Madeline Sharples on the Research Process for Her Historical Novel, Papa’s Shoes

Inspiration can strike from any number of things, and Madeline Sharples’ novel, Papa’s Shoes , is proof of that. The historical fiction author and memoirist used documentation from her husband’s familial research as the basis for her novel research. He had found written accounts from Sharples’ aunt and great-uncle, who wrote about their lives and struggles. Sharples' aunt wrote about her childhood and teen life in Danville, Illinois. Her great-uncle wrote about his escape from Lithuania and how...