Live the Story: My Path of Writing Historical Fiction
Image: photograph of a log cabin at Spring Mill State Park Pioneer Village in Mitchell, Indiana. This cabin inspired the cover art for Going Over Home, illustrated by Kristin Mary.
Hello, folks!
Welcome back to the blog. I’m back with another post about my process of writing historical fiction, especially for young readers.
This week, I’m starting a new series on my research process as a historical fiction author. And I thought I’d start at the very beginning (a very good place to start).
My Beginnings as a Historical Fiction Author
I always knew I would be an author because I always have been. I’ve been writing books since I was very young. But my love of history first began with two things in high school. I had an incredibly inspiring U.S. History teacher (shout out to Mr. O’Hara), and I fell in love with family history (thanks to my Grandma Mary Andrews and great-great aunt Betts Fox).
I suppose the rest is history?
A number of years down the road, married and with a new baby, I found myself visiting a pioneer cemetery where many of my husband’s ancestors were buried. (Of course I started researching his family history shortly after we married.) And as we wandered among the old stones, something landed within me: a new story idea.
Following Curiosity: Asking & Answering Questions
That story idea became my first novel, Going Over Home. It took me three years to finish it, but not only did that story sustain me through a difficult time in my life, it set the stage for the whole of my creative career as a historical fiction author.
The story idea that landed in me while I was in the pioneer cemetery was more of a question that I followed and eventually answered with the novel. The question: What would it be like to go back in time to the days these people were buried?
This led to more questions: What would it be like to go back in time to when they were alive? What would it be like to meet them? To get to know them? To live alongside them, even?
This process of questioning is why curiosity is so integral to my writing process. I ask questions and then follow the trail, exploring the many possibilities of answers.
My first novel, Going over Home, ended up being my answer to that first question I asked one day while wandering the old Rogers Cemetery inside Indiana’s Yellowwood State Forest.
Writing My First Historical Fiction Novel
Writing Going over Home was truly an adventure– and I created my research process as I wrote the story. More questions arose, and I found new ways to answer them. I certainly dove deep into traditional research mode: reading Indiana history books and fiction set in pioneer times, as well as researching local and family history records.
But what ended up being the most important part of writing this book– and every book since– was diving into experience. I didn’t go back in time, but I did the next best thing. I spent as much time at local history museums as possible, using my imagination to experience the places as if I was truly there in the early 1800s.
I pretended I was my character while walking through the pioneer villages at Conner Prairie and Spring Mill State Park. I explored more pioneer cemeteries. I began listening to old folk music that my characters would have known. I drew pictures of my characters in traditional dress. I learned to cook and garden as they might have.
I experienced my characters’ lives in the past as much as I possibly could while living in the 21st century.
The Path of Historical Fiction
Going over Home was released in 2012. I wrote its sequel, Going Over Jordan, and released it in 2015. They are now out of print, but several local libraries still carry both books. These stories hold a very special place in my heart, and they set the stage for writing more historical fiction down the road.
Perhaps the most important thing about their writing process was learning how I write best. I need to experience my story. Experience my characters’ lives. Think their thoughts. Move how they might move. Speak how they might speak. Be in the places they would have known. Live their lives, in the best ways I possibly can.
As they say, “live the question”-- but for me, it’s: Live the story.
Be sure to check out my last post about writing neurodivergent characters in historical fiction. And stay tuned for more to come about my research process as a historical fiction author.
Ready to read more? My books are available online through both Amazon and Bookshop, as well as several libraries and shops across Central Indiana.
For more book news and writing updates from me, subscribe to my monthly newsletter below. I’ve got a free resource on writing historical fiction coming soon, plus a very special short story!
Thanks so much for stopping by! I’ll be back on the blog soon with more of the goodness that is writing historical fiction!
Katie
Writing Neurodivergence into my Historical Fiction
Image credit: illustration by Ethel Franklin Betts, from Little Orphan Annie by James Whitcomb Riley, The Bobbs-Merrill Company Publishers, Indianapolis, 1908.
Hello, folks!
Welcome back. I’m so glad you’re here, because I am starting something new and exciting on the blog:
Every other week, I’ll be sharing a brand new post about my process of writing historical fiction, especially for young readers.
I believe that historical fiction is so important, especially for young readers. In these difficult times, when kids are facing so much in the world, reading historical fiction helps them see how people of the past have overcome incredible odds. Historical fiction also helps kids make sense of history through the universal language of storytelling, which in turn helps them navigate the present with purpose and maintain hope for the future.
Writing Neurodivergence into My Historical Fiction
As someone who was late-diagnosed autistic and ADHD (commonly called AuDHD), I have begun intentionally writing my characters as neurodivergent. This especially applies to my protagonists, who all have some of myself in them.
I began writing my latest book, Little Orphant Allie, just a few months before I identified my autism. It took over three years and numerous drafts to complete the book. While I was learning to understand my own autism, I was also noticing it in my protagonist.
But this is a unique situation, because my character Allie, was a real person. Her name was Mary Alice Smith, and she became the subject of James Whitcomb Riley’s famous 1886 poem “Little Orphant Annie.” Of course, it can never be confirmed that Mary Alice was in fact autistic, since she lived at a time long before autism was identified. Still, as I grew to understand the autism spectrum more deeply, I could see autistic traits in her.
Who was Mary Alice Smith?
Mary Alice came to live with the Riley family during the winter of 1861-1862 when she was about eleven years old. As an orphan whose extended family could no longer care for her, she needed a place to stay. Mrs. Elizabeth Riley (James’ mother) agreed to take her in. She was welcomed as a guest, but also worked for her board and keep.
Mary Alice was described as a peculiar child. The Riley children, it seems, stood somewhat in awe of her. She was imaginative and bright, and told the most fantastical stories to the children. She kept rigid routines, moved repetitiously, and often talked to herself. It’s in Riley’s 1902 essay entitled “Where is Mary Alice Smith?” where I most clearly see autistic traits described.
In one section, it reads:
“It was not long, however, before her usual bright and infectious humor was restored, and we were soon piloting the little stranger here and there about the house, and laughing at the thousand funny little things she said and did. The winding stairway in the hall quite dazed her with delight. Up and down she went a hundred times, it seemed. And she would talk and whisper to herself, and oftentimes would stop and nestle down and rest her pleased face close against the steps and pat one softly with her slender hand, peering curiously down at us with half-averted eyes. And she counted them and named them, every one, as she went up and down.”
The thing I love the most about this is how much the Riley children were endeared to Mary Alice, and how Mrs. Riley accepted and welcomed her into their home. Sure, it seems she was deemed a little odd and different. However, she was not cast out, ostracized, ridiculed, or rejected by the Riley family. To me, that is simply beautiful, and telling of what is possible.
Read the Book:
My book Little Orphant Allie is a middle-grade novel-in-verse that tells the story of Mary Alice’s time in the Riley home. In its writing, I’ve drawn on extensive historical research as well as Riley’s own beloved poetics.
The book may be found in paperback or Kindle on Amazon, Bookshop, or locally in central Indiana, including the James Whitcomb Riley Museum Home in Indianapolis.
Thank you for stopping by the blog! I’m so glad you came.
For more book news and writing updates from me, plus a free short story for young readers, be sure to subscribe to my monthly newsletter below.
I’ll be back on the blog soon with more of the goodness that is writing historical fiction!
Hello, 2025!
Hello, and happy new year, dear reader!
I thought now would be a great time to do a little update on the blog. I usually do these sorts of updates in my monthly newsletter, often along with fun freebies for subscribers, so be sure to sign up for that while you’re here. But today, I’m popping on here because so many good things are happening and I just have to share.
Reflecting on 2024
Wow, was 2024 ever a year. It was difficult in many ways, but also incredibly beautiful. One of my favorite days of the year was in April, when I got to witness a total solar eclipse with my family from our own backyard. I released two new books into the world, attended several local author fairs and events, and joined a wonderful women’s writing community. In many ways, 2024 was the year I finally gave myself the author life I’ve always wished to have. I am so thankful for the experiences of the past year.
Looking into 2025
After releasing Little Orphant Allie in October, I found myself in a transition period. I’d been working on that book for over three years, and I didn’t really have any other big projects in the works. It was time to explore and experiment. It took a bit, but two stories have bubbled up to the surface as my main works-in-progress. Both are middle-grade historical fiction novels. One is now nearly a third of the way complete, and the other is in the earliest ideation stages.
So, here’s a little sneak peek into my vision for 2025:
New Book Project 1:
Based around the true story of a witch trial in Vincennes, Indiana in 1907: told from the point of view of Tessa, a young girl who befriends the accused witch and learns how to step into her own strength and power to stand up for what is right, mending a community riddled with bigotry, hate, and fear.
New Book Project 2:
Set in the early 1900s in a lighthouse on Lake Michigan: Freddie, the young daughter of a lighthouse keeper must learn to see her own worth after a lifetime of being shamed for her disability.
Reading 25 Middle-Grade Novels in 2025
As I am mainly writing middle-grade now, I have set a new goal for this year to read twenty-five middle-grade novels in 2025. And I already finished a book on January 1, so I am counting it! Follow my progress (and add me as a friend) on Goodreads!
Writer’s Residency in October 2025
I was granted a two-week writer’s residency with the nonprofit organization Write On, Door County in Door County, Wisconsin in October. Door County is the peninsula between Lake Michigan and Green Bay, and one of the most beautiful places I have ever visited. There are many historic lighthouses there, so it is the perfect location to research and work on my second book project. As part of my residency, I’ll be doing a community engagement project in a local middle school, too. I am honored to be granted such an opportunity, and so excited to visit in my favorite season, too.
Here’s to a great year!
I will be at a few local author fairs again this year, so if you are in Central Indiana, I would love to see you there. I keep my calendar updated with those events, and share more in my monthly newsletter. When you subscribe, you automatically receive a free short story for middle-grade readers and a kids’ writing activity.
I will be a fewer events this year, due to my health and schedule, but I am working on some ideas to connect with the community in other ways. I would love to start a sort of free “pen pal” program with local students, so if you are a parent or teacher who might be interested in that, please feel free to reach out!
In 2025, I am looking forward so much more: hiking and camping trips with my family, expanding my backyard garden, and fun things like the second half of Wicked! (Fun fact, I’ve been a Wicked fan since its debut on Broadway in 2003. I got to see it in Chicago in 2005 with my sister. So the new movie was a dream come true for me!) How about you, dear reader— what are you looking forward to this year? Please share with me in the comments!
Well, thank you for stopping by the blog. I am wishing you a wonderful new year!
Katie
Artist Spotlight: Amanda Griffey
Hello again! Welcome back to the blog. Today I am excited to continue my artist spotlight series by shining a light on artist Amanda Griffey. Amanda did the cover for my latest book, Little Orphant Allie, which released in October!
Amanda comes from a long line of farmers, and her art reflects her passion for farm life. She lives in eastern Indiana, not far from where the book is set. In fact, while working on the book’s cover, she discovered that she and Allie, the main character, came from the same town! “Amanda currently works and resides with her husband Thomas and their sons Joseph and Joshua, on their family’s diversified farming operation, just minutes from where she grew up.”
It was such a joy to work with Amanda, and I am thrilled to share our interview.
Tell us a little about yourself and how you most like to use your art in your life.
I was raised on a farm and currently farm with my husband's family, and I love to capture the beauty and heritage of farming.
What has been your biggest inspiration for your art?
Farm life and my deep love for horses.
What is inspiring you most at this point in time?
The glimpses of resiliency that are all around me; like a weathered barn that is still standing despite years of neglect, or a rusty old hinge that is still doing its job.
How do you keep your creative practice fresh?
While I have dabbled with other mediums, I really love colored pencil. So, I like to try new surfaces and methods, as well as push the limits of what subject matter and textures are possible to achieve with colored pencil.
What words of wisdom would you give young creatives?
The journey of a creative can be challenging and lonely. Find a mentor who is where you want to be to help you along on your journey.
Amanda’s Art
Cover of Little Orphant Allie
More artwork from Amanda (from her website):
“Mare Glare”
“Peace in the Valley”
Thank you so much for sharing with us here, Amanda. It was wonderful to have you here. I’m wishing you all the best. Keep creating!
Katie