This month, I’m delighted to have author Shara Moon as our guest on Fresh Fiction’s monthly Women’s Fiction column.
Shara is a first-generation Haitian American writer and amateur historian who enjoys exploring black world history then writing about it. An alumna of the University of Central Florida and the City College of New York, she is a former writing instructor who now writes about unsung women and their forgotten stories.
The publication of her inspiring novel, LET US MARCH ON, published by William Morrow/Harper Collins, marks her historical fiction debut.
Q 1: Thanks for joining us today, Shara! Please give us a quick synopsis of your wonderful new book, “Let Us March On”.
Let Us March On is about a little-known woman in history named Elizabeth “Lizzie”
McDuffie who proclaimed herself FDR’s “Secretary-On-Colored-People’s-Affairs”. She was a White House maid who leveraged her position to get important—often neglected—issues in the Black community in front of the president.
Essentially, the book is about a woman who went into the White House as a maid and left there as a trailblazer.
Q2: Where and when did you first learn about Lizzie McDuffie? What was it about her that made you think her story would make a good novel?
I learned about Elizabeth McDuffie from research I was doing for another book I had been working on. For that book, I needed someone that had some influence in the White House, particularly with the president or first lady, but who was also approachable and sympathetic to the issues of African Americans.
An author friend of mine (Kaia Alderson, author of In a League of Her Own) sent me an article about Mrs. McDuffie. After learning about her unpublished memoir, I knew Lizzie needed her story told, and deserved a book of her own.
Q3: Was there anything you discovered while researching this book that especially surprised you? Did you stick closely to the historical record, or did you need to alter or amend events for literary purposes?
I learned so much on my research trip to Atlanta and Warm Springs, but what especially surprised me was how beloved Lizzie was from family, friends, and strangers alike. The number of condolences that were sent to her after her husband’s death and then later after her mother’s passing, was heart-warming to see.
There were also multiple correspondents from Eleanor Roosevelt after they all left the White House. Their continued communication proves what a close friendship they had.
Q4: I was intrigued by the relationship between Lizzie and President Roosevelt, which was certainly unusual during that period of time. Why do you think they were able to create such a strong connection?
I think the shared leg injury/disability between FDR and Lizzie’s husband, Mac, drew them together. The two men had physical limitations that they not only had to overcome but they also had to prove to others that it didn’t define or hinder them in fulfilling their duties.
Additionally, Lizzie was the only maid allowed to enter the President’s bedroom, and I think that private setting allowed them to be vulnerable with each other in a way that not many would be accustomed to with their employer.
Q5: While many praised Lizzie for her efforts, other within the Black community criticized her for not doing enough. Do you think those criticisms were valid?
I don't. Mainly because I think she did as much as she could within the power she had.
Q6: If you could talk with Lizzie today, what would you most want to ask her?
That's a great question and a hard one because there are so many things I’d like to know about Lizzie. But the questions I would love to ask her is this: what was one thing she wished she could do over during her time working in the White House?
Q7: Lizzie did a lot during her lifetime, but what do you think is her greatest accomplishment?
I think one of her greatest accomplishments was getting FDR to pardon those three black war veterans. She even received praise from the NAACP for her efforts.
Q8: What do you most hope readers will take away from your novel and Lizzie McDuffie’s life?
That change doesn’t happen overnight. Also, that it's because of people like Elizabeth McDuffie, a woman never gave up and never lost hope, that we get to enjoy some of the progress our country has made. My hope is that readers will realize that we can only make our country a great and safe place for everyone when we move forward, not backward.
An Unforgettable Historical Novel with a Timely Social Justice Theme, Perfect for Winter 2025, Be Inspired by Lizzie McDuffie's Courage and Tenacity!
Devoted wife, White House maid, reluctant activist…
A stirring novel inspired by the life of an unsung heroine, and real-life crusader, Lizzie McDuffie, who as a maid in FDR’s White House spearheaded the Civil Rights movement of her time.
I’m just a college-educated Southerner with a passion for books. My husband says I’m too bold, too sharp, too unrelenting. Others say I helped spearhead the Civil Rights movement of our time. President Roosevelt says I’m too spunky and spirited for my own good.
Who am I?
I am Elizabeth “Lizzie” McDuffie.
And this is my story…
When Lizzie McDuffie, maid to Eleanor and Franklin D. Roosevelt, boldly proclaimed herself FDR’s “Secretary-On-Colored-People’s-Affairs,” she became more than just a maid—she became the President’s eyes and ears into the Black community. After joining the White House to work alongside her husband, FDR’s personal valet, Lizzie managed to become completely indispensable to the Roosevelt family. Never shy about pointing out injustices, she advocated for the needs and rights of her fellow African Americans when those in the White House blocked access to the President.
Following the life of Lizzie McDuffie throughout her time in the White House as she championed the rights of everyday Americans and provided access to the most powerful man in the country, Let Us March On looks at the unsung and courageous crusader who is finally getting the recognition she so richly deserves.
Multicultural African-American | Historical [William Morrow Paperbacks, On Sale: February 4, 2025, Paperback / e-Book , ISBN: 9780063213425 / eISBN: 9780063213449]
SHARA MOON is a first-generation Haitian American writer and amateur historian who enjoys exploring black world history then writing about it. An alumna of the University of Central Florida and the City College of New York, she is a former writing instructor who now writes about unsung women and their forgotten stories. Her novel LET US MARCH ON, published by William Morrow/Harper Collins, is her historical fiction debut.
When Shara isn’t busy writing–or chasing after her three littles–she is usually reading, researching, or conferring with her muse.
Check back for more about her next historical fiction novel about two mothers fighting to honor the fallen soldier they both loved and lost.
When not curled up with a good book, Marie Bostwick can usually be found in her office, trying to write one.
A New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of eighteen uplifting works of historical and contemporary fiction, Marie’s books are beloved by readers across the globe.
Drawing on her lifelong love of quilting and her unshakable belief in the power of sisterhood, Marie’s popular Cobbled Court Quilt series has been embraced by quilters and non-sewers alike. Her standalone books have also found a passionate following among lovers of women’s fiction. Marie’s novel, The Second Sister” was adapted into the 2018 Hallmark Hall of Fame feature film “Christmas Everlasting”, starring Patti LaBelle. Marie’s most recent novel, Hope on the Inside, was published in March 2019 and was chosen as a Reader’s Digest “Select Editions” book.
Marie’s latest endeavor is Fiercely Marie, a lifestyle blog that encourages women to live every minute and love every moment. She is currently working on her next novel, “The Restoration of Celia Fairchild”, which will be published by William Morrow in the spring of 2021.
Marie lives in Washington state with her husband and a beautiful but moderately spoiled Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.
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