Tag Archives: Historical Fiction

It Is Time

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I used to write on Wednesdays. It was my day to focus and make progress moving my story forward.

That was years ago—my Mom was still alive. She was only a phone call away to answer questions. But not anymore. I have floundered not knowing how to write the second half of my maternal grandmother’s story without my Mom who inspired me to tell it.

But this past Sunday, our pastor preached from Joshua, and it confirmed what I had been sensing for 2026 already. The title of the message?

Now Therefore Arise

He started by saying, “God’s promises aren’t fragile.”

The desire to write my grandmother’s story began in 1989. I didn’t know anything about writing, but God impressed on me to start journaling. It was with this practice that I honed the craft.

I was also homeschooling our three children. God was supplying a refresher course on how to write well with elementary English, Grammar and Literature before me daily.

In 2000 my Mom and I took our first of 3 trips to Oklahoma. She was our family historian and poured over our genealogical records before Ancestry or DNA was a thing. Files and files of facts about our history filled her home.

That book, Through the Eyes of Grace, was published in September of 2012. My Mom received the first copy and she loved it! That was the best pay day for me!

I was excited to begin the second book. We both started doing research but it wasn’t to be…

In December 2012 the Lord called my Mom home. I was devastated, but happy for her. How could I write without her help? Every time I tried, my heart would sink; so I didn’t.

I learned with the first book that God is in the delays, so I could trust Him.

I tell you this because it’s true—God’s promises aren’t fragile:

“…so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it.” Isaiah 55:11 ESV

I have a word from God to tell my grandmother’s story. And today I will begin writing part 2.

I’ll close with this final thought from Sunday’s message:

“Many of us live life ending in a period (.). There is a finality with each chapter. But God always uses a semi-colon, which looks like a period above a comma (;). What has ended is real (my Mom died), but God is not finished. Keep going forward. Obedience grows when we trust in the fertile soil of God’s promises. Act like people who believe in Him!” – Chris Jesse, Metro Life Church, Casselberry, FL

It’s The Little Things

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Today I’m feeling a bit blue. Maybe it’s because I’m not feeling great. Maybe it’s because it’s the time of year when both my Mom and Dad were diagnosed with the disease that would take their life, 6 and 15 years ago respectively.

I have finally started to write the sequel to my historical fiction novel, Through The Eyes Of Grace. It is causing a fresh wave of grief to pour over my heart that usually sabotages any attempt to write.

But not today!

Instead, I’m lifting my head up and making me a cup of hot tea, Lavender Lemonade to be exact. Tea soothes away the hurt, both in my throat and in my heart.

And I will say a prayer of thanksgiving to God for giving me such wonderful parents, and for providing me with a story worth telling.

Today I’m choosing JOY.

Christmas Truce of 1914

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Image Credit: kevinblogsherenow.blogspot.com

Image Credit: kevinblogsherenow.blogspot.com

I know when I was working on Through The Eyes Of Grace, the research was my favorite part. Uncovering events in history that Grace lived through helped me bring her story to life. I may not have handwritten journals from Grace, but I have news events and the recorded histories of other’s lives that are sure to have impacted her story, and for this I’m grateful.

Writing historical fiction is a lot like working a jigsaw puzzle.

I’ve started with the framework, and the research provides the missing pieces. The Christmas Truce is one such piece for which I’m grateful.

Most of you have probably heard about the Christmas Truce of 1914 (if you haven’t take a moment and read about it), which is believed to have occurred over miles of the western front during World War I. What you may not realize is that this amazing event, which happened 100 years ago this Christmas Eve, took place during the time setting of my next book based on the life of my grandmother–Grace Stella Kirwin.

One can only imagine what happened in the hearts of the soldiers as they ascended from their trenches to embrace soldiers from the enemy line with wishes of good will. What a Christmas memory each of those men carried in their hearts for the rest of their lives.

Following is a video about the Christmas Truce. I pray it will stir your heart to pursue peace with your own enemies, and may it be a peace that will last–not just for 48 hours.

Merry Christmas from our home to yours, and may the peace of God bless you richly!

Prologue Part Two

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Photo Credit: http://www.ehow.com

Today I’m sharing the last part of my book’s Prologue. I pray it will draw you to want to read more. In case you missed the first half you can read it here.

I was trapped.  As I plopped into the black leather seat, something crunched beneath me.  It was the gift I had seen on the table! I couldn’t deal with it, so I tossed it aside, not interested in the who or the why questions that had incensed me before the service.

Mama picked up the gift, “Gracelyn, this is for you.  Don’t you want to open it?”

“Um, no! Not now.”

“Why on earth not?”

“Oh, Mama! It’s just not right.”

“Gracelyn, I insist.  The giver may be at the dinner.  You’ll want to be sure to thank them.  I really think it best to open it now.”

Mama usually had the last word, and this time was no exception.  I had learned it was best to do as she said.  Picking up the gift I slowly ripped the paper away, revealing a stained wooden box smelling much like the old church we had just left.  Lifting the lid I discovered a worn out leather journal.

“What’s this?” I asked casually, hoping my excitement didn’t show.

“I’ve seen this before; why, it belonged to Mama.  See the engraving – Grace Stella Oswalt?”

As I opened the cover a note fell on the floor.  I picked it up to find Big Mama’s handwriting addressed to me.  The brief excitement drained from my fingertips as if the dead were calling my name.

“M-Mama, you read it.”  She took the slip of paper from my hand.

Dear Gracelyn,

I am an old woman now, and time is running out for me to share with you my story.  I’ve waited for you to ask, but now the waiting ends.  You are my youngest granddaughter, and one who reminds me so much of myself.  It is my prayer that as you read this journal you will grow in your understanding of who you are and to whom you belong.  Your life is not your own to live as you want.  I learned this the hard way, and I pray this journal will help you after I am long gone.  Read it well and remember although life is brief, love is forever.

Affectionately,

Big Mama

I sat there in disbelief as the limo came to a stop.  I wasn’t sure if I was happy to have this gift or angry she singled me out as needing special help.  Maybe it was a little of both, but as hard as it was to admit, I was comforted.

As we filed out of the limo and gathered around Big Mama’s grave, the familiar hymn began to play once more.  This time my voice sang through the tears to the grandmother I loved.

Amazing Grace how sweet the sound

That saved a wretch like me

I once was lost but now I’m found

Was blind but now I see.

My grandmother had offered me her hand with this gift, allowing me to see and learn about life through her eyes.  That night, alone in my room I opened the musty journal and began to read.