The Untold Story of John Ridge: A Real Cherokee Hero with Author Leslie K Simmons

My guest today on the Online for Authors podcast is Leslie K Simmons, author of the book Red Clay, Running Waters. Leslie K. Simmons writes about extraordinary people at the center of crucial turning points in American history. She is particularly fascinated by outliers and the lesser known (but no less incredible) stories that slip through history’s cracks. After decades of research, she followed a path marked by serendipities to the true story of John and Sarah Ridge and her debut novel, Red Clay, Running Waters.

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I want to share with you an incredible story of resilience, love, and the fight for sovereignty. In my recent podcast episode, I had the pleasure of interviewing Leslie K. Simmons, author of the historical fiction novel Red Clay, Running Waters.

Leslie's book tells the little-known story of John Ridge, a Cherokee statesman, and his wife Sarah Northrup. Through meticulous research, Leslie brings to life the pivotal era of the early 1800s when Georgia was trying to force the Cherokee from their ancestral lands. The novel sheds light on the complex social and political forces at play, including the role of education, religion, and the looming threat of civil war.

What struck me most about this story was the incredible love between John and Sarah. Despite their vastly different backgrounds - John being Cherokee and Sarah a white Christian woman - they forged an unbreakable bond. Sarah was willing to leave everything familiar behind to join John in his quest for Cherokee sovereignty. Their relationship weathered unimaginable challenges, from prolonged separations to the loss of children.

Leslie's journey to bring this story to life was just as fascinating as the novel itself. It all began with a curiosity about an old house in Arkansas, which led her down a decades-long path of research and discovery. She even had the incredible fortune of connecting with John Ridge's descendants and uncovering his lost journal, which confirmed her interpretation of his character.

Red Clay, Running Waters is not an easy read, as it confronts the dark chapters of American history head-on. But it is a necessary one. As Leslie so eloquently put it, understanding this story can help us see our current situation more clearly. The parallels between the Cherokee removal crisis and modern-day politics are striking.

If you're a fan of historical fiction that challenges, enlightens, and ultimately inspires, I highly recommend picking up a copy of Red Clay, Running Waters. It is a testament to the power of the human spirit in the face of adversity.

You can learn more about Leslie K. Simmons and her work on her website at LeslieKSimmons.com. She's also active on Facebook, Instagram, and Goodreads.

As always, thank you for being a part of this community of readers and writers. If you enjoyed this podcast, I'd love to hear your thoughts. Just leave a comment below.

P.S. If you've read Red Clay, Running Waters or any other book recently, please consider leaving a review on Amazon or Goodreads. Even a few simple words can make a world of difference for authors. Your support means everything!

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