What do get when you combine a Southern upbringing with a creative imagination? You get Sharman Burson Ramsey, that’s what you get! Named after Sharman Douglas whose claim to fame was teaching the future Queen Elizabeth how to do the “cha cha” while her father served as the American Ambassador to Great Britain after WWII. How could you inherit such a name and not be someone very special? Sharman spent years as a teacher of English and History. When she began to search into her own genealogy she found so many interesting things, not the least of which was the discovery that she had Native American AND Mayan ancestry in her genetic make-up. This information opened up a whole new world for Sharman, inspiring a website and two novels, a third to be published soon.
Sharman is pure Southern charm and her books are fascinating. The first book, published by Mercer Press in 2012, “Swimming with Serpents” is based on a real love story that took place around the time of the great massacre at Fort Mims in 1813. It’s a work of historic fiction that tells the story of two “half breed” lovers set against the backdrop of the Creek Indian War. Sharman creates a family saga full of action, intrigue and redemption.
Its sequel, “In Pursuit”, has just been published by Mercer and continues the story with two of the characters from her first novel, much to the delight of readers who loved Sharman’s first novel.
Wakefield Plantation
We discussed her new mystery tale, “Murder and Mint Juleps”, that will soon be published. I cannot wait to read this one! It’s about two sisters who, having both been recently widowed. Although they have been estranged for years, they go to New Orleans to close up the home of one so that they can live together on the family plantation. What happens is for you to find out, but it sounds like a riveting tale, full of fun and excitement. There’s even talk of a reality show based on the book and Southern etiquette that you’ll have to wait for more information on. I’ll share all of Sharman’s news with you as soon as I have it. The picture I have featured is the actual plantation that has been in her family for decades, “Wakefield”, located in Furman, Alabama.
Sharman is a public speaker for writers groups, inspiring writers to be creative and to learn how to be their own best publicist. You can read more about her on her site: http://www.southern-style.com. Be sure to read the page on genealogy about the fascinating journey she took to discover her roots! The fun and creativity never ends with this lovely lady!
