Rarely can we foresee how our actions will impact others. In fact, when I was writing “Marching Through Culpeper,” I was not sure if anyone would ever read it. Moreover, I had no idea that my book might inspire others to pursue their literary dreams.
 
Over a year and a half ago, I received an email from Jessica James in Gettysburg. She asked me to read the manuscript of her Civil War novel. I wasn’t sure why she had contacted me, but I agreed. Her large manuscript arrived and I put it on a back burner for a while. But as fate would have it, I was laid up with the flu for a few days. Thus I dived into her manuscript. I was so captivated that I do not think I came up for air, and my sickness faded into oblivion.
 
I found it difficult to believe that this was her first book.  I called her and was thrilled to learn that reading “Marching Through Culpeper” had inspired her to move forward with the story that she had always wanted to write. Jessica published “Shades of Gray” in January and has received the Gold Medal for Best Regional Fiction in the Indie Book Awards and a Silver Medal for Best Regional Fiction in the 2008 IPPY Awards.
 
The hero of her fast moving love story is reminiscent of John Mosby, the Confederacy’s daring partisan ranger. You Mosby fans do not want to miss this book! Quotes on the back cover say:
 
Cast your eyes back to the noble and daring achievements of men who preferred death to dishonor, and showed the world how they valued the rights and liberties of their land.”
 
“Shades of Gray” is an incredible achievement and a treasure. I have not enjoyed a book so much in years.
                                                                                      Virginia Morton
                                                   Author of “Marching Through Culpeper”
 
I was so impressed with Jessica’s grasp of 19th century dialog that I asked her to read our screenplay. I greatly appreciate her willingness to give so much time to my project and for sharing her expertise as the editing process continues. 
 
I also want to thank Penny Gaskins and Pam Harris for treating me like royalty during my weekend at Coalson Plantation. Pam is an inspiring Christian lady and she has posted the miraculous story of her son Joseph’s  healing from cancer on my blog under “Answered Prayers”.  I beg you to click here and read this amazing story of Christ’s power and love. I encourage others to post their stories of anwered prayer so that we may grow together spiritually.

I loved the Thomasville, Georgia area and the warmth and hospitality of the people. I hope to return in 2009 for the “Gone with the Wind” anniversary weekend.
 
Many of you have blessed me by sending messages of encouragement and lifting prayers for the screenplay. Please keep those emails and prayers coming!