I have the incredible opportunity to travel to Bucks Pocket (and beyond) in Alabama to soak in some history and put the final developmental changes on my work in progress, a coming of age saga set in... well... you guessed it—Bucks Pocket.
Category: Research
My Reading List: 18th and 19th Century Treaties and Culture Clash
A few people have asked if I had any resources regarding the treaties between Native American (or First Nation) nations and the English, French, Spanish, and U.S. Governments. People want to understand what's going on regarding land today from a historical context. I am not a historian, but I love to read, so I made this list of books that I found helpful. I also think it's important to study issues from the inside out, and not only from dominant culture looking in. In the words of Dragging Canoe from 1775:
Slick Law: Vigilante Justice Gone Sour
flickr/Jimmy Emerson, DVM Not every area had a courthouse, so wait times for justice were long, if justice came at all. Sometimes people didn't agree with the judge. So what did people do when they didn't have or trust the law? They made their own vigilante justice group. This is my part in the Historical … Continue reading Slick Law: Vigilante Justice Gone Sour
Book Review: Cherokee Editor
Most who knew Boudinot described him as a sensitive (in a good way) and caring man. Some later described him as a traitor to his nation. After reading this collection of writings, along with Perdu's notes, I see that he had simply lost touch, if he even had it, with the average citizen of the Cherokee Nation.
Chasing Aginili: “My Older Brother”
This is my four-month journey of how I got from using "Big Brother" to Aginili, and is an example of why learning a language instead of using "found" words is beneficial/aggravating. I am learning Tsalagi/Cherokee over the next few years to build up a prequel novel to Fodder for Pigs. It will also enrich my … Continue reading Chasing Aginili: “My Older Brother”
Why I chose to learn Tsalagi as research
Learn a new language as research? Crazy lady! I decided to learn Tsalagi/Cherokee over the next five years. Logical, since I have [almost] nobody with whom to speak this new language? No! But I have found a way to work it in and have about a week left of syllabary learning. Then it is on … Continue reading Why I chose to learn Tsalagi as research
Is it Character Weakness or Strength?
We often focus on our characters' weakness. This is fine because everyone has a weakness and that makes them relatable, but what if we focus on their strengths? We get more defined characters. According to psychologist Don Clifton, each strength, when used at the wrong time or inappropriately, can be seen by others as a … Continue reading Is it Character Weakness or Strength?
On John Ross and Perseverance
I don't often share themes from my stories but I will say this: they boil my blood, and they show me perseverance. Today I had to brush up on my John Ross timeline. Can you imagine spending your life and energy in Washington to keep your people in their homes, and coming back to find … Continue reading On John Ross and Perseverance
Vanity, Hybrid, and Traditional Presses VS Self-Publishing
If you spend a lot of time in writers' groups, chances are you've seen this scenario. A poor, unsuspecting newbie asks the dreaded question: "I got an offer from a publisher but not sure I can afford it! What should I do?" Said unsuspecting newbie gets buried in proverbial excrement and feels shamed they don't … Continue reading Vanity, Hybrid, and Traditional Presses VS Self-Publishing