Can take the girl out of the history program…
But you can’t take the history out of the girl!
I’m outlined-ish three books in a series. (I don’t normally stick to outlines but I wrote down my ideas, so that I had a cohesive storyline throughout) The first book is set in Estill County Springs and Spa. I know very little about it, so I hit the internet, and found distressingly little. Even Wikipedia has failed me. So I began sending emails. I sent one to a member of the Estill County Historical and Genealogical Society and he just emailed me back asking for my address to mail me the information I requested. I also email the Kentucky Historical Society requesting information, and the University of Kentucky librarian requesting information. I can’t wait to get it, and I hope for a few photographs or at least an effusive description of what the hotel looked like. At one time it was the largest in the state with 110 rooms and small cabins scattered about. The book is set the summer before it burned down in 1924.
Book Two follows the main character as she graduates high school and goes to college to get her degree. I think most of you should have figured out where I’m going with this by now. That’s right! She’s going to Montevallo, technically the Alabama College at the time. I’ve already got who’s going to die figured out along with why.
If I play my cards right I can get book three set right as the great depression hits. Whoo!
I think I’m even more excited about the history I get to play with than anything else really.
I get to read the drafts and make comments right? I can’t wait.
I think it’s great that you’re using Estill Springs as the setting for your book! I look forward to being able to read it! One tip that may help you: check out the Lilly Collection at Eastern Kentucky University’s library. I’ve never made it over to check out the collection, but I’ve been told there is quite a bit of info on the hotel from when the Lilly family owned it. Good luck!