ONEY: MY ESCAPE FROM SLAVERY Now Available for Pre-Order

When I decided to write a biographical novel about Martha Washington, I wanted to use someone else as narrator: maybe her granddaughter or a friend...but it hit me like lightning...Oney Judge, her 'favorite servant' (but a slave, of course) she let work in the "big house" at Mount Vernon. It slowly became Oney's story. My friend, author Piper Huguley, helped me and the result is ONEY, MY ESCAPE FROM SLAVERY. Oney thirsted for her freedom. One evening she walked past the Washingtons as they ate dinner and out the door, never to return. A very brave girl. I greatly admire her.

Pre-Order ONEY here

Mount Vernon in the Rain

At my agent Jewelann's suggestion, I'm beginning my bio novel about Martha Washington, and visited Mount Vernon a few weeks ago to do research at their library. It was like Fort Knox--first you have to make an appointment with the historian, then announce your arrival at the gate; once inside, they confiscate your bags and hand you a pencil to write with. (but many historical society libraries go the confiscation route). No rubber gloves, though. The historian stacked a few mountains of books and papers before me, and I was in heaven for three hours! I'm looking forward to going back. I LOVE Mount Vernon & never tire of going there. My first trip there was at age 8 & I never forgot it.
When we toured the house, we stood at the doorway to the bedroom where George died, apparently of pneumonia, and I, of an 8-yr-old mind, asked the guide if it was still contageous!