Category: Inspirational Fiction
What is Historical Fiction?
| Posted by Sarah Elisabeth under Inspirational Fiction, Writing Life |
Since teaching the writing workshop, Historical Fiction, Preserving Choctaw Removal Stories, I’ve had several great questions on exactly what historical fiction is, and more important, how I use this genre. Hopefully, I can answer these questions fully but if not feel free to ask more in the comments.
The National Archives, Washington, D.C.
This genre presents historical events, but in an entertaining fashion. With my Choctaw fiction, I take true stories and present them in a way the mainstream public will be attracted to reading while remaining historically and culturally accurate. As a result, my fiction educates the public in our real history, not just what they learned in school or from Hollywood about Native people. I’m also striving to preserve these stories before they’re forgotten forever with the passing of our elders. (more…)
Making Summer Memories – Dress-up Time
| Posted by Sarah Elisabeth under Heart Thoughts, Inspirational Fiction |
Remember the days of dress-up time with your mom’s old stuff? It might have gone something like this:
You tiptoed into Mom and Dad’s vacant bedroom. Time for a raid.
At the far end of the clothes rack where Mom kept her old dresses, you looked for the floral print with the long flowing sleeves. It took a footstool to reach the hanger.
You pulled the dress over your t-shirt and shorts, barely able to get the zipper halfway up. The old fashion dress fit just right, with the skirt dragging a good foot behind you. The sleeves draped elegantly over your hands and flowed with the dramatic swing of your arm.
At that same end of the closet, you retrieved the nail polish-sprinkled white high heels, so you didn’t have to worry about adding any of your own. The click they made as they flopped from the two-inch gap behind your heel was perfect.
Now time for jewelry. (more…)
The Greatest Moment—A Flash Fiction Story
| Posted by Sarah Elisabeth under Inspirational Fiction |
By Sarah Elisabeth
Why did the sun not rise?
Darkness closed in on Mary as she stared into the starless sky. Would the darkness come to her soul again, this time consuming the very air she breathed?
She could no longer wait for the sun’s light. Small clay jars in hand, she stepped from the house and started down the road. Quiet footsteps followed her. The fact she was not alone in her world of grief comforted her.
The sun still refused to show itself. Mary strained to make out the form of the tomb. The pound of her heart overlaid the soft exclamations of the other women. The stone was moved, the black entrance gaping at them. Mary touched the cold rock, and her eyes moved from the stone, taller than she, to the dark opening.
The first ray of the sun penetrated the gloomy interior. Mary gasped when the light revealed the vacant room.
Family Reunion—A Flash Fiction Story
| Posted by Sarah Elisabeth under Inspirational Fiction |
I hope you enjoy this flash fiction account of a family reunion.
For Him,
Sarah Elisabeth
***
It’s been awhile since we were all together: Grams, Gramps, Mom, Dad, my three sisters and two brothers. And their families. I’m the only one not married yet.
The awkwardness is hanging in the air right now. Not sure why. Everyone gets along, loves each other. Sure, we’ve had our problems, but we’re family. There’s nothing we wouldn’t do for one another. Still, I can’t get past the feeling of how it’s all changed over the years. I long for the carefree spirit that once filled our times together.
We have dinner. Chitchat. I almost wonder if there are topics that are out of bounds for our conversation. Did something happen I don’t know about? Or have we simply lost touch with each other?
Evening hasn’t quite come. We move to the back deck. The sun is hovering just at the tree line, enough for light, but far enough down to allow the breeze to cool our cheeks.
“Smile!”
I see my sister, Beth, has her camera and two lenses out. She’s capturing the sweet faces of my niece and nephew. They squirm and run behind their dad. I remember those days.
Which suddenly reminds me of something else.
A New Journey Begins
| Posted by Sarah Elisabeth under Inspirational Fiction, Novel Journey, World of Fiction |
Laura Ashbrook Photography
I’m giddy. Last Thursday morning, as I prepared for work and family and friends coming in from four directions, nearly an entire novel downloaded into my brain. In my heart, I believe the download was sent by God and I couldn’t wait to scan through it.
On Monday, after work ended, company left, house cleaned, laundry done, freelance work caught up, I sat down to capture the virtual world I hope will become my debut novel. Yes, I’ve written other novels and novellas (starting more than I finished) but none of them are publishable in their current condition, maybe never. This story is different. I hope.
Lord willing, the first draft begins January 18 and ends April 18. I’ll keep a journal here on the blog of this creative process, to help me stay on track and accountable.
Stay tuned!
For Him,
Sarah Elisabeth
