Historical novel – Page 5 – Kathryn Spurgeon

Exploring a Ghost Town

05/24/2017 by Kathryn Spurgeon, posted in Historical novel

Last week I explored the ghost town of Waco for some final descriptions in my new book. In the early twentieth century, Waco had (at least) a post office, a grist mill, a blacksmith shop and a church.

Not much remains of Waco now, which was about ten miles west of Shawnee. A collapsed dug out. The Black Cemetery down the road where family members are buried. Then we found the rock foundation of the church on the corner of Okay and Waco Road!

I was overjoyed. I didn’t expect to find this much. The porch steps are almost covered with brush and weeds, but this church played an important role in the background of my family’s faith. You see, the Popes, my grandparents, homesteaded in Waco and donated five acres for the church building.

The Promise Child: Faith, Loss, and Hope in the 1930s, is the second book in this series. It follows A Promise to Break. Sibyl Pope, who seeks to be a perfect wife, mother and homemaker, experiences the worst of the Depression. A third child brings her joy and she sees God’s blessings. However a crisis occurs which helps her realize that God is with us through the trials, not just through the blessings.

Set from 1936 to 1939, this second book brings the town of Shawnee to life through the eyes of a strong-willed, educated young woman.

I enjoy exploring ghost-towns and Waco may just be the focus of my next series. I’m already researching.

For more articles on researching see:

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Researching the archives of Shawnee news

02/21/2017 by Kathryn Spurgeon, posted in Historical novel

Research for my second in the Promise series historical novels has been tedious, tooth-pulling and loads of fun. I’m writing about a Shawnee, Oklahoma, family who had enough drama in their lives for a TV serial. Some of which cannot be written about of course, but family secrets have a way of surfacing and influencing the next generations, even if never vocalized or recorded. Just warning you who think I have revealed too many family secrets and want to keep yours hidden.

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Some of the scandalous parts of the Trimble and Pope family are in the books. However, nothing is included that would embarrass my grandmother. The audience is Christian and all questionable topics are handled with care and sensitivity.

That said, I went to the Shawnee library to research 1938 local events on microfiche because that year’s happenings were slim in my book. (The book is from 1936 to 1939). I found several newspaper articles on President Roosevelt and his entourage riding a train through Shawnee, stopping for a short speech before continuing on to Oklahoma City.

It seemed highly likely that Sibyl, my main character, would attend. She was politically minded and interested in world events. I wanted to write her standing and watching the President, Fremont reluctantly beside her. Awed and impressed. Summertime hot and uncomfortable.

These Promise series books are based on a true story. Real people. Real places. So I was not sure this actually happened. Aunt Blanche never mentioned it, nor anyone else I interviewed.

One of the characters from this book who is still living is Aunt Frances.Frances turns 90 years old in a few weeks but her mind is sharp and she has been an invaluable source of information. I’ve interviewed her many times. I went to her retirement center home and sat down at her little dining room table and watched as she ate a frozen dinner.

“Do you remember when Roosevelt rode a train through Shawnee?” I asked.

She did not hesitate. “Of course. I was there.”

She was there. That meant her sister Sibyl was probably there too. Frances was eleven years old and went with her mother. She was too short to see over the crowds of grownups trying to get a view of the president but she heard the loudspeaker telling people to stand back. Yes. She was there. She remembered.

I was elated. If I had not found this tidbit in the paper, I would not have thought to ask Frances about it.

Research does that. It brings the past to life, causing us to remember and discover new facts about history that were forgotten or misplaced.

Of course I include this incident in my second book, A Promise Child, Faith, Love and Hope in the 1930s. The first book is on Amazon, A Promise to Break. The book is almost completed and ready to send to the editor.

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Nashville Christian Writing Conference

09/06/2016 by Kathryn Spurgeon, posted in Historical novel, Memory House Publishing

Writing conferences tend to lift my spirits, but the 2016 American Christian Writers Conference (ACFW) in Nashville inspired me beyond measure.

First I traveled by car from Oklahoma with renowned authors—three sweet, godly women who have successfully published many Christian books, finalists for Carol awards, and on top of that were friendly and fun. Who could have orchestrated that except God? I didn’t know the ladies before the trip and they didn’t know me, so it was by pure miracle they tolerated me. Thank you, thank you Robin Patchen, Sharon Srock, and Linda Goodnight! I am now firmly planted in your super fan club!

The conference, housed in the hotel adjacent to the Country Music Hall of Fame, was one of the best I have ever attended. Worship service and prayer rooms set the mood, with keynote speaker, the awesome suspense thriller author Ted Dekker, leading us through spiritual awakening as intense as his books. I loved meeting fellow authors like Martha Fouts, my dinner buddy, and Carrie Pagels, the atmosphere of helping one another, the gala, and the classes offered. I also received good feedback on my book, A Promise to Break, from encouraging publicists, Jeanne Wynne and Katie Shroeder.

I toured the Belle Meade Plantation, where Tamara Alexander’s books are set, so it wasn’t just all work! Thanks Linda.

Yes, I dressed in an outfit for genre night. I’m beginning to feel right comfortable in my 1930’s hat and gloves. The conference was overwhelming but I returned home ready to finish my second book! I think every Christian fiction writer should make an effort to attend an ACFW Conference!

A Vintage Book Signing in Edmond

07/11/2016 by Kathryn Spurgeon, posted in Historical novel, My Thoughts

These 1930s book parties have been more fun than researching Oklahoma history, which I love to do. To celebrate A Promise to Break, Thursday night in Edmond we had 30s music, mountains of food, and vintage decorations. And, of course, hats – hats with feathers, hats intended to be worn with a perky tilt. For those who missed the after-party, we had a spontaneous games, door prize drawing forgotten earlier and entertaining karaoke.

The greatest joy to me was the many people who came by to share in the celebration. The support has been unbelievable. My regret is that I didn’t properly thank the ones who helped make this happen. Exhaustion and excitement is no excuse.

I’ll try to rectify my mistake. Many thanks to the ones who helped edit the book, and Gina Dabney who designed the interior. Talented individuals. Then there are writing friends like Barbara Shepherd and other readers who reviewed the book through the years and made helpful comments, encouraging me to continue. I remember you. And Krystal Harlow, thank you for patiently improving my idea for a book cover.

Thanks also to those who have read or bought my book on the chance it might be worth it. To Brenda and my school friends who are happy about my achievement, given we are all growing old together. So many others have supported my writing life, that I can’t name each one! Thank you, every single person.

My family has been wonderful to help with the book signings. Not just wonderful, but amazing. Thank you Kay, Keren, Danielle, and Steffanie. My talented niece Julie Miser has contributed above her share with the website, etc. I’m grateful for Treasure who has been my right hand person, and Abigail, Kylie and Hannah for their support.

Thanks to my husband, Bill, who has stood beside me, nudging me forward and always believes in me. He’s a God-given gift. My family is remarkable! I love every one of them. And there are still more family members who have offered to help!

And, of course, I have the support of a great King, the one who commands all things and knows all things. To Him be the honor and glory, for without Him I am nothing. I dedicate my book to Him and to the precious mother He gave me, the one who connects to the strings of my heart stronger every year. Thank all who have helped make A Promise to Break happen! What a joy Christ bring us when we least expect it!

Book Signing in Carthage, Texas

06/28/2016 by Kathryn Spurgeon, posted in Historical novel

If you are in or near Carthage, Texas, this weekend, come on over to the Texas Tea Room! We’re having a book signing for A Promise to Break, Love, Faith and Politics in the 1930s, Saturday, July 2 from 11am to 1pm.

I must say that this book signing business is getting more and more fun! I love chatting with old friends I haven’t seen in years and meeting new people interested in history, romance, or just discussing a plain ole good book.

Book store people, new followers, and long time friends have been so very supportive, And writers, my goodness, they are a bunch of giving people, from beginning want-to-be authors to seasoned writers with mountains of publications! They stick together. Thanks to all of you who have made this walk possible.

So here I am, right up there at the Home of Texas Country Music Hall of Fame. Can’t beat that! Thanks Rene for all you’ve done to help me! And I hope it cools down in Oklahoma before I get back home!

You are loved,