Watercolor class or creative writing?

That was the question when I chose the first. Picasso I am not, so I stepped out of my comfort zone and took a creative writing class. Another, another, another, and now, I have belonged to a critique writing group for twenty plus years that was started by one of my former professors. I’m forever grateful she invited me in, for she sparked the creative writing bug in me that I never knew existed. Hard work, that when it came out how I meant it to and a story made sense, was addictively satisfying. I even liked the tons of research, mostly.

My recent endeavor, CALL OF THE RED BIRD, is the story of sixteen-year-old Rowan O’Clanahan, who transforms into a Confederate soldier, convinced she must save her brother’s life when he returns to the Civil War. In my historical fiction account, the two follow many of the real steps my great-grandfather took when he fought, along with two of his brothers, with Company K of the NC 25th Regiment, as found in official records. I have been amazed at how many women dressed and fought as soldiers on both sides. The American Battlefield Trust states:

Although the inherently clandestine nature of the activity makes an accurate count impossible, conservative estimates of female soldiers in the Civil War puts the number somewhere between 400 and 750.  

I am impressed by their stories and hope, though fictional, that Rowan’s story, her strength and determination, honors their legacy.

Historical fiction, regional interest, Civil War, women’s fiction, role-playing, the heroine’s journey, family, courage, the gift of Knowing, self-doubt, love, loss, loyalty, early feminist movement, and PTSD are just a few of the themes explored in Rowan’s journey.