About These Research Notes

Land Shadows rests on a foundation of extensive historical and cultural research, gathered and refined over the course of a year. The sources listed here—organized by topic—form the factual framework that supports the novel’s fictional world. But these aren’t just citations; they’re conversations with the past.

This story is also deeply personal. The character Carrie-Mae Darling is loosely based on my great-grandmother, Carrie May Darling, a Potawatomi woman who attended Haskell Indian Nations University. While she did not go on to practice law, her legacy—and the strength of her story—served as the inspiration for Carrie-Mae. This novel is, in part, an acknowledgment of my own Potawatomi heritage and a tribute to the women who navigated histories often left untold.

As an author and educator, I believe historical fiction should do more than entertain — it should illuminate. I hold a Master of Science in Education with a focus on teaching and learning theory, have taught high school, and currently teach pre-service educators in the Alternative Licensure Program at San Juan College. My research centers on narrative learning theory and the power of storytelling in education. Land Shadows is a practical extension of that work — a teaching tool, a story, and an invitation to explore.

Whether you’re an educator, student, historian, or simply a curious reader, you're invited to explore the materials that helped shape this novel. Each section reflects the depth, nuance, and intention behind the narrative — and offers a way to trace the line between truth and fiction.