AMERICAN HISTORICAL NOVELS discussion
DAYS OF HOPE, Fred Dickey
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AUTHOR INTERVIEW - FRIDAY (DAY 5)
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Land and a new unemcumbered life. Would it shock you to know I have never seen a Seinfeld episode and have never been interested?
Ha! No, no surprize there. Try Seinfeld sometime.We watched The Crown and Queens Gambit on Netflix. Both very good.
Yes most of the pioneers were farmers who wanted part of the vast land grab available in California. However, they knew they would be negotiating with the Mexicans at this point.
Another reason, not well known, was to escape the malaria outbreak and the incidence of consumption (TB) in the Midwest.
Did everyone have a nice Thanksgiving? We did..but it was just us 2. Stuffin muffins and turkey breast came out great.Days of Hope, Miles of Misery
I am currently reading The Queen's Gambit so may try after that. Two pleasant Thanksgivings in a row. Low key, which is nice.
Check out your new message! You won! Send us your mailing info.Congrats..
Fred
Linda and Rhonda also won - not the print book, but the ebook. Send us your email so we can send you both the book!
We are continuing the interview with Fred Dickey, who recently released an American historical novel, DAYS OF HOPE, MILES OF MISERY – LOVE AND LOSS ON THE OREGON TRAIL.
REMINDER: There is a Goodreads Giveaway going on right now for 50 Kindle (ebook) copies of this book. It ends Dec. 15. Go to: https://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/sh...
**Also, those who comment or ask questions on this forum will qualify for a chance for a signed print book.
Rebecca: When did you know you wanted to be a writer?
Fred: My career was as a newspaper editor for which I was well fitted, and which I loved. Writing became my daily life. As I grew in the craft, I realized I could see things, especially about the insides of people, that others couldn’t. I could draw people out in my interviews.
Rebecca: What has been your greatest challenge as a writer? Have you been able to overcome it?
Fred: To make it important enough to pay the price. As with everyone, my life was filled with distractions, tensions, and needs that blocked me from undertaking the huge effort that good writing requires.
Rebecca: Who are your writing inspirations?
Fred: I admire many people, but novelists Joyce Carroll Oates, John Grisham, David McCullough, Kenneth Roberts, Vardis Fisher (Mountain Man), and James Lee Burke come to mind.
I’m really enjoying a history book called The Age of Gold, by H.W. Brands. I’ve been doing a lot of research for the sequel to “Days of Hope, Miles of Misery.” Reading up now on Sutter’s Fort, the Gold Rush, Mexican-American War, Indian attacks and genocide…so much to learn.
I often repeat a quote from a writer named Annie Dillard. She said, and I paraphrase: If you want to be a writer, you must always remember that the world does not need what you do.
Rebecca: What are three things people may not know about you?
Fred: I’m a rather private person who views releasing personal information as on a need-to-know basis. Of the hundred things in that category, I reckon I can single out three: One, I don’t like to talk about myself; two, I hate the term “senior citizen” because it’s patronizing. I’m old, okay? Deal with it. I can. I had the good fortune to be raised by a single mother and three older sisters. It made me appreciate the struggles unique to woman of that time, and the worth of a strong woman. The result was I’m comfortable with women, I admire the best feminine qualities, and I enjoy writing about them. I think there are more men like that than many people give them credit for.
Rebecca: What do you like to do when you aren't writing?
Fred: I love to interact with people, but I’m comfortable being alone. I watch very little TV, and some of my choices are a waste of time. I watch football, but around halftime I get the uneasy feeling that I’m frittering away precious hours of my life watching a ridiculous game. Oh, and my wife just said not to forget Seinfeld reruns—those never grow old. We also love to travel.
Rebecca: Lastly, will you have more projects together in the future? I hope so.
Fred: As they used to say—Lord willing, and the creeks don’t rise.
Actually, I'm working on a follow-up to this book; it will be a series. Next one is 1840s and early 50s California – Sutter’s Fort, Mexican American War, Gold Rush, Statehood, Indian problems and genocide..so much material to research! How will Nimrod and Hannah and the other characters handle it? Stay tuned…
Answer to Wednesday’s question: Oxen (not horses or mules) pulled the wagons. They could only go about 2 miles per hour, but they could survive with very little water and in poor grasslands. They are amazingly strong animals. Horses and mules require grain and better grass. They are fine for short hauls, but not a trip as long and strenuous as this.
Here's one last question for all of you about the Oregon Trail. Check back for my answer in the comments section.
Q – What did the families hope to get at the end of their long trek in 1845?
Hope to hear from you in the comments below.
I will announce the winner of the Giveaway later today (Friday).