Words are valuable. They clarify, explain, soothe, convince, emphasize, and engross. And while they can also be used for ill, they can also encourage wonder. My particular love affair with words evolved thanks to a number of incredible storytellers—beginning with a magic school bus, a wrinkle in time, and a girl detective with a blue convertible. Once I put my own proverbial pen to paper I knew I could never stop writing.
On most days I write about history and how it intersects with the world in which we live. But I am influenced by storytelling in all its forms, whether it be between the pages of a book, on television, or in the theatre. You never know when inspiration might strike.
Visit the Snapshot page for my very latest media and posts. Visit my research page to learn more about my current project.
Writer & Contributor
In addition to my own personal site, I am regular contributor to two sites as part of my job at the National Trust for Historic Preservation. I also write occasionally for FANgirl—a site focused on Star Wars, female fandom, and storytelling—as well as History@Work, the blog of the National Council on Public History. Here are a select set of recent stories.
A view of the Grand Canyon.| Credit: Priya Chhaya
The Historical Fantasy of Esek Hopkins | Credit: Stephanie Alvarez-Ewens
Belle Isle Park| Credit:
Michigan State Historic Preservation Office via Flickr CC BY-NC-ND 2.0
History@Work
An X-Wing at the April 2019 Star Wars Celebration | Credit: Priya Chhaya
The Heart of the River
Every adventure starts the same way: with one foot in front of the other. The Heart of the River follows a young explorer named Arya as she searches for wonder at the heart of the River Idira. Along the way she encounters a fearsome dragon, and uncovers her own ability for courage and kindness.
This story began as a passion project for my two nieces and became something that I am incredibly proud of producing. In addition to being a gift, I wanted to develop a narrative about a young girl who is adventurous, curious, and kind. Arya is all of those things and more.
To purchase The Heart of the River visit www.theheartoftheriver.com
Additional Publications
Short Story: “The Dinner Party” Perspectives in History, American Historical Association (2021)
Article: “Historic Preservation & Inclusion” The Inclusive Public Historians Handbook (NCPH and AASLH), Author and Steering Committee Member (2017-present)
“Technology and Preservation: Documentation and Storytelling,” Handbook of Digital Public History (De Gruyter, Forthcoming).
Edible Denver: The Host that Fills Every Want (Also published on SavingPlaces.org)
Editor
National Trust for Historic Preservation: Preservation Leadership Forum, SavingPlaces.org
Guest Editor: Forum Journal: Technology Transforming Preservation (Volume 32, Number 1)
Past Affiliate Editor, History@Work
