburban areas. Over time, young boys called “newsboys” were employed and assigned specific routes to deliver newspapers to people’s homes. It was also commonplace […]
The Rise of Mass Entertainment: Leisure Time and Fun in Pre-Civil War America
In a time of growth and territorial expansion, early 19th Century America saw many changes occur in day-to-day life. Advancements in technology brought a new wave of industrialization, and the population grew exponentially. Due to an economic boom, the American people were living more comfortably and in better conditions. Whereas before only the wealthy could […]
19th Century Culture: The Irish in the Antebellum & Their Impact on American Culture
Our country has persistently been a symbol of freedom and hope for those seeking refuge—from its birth, to the present day, and especially so in the 1800s. The newly prosperous America was seen as the land of opportunity, attracting immigrants from around the world. From the beginning of the century, an overwhelming majority of these […]
