I am excited to have my friend Sandra Merville Hart guest blogging today. Sandra specializes in Christian fiction set during the American Civil War. I mentioned her newest book, A Musket in My Hands, in my post last Thursday. It’s based on the fascinating, true stories of women who would disguise themselves as men to fight in the army. You can learn more about this novel after the interview. Welcome, Sandra!
Why did you select the Civil War as the time period for your novels?
I’ve been fascinated by the Civil War since childhood. Aunts and uncles discussed the turbulent period with my parents and grandparents around the supper table. While in elementary school, I asked them to explain. My aunt said, “It was a terrible time in our history. Brother fought against brother and father against son.” It sounded awful. I had a brother. I didn’t want to fight him in a war.
After that, every mention of the Civil War captured my attention. I always wanted to find out more. Choosing to set my novels in this tragic period of American history allowed me the freedom to research what had always fascinated me.
Which comes first – research or storyline?
For me, research comes first. I have to know what happened historically. I usually begin with only a hazy idea—a story question or a main character living in a particular town. History fills in the rest of the gaps.
For instance, studying events surrounding a particular battle shows what citizens endured as well as the soldiers. Once I know that, the story begins to build in me. I plop my characters in the midst of the turmoil to transport my readers back in time.
What resources do you rely on for research?
I use a variety of resources, beginning with nonfiction books about an event or time period that I check out from the library. I usually start with a stack of about twenty books. From there, I might check out more books as I expand my search to information available online.
I also plan a trip to the site of the Civil War battle, if at all possible. I visit the battle site and museums local to the battle. Usually there is someone working in the museum who is excited to talk about local history—what a treat to find someone like that! I eat in local diners and shop in quaint stores where I can talk to the folks who live there. In other words, I get a feel for the place. This adds a layer of authenticity to my novels.
What is the most unusual resource you have used?
Maps are a resource that most folks don’t think about, but I use them extensively. Finding a map that was drawn shortly before the time period covered by the novel is such a treasure! You may find that the Johnston family lived on Broadway Street above their mercantile. Or that the bank was located on Main Street across from a Farmer’s Market. The train depot was mere yards from Mrs. Jones’ Eatery. Incorporate these details where they fit into your story and you’ve added another layer of authenticity—especially for long-time residents of a city.
Interesting! I’ve used maps, too, when researching the setting for my short story and novel. What advice would you give to someone interested in writing historical fiction?
Don’t neglect the research. Even if your novel isn’t set around a particular event, discover something about what was happening historically. Maybe a couple of men reading a newspaper on a train discuss the next presidential election or a stagecoach robbery out West or how the crops need rain. Two women talk about the next play starting at their city’s theater or a traveling circus coming to town or last week’s church picnic while their children play on the town’s square.
Search for something about the novel’s location that is interesting or unique. If it does not work to incorporate it into the story, consider writing an article on your blog. Your readers will probably enjoy learning about it, too.
Thank you so much for stopping by! My theme for my blog this month is food and family and posts for “Historical Nibbles” fits right in. To learn where you can follow Sandra, check out the links below.
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Award-winning and Amazon bestselling author Sandra Merville Hart loves to uncover little-known yet fascinating facts about our American history to include in her stories. Her debut Civil War Romance, A Stranger on My Land, was IRCA Finalist 2015. A Rebel in My House, set during the historic Battle of Gettysburg, won the 2018 Silver Illumination Award and second place in 2018 Faith, Hope and Love Readers’ Choice Award. A Musket in My Hands, where two sisters join the Confederate army with the men they love, released November 8, 2018. Her novella, Surprised by Lovein “From the Lake to the River” released in September of 2018. Trail’s End, in “Smitten Novella Collection: The Cowboys” releases in August of 2019.
Find her on her blog, https://sandramervillehart.wordpress.com/.
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“Can I count on you in times of great need?”
Callie Jennings reels from her pa’s decision that she must marry his friend, a man older than him. Her heart belongs to her soldier hero, Zach Pearson, but Pa won’t change his mind. Callie has no place to hide. Then her sister, Louisa, proposes a shocking alternative.
Zach still hears his pa’s scornful word—quitter. He’s determined to make something of himself as a soldier. He’ll serve the Confederacy until they win the war. If they win the war.
Callie and Louisa disguise themselves as soldiers and muster into the Confederate army in the fall of 1864. Times are tough and getting tougher for their Confederacy. For Callie, shooting anyone, especially former countrymen, is out of the question—until truth and love and honor come together on the battlefield.
Food, like music, is a universal language. Everyone, and every living thing, must ingest some kind of food to survive. Regardless of genre, all writers can us food as writing inspiration.