Congratulations on your series of books for girls. How long have you wanted to write for children?About three years ago, I attended a Bible Study and after I finished the study, I was asked how I could become a disciple for Christ. Without thinking, I said, “I would like to write children’s books. One day I was teaching my home-schooled grandchildren history, and found myself having so much fun! I decided it would be a wonderful idea to put together a series of books for children that incorporated elements from American history, honing in on my own family’s journey through the centuries.
This is a fun series of books for contemporary girls. Tell us a little bit about the project and how you came to write it.I had penned another set of children’s books. When discussing my works with the publisher, he suggested that we use the stories that I had written as a legacy to my children as THE ELEANOR SERIES. In July, 2005, I set out to write this series. I put together an outline, starting in the 1600’s with my family’s journey from Wales to England to Virginia, (as detailed in MARY ELIZABETH: WELCOME TO AMERICA/Book One in the series) and from there, seven books were born.
What do you like most about writing historically accurate books? Are there any challenges involved?I enjoy writing historically accurate books because we can learn from our rich American history. Books such as THE ELEANOR SERIES evoke memories of the past. The biggest challenge is to do the research it takes. You might think you know what life was like in 1760’s North Carolina, for example, (as in VICTORIA GRACE: COURAGEOUS PATRIOT/Book Two in the series) until you actually start to write about it. Getting everything right – the setting, the ambiance, the dialect, etc. is tough! So, checking and double-checking all of the details is key.
What sparked the idea of presenting your family's real historical events in a fictional setting?I have always had a love of history and love for my faith. As I looked back over my life and the history of my family, I saw a great opportunity to put together a series of books that would be entertaining and fun, teach history, and focus on American history and its Christian heritage, as well as the faith of my family. And, as mentioned above, leaving a legacy for my children and grandchildren was very important to me. As a family member began to research our genealogy, I got excited about the possibilities of fictionalizing our own stories to accomplish this. For example, members of my family traveled west from Tennessee to Texas in the 1800’s, and I was able to detail this in KATIE SUE: HEADING WEST/book three in the series.
Which character from THE ELEANOR SERIES is your favorite, and why?The character of Sarah Jane from book four (SARAH JANE: LIBERTY’S TORCH) is my very favorite. It was fun (and easy) to see through a child’s eyes the train trip from Philadelphia to New York City to see the unveiling of the Statue of Liberty. And I love the fact that Sarah Jane learned to let her light shine, just like Lady Liberty.
I understand that you speak to children quite often. Tell us about one of your favorite speaking engagements.It is a great thrill to speak to children. As a younger mother (and now grandmother), I felt that it was my mission to teach character traits and the love of God to my children and my grand children. Now, I feel led to teach other children through my writings the same values. One of my favorite times was when I was signing books and a little girl came up to me and asked, “Are you the author?” When I replied, “yes” with wide eyes, she asked, “Are you the real live author?” And, how fun to think that I’m not just the author, I’m also a character in book five, ELEANOR JO: FARMER’S DAUGHTER, as well as ELEANOR JO: A CHRISTMAS TO REMEMBER (the kick-off book for the series).
What is one thing you would like today's children to learn?I would hope and pray that my readers would take away a deep love of their country, an understanding of history, a love of reading, and a deep commitment to Christ. I am passionate about my faith and my country, and I hope this shows in every page of the series. I’m particularly excited about teaching children to leave a legacy to their children and grandchildren, as I do in book six of the series, MELANIE ANN: LEAVING A LEGACY.
Who is your greatest inspiration, and why?My mother is my greatest inspiration. She loved me unconditionally and taught my siblings and me the real meaning of Christian values, patriotism, and most of all our faith in God. Also, other great inspirations were my grandmothers who lived years ago and their lives taught me so much. Each book teaches one of my seven grand daughters about life and love.
Where can readers buy your books?The books can be bought on my website:
www.eleanorseries.com, Barnes and Noble, Christian bookstores, and on line.
How can readers pray for you?I would appreciate very much the readers and their friends to pray that God will continue to give me strength and health to fulfill the mission God has called me to do so that I can visit as many children as I can. I hope to make history come alive for them, and teach them about character traits and the love of God.
