In the summer of 1989 I attended the Highlights Writers Conference at Chautauqua, New York. After participating in a workshop by author, Pam Conrad, I decided I wanted to write a middle-grade fiction book set during the 1800's. Conrad's book titled Prairie Songs was the inspiration for writing my book Secret of the Black Widow. I wanted to touch my readers' hearts, like Pam had touched mine.

Shortly after moving into my new home in the country near Clear Creek, on the edge of Buffalo, Wyoming, I began taking daily walks along the road that bordered the creek. One evening after the sun had set, I heard some very strange sounds just ahead of me. The sounds were like a cross between an injured cat and a squealing child. Being the brave soul that I am, I decided it must be time to head back home.

The next time I walked the road, the same thing happened. I planned to walk the road for my daily exercise, so I needed to find the source of this disturbing sound. Reluctantly I walked further toward the end of the road and discovered a house and other buildings set back in the trees. In a penned area I saw the beautiful fans of the noisy creatures that created these haunting sounds. The mystery was solved for me.

I thought to myself, wouldn't it be fun to write a book about some children walking home from school and trying to uncover the mystery about such strange sounds. I seem to be able to relate best to readers age eleven to thirteen, so I thought I would write for that age level. I'd always dreamed about living during the time of the Old West.

Surprisingly enough, Secret of the Black Widow started out as a picture book, but soon developed into a longer piece. I decided to set the story in 1890 when the Wyoming Territory was becoming a state. Having taught in a one room schoolhouse for four years, I thought it would be interesting to have the children passing the sound on a daily basis, walking to and from a one room schoolhouse. Then I added a character who could quite possibly be making the strange sounds. I included another character and reason for the children to be afraid to get close to the sound. I kept asking the question, "What if?"

Secret of the Black Widow is a middle-grade historical fiction mystery set amid the harshness and contrasting beauty of the Wyoming Territory in 1890 as it prepares for statehood. It is the story of twelve-year-old Chad, who tries to uncover the mystery of the eerie cries that can be heard coming from the Foster Homestead, and about his developing friendship with Aubrey, the daughter of the woman referred to as the 'Black Widow', and her handicapped little brother, Jesse. Chad learns the joy and heartbreak of friendship and discovers strength and courage within himself when facing death, a flashflood, and Junior, the ever taunting school bully.

The main character, Chad, is partially based on myself, and my fear of the unknown. I used the loss of my baby sister to create more emotion, and Jesse was based on a very loving handicapped student at the school where I taught. Junior, the school bully, is based on a boy who bullied me for three years in grade school. I wanted to use the names I had been saving, Chad and Aubrey, because they really appealed to me. The title evolved after the book was completed.

I did extensive research at the library and museum before writing the book. Most of the information I derived directly from books. Little details make historical fiction ring true. I read books written by Laura Engles Wilder and also watched a lot of "Little House on the Prairie" episodes on television. I loved the their simplicity and strong emotion.

I make author visits to schools all over the state and find that students relate well to Secret of the Black Widow. They seem to be intrigued by the character Jesse and saddened by his loss at the end of the book. Everyone enjoys seeing Junior humbled and changed. I'm pleased that children are moved by the book, and that adults and some children too, are brought to tears by the story. Everyone would like to see a sequel. I would too.