Jerri Hines - Romance, Spying and the American Revolution
A Southern gal at heart, author Jerri Hines is fascinated with history, especially the American Revolution. This shows in her work and inspired her to write the bestselling Winds of Betrayal, Winds of Change and Southern Legacy series. As our author of the day, Hines reveals some interesting aspects of her research for the books, talks about what shaped America and her journey as an author.
Please give us a short introduction to Winds of Betrayal
I began Winds of Betrayal back in 2001 at the time I first seriously began writing. I was given advance to write what you read. I was inspired by other sweeping family sagas. Hannah and Jonathan Corbett have grown up with a strong sense of family and duty. In colonial times, Williamsburg was a hot bed for the call for freedom from England. The story draws from true historical events.
The winds of change brews over the colonies. Tension against the crown is mounting daily. In Williamsburg, the rebellion burns strong in the hearts of two siblings, Jonathan and Hannah Corbett. Spirited and headstrong, Hannah finds herself thrust in the middle of a conspiracy when her father receives a strange package from Philadelphia. Jonathan, a physician for the Continental Army, is torn between duty and family. With war looming on the horizon, the siblings soon discover there is a high price to be paid for the cry for freedom.
Where does your fascination with the American Revolution come from?
I believe my beliefs come through my words. I love my country and have always been amazed at how this great country began. Most revolutions end in a chaotic, unstable government, but not with the American Revolution. Our forefathers had a vision. They accomplished the impossible, especially when you consider that only a third of the population supported the revolution at the beginning of the conflict. I feel the sacrifice and vision is inspiring.
How much research did Winds of Betrayal require from you and what did you find to be the most interesting aspect of that research?
A great deal. My research led me to the Culper Spy Ring. Back in 2000, there wasn’t much I could find on the spy ring. There was one internet page on the brave men and women of the group. Hannah’s story is loosely based on the Culper Spy Ring. When I discovered the risk spies took during this time, I was inspired. There was also another fact that inspired Winds of Betrayal series— researching the Southern Campaign. Up until then, I knew about the beginning of the war: Boston, New York, Philadelphia and Williamsburg. When the war turned to the South, that opened up a whole world for me to write about. I fell in love with Charleston. Since then, I have written many books set in Charleston.
Hannah is torn between love and her belief in a cause. Why was this theme important to you?
To me, Hannah symbolizes the bravery and courage that spies displayed for the cause. I wanted the reader to feel the conflicts that she faced. She saw what the British did to Nathan Hale. Her father and brother were hanged. Back then, hanging was the worst way to die. It was a sign of disrespect. She knew the risk, but she couldn’t help falling in love with the enemy, which places her in even more danger. He, in turn, risks his rank and position for her.
I wanted to show human emotion is what drives us all.
How do you make your characters so believable?
I feel strongly in staying as true to life as it was back during the American Revolution. Life was different. It’s hard at times because we as a society has changed. But to get the feel of the time and people, you have to have your characters behave as they would have back during the war.
How does Winds of Betrayal tie in with the other books in the series?
Though, all the books could be considered standalone, they are connected to each other. The American Revolution went on for eight long years. Winds of Betrayal is set at the start of the war. The Darkness of Deception is set in Charleston before the British occupied the city. The Heavens Shall Fall ties all the storylines together, culminating with the treachery of Benedict Arnold. Set Fire To The Rain will bring the war to its conclusion.
The book is fast-paced with a lot of action. Why was it important to you to not make it all about the romance, but also include action and historical events?
I don’t think I can write any other way. As a writer, we all have a voice that comes through our words. This is mine. I wouldn’t recommend my books for anyone that wants a light-hearted read. But if you want to feel drawn to the characters and their lives, I believe one will greatly enjoy my books.
What has your journey been as a writer? Were you that girl who was always found with a book, constantly writing story ideas down?
Interesting question. I was discussing this the other day with my sister. My sister was always the one that carried a book around with her. Growing up, I loved to read and read all the time, but not to that extent. But I was the one with the imagination. Stories were always in my head crying to get out.
What are you working on right now?
I am working diligently on the conclusion of Winds of Betrayal series— Set Fire To The Rain. Afterwards, I am revising my Whispers of a Legend series to republish under my penname Colleen Connally.
Where can readers discover more of your work?
You can find all my books under both Jerri Hines and Colleen Connally at my website:
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