Coming soon: A Dangerous Road

In To Wear a Heart So White: an Anthology of Historical Short Stories About Crime and Punishment

Great news! Historical Writers’ Forum has included one of my latest short story in their newest anthology. Having enjoyed the last experience, I am looking forward to this theme—crime and punishment. Watch out for To Wear a Heart So White, releasing November 1st.

My actual ancestors’ shenanigans inspired the narrative in my contribution. Having such a connection to the story helped drive me into a few rabbit holes, so I am going to share them in the weeks leading up to, and during November.

For now, here is a short description of “A Dangerous Road”, which takes place in 1916.

Joseph Walker simply cannot understand why his community must build a road right through his property. His nephews call it progress. He knows better. Not only will the road will bring crime right to his door, it will destroy his farm—and his favorite thinking tree. Joseph will do whatever it takes to prevent the road from being built, legal or otherwise, but he doesn’t know how dearly this quest will cost him and his family.

Stay tuned for some posts with content like this:

• Bushwackers, Missouri, and the Civil War

• Slick(ers) means what?

• Missouri homesteaders vs. original inhabitants vs. the previous original inhabitants

• Vigilante justice gone wrong (as expected) and the Bald Knobbers of Missouri

• The Good Roads Movement

• The Walker curse of… well… expiring in not entirely unpredictable ways

  

  

  Photo 1-Joseph Walker; Photo 2 Bald Knobbers illustration; Photo 3-Bushwackers illustration; Photo 4-Missouri Ellen Walker