A few weeks ago I was asked by Benjamin Smith, Vice President of Operations and Custom Publishing at Ertel Publishing, if I would be interested in becoming a contributing writer for an up-and coming bi-monthly magazine called Patriots of the American Revolution. Ben and I worked together on a couple features I penned for Civil War Historian, and his publications are always top-notch.

I must admit that I have been entertaining the notion in the not-so-distant future (after these 2 books are released) of focusing my attention on the Colonial period. The Jefferson Project is an example of how my personal interests have broadened to include the Founding Fathers. I have always felt that the Colonial and Revolutionary War periods are not given as much attention here in Fredericksburg. With the exception of George Washington’s Ferry Farm, Kenmore, and a few other places, our local Civil War sites have always taken precedent. This is completely understandable, but I like the idea and challenge of working in a less-locally-covered genre. I have always admired the historians who specialize in neglected subjects like the War of 1812, French and Indian, or Spanish-American wars.

My CW work will certainly continue with the National Civil War Life Foundation, documentary films, and The Naked Historian, but my article (and potential book focuses) would change. With the help of my peers I feel that I am continuing to grow as both a writer and historian and I like the fact that my latest books are on subjects that have not really been covered before (Fredericksburg’s Churches, Spotsylvania’s Confederate Encampments, and Baseball’s Worst Teams and Players). I would love to research/write something substantial comparing the local Loyalists of the Revolution with the Unionists of the Civil War. This would certainly bridge the gap between the two. Either way, I feel a change (or maybe the word 'expansion' is more appropriate) on the horizon. Once these two upcoming titles are released I'll be putting some serious consideration into my future.