The History Lives Series (Now out of print)
The Story of a Series
In 2003, my fellow writer (and spouse), Mindy Rice Withrow, and I were asked by a small independent publisher to write a five-volume series of books for a Protestant readership, and the History Lives series was born.
We were already planning a series like this at the time, which we imagined as a love letter to our then twenty-one nieces and nephews. We began by crafting a series that would allow them to see their faith from a perspective that included not only their own tradition, but also the traditions of others. Figures were chosen based on their significance, contributions, and legacy; their stories are told so as to capture their own understanding of what they were accomplishing, and not so much as an endorsement of that position.
What we produced was a hybridized historical fiction and creative nonfiction account of the history of Christianity for the young adult reader, covering individuals from every geographic, ethnic, and economic background, but who were important for establishing the various traditions of the Christian faith. Some of these figures were warmongers and some were pacifists. They were all products of their day and had an impact on the church as it is today.
To purchase the series, find them on Amazon.
How a Series and Its Authors Change
Since completion, the series grew in popularity, became a boxed-set, and became available on Kindle. What has also proved interesting, however, is not so much how a series within a niche audience can evolve, but how much two people can change. As I look back on this series, I realize we are very different people. We were both raised in conservative baptist homes, made our way to the Presbyterian church, then to the Episcopal church, and now we are no longer in the church. With hindsight, I can chart many of these changes with each volume. It is that life path that has led the books to be out of print today.
Still, these books represent a very important chapter in our lives. They forged us as writers—challenging us to write for everyone—and they will always be an cherished part of our lives.