Warrior on the Western Waters follows a young woman who’s abducted and taken to an angry Shawnee village where she must survive the dangerous west to return home. What were some sources that informed this novel’s development?
I loved researching the Shawnee culture and history online during the 18th century. There are many resources available, and some have updated since my access. (Apologies if I’ve misused or misrepresented Shawnee in my book. I meant respect and educational purposes)
- Thirteen Moons on Turtles Back Instruction Guide found at: https://cdn.shopify.com
- Shawnee Moons-The Cycle of Life found at: http://www.fantasy-epublications.com
- Shawnee Folk-Lore by J. Spencer found at: http://www.jtor.org/stable/534746
- Shawnee Mythology [archive] found at: http://www.bigorrin.org/archive123.htm
- Shawnee Language found at: https://estoo-nsn.gov/learn-shawnee/
- Research related to the location of Fort Boonesborough came from online reports by Nancy O’Malley.
- Archaeological Investigations at Fort Boonesborough found at: http://www.academia.edu/7374565/Archaelolgical_Investigations_at_Fort_Boonesborough
- Searching for Boonesborough found at: http://www.academia.edu/20228734/Searching_for_Boonesborough
- Books edited by Neal O’Hammon gave wonderful first-person accounts. Also, his book co-written by Richard Taylor.
- Floyd, John, The Life and Letters of a Frontier Surveyor. Edited by Neal O’Hammon. Louisville, KY: Butler Books, 2013.
- Boone, Nathan 1781-1856, My Father Daniel Boone. Edited by Neal O’ Hammon. Lexington, KY: University Press of Kentucky, paperback edition, 2012.
- O’ Hammon, Neal and Richard Taylor, Virginia’s Western War 1775-1786. Mechanicsburg, PA: Stackpole Books, 2002.
I enjoyed Mary’s character evolution throughout the story. What were some obstacles that you felt were important to defining her character?
Thank you. Mary’s persona at the beginning of the story is one of vulnerability due to past trauma. She expects protection from the Boonesborough settlement and her father.
When ripped from her family in the dark, she must recall survival skills and rely on herself.
No one can rescue her. She must overcome fear of the Piqua Shawnee before she can learn their language, customs, and worth. Respect grows into bonds of friendship, but she longs to be reunited with her family.
When tragedy strikes the village, an evil shaman blames Mary. Friends betray her, but she refuses to accept marriage to a vile loyalist trader. Mary risks death fleeing down turbulent rivers and creeks.
A fiercely independent, self-reliant young woman arrives at a patriot camp. Wounded, but not willing to wait for an escort from the scout she knows as William McGuire, she determines to make it back to her family. William insists on accompanying her. A confrontation on the way ends with a curse that threatens her future.
What were some ideas that were important for you to convey in this book?
I’m building my series by weaving in West Virginia and Kentucky historical events during the American Revolutionary war. In this installment, I’m showing the Shawnee side of things and how the British secured an alliance with them, thus seeding the devastating storm forming in the north and about to blow down from Fort Detroit in the real and fictional Mary Shirley’s future.
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
Palisades of the Heart (Dangerous Loyalties Series Book Four) Sweet Historical Romance set in Western Virginia at Cooks Fort on Indian Creek. Strong-willed, Mary Shirley and the stubborn scout, William McGuire clash over Kentucky territory.
Mary says she will never return.
William desires her when she can wed, but longs to raise fast horses in the fertile grasses of Kentucky. A man from Mary’s past arrives to complicate matters. Mary must resolve the fear of a spoken curse before she can trust.
Phyllis A. Still 