Author: Rebecca Royer

• Event Prep and Author Life

  As I dive deeper into research for my next novel, which I’ve recently retitled Chasing Fortune, I’m also stepping into a season of conversations, presentations, and community events centered on… .

• Thinking of my dad today

  Tomorrow, we celebrate my dad’s life. He was one of my biggest champions as I wrote this book, reading drafts and cheering me on through every stage. Unfortunately, he was… .

• Writing Women Back into History

  When I created Jane’s grandmother, I wanted her to symbolize the strength and quiet courage woven through women’s history. What I discovered in the world of abolitionists amazed me. While… .

• The Great Black Jockeys

  In shaping Peter of Chasing Freedom into a character who loves animals and finds his place as a stable boy, I dug deeply into the history of horse racing in… .

• Congressman Cutler and Macaroni

  One of the most interesting figures I stumbled upon while researching the Myers Tavern at Matildaville was Congressman Manasseh Cutler. His published journals contain one of the few surviving references… .

• Welcome Readers

  Chasing Freedom is just beginning its journey into the world, and I’m so grateful for everyone who has picked up a copy, shared a supportive word, or entered the world… .

• Tobacco was everywhere in 1801 Virginia — I didn’t include this in the book

  One of the unexpected facts I uncovered while writing Chasing Freedom was just how much tobacco Virginians chewed in 1801. Not just smoked and snuffed – but chewed and chewed… .

• The year was 1802. The gift was cheese. A lot of cheese.

  In 1802, a group of proud Baptist farmers in Cheshire, Connecticut, crafted a 1,235‑pound wheel of cheese and carted it all the way to the President’s House in Washington City.… .

• Tavern Life in 1801

  Sometimes, the most important insights for writing historical fiction come from immersing yourself in the places and spaces of the past. Last year, I visited the Rising Sun Tavern in… .

• Character Spotlight: Addie Myers

  Today’s spotlight shines on Addie Myers, a young woman whose quiet strength and tender heart anchor some of the most emotional moments in Chasing Freedom. Addie’s story begins in loss.… .