Many elements of The Smuggler's Gambit were inspired by real incidents that I uncovered while doing genealogical research—from the idea of forced apprenticeships, to the truth about Blackbeard, and many other bits and pieces of information. In the book, there is a reference to one of the female characters being an heiress, but being bound to some key restrictions that had been placed upon her … [Read more...] about Creative Ways of Protecting Women’s Property and Interests in 18th Century America