Current Project
Marie, A Leading Lady:
The Uplifting True Story
of Her Life and Civic Leadership in a Bygone Era
She was born a girl. That was only her first mistake according to her father. In an era when daughters and wives were not supposed to be concerned with matters outside of the home, Marie is driven to prove him wrong. To do this, she must break down barriers placed on women in society, overcome difficulties that befall her, surpass hardships from The Great Depression and then, face an inevitable relocation.
Marie steps into her community and into the hearts of many people to give her time and help in their needs. She wants nothing in return other than for her father's acceptance that she is a worthy woman and yet, she gains much in return, even if it is not her father's praise. Marie's story is an uplifting journey of her rise from girlhood angsts in Oklahoma Territory to become a leading lady-- and much more.
What Elle says about her current writing project:
It is a historical and critical biography of my maternal great-grandmother who we came to know as Nana in my first book, "Out of Chaos: A Memoir." Its research involves sifting through hundreds of published accounts of her life and accomplishments, some found in archived newspaper repositories. On the surface, and as she had described to me, it could sound like a perfect life. However, imperfections are found in my research, and more so, how she kept those imperfections out of the limelight.
There is much we can gain from a woman who lived in an era when women were expected to stay home and yet, she didn't. She was a changemaker. Her story causes me to strengthen my own community involvement. I am excited to see her story come to fruition, and then, into your hands.
