Living History with Julie & Rick Clarke
We would encourage younger readers to learn from history so we can understand how to work together today. Also, don’t hide your light under a bushel, but let it shine.“
Perhaps the best way to know history is to relive it, which is what authors Julie and Rick Clarke have done and written about…
Jim Wall Coaching (JWC): You live, love and write history. Which came first: doing reenactments or writing your book?
Julie and Rick: The reenactments came first. We had to follow the steps of the ancestors before we had enough information to write a book.
JWC: Your book is Pauline D’Alvigny Campbell, Civil War Nurse, Her Life and Times of War in Atlanta. What was the catalyst for writing a book about Pauline?
Julie and Rick: In researching Rick’s ancestors, (Pauline is Rick’s 3rd great grandmother), we discovered a typed version of her account in the form of an article, buried in a scrapbook. When we were at Oakland cemetery at one of their events, some visitors looking for her grave told us about a photograph of Pauline in a local museum. We thought something should be written about Pauline and her fascinating family who lived during a difficult time in our nation’s history.
JWC: What drew you to Pauline’s story?
Julie and Rick: That she was a young wife and mother who was thrust into a world of war, along with her children. We admire her humor and how that helped her to deal with the circumstances around her. When you look at the Atlanta history books, there is no mention of Pauline as a nurse, heroine or even pioneer of Atlanta. But she was so greatly admired by her community as evidenced by our research. Her photo is hanging in a local museum. We thought it right to publish her story. Julie was always a fan of Gone With the Wind and Pauline’s French father is the role model for Dr. Meade. We think Rick’s family history is fascinating and hope others do as well.
JWC: How did you tackle writing this book as husband and wife?
Julie and Rick: We both first verbally discussed a general outline to each other with feedback. Julie outlined the sequences and content of the stories that comprised the book. Rick verified a lot of the historical content.
JWC: Who or what has influenced your lives and writing?
Julie and Rick: Rick’s high school history teacher influenced him to write a report on Civil War Atlanta and Julie’s mother inspired her to write.
JWC: What’s your biggest challenge as writers?
Julie and Rick: A busy life makes it difficult to carve out the time to write. The biggest challenge was finishing the final page of the book before new information on the D’Alvigny family could be found.
JWC: What’s your biggest joy as writers?
Julie and Rick: Hearing positive feedback from people who read the book or when we are requested to sign the book at purchase.
JWC: What do you wish people knew more about you?
Julie and Rick: We both have strong roots in the Atlanta area. Rick never intended to write and publish a book until he realized the d’Alvigny medical family saved thousands of lives.
JWC: Why should young people be interested in history?
Julie and Rick: We would encourage younger readers to learn from history so we can understand how to work together today. Also, don’t hide your light under a bushel, but let it shine.
JWC: What encouragement do you have for other authors?
Julie and Rick: Write the first page to get started. Don’t think that your ideas are not worth being published. Don’t give up.
JWC: How can people learn more about you?
Julie and Rick: At Scribblersweb.com: https://www.scribblersweb.com/norcrosstucker/category/rick-julie-clark
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/clarkebooks or contact us at jr.clarke.library@gmail.com
