Uncle Buffalo Bill
In real life, William "Buffalo Bill" Mathewson, was Mandy's uncle. I'm writing a book about him, too, as you can see from "his" blog (link above). I don't think he'll play much of a role in Mandy's life in the book, Papa Goes to War, because he lived in the West (Kansas Territory) during the Civil War years.
He was significant in the history of that area, especially in Indian relations and development of the Santa Fe Trail. He originally went west as a fur trapper and then stayed to help develop that country.
His is a fascinating story, as well as that of his wife, Lizzie.
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Celebrating Christmas During the Civil War
I received as a Christmas gift today from my granddaughter, the book, God Rest Ye Merry Soldiers (A True Civil War Christmas Story) by James McIvor. As I began reading it and learning about the soldiers at Christmas time during the second year of the war, I wondered how Mandy's father and uncles endured being away from home at this time.
These are ideas to research. I might not include them in my present story, Papa Goes to War. But perhaps I could make a Christmas story of them. What do you think?
- Where were they?
- What were the troops doing?
- What was Christmas like for Mandy and her family back home?
These are ideas to research. I might not include them in my present story, Papa Goes to War. But perhaps I could make a Christmas story of them. What do you think?
Monday, December 22, 2008
The Fascination of Family for Story Plots
Family History
As I've delved into my family history, I've found many interesting people. Some are well-known like Mandy's uncle...William "Buffalo Bill" Mathewson. Others, like Mandy, have disappeared into the pages of history, perhaps unknown even to their descendants.
However, I've discovered that these ancestors are fascinating, and I'm working at telling their stories and having them come alive. Some will remain as names on a family tree until I can tell their stories. Others I'll change their names slightly so I can expand upon the events of that day.
Mandy, based upon a young girl who definitely lived, will find her way into your lives as well as her descendants.
"When are you going to finish Mandy's story?" youngsters ask me after I've read them the first chapter or two during my school visits.
Author friends encouage me to do this, too.
So.....I must spend more time with Mandy and complete her story, which is in its first draft.
As I've delved into my family history, I've found many interesting people. Some are well-known like Mandy's uncle...William "Buffalo Bill" Mathewson. Others, like Mandy, have disappeared into the pages of history, perhaps unknown even to their descendants.
However, I've discovered that these ancestors are fascinating, and I'm working at telling their stories and having them come alive. Some will remain as names on a family tree until I can tell their stories. Others I'll change their names slightly so I can expand upon the events of that day.
Mandy, based upon a young girl who definitely lived, will find her way into your lives as well as her descendants.
"When are you going to finish Mandy's story?" youngsters ask me after I've read them the first chapter or two during my school visits.
Author friends encouage me to do this, too.
So.....I must spend more time with Mandy and complete her story, which is in its first draft.
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