March 26, 2018 - On The Banks Of The Nolichucky

My last revision of Blood Money has been back to the editor for a couple of weeks now, and I’m cooling my heels, waiting for the next go-round. This is a perfect time to work on new submissions, so I’ll bring you up to speed on what I’m doing while waiting. I have a revision under-way of my story on the young Davy Crockett. Since I live 15 miles from his birthplace, what a perfect fit, right? Now if only a publisher will see it that way. To draw inspiration for this story, I made the trek back to the site of The Davy Crockett Birthplace State Park in Limestone, Tennessee. As I gazed at the crude cabin, reconstructed to simulate what his cabin would have been, resting on the banks of the Nolichucky River, how could I not title my story “On The Banks Of The Nolichucky?” My mind flashed to the Disney song: Born on a mountaintop in Tennessee, and while the area is mountainous compared to flatlands, that song might be a little misleading. As I walked the hillside, gazed out over the rushing river, and realized young David Crockett surely spent many days fishing in that same river and exploring those same hills, it brought a sense of connectivity to a period of history I know little about--other than what I’ve read. History books have detailed the life of Davy Crockett, what could I possibly have to add? Instead, I wrote a story of modern-day twins who traveled back in time to find themselves unprepared in a world of no internet, smart phones and GPS. These two teens would have perished if not for the assistance of young David - there is no reference of him ever being called Davy as a lad - Crockett and his family. Once you choose to write historical fiction, OH! THE PLACES YOU'LL GO!  You'll be on your way up! You'll be seeing great sights! You'll join the high fliers who soar to high heights. - Dr. Seuss