Sharon Dunn here. At the end of February, my new book Montana Ranch Crime Ring releases. I am especially excited about this book because my source of inspiration was a little different this time, my own heritage as a person of Norwegian descent. Years ago, my older sister put together a book that traced our ancestry on both sides of the family. My great grandmother who came over from Norway as a child used to visit us when we were kids. The story in Montana Ranch Crime Ring is a modern suspense story so it wasn't like I got to write directly about my ancestors, but they served as the inspiration. I include a character in my book who is a great deal like how my great grandmother was. The reader letter at the end of book explains what's real and what's not.
I've written over 45 books and I can't believe I didn't draw on this as a source for story ideas. The book my sister put together also contained an essay by one of my relatives on my father's side of the family who homesteaded in Montana. Maybe I'll use that in another book. It's my mother's side of the family that came from Norway. Interesting thing about my father's side of the family. My dad always said we were German when we asked him about our heritage but when the bloodlines are traced turns out we're not German at all but English. Funny how stories get passed down that aren't true or only partially true.
How about you? What do you know about your family heritage? Was there anything you were told that turned out not to be true or only half true? Any outlaws or royalty or important people in your bloodline? Leave a comment down below along with your email address. I'll choose at random several people to receive a copy of Montana Ranch Crime Ring (USA only).
Tracing your ancestry really does come with surprises. My family believed that we had Cherokee in our bloodline. If you saw a photo of my grandfather, you would believe it. Even my dentist told me that I must have an American Indian heritage because of my teeth. (?) But when we sent our DNA into a well-known company that checks your ancestry, my heritage was mostly English! No trace of American Indian! Frankly, I was a little disappointed. I love that you used family information for your book. Makes it so special! Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeletethe same thing happened to my mother in law. She was told her whole life she had Cherokee blood but when she did the DNA test they said she didn't have any Indian blood.
Deletenot much
ReplyDeletebn100candg at hotmail dot com
Hi. Always enjoy your books, Sharon! My late Father originally came from Norway. After he found the Lord, he got missionary training, got married, and ended up ministering in Paraguay for 34 years, working with tribes, where my brother and I also grew up. My Dad also was a veteran from WWII on the USS Saratoga, so I enjoy stories about that era as well. My favorite CF, however, is Romantic Suspense! For many years now, my husband and I have lived in rural Montana, which I've mentioned before, where my husband is a minister, so we appreciate your prayers for us! Thank you for the opportunity to enter this giveaway! Would love to win a print copy! Take care and God bless! Lual Krautter Email: krautter62520AToutlookDOTcom
ReplyDeleteMy great great great grandmother was on the trail of tears. Somehow got to St. Louis. My dad was 1/16th Cherokee and was upset that he wasn't 1/8. Because then he could have gotten a scholarship to college. This would make me 1/32 Cherokee. My mother's side was German and French Canadian. My name is Nancy Darby. I would love a copy of the book. nancydarby2007@yahoo.com
ReplyDeleteMy ancestors on my Dads side came here from Finland. There is a monument in their honor in North Dakota. They were early homesteaders and the family farm stayed in the family for many years. My Dad could not speak a word of English when he started school in America. He learned the language quickly, so he could help his family with it. I admire their brave spirits and hard work. I'm thankful I was born in America. nanaalexander@hotmail.com
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