Monday, August 31, 2009

A Researcher's Dream

This news could just not wait!

I have hit the author/researchers jackpot!!!

The Secret Lives of Evelyn book I am writing has led me to many frustrating days, but not today.

Today, I found out that Evelyn's father was a famous English composer, which totally explains her background. I also confirmed that she married the man I thought she did, and had the three children I thought she did.

This is SOOOOO exciting I cannot stand it.

Gotta get back to it.

Wednesday, August 19, 2009

The theatre...

I have been searching for old theatre records in the hopes of finding a photo or more details about Evelyn, but to no avail.

I did pick up some interesting information, which is going to change my theory about a portion of the book. It seems the more I go over all the details I have the more I find things.

Forgot to mention that I spoke with the president and CEO of a company in Boston yesterday. His stepmother was related to George, who was Evelyn's husband. Unfortunately, she never had any children and that ended that.

I am toying with the idea of going to England to assist me with this project, but have to line some things up. I applied for a grant today to help with the costs.

I have to make some notes so I can go to the library tomorrow and use the Ancestry.com site for free and look for more clues...

Tuesday, August 18, 2009

Apex book

Forgive me...I did not realize that I had not posted since I got my book contract for the Apex book. Well, it's done and with the publisher. It should be out in November.

Oh, the research...

Well, I won't make excuses why I haven't blogged other than I just didn't feel like it. However, I am about to change all that.

You see...I am deep into my next book, The Secret Lives of Evelyn, and feel like sharing the research ride I am on.

Evelyn is a real Victorian woman and the book will be non-fiction, so I am trying to steep myself in all things that are Evelyn. Actually, I have been doing that for some time and her story has been sitting for well over two years. Oddly though, she seems to be tapping me on the shoulder saying, "Find me, tell my story..."

It's especially hard since she was born in England. I would love to go there, but am not sure where to start, so I have a friend doing some recon for me.

I have been successful in finding her grandson and great granddaughter, but unfortunately, they know little about that side of the family. Not surprising since Evelyn's son died in WWI when his son was 2.

I put out some requests for another descendant, but have heard nothing. I found another direct relative, but they did not have children, so another dead end.

More on my quest tomorrow.