People often ask what inspired a story. As 201 Atwater (the original title) was my first book, I thought I would provide a peek into my thought process.

The house in the story is based on the actual house that my in-laws owned. It is situated in the Fair Haven district of New Haven, CT. After my hubby and I were married, we spent 3+ years in the second floor apartment. Each day, I had the distinct pleasure of climbing the stairs and passing by the actual stained glass transom that I grew to love. Their living room, which had once been the dining room, boasted a built-in china closet, again inspiring my fictional house.  Because Fair Haven borders the Quinnipiac River and has a colorful history, I created fictitious events along with a  plethora of inhabitants to tell my story. 

The original story was published in 2005 and later updated in 2015 with a new conclusion that made it more current. I also changed the title slightly and gave it a new book cover. 

I have been interested in the Underground Railroad for quite a few decades, thus came the story of the fugitives from slavery who sought sanctuary in the house's basement.

I am very fond of Hidden Secrets of 201 Atwater for many reasons and hope you'll give it a read.

P.S. If you try to find the address of 201 Atwater, you'll come up short. There are houses to either side of that address but nothing where 201 should be.

P.P.S. Every item in the picture (above) is a clue to the Hidden Secrets of 201 Atwater.

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