Easley.
It’s a last name that’s not so common. In fact, in the United States, Easley can be traced to one ancestor. He arrived in the colony of Virginia in the early 1600s and was a French Huguenot. The family can be traced into Switzerland and they were silk merchants.
Is this sounding familiar? If you’ve read What Edward Heard, it will! In the book, Edward, a WWI veteran, is a central character. But, the painting that Francesco paints in Venice in 1566 is also a primary character. The painting travels from Venice to Edward in England in 1916. Along its way it encounters characters from many locations and time periods, including French Huguenots, silk merchants, and early settlers in Virginia.
Researching What Edward Heard allowed me to dig deep into my genealogy. Interesting titbits from family members are sprinkled throughout my novels, but What Edward Heard in particular allowed me to explore my background and some of the locations and professions that my ancestors lived in and took part in.
A strong component of What Edward Heard is the enduring legacy of items and bonds. In writing this story, I took part in strengthening the bond with my family’s past. And yet… in the midst of the old, there is always something new to uncover. The painting reveals that. So too does the book.
My best to you all,
Megan
Have you heard the good news? Macmillan is expanding my ebook distribution!
To celebrate it, What Edward Heard is currently on sale for only $1.99!
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