The Wilderness Church at Silver Dollar City
I’ve thought a lot about how much the past affects our present.
It influences everything: cultural differences, lifestyles, the way we speak, the way we dress, what drives us to succeed, others’ perceptions of us, and a host of other things.
Believe me, because of where I live I’ve heard just about every hillbilly joke there is. I try to smile and nod because I don’t believe folks mean any harm or intentionally want to diss anyone’s heritage. We all have certain beliefs that we attach to geographic locations and those who live there.
I’m proud of where I live so I do blend much of my heritage into the novels I write.
People in the Ozarks are some of the friendliest bunch you’ll ever run across. We may be down-to-earth, but we’re not dry as dust. We may have a bit of an Ozarkian twang. It gives us character. If we say “howdy” it means we like you. If you’re new to our neck of the woods, we might just bake you a cake and deliver it to your doorstep. We want you to feel welcomed, and besides, neighbors still do that here.
If the preacher says “Glad to have you today” then you better be back next Sunday ’cause you’ll be missed. And if you want to know what we eat here in God’s country, here’s a little sampling: country fried steak and mashed potatoes with thick cream gravy, angel biscuits slathered in honey butter, garden fresh green beans, and anything else we can fit on our plates. And just so you’ll feel truly at home, we’ll invite you to dinner and, of course, let you wash a dish or two!
In my Heartfelt, Homespun Fiction I’ve embraced my Ozarkian roots, taking care to unearth any stereotypical weeds that may encroach from time to time.
A rustic cabin at Silver Dollar City–The Ozarks
Let me ask you a question. When you looked at the photo above, did you form an opinion? Be honest. Because people respond to visuals, we can’t help but form ideas and opinions about what we see. It’s only natural.
Though few of us live in rustic log cabins anymore, our ancestors did, and this is a glimpse into their world.
They weren’t wealthy. Their initial dwellings might have been primitive at best. They taught us resilience, perseverance, integrity, and love. They lived out their faith in mighty ways and challenged us to do the same.
Their legacy endures through us, and I enjoy creating fictional characters who live my ancestor’s stories in the contemporary world.
A bit of history…
I bet many delicious meals were whipped up here!
Dishwashers at the ready!
A sewing room with a view!
Not a very spacious dwelling, but just big enough…
Lunch (Now that’s what I’m talkin’ about!)
I don’t write historicals, but I think it’s important I embody the spirit of the past as I blend it with my stories of today.
It’s fun seeing my characters’ lives unfold in the present and knowing that so much of who they are is because of their ancestors who came before them.
In other words, my contemporary characters reflect the same diligent work ethic and core values as their parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents, but as with any change, they strive to keep up with the issues of now. Things that are pertinent in the twenty-first century that just weren’t many years ago.
I adore history and I admire those authors who write it well.
As writers, all of our gifts are different. I focus on the present while stirring the Ozarkian pot with a bit of the past. And I love every minute of it!
Editing and revising? That’s a whole ‘nother post!
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ADDITIONAL THOUGHTS YOU MAY ENJOY
Silver Dollar City… A Little Slice of Heaven
Peanut Brittle-Making at Silver Dollar City (What it Taught Me)
Where Should You Head for Family Fun? Visit the Ozarks!
What aspects of writing a story intrigue you?
What do you like most about the story-telling process?
When you read, what details make the story come alive for you?
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Much Love and Many Blessings,
Comments 4
Love those photos and I love present-day stories that weave in the past. As for what I like most about the story-telling process–the dialogue, definitely the dialogue. And I think I have my “past life” as a reporter to thank for that. In those years of reporting, I learned to listen not just to what people say, but how they say it…and also what they aren’t saying. And I think that’s probably why I like both writing and reading good dialogue so much!
Author
Melissa, so glad you liked the photos! (Some of those I’d shown on my blog before, but thought folks might be interested in them. I love the Ozarks and the history here!)
I enjoy great dialogue, too! It usually gets in the heads and hearts of our characters quicker than “watching” them do something. Witty, snappy dialogue makes writing and reading fun! (Can’t wait to read Made to Last! I understand the dialogue in that one is pretty clever!) 😉
This really resonates with me, because most of my main characters are military, or former military – and in that culture much of the ethos of what Tom Brokaw called “The Greatest Generation” has been preserved.
These are, in the main, people who feel a calling and a sense of mission, and dedication to the principles of decency and freedom.
I like the continuity with the past, and have no interest in portraying the amoral side of modern life. Had to live with enough of that in academia. I’d rate non-veteran professors and university administrators pretty low on the ‘moral values’ scale. It was horrible.
This is not to say that all military are saints…far from it, but there is a core of just plain goodness in so many of them…they give me hope, and that is what I want to give my readers.
Author
Andrew, I think “hope” is the underlying reason a lot of us read the stories we do. Digging deep into our past and seeing the faith and resiliency of our forefathers, including challenges they overcame, transcends generations. Indeed those are the stories that bear repeating. Your readers will be blessed!