One Hundred Years From Now

When thinking of what to write today, I realized that the setting of my book, Love On The Range, is almost one hundred years ago. My mouth kind of gaped at that because 1918 doesn't seem so long ago to me.
I still see people come through my bank, unassisted, who were born in the '20s.
But times have changed a lot and it is indeed almost one hundred years later. According to this government site, the influenza of 1918 forever changed history.

What do you think people will say about 2012 one hundred years from now? What changes do you see on the horizon?

Love on the Range Interview

How exciting to have Gracie the heroine from Love On The Range written by Jessica Nelson an April 2012 release from Love Inspired Romance .

1. Gracie, tell me the most interesting thing about you. Oh boy. Well, I don’t know if there’s anything interesting about me specifically, but I do know of a most intriguing man. His name is Striker and he’s a special agent for the Bureau of Investigation. He’s rumored to be secretive, elusive and quite possibly dangerous, but I’m positive I can track him down for a news story of a lifetime.

2. What do you do for fun? Don’t tell my father or mother because it might make them lose hair, but I really adore searching for Striker. I even allowed them to send me to the Oregon desert because I know he’s here…somewhere.

3. What do you put off doing because you dread it? That would be sewing. It’s an abominable task for me, I’m afraid.

4. What are you afraid of most in life? I used to think it was horses, but now I’m beginning to think being restricted to a mundane social existence is my greatest fear.

5. What do you want out of life? Right now, to find Striker, procure an interview and perhaps I’ll even tell him that I’ve fallen madly in love with him.

6. What is the most important thing to you? Faith in God, that He sees and that He cares.

7. If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be? Sometimes I think it would be nice to be able to sew my mouth closed. I think my mother would enjoy that too.

8. Do you have a pet? If so, what is it and why that pet? I’ve always wanted a pet but my parents didn’t allow it. My uncle’s friend Trevor, who is really quite an intriguing man, has some kittens who I adore.

9. Can you tell us a little interesting tidbit about the time period you live in? Oh yes! 1918 in America is such an amazing time. Women are fighting harder than ever for the vote, even winning it already in some states. World War One has finally ended and I’m certain that pants, a wonderful, wonderful article of clothing, are here to stay. Now if I can convince my parents that they’re appropriate for a woman of my station…J

FEATURED BOOK: LOVE ON THE RANGE BY JESSICA NELSON

Any other socialite would view being packed off to a remote Oregon ranch as a punishment. But Gracelyn Riley knows that this is her opportunity to become a real reporter. If she can make her name through an interview with the elusive hero known as Striker, then she'll never have to depend on anyone ever again.Rancher Trevor Cruz can't believe his secret identity is being endangered by an overly chatty city girl. But if there's one thing he knows, it's that Gracie's pretty little snooping nose is bound to get her in trouble. So he'll use her determination to find "Striker" to keep an eye on her…and stick close by her side.

Dangerous Times in 1918

When I started writing Love On the Range, I didn't know much about the time period. I only knew that the influenza pandemic had started and my heroine needed a safe place to go.

Enter Oregon.

As you can see by the map, the Spanish Flu struck there at a later date. My heroine's parents think if they can get her out of Boston, maybe she won't contract the virus, so they send her to an uncle's house.

As I researched 1918 though, I realized a ton more was happening than just the pandemic. WWI was ending, the Bureau of Investigation was growing more organized and stronger (which prompted a secret agent hero) and the traditional role of women in American culture was rapidly changing.

Recently Romantic Times Reviewer Susan Mobley said about my story, "Nelson takes an exciting look at a time of sorrow, but also hope, in America, with a heroine struggling to respect her upbringing while embracing her independence."

I didn't realize it fully until I read this review, but the early twentieth century really does excite me!

Which era do you find yourself intrigued by? If you could choose a time period to visit, which one would it be?