The Adventure: SANDRA MERVILLE HART, The Story Behind the Story, part 2

Yesterday I shared how my Civil War romance, A Rebel in My House, was born. Today I’d love to tell you a bit about my current writing adventure with you. You’re welcome to come along, but strap in—it’s always a bumpy ride.
You see, I spend a lot of time in the Civil War era … while researching and writing my novels, that is. I have to research for months until I understand what the citizens and the soldiers endured. Then I’m ready to write the novel.
I’ve begun writing my next Civil War series. This one deals with the spying that went on during the war. My research has been a real eye-opener to these widespread and far-reaching effects of spying.
My three-book series is set in the capital cities of Washington DC (Union) and Richmond (Confederate). Book 1, Avenue of Betrayal, is set in Washington DC (commonly still called Washington City during the Civil War.) The number of Confederate sympathizers living mere blocks from President Abraham Lincoln shocked me.
Loyalties divided the best of friends—and even loving, close-knit families. My series will show the harsh realities of a country at war with its former citizens, igniting strong feelings and sparking tragedy. Historical figures will pop in here and there in these fictional stories.
I had planned a research trip to Richmond and Washington DC this spring before the country shut down. This has been postponed until the museums reopen. Though months of research have already birthed my story, this trip will add flavor and authenticity.
With a stack of research books nearby, I’ll keep writing Avenue of Betrayal. In the meantime, I invite you to read my other Civil War books—A Stranger on My Land, A Rebel in My House, and A Musket in My Hands.  

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