I receive remarkable questions from students and readers—about stories, history, the process of writing, and all those dark, unexplored crevices in history. It never ceases to amaze me how inquisitive young minds can be. I learn so much for what I’m asked to consider or rethink, so whether you’re a young reader or not, ask away… Submit a question!

Q: What is The Green Book?

The Negro Motorist Green Book, commonly referred to as The Green Book, was published by Victor Green from 1936-1966....

train tracks
Women & Girls: Olive Wetzel Dennis

If you’ve ever ridden Amtrak in the summer, and been very comfortable, thank OLIVE WETZEL DENNIS. The modern conveniences...

Q: As an historical fiction writer, what’s your preferred mode of historic transportation?

OMG! None of them! I’m very happy in the 21st century and greatly looking forward to the Jetson-esque flying...

Q: As a writer, what would be your ideal vacation?

I love how open-ended this question is! My ideal vacation would be to The Shire. Yes, the same Shire...

Appalachian Trail
Women & Girls: Mildred Lissette Norman Ryder

From an “upbringing…rich in non-denominational ethics of morality and peace”, to flapper, to wife, MILDRED LISSETTE NORMAN RYDER, a.k.a....

Q: How and what gardening research was needed for The Isle of Devils?

Plants are plants, right? That’s what I thought when I started researching what seeds or medicinal herbs would have...