ALONG THE RED DIRT ROAD
The uplifting historical novel rooted in the
American Civil War/Great Depression era about
race, secrecy, friendship, and truth.
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BACK STORY
PART I
The story before you is one that evolved over months and years. From the time I was a young girl, I loved reading, writing, and story-telling, but despite encouragement from family and teachers, my goal of crafting a compelling novel never progressed beyond a few long-forgotten chapters. After reaching my sixties, I realized it was time to get my act together.
I have been asked what inspired this story. The answer is not simple. Some years ago, my family discovered the diary of a Confederate ancestor. In heart-rending detail, it described his escape from Union custody and arduous journey back to North Carolina. With that seed subconsciously planted in my brain, a song written and performed by Tim O'Brien one afternoon at a Shenandoah Valley songwriter's festival caused that seed to take root. For years, I had pondered the notion of weaving a tale around my maternal great-grandmother, whose pioneer spirit, spritely form, and given name had fascinated me since childhood. Numerous friends and family members, places and circumstances I have encountered on the “red dirt road of life” supplied the rest.
The red dirt and people of Oklahoma gave me my roots, my grounding. The people and lush hills of West Virginia gave me a love for their window to history. While all places and characters of Along the Red Dirt Road are fictitious, they are a compilation of bits and pieces pulled from my past and my imagination.
A posthumous thank you goes to my mother and aunt, who never stopped telling me to write. Thank you to my husband Bill, who encouraged me and was one of my first readers. Without his editing assistance, positive reinforcement, and much more, this book would not be what it is. Thank you to Judy Malone, who read the manuscript's first draft and provided plot/character suggestions and critiques. She and Bill gave me the confidence that this is a story that may touch the minds and hearts of others. Thank you to Joanne Brown, professional editor, who reinforced the belief that this story is a good one. A final thank you goes to all of my family and friends who provided love, insights into human nature, and an appreciation for truth. I hope you find this tale satisfying, inspirational, and worthy of playing forward.
Peace and Love,
Jane Yearout
BACK STORY
PART II
It is 1933, and a pandemic of homelessness, joblessness, and financial ruin grip the nation. Wind, drought, and despair ravage the central plains, and an ambitious, new president takes office.
Under such circumstances, Annie Young, her parents, and a dog named Bitsy abandon the Dust Bowl for a fresh start back east. Hillview harbors lingering wounds from the Civil War and strange undercurrents that defy reason or virtue. The innocent girl is befriended by an old woman marked by scandal and a ragtag boy from ages past. Both are held hostage by an untold story — one that Annie is compelled to reveal.
And so it begins, in the Shenandoah Valley at the apex of the Southern Rebellion. The road takes us to the parched and impoverished Midwest, then back to the valley in 1933. Too long, old prejudices and a closely held secret poisoned Hillview. It is time for truth to come forth - to empower her descendants, her kindred spirits, and all who may be touched by this tale.
