In 2021, I traveled the "official" Oregon Trail as close as I could to real time and took in the experiences of what it might have looked like being a pilgrim on that journey.  I expanded it to include the California Trail, even the Pony Express and then even reaching into the corners of Montana and Washington.

I was struck by the veracity of these brave people who knew they were leaving behind loved ones, knowing they might never see them again, but the West was calling to them for one reason or another.

They could only communicate through letters.  They kept meticulous notes in their diaries.  They longed for security but also leaned into adventure.  Life was hard.  Many didn't survive.

It's a time in our history that intrigues us, and we are still fascinated by it.

I scratched out rough drafts of seven stories. Seven different women who, for many different reasons, found themselves in that moment in our history considered the massive westward migration.

I wanted to share those stories with you in a unique way... as unique as each of the characters.

I knew I wanted to write a book... these women, and their stories just had to be told, but a book, I felt... just wouldn't do them justice.  There had to be something more.

I wanted their stories to feel very raw and real and I knew that in our current "binge culture", a regular book that would be devoured in a few days or weeks, wasn't what I was looking for.

Lavender Letters were created.

What if... I let the characters tell their own stories through letters and diary entries?  So the reader ONLY knows what the character knows... 

What if... I mailed the letters, creating the same tension family members of the era would have felt.  Anticipating a letter from their loved one continuing the story of their journey; always checking the mail to see if something new arrived. 

So I decided to mail out two letters per month for a full thirteen months with the story being completed with twenty-four letters.

But what if... I could make it better.  Deepen the experience with additional items.

Newspaper articles.  Telegrams.  Recipes.  Maps. Photos.  Really draw in the reader into the era and allow themselves to go back in time. 

How else could I spoil a reader?  Maybe adding in a bit of modern day gifts? Gift-giving is my love language!

I find fun and sometimes clever ways to spoil our subscribers, because I am so grateful for their support and I want them to always be looking to their mailbox for that next letter or surprise coming their way.

Gifts. Postcards. Swag.  ... yeeesssss...

But how can I make this subscription different...?

A book.  

A complete re-telling of the story in a full-length novel. 

I re-wrote the entire story from a narrator's point of view.

When you enjoy the letters and diary entries as such every month, and become immersed in the era, it limits the information you are privy to.  The letters and diary entries are written in the manner and perspective of the author of the letter.  You only know what they know.  That could leave behind some unanswered questions!

The book, answers all the missing questions.  Fills in all the gaps.  Reveals unknown secrets.

Completes the story as a whole.

The letters by themselves are complete. 

The book by itself is complete. 

But put them both together, and you have a fully immersive story.

I hope you are curious enough to join us.  Take your love of historical fiction to a whole other level when you join me inside Lavender Letters.

Don't wait another moment!  Jump on the waitlist! 

Elizabeth Bourgeret

Find out what Lavender Letters is all about, when you can sign up and the newest stories and details coming in the near future!  Don't forget to get added to the Waitlist to get the latest information delivered to your inbox! 

(I promise not to spam!). If TEXTING is more your "thing" be sure to join me in our Text Group! 

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I'm so glad you're here!