Why Women Write

 After a decade of work, this fall I publish my first historical fiction novel, Devils on Horseback!

That sounds really confident, but the real truth is, every day I ask myself:

•  “Who am I to write this story?” 
• “Why should anyone care?” 
• Am I just crazy?

Maybe. 

So why did I spend ten years of my life writing a book?  I write for those who can no longer speak for themselves, and the mysteries that will never be solved. I write because a dead boy haunts me. And, because it was fun while it lasted.

"It was fun while it lasted," used to be what I grumbled when Grandma called me inside to dinner or to do my homework. "That's how criminals talk," my grandmother would admonish, as I shuffled inside. 

Somehow, Granny always seemed concerned that I would end up being a criminal. But, in spite of her doubts, I ended up being a writer instead. That's a step in the right direction, Granny! 

What is criminal is how much I've enjoyed the solitude of being a writer, an unintended consequence of growing up an only child. I've neglected my social life. Now that I'm near the end of the process, I'm doubling down on that. It feels like I am being called in from play again, and I hate to go.

Why write this story? Because a dead boy's ghost haunts me. "Tell the story," he whispers, popping up in my dreams or lurking in dark corners. 

How can I not tell this story? That boy makes me write it. 

But enough about him. We're not supposed to talk about him.  "Never tell," my ancestors vowed, clamping their mouths shut. For more than 100 years, this story was a secret. 

Then comes me, the "fun while it lasted" girl, remember?

And now, it's out there. I'm unleashing the Geni from its secret bottle. If you want to learn more about this ghost boy, stay tuned to my website for updates. 

One day soon, I will invite you to my launch party. I hope you can make it and that you enjoy reading my book as much as I've enjoyed writing it.

DEVILS ON HORSEBACK -- A CIVIL WAR TIME-SLIP STORY