Cherry Creek centers around a young woman living in 1850s Ohio who grows restless in her marriage and leaves for the Pikes Peak gold region, only to find difficult lessons in survival and independence. What draws you to the historical fiction genre? 

I find it fascinating to imagine the lives of people who lived in periods so different from ours, especially the pioneers whose struggles enabled the much easier life we lead. As a former reference librarian, the research involved is an exciting and rewarding challenge.

Were there real historical accounts or people who influenced the story?

Yes, much of my research into the details of the Colorado gold rush involved contemporary letters and reports from the mines. Horace Greeley of “Go west, young man” fame wrote vividly of his own arduous journey on the Pike’s Peak Express. 

 Which character surprised you most while writing?

Molly pretty much told her own story in her own words, and I just took dictation, so she surprised me frequently. Sometimes writing is more like channeling than creating. 

What is the next book you are working on, and when will it be available?

My current project is a collection of five stories on the theme of captivity. The material is not suitable for the Wild Rose Press, who published all my genre fiction titles, so if and when it will be available will depend on finding another publisher. 

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