Remember Krista, my guest from last month? Now, as promised, I’d like to introduce one of the clients of her agency, Blue Cottage Agency, the sweet and talented author of historical fiction, Candace Simar.
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| Young Adult Author Candace Simar |
Candace hails from Pequot Lakes, Minnesota, but she’s got a connection to North Dakota and the Sioux — a people dear to my heart as one who grew up among them. I’m going to slide over and let Candace introduce herself and her books. And then, if you sit tight, I’ll give you details on how you can win a copy of Candace’s latest book!
Beginnings and Where They Lead by Candace Simar
My childhood was spent on the family dairy farm in rural Otter Tail County. Being the middle child, I often felt too young to tag along with the older kids and too old to play with the younger ones. As a result, I spent a lot of time listening. I loved hearing my grandparents (who lived upstairs in our huge farmhouse) talk about the early days of the pioneers, when Minnesota was young. I was fascinated by their stories of passenger pigeons, dust storms, and the hardships of getting started in a new land.
I didn’t know these stories would become the basis for my historical novels. After all, I loved to read historical fiction. I never dreamed I would end up writing it.
In 2000 I discovered that my great-grandfather had driven the stagecoach to Fort Abercrombie in the years directly after the 1862 Sioux Uprising. When I told this family tidbit to our kids, I was shocked to realize they knew nothing about the Sioux Uprising—even though born and educated in Minnesota. My son challenged me to write a book about it. I couldn’t back down.
ABERCROMBIE TRAIL, my first novel about the Sioux Uprising, puts my protagonist as a witness while he drives the stage across Minnesota. Loosely based on my great-grandfather, Evan Jacobson is a Scandinavian immigrant who finds himself in the wrong place at the wrong time. The names of my characters are mostly family names and lots of family stories are tucked into my characters’ lives.
POMME DE TERRE, my second novel, investigates life in the aftermath of the Sioux Uprising, specifically at Fort Pomme de Terre near present day Elbow Lake, Minnesota. I loved resurrecting the history of the place and time.
BIRDIE continues the story of these characters a decade later during the grasshopper plagues of the 1870s. It investigates the lives of survivors and deals with issues of faith and family in the face of great hardship. The characters homestead in Otter Tail County, as my ancestors did. Yes, I am pulling on real history and family stories to propel my characters through the pages. (My sister says it is her favorite of the three published books.)
I’m currently working diligently on my fourth novel in the series, BLOOMING PRAIRIE. Watch for its release next summer.
Candace Simar is a poet and writer from Pequot Lakes, Minnesota. Check out her website at www.candacesimar.com. Her historical novels are available at Barnes & Noble, Zandbroz Books and Variety, and the Sandford Health System Gift Shop. They are also available online in hard copy and e-books.
Okay, so, if you’d like a copy of Candace’s latest, Birdie, all you have to do is leave a comment in the comments box, and share a link to this post with someone else on either Twitter or Facebook. (I’m going on the honor system). I will announce the winner in two weeks on Wednesday, February 8.
How wonderful that Candace delves into her family history and writes stories about them! These books sound terrific. Best wishes to Candace as she continues writing her historical novels. 🙂
Excellent interview with Candace. I have had the privilege of meeting her. She likes to visit with book clubs and I sat in on one of those sessions. She’s a terrific storyteller. I don’t need to win a book since I have all three, read them, and enjoyed them. I felt like it was my story, too, as I am a farmer’s daughter of Norwegian and Swedish immigrants.
I’ll also tweet this. It’s great to promote a local author of such a fine book.
I’m also sharing this link with my friend and neighbor, Lisa. She’s also read and enjoyed Candace’s books.
I spent time with Candace up at Minot, North Dakota at the Hostfest! She is a very talented writer and her books are a great read. Her books reflect much about the history of the Red River Valley.
I have read the first three books, and I can tell you that I love them. Starting with Ambercrombie Trail, the story of Evan is one that is hard to put down. Candace makes the history of Minnesota the background to her family history, and she doesn’t get squeamish over the bloodiness of the Indian uprising. Her characters are flesh and blood from the first page. The authenticity of the story sits right in your bones. Without prejudices, you find yourself in the drama of the past, with all of the simplicity of the day, and the complexity of the nation’s growing pains. Continuing the story into the next two books, you already know you love her characters, and that she will tell you a tale that will keep you reading far into the night.
Candace is not only a wonderful writer of historical fiction but also one of the nicest people I have ever had the privilege of knowing. I hope her books get a wide circulation – they really captured my imagination and brought to life a period in that part of the country’s history of which I was completely ignorant!
I agree with Candance’s reasoning 100%–if the 1862 Sioux Uprising has been overlooked by the education system, then we as writers should bring these important incidents from our history to the forefront through our stories and books. I appreciate that Candace chose to tell the story through the eyes of characters based on her own ancestors. I too can connect in so many ways, as my great-grandparents homesteaded in Otter Tail County and I just finished an historical story from 1870, taken from our family history notes.
Congratulations, Candance, on continuing the saga of this region’s rich history.
I was so glad to see Margit had posted this on Facebook..about Candace Simar and her books…a reminder (I had forgotten about) these books were on my list of books to read. I’m in the midst of writing a non-fiction story of this same time and place, so anything at all written about this period is required reading.
What a great blog post! I have all of Candace’s books and I am looking forward to another. They are poignant, interesting and really give a look at our past in a very realistic way. Even having been raised in Minnesota I had very little knowledge of what our state went through, I learned a lot while enjoying the characters in Candy’s books.
As a fellow member of the Brainerd Area HEARTLAND POETS, it is a privilege to discover that our poet has created this series of authentic novels from my prairie home.
I am the owner today of Grandpa Ole Erickson’s eighty, deeded to my mother in 1935. Ole came to Stevens County from Kongsvinger Norway in 1883 at age 18. I have the identification document that his parish priest wrote for him. He married the widow of Lars Harstad, who froze to death on the prairie.
Thank you, Candy! -Gord Prickett
Candy is not only a great writer, but a great person as well. Proud to be among her fans.
Jerry Mevissen, the Bard of Nimrod
Candace, I am so impressed with the flurry of fans who have shown up here today. I look forward to reading your work and hearing more from you in the future! 🙂
Even though I lived in MN for twelve years, I had no idea a Sioux Uprising had ever occurred in that state. After meeting Candace and having the privilege of reading her first novel, I was hooked. The series is excellent, told by a wonderful writer and storyteller. And I’ll be waiting for the fourth.
Brenda Hill
http://www.brendahill.com
(posted by Roxane due to technical issues…thanks Brenda!)
Great books, Candace! Thanks for bringing our heritage to life!
Bill & Becky Sonmor
Yes, I’m of Norwegian descent with personaol ties to the area. But I want to mention that after enjoyihg the books myself, I lent them to three neighbors of non-Norwegian descent. All reported they couldn’t put them down. I believe the stories resonate because they’re about vivid characters with both strengths and weaknesses. Plus, reading them offers insight into a fascinating period of history.
Candace & I grew up in the same neighborhood and went to school together back in the 60’s. We both have lots of memories of riding the school bus. I am now a librarian & can attest to the fantastic following she has developed. Her genuine interest & deep respect for her subject matter creates instant appeal among a variety of age groups. All my patrons who enjoy historical fiction are clamoring for the next book.
Candy,
Even though I’ve known you for over 30 years, I am embarrassed to admit that I have never read any of your writings. And my favorite type of reading is historical fiction! Our dear friend has tried so many times so finally… I will be going to your site and ordering these books.
I’ve taught about the 1862 Uprising so am looking forward to reading fiction, especially from your family’s perspective.
Hope
It’s wonderful having Candace writing with us at Brainerd Writers Alliance and in my home for Write Ins. She enjoys sitting in front of my fireplace downstairs while the rest of us work upstairs. Later she reads some of Blooming Prairie, due out this summer. Fans will be treated to more on their favorite characters and also meet a new villain.
Bev
I have thoroughly enjoyed all of Candy’s books. My Native American friend says “Candy is the fairest to both the Native Americans and Pioneers concerning the uprising.” Good praise. Cousin Darlene in Ca.
If you’ve perused Ms Simar’s website, you know she’s working on a short-story collection/novel. The stories are poignant, humorous, realistic, set in the 40’s or 50’s after WWII. I can’t wait to see this one in print!
Bev
Not only is Candace a talented writer, she is a kind and caring person. I am blessed to be a part of her writing world and I look forward to more and more great books by Candace!!