Work-In-Progress: American Civil War Era Novel
I’m working on a novel set among a divided family in Columbia, South Carolina and Malone, New York during the critical years of 1848-1865. I studied the literary and sociocultural history of the American Civil War extensively in undergrad and grad school and wrote two theses on related topics. I lived in Columbia for five years and have visited Malone frequently as my husband’s family is from the area, so I’ve become familiar with the local history of both. It’s been rewarding to watch all these threads of my experience and education work together in the writing process–and a little disturbing to note how relevant many of the characters’ experiences are to our own time.
Local History: Derry 300
One of my key areas of interest and recent research is the history of the Ulster Scots/Scots-Irish in Ulster and North America. As Derry Presbyterian Church (USA) in Hershey, PA prepares to recognize its 300th Anniversary in 2024, I am involved in several projects. My major contributions include co-leading a group of 3rd-5th graders in writing and illustrating a picture book about Derry’s history, writing essays on several historical topics, and co-leading classes and tours for the groups that will travel to Scotland and Northern Ireland in 2024.