Shannon here: Elaine Marie Cooper shares the inspiration behind her latest Historical Romance, Scarred Vessels. Comment or answer the question in any post, dated Oct 20th – 23rd to enter the drawing for a copy. Deadline: Oct 31st, 11:59 pm central time. Here’s Elaine:
An Out-Of-The-Blue Suggestion by Elaine Marie Cooper
Elaine’s son
I can’t remember what my son and I had been chatting about on the phone that day but, seemingly out-of-the-blue, he suggested an unexpected topic. “Mom, why don’t you write about the black soldiers in the American Revolution?”
My response was nothing short of enthusiastic. “What a great idea!” I made a mental note to put it on the list for my next project.
I finished with my current manuscripts, then sought the research material I needed to begin. That’s when the revelation hit: I had no clue about the history of black men and women during the Revolution. Not only that, I was unaware of how involved the New England colonies had been in the slave trade.
Growing up in Massachusetts, I thought I would have been at least somewhat aware of the ports of Boston and Newport, RI and their involvement in the slave trade. Even relatives who had grown up in the same area were uninformed about the history of Rhode Island in particular. Most of us were clueless and attributed slavery to be just a “southern” thing. How wrong we were. In particular, the ports of New England were involved in what’s known as the Triangle Trade: Rum was made in Rhode Island, then shipped to Africa to be exchanged for slaves, slaves were transported to the West Indies and the Americas, then sugar and molasses from the West Indies were sent to New England to be made into Rum.
I took a deep breath and plowed into the books. Some of the findings were difficult to swallow yet needed to be learned to develop a historical novel based on fact rather than preconceived notions. Through my son’s suggested topic, plus the incredible research of such historians as Christian McBurney, the core of “Scarred Vessels” was created. I hope this story captures your hearts and minds with both the tragedy of man’s inhumanity to man as well as the enduring power of love.
About Elaine:
Elaine Marie Cooper describes herself as an author who is a complete history geek. She focuses on creating historical fiction set in the American Revolution. She loves to discover little-known events that occurred in that war and create characters who are caught up in the conflict.
Her latest release is Scarred Vessels which focuses on the black soldiers in the American Revolution. The setting for most of the action takes place in Rhode Island.
She has also penned Saratoga Letters (Finalist for Selah Award in Historical Romance), Fields of the Fatherless (Winner of the Selah Award for young adult fiction), and Bethany’s Calendar (Selah Winner for Best Memoir). Love’s Kindling is Finalist in 2020’s Selah Award for Historical Romance. This book as well as the next 2 books in the Dawn of America series will re-release with Scrivenings Press in 2021.
Elaine and Steve have two grown sons and five grandchildren. Their only daughter, Bethany, died from a brain tumor in 2003.
Learn more & connect:
Elaine’s Facebook Elaine’s Facebook Author Page Elaine’s Website Elaine’s Twitter
About the book – Scarred Vessels: In 1778 Rhode Island, the American Revolution rallies the Patriots to fight for freedom. But the slavery of black men and women from Africa, bartered for rum, is a travesty that many in America cannot ignore. The seeds of abolition are planted even as the laws allowing slavery in the north still exist.
Lydia Saunders, the daughter of a slave ship owner, grew up with the horror of slavery. It became more of a nightmare when, at a young age, she is confronted with the truth about her father’s occupation. She is burdened with the guilt of her family’s sin, as she struggles to make a difference in whatever way she can. When she loses her husband in the battle for freedom from England, she makes a difficult decision that will change her life forever.
Sergeant Micah Hughes is too dedicated to serving the fledgling country of America to consider falling in love. When he carries the tragic news to Lydia Saunders about her husband’s death, he is appalled by his attraction to the young widow. Micah wrestles with his feelings for Lydia while he tries to focus on helping the cause of freedom. He trains a group of former slaves to become capable soldiers on the battlefield.
Tensions both on the battlefield and on the home front bring hardship and turmoil that threaten to endanger them all. When Lydia and Micah are faced with saving the life of a black infant in danger, can they survive this turning point in their lives?
Can’t wait for the drawing or worried you won’t win? Get your copy now!
Question for Readers: Have you ever been surprised by a historical fact that occurred in your hometown? What was it?
Come back Oct 27th for Donna Schlachter!
This book has suspense, action, romance – all backdropped against a time when America fought for its freedom. Elaine enriched the story by including little-known facts from our country’s history. It’s such a great book!
Thank you so much, Linda! <3
No I haven’t!
No surprises in your hometown! You must know it well. That’s actually awesome. I wish I had paid more attention to its history when I was younger. Often as I matured, I learned so much more. Thanks so much for answering the question, Shelia!
That must’ve been an extensive research!
I was surprised to find out the history of Old Sac when I did the underground tour!
In 1853 a mammoth project was proposed to raise the city above the flood level. They did it – it’s unbelievable… Within a few years, thousands of cubic yards of earth were brought in on wagons and the daring scheme to raise the street level began. The original street level can be seen throughout Old Sacramento under the boardwalks and in basements.
WOW! That is unreal! What a daring project. I wonder how they knew it would hold up? Some smart people worked on that plan! Thanks for sharing!
I was surprised that my grandfather was on the WPA crew that remodeled the building in 1938/39 by removing the top floor and constructed a library and community hall. The WPA plaque is in the library today.
My town is known for the Burning of the Hay during the Revolutionary War.
I have a winner! Anne Payne won the drawing. I appreciate Elaine for being my guest and everyone else for stopping by.