The Story of An 18th Century Woman from A Prominent New England Family Who Went from A Life of Privilege to The Gallows
Bathsheba Spooner was the daughter of Timothy Ruggles, a general in the French and Indian War, president of the Stamp Act Congress, Chief Justice of the Court of Common Pleas, and a leading loyalist in Massachusetts during the Revolutionary War; the epitome of upper class.
Like her father, Bathsheba was smart, strong-willed, and a staunch British loyalist. Forced to marry a man she did not love, Bathsheba withstood her husband’s abuse for years until a young Continental soldier entered her life. But when this well-heeled mother of three small children discovered she was pregnant with the soldier’s child, her thoughts quickly turned to murder.
Based on a true story, the events that follow Bathsheba’s life, her decisions, and her ultimate demise will show readers that Bathsheba Spooner was, in fact, Unlike Any Other . . .
INTERVIEW
Writing Interview questions.
Why did you choose to write your book in this era?
The events in the story took place in a specific timeframe—1754 to 1778—so determining when to set it was the easy part.
What is the most surprising thing you discovered while you were researching this era?
I'd done quite a bit of research in this era for my two previous historical fiction books, so I was quite familiar with the Colonial America period. All of my books to date take place in the area where I live. It is rich in history, and the people here value and protect it. One of the things that stood out in the research for this book is the number of people opposed to severing relations with Great Britain. From what I learned, at least in my particular area of Massachusetts, the split was 35-40% against and 60-65% for. Also, the depth of hatred for my main character and her father was surprising. Timothy Ruggles was a wealthy, powerful political figure who could have been one of America's Founding Fathers if he had not sided with the British cause. He became one of the most despised men in New England, and because his daughter Bathsheba Spooner also allied herself with the British cause and because she had her husband murdered, the hatred for her intensified to a surprising degree.
Can you share something about the book that isn't covered in the blurb?
The number of people who were against breaking from Britain both before and during the Revolutionary War was surprising. Many family members fought against each other and in many ways it was a civil war.
If you had to describe your protagonist, in three words, what would those three words be?
Angry, disillusioned, entrapped.
What are you currently working on?
I'm wrapping up a contemporary fiction story about an estranged family and how understanding their family's history brings them together so they can move into the future.
Personal Interview questions.
What do you like to do when you are not writing?
I like to read, of course, walk and hike, go fishing, and spend time in my flower and vegetable gardens.
What did you want to be when you grew up?
A writer. Unfortunately, or perhaps fortunately, life got in the way. Instead of pursuing a writing career, I realized I needed to make a living, so I went into the insurance business, did well, and one day realized I didn't want to do it anymore. I changed industries twice, moving from insurance to energy efficiency and then onto the educational travel industry. Not starting to write until I was 52 years old gave me a greater life perspective and maturity than if I'd started writing earlier. I know that has made me a better writer.
What's your favourite food?
Whatever is on my plate at the moment.
What is the best part of your day?
I have read in bed every night since I was six years old. It is my happy place where all the worries and cares of the world fall away. Snuggled down in bed with a good book in my hand is the best part of my day.
Either or!
Tea or coffee: Tea
Hot or cold: Cold
Movie or book: Book
Morning person or Night owl: Night owl
City or country: Country
Social Media or book: Book
Paperback or ebook: Paperback
Thank you for hosting the blog tour for Unlike Any Other!
ReplyDeleteAll the best,
Mary Anne
The Coffee Pot Book Club