Orange County author J.D. Peterson is the Winner of the 2017 Ohio History contest for her research into the AMERICAN GILT TRILOGY. Based on the true story of the life of débutante Sara Swan Whiting and the Belmont-Whiting scandal, J.D. contends that truth is always stranger than fiction.
"The AMERICAN GILT TRILOGY is essentially a biography," J.D. explains, "but I chose to write it in novel form." Based on the life of American débutante Sara Swan Whiting, this tale of love and scandal transports readers to the gilded age.
A scandal from the past had left Sara shunned by history with much misinformation perpetuated to this day. Dedicated to finding the truth of the scandal, J.D. launched into many years of research, which in turn, led to the writing of the “American Gilt Trilogy”.
"I felt Sara had been wronged by society – and the press," J.D. explains, "and I took it upon myself to set the record straight."
No easy task. Ms. Peterson's research into the gilded age life of Sara Swan Whiting led her to information discovered in family letters, legal papers, personal interviews and much more.
"It was easy to 'buy' the press back then," J.D.told interviewer Dee Jay Sherry. "I wanted to dig through the propaganda as much as possible."
Asked by interviewer D.J. Sherry why she devoted herself to writing the story, J.D. reveals how her life changed one day while visiting Newport, R.I.. Catching sight of a white swan thrashing in the ocean breakers on a cold and stormy spring morning, the swan followed J.D. down the beach in spite of the rough waters. Taking notice of such an unusual event, further synchronicities led to the discovery of a tale about a young débutante – Sara Swan Whiting. "I think Sara wanted her story told."
Originally titled “Swan Song” as a nod to Sara and the Swan family, J.D. changed the trilogy title before the release of Book 3, "A.G. – Scandal”. Waking in the middle of the night she was struck by the idea of the new title: “AMERICAN GILT”
The new title reflected the expansion of the gilded age in America – as opposed to the European aristocracies, as well as the double entendre of the robber barons and slum lords that made fortunes at the expense of the poor immigrants of the era.
Along with the AMERICAN GILT TRILOGY J.D.Peterson's resumé includes: broadcasting, recording production and engineering, journalism and publishing. J.D. has appeared in nightclubs, television and was a D.J. on KSBR Radio, Orange County, CA. She is an accomplished singer and songwriter, as well as an artist. Ms. Peterson has always been drawn to creative endeavors, from writing novels, poems and song lyrics, to oil and watercolor painting.
Her new book of poetry and artwork is now available on Amazon: "Doorways & Daydream: A Collection of Poetry and Pictures"
This collection shines a light on the colors of emotions and interludes of life delivering a gallery of pictures and words for consideration and contemplation – the true purpose of all poetry and art. You can also hear her music on youtube. ('FLY'- J.D. Peterson).
Her music album "RHYTHM OF THE DREAM" is available on most music streaming platforms.
Currently J.D. Peterson is writing a new novel highlighting more scandals from the gilded age - and Mrs. Astor.
NOW AVAILABLE! AMERICAN GILT TRILOGY – DÉBUT Audio Book.
Just in time for summer travel and beach relaxation - for those who enjoy listening to their stories AMERICAN GILT TRILOGY – DÉBUT is now available on AUDIBLE, ITUNES and AMAZON. - In addition a Podcast/Video channel is under production featuring gilded age topics through the lens of the AMERICAN GILT TRILOGY giving fans a platform to discuss the gilded age and AMERICAN GILT TRILOGY.
NOW WITH MILLIONS of PAGES READ ON KINDLE! Find out for yourself why The AMERICAN GILT TRILOGY is a favorite with readers.
Readers Comments:
"This was the best gilded age novel I have read in such a long time." Ted M.
"I literally could not put this book down! I felt like I’d been transported to another time." – Amy H.
“You will get hooked!" Amazon customer
Move Over, Alva and Caroline!
This entire series was immensely enjoyable! I devoured every page. For anyone who enjoys the Gilded Age of Newport in all its ostentatiousness: the setting, the people, the balls, the scandals, the cliques, the mansions, the fashions, this is a must read. A small world of so few in that era, but what a big, glamorous world it was for them! However, it didn’t come without its scandals and consequences, and that is what drives this series.How exciting it’s been to be introduced to a notable, but unfamiliar true-life figure, making her debut in the 1880’s. Move over, Caroline Astor and Alva Vanderbilt, although they have some major parts in the story as well. It was also interesting meeting Oliver Belmont and his parents.I loved the photos (in the book and on the website listed in the author’s notes) and appreciate the hours and years of research the author spent compiling all of this into an informative and entertaining series. It takes a special author to pull this off, and you have!!! I hope everyone loving this theme enjoys – cherishes – this series as much as I have. You’ve covered it all! I would love to think it will inspire the research and stories of other interesting figures of that time! Thank you! I loved it!
INTERVIEW: "THE JAZZ LOUNGE" with Dee Jay Sherry B. – Get the insider details why author J.D. Peterson revealed the Belmont-Whiting Scandal of 1883 to modern readers.
Watch – book trailer, Live excerpt reading and Video Blog coming soon
via youtube: american gilt trlogy
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