Ronnie Burt

Ok Fine, I’m Writing A Novel

An old Texas map from the 1800s spread out on a rustic table with images of cowboys, Native Americans, and settlers.

Over the past year or so, I’ve been sucked into researching my family history and came across my 4th great-grandfather, Robert Hall. Robert was an original Texian pioneer, soldier, Texas Ranger, and it turns out, an essential figure in Texas history.

As evident in this actual photo of him, he was a character too.

Photograph shows full-length view of Robert Hall, a resident of Cotulla, Texas and a former soldier, Indian scout, and Texas Ranger. He is holding a rifle as he stands in front of itinerant photographer's backdrop.
From ksat.com. Circa 1890. (UTSA Special Collections)
Photograph shows full-length view of Robert Hall, a resident of Cotulla, Texas and a former soldier, Indian scout, and Texas Ranger. He is holding a rifle as he stands in front of itinerant photographer's backdrop.
From ksat.com. Circa 1890. (UTSA Special Collections)
Photograph shows full-length view of Robert Hall, a resident of Cotulla, Texas and a former soldier, Indian scout, and Texas Ranger. He is holding a rifle as he stands in front of itinerant photographer's backdrop.
From ksat.com. Circa 1890. (UTSA Special Collections)

The more I dug into his life and his kids, the more I’ve become obssessed. 3 wars. Murder. Santa Anna. And so much more.

It helped that he dictated a memoir that was turned into a book.

When I saw that WordPress.com was sponsoring the NaNoWriMo challenge this November, I knew I wanted to participate.

So here I am. I have an intriguing main character. The 1800s of Texas. And no idea what I’m getting into.

By next week, I hope to have a rough outline, and to keep me honest, I’ll share my progress here.

Wish me luck!

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2 responses to “Ok Fine, I’m Writing A Novel”

  1. Sue Waters Avatar
    Sue Waters

    I’m interested to see how you go. I dived in and out of our family history since 2017. I’m back working on it again after a break. Can’t work out what aspect drives me crazy the most. Probably forgetting how I found some good sources of info. I’ve often imagined what their lives would have been like so it will be interesting to see how you find writing it. Random fact – one of Dave’s ancestors fought in the American Civil War.

    Reply
    1. Ronnie Avatar
      Ronnie

      It is addicting! I’ve had a few groups send me copies of letters and info.

      Oh, send me what you know of Dave’s ancestor. The Civil War will appear in this novel, maybe I can write him in!

      Reply

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