I love reading historical novels and old family letters. As an author, one important thing I use in writing a book is research. I hated researching for papers in college, but as an author I find it a necessary evil, which is becoming more intriguing. My newest book, Free to Love, is a split time adventure between contemporary and historical times. I studied many historical accounts about the Underground Railroad. I also read first account writings about life on plantations which provided both dismal and hopeful moments from that era. There were groups of people, like those in Winston County, Alabama, who chose to side with the North and not secede. Accurately learning from the past is important to all of us, as we strive toward the future.
As children, we discovered things from the past when our parents or grandparents shared memories of the good old days. As we grow older, we remember our own pasts and are thankful for them, or glad to have grown past our troubles. Maybe we even kept a journal of our past. I have had journals for at least the last four years and find it is a good place to write down memories, complain about the world, make prayer lists, and jot down ideas for my writing. My notes are for my eyes only and provide a safe outlet for my wandering thoughts and doodles. They also are a good tool for becoming more creative. I learned about creative journaling when I read and applied suggestions from a book called The Artist’s Way. The book encouraged me to write about my past and not be afraid to try something creative.
As I wrote Free to Love, I decided to use a fictional journal to help tell the story through the eyes of one of the main characters. The young woman uses her journal and poetry to discover the world around her and to protest the wrongs of the time period. Ginny, from my first novel On Cue, discovers the journal and it influences her as she writes the musical that takes place in On Cue. The new book is a prequel. I laugh and say the Star Wars creators, who wrote or produced the precursors later than the first movie, inspired me. On Cue tells about the production of a musical about the Underground Railroad. Free to Love tells the story of those who came north to freedom and to find their place in the world, which may or may not include love for all until book three comes out sometime in the future.
I always try to add a little fun to my novels. The basset hound from On Cue is still around, dancing at Ginny’s feet. Free to Love will introduce a couple of feisty aunts who will mentor the main characters. Though the story is mostly serious, the humor will quietly take its place in the form of personalities that may win your heart.
I hope you will take the time to reflect on your own history. Maybe you will do that through a journal or maybe through oral sharing with a person in your family. One of the most precious gifts my parents gave me were writings about their childhood. Even if you aren’t an author, you can share those family stories. Make each day a historic one!
Please check out Free to Love: As Ginny writes her musical, inspiration comes from journals about a mistress and maid, bound together, by slavery and blood, journeying toward freedom and love. When Missy’s family forces her maid, Early, into an arranged marriage with George, also bound in slavery, their relationships will be forever changed. When danger threatens them all, travels will begin for the trio. Will Early and George find a love that can survive the trials of a forced marriage and perilous journey?
Places to order or pre-order:
Free to Love pre-order until July 1st.
On Cue available now
Bettie Boswell is an author and illustrator for both Christian and children’s markets. She holds a B.S. in Church Music from Cincinnati Bible College and a Masters in Elementary Education from East Tennessee State University. She taught primary grades and elementary music for many years before retiring to write.
In addition to Free to Love and On Cue, she has written articles for Christian and Music periodicals. Her musicals have been performed at schools, churches, and two community theater events. She currently has two children’s books in the educational market and has contributed to short story collections, lesson plan books, and devotionals. She just received a contract for a new children’s chapter book. When she isn’t watching grandchildren, writing, drawing, or composing, she keeps busy as a minister’s wife and church musician.
Bettie, I loved “On Cue,” and am waiting now for my copy of “Free to Love.”