‘The Daughter of Shiloh’ Author Q&A with Terri J. Haynes
Terri J. Haynes, a native Baltimorean, is a homeschool mom, writer, prolific knitter, freelance graphic artist and former Army wife (left the Army, not the husband).
FF: What inspired the story in The Daughter of Shiloh?
A few things. At the time of writing this book, I was going through some hard days. I was going through some heartbreak and a major pivot in my personal life. As I began to talk to others, I realized that many around me were going through the same. I wanted to explore how to go through hard times in the most spiritual and emotionally healthy way.
FF: What can you tell us about the main characters in The Daughter of Shiloh?
Lealia and Milton are two young people who are in a transitional time in their lives. They are looking to the future, and the stampede forces them to reevaluate the direction of their lives. They are both strong in their own ways, and the stampede breaks them in different ways.
FF: Which character in The Daughter of Shiloh surprised you the most?
Milton. My dear sweet godmother asked me if I would write a sequel to this book. I said no because I would have to break Milton again. Milton’s injuries were so sharp and real that there were moments I had to walk away from the book and get hugs from my family.
FF: Why do you think storytelling is such a powerful way to share truth?
Because, like parables, people will let their guard down for a story where they would have resisted the truth of the story outright. It also helps people put themselves in another person’s shoes and realize they fit. That they are very similar to the character they are reading about.
Storytelling also allows us to explore challenging situations in a safe way. I believe that exploration helps us navigate our challenging situations.
FF: What kind of research did you do when crafting this novel?
I did both historical and personal research. For historical research, I read newspapers and books from this period. I spent a lot of time on the National Archives website, the Tuskegee University archives, and the Alabama State Archives, looking at pictures and reading documents. For the personal research, I talked to my dad. My grandfather was a Missionary Baptist pastor. My father told me all about the Baptist National Conference and how important that event was for the denomination.
FF: What do you want readers to take away after reading The Daughter of Shiloh?
To be aware that mental health should be maintained like physical health. I was a pastor for 25+ years, and I was always saddened by people who needed pastoral care but neglected it. People who needed someone to talk to and get advice from. I watched people struggle because of the negative connotation attached to mental health. That seeking help was somehow an abandonment of their faith when that’s literally what a pastor is for. I want people not to be afraid to seek help for their mental challenges.
FF: What are the biggest challenges for you as an author writing historical fiction?
One challenge, particularly with Black history, is to see that our history has improved, but we are still facing some of the same challenges our forefathers faced. In that same vein, trying to find resources about my history. It saddened me that the original edifice of Shiloh Baptist Church was torn down. It was one of the largest Black churches in the world at the time. I would have loved to have seen it. I would also have to say worldbuilding. Some things are the same, but some things are very different. For instance, I had to figure out how power was run through small communities because the church had electric lights.
FF: How has your faith or world view impacted the way you tell stories?
I’m laughing as I type this. I don’t know any other way to tell my stories! My faith is so integrated into my storytelling that I couldn’t turn it off if I wanted to. I have been a Christian for over forty years so my faith is deeply ingrained. I find that my stories contain hope, love, and I usually sneak a mini-sermon in there, too.
