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Ralph's favorite time in history is the early American time period (especially 1700-1800). He earned a Master’s Degree in History with emphasis on pre-1870 America. That was his motivation for setting this series in this time period.
Ralph wanted to start with a teenaged boy with a sense of adventure. He needed him to be a boy with good values, but at the same time wanted him to not desert his family, so he made him an orphan.
The name of the central character was selected by first finding a Cherokee language dictionary online and the right words to fit the type of character Ralph wanted to create.
Ralph has always had an interest in the Cherokee Indians and their system of values and justice. Therefore, to incorporate the Cherokees of this time period, the story had to be set in the Carolinas. One of the values the Cherokees respected was a person who excelled in something physical. That is the reason for Crazy Runner's constant love of running.
Since Crazy Runner spent much time with the slaves on the plantation where he was raised, he accepts all people equally.
Through research Ralph made sure that the towns, landmarks, and weapons were as historically accurate as possible.
As Crazy Runner wanders around “Kaintuck”, which today is the states of Kentucky, Tennessee and northern parts of Georgia, Alabama and Mississippi, he encounters others from whom he learns.
Ralph especially enjoyed describing Crazy Runner's first experience with snow and ice.
Crazy Runner learns that just like there are good and bad white men, there are good and bad Indians. He also discovers, as history tells us, that during this time period it was the white men who turned certain tribes of Indians against white men and it was white men who first encouraged the Indians to start taking scalps.
Storylines/Subplots:
1 – Running away and being accepted by the Cherokee - Chapters 1-5
2 – Exploring, first encounter with bear, Frenchmen and Shawnee - Chapters 6-13
3 – Making a friend and experiencing new things – Chapters 14-18
4 – Helping new settlers find a place to settle - Chapters 19-21
5 – Indian Massacres and saving whites - Chapters 22-27
6 – Becoming a Cherokee warrior – Chapters 28-33
7 – Encountering another slave – Chapters 34-40
8 – Wounded – Chapters 41-42
9 – Thieves – Chapter 43
10 – Exploring and Rescue – Chapters 44-50
Total words = 52,204
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