Interview with Susan Craft

Susan Craft is the author of The Chamomile, a historic, romantic suspense, a SIBA “Okra Pick”

Published by: Ingalls Publishing Group

Date: November 2011

Susan Craft is also the author of three books: A Perfect Tempest, The Chamomile, as well as Laurel, the sequel to the Chamomile, which will be published November 2012 books.  Her website is http://www.susanfcraft.com

Susan, what got you interested in the colonial time period?

My fascination with the colonial time period, and especially the Revolutionary War, began as a child watching the Disney series about Johnny Tremaine and the Liberty Tree.  I remember responding to an advertisement for the theme song, “The Sons of Liberty,” which I played over and over on my small record player. Just about everything about the time period appeals to me.  A soft glow reflected in a pewter mug, a crisp white mobcap, delicate lace dripping from the elbow of a sleeve, a neatly tied cravat, fiery and impassioned voices arguing over the war, the smell of freshly brewed tea – all of these things stir my imagination.

What inspired your latest colonial work?

I stumbled upon the story about a Charlestown, SC woman who explains to a British officer noted for his cruelty that the chamomile is called the rebel flower “because it always flourished most when trampled upon.”  I thought that could apply to a character as well as to the flower.  Also, when attending a Francis Marion Symposium in Manning, South Carolina, I saw a presentation about the heroism of South Carolina backcountry women during the Revolutionary War. I want people to know more about the type of women living during that time -- women who should be, but are not, included in our history books

Do you have a favorite colonial place you like to visit and why?

I would have to say Williamsburg where one can be immersed in all things colonial and be assured of the effort to make things authentic.  I also enjoy Charleston, SC, including the annual visit of the tall ships and being able to step back in time aboard those vessels.

Susan, do you have a favorite colonial recipe you enjoy?  Would you care to share it with CQ readers? 

Lemon Tart

Readers, you can find Susan’s recipe for (Lemon Tart) this coming Saturday on CQ.

Where you do you live and what colonial places do you have in your state?

Susan lives in Columbia, SC.  Not many people realize that of the 118 major battles fought during the Revolutionary War, 67 were fought in South Carolina, and 22 were either led by or participated in by Francis Marion. Susan has been on a bus tour of those battlegrounds.  South Carolinians love to preserve their history, so there are many places to visit: the annual reenactment of the Battle of Camden, fought a five miles from her home; Battle of Kings Mountain in York County; the Andrew Jackson State Park and the Museum of the Waxhaws on the border of North and South Carolina; the SC Confederate Relic Room and Military Museum; and the SC State Museum; and, of course, the historical Charleston, SC. 


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