Charles R. Nuckolls Jr. has always been drawn to the untold stories that shape personal histories. In one interview, he spoke with a woman whose grandfather survived a major historical conflict, sharing letters filled with raw emotion and insight. These personal connections to history are what fuel Charles’s work, inviting readers to explore their own family stories and understand the broader historical forces that shaped them.
Let’s talk about your background and what led you to your current work.
I grew up in a small town in the Midwest, where I developed a passion for storytelling at an early age. I was always fascinated by the way people’s lives intertwined with historical events. After studying journalism in college, I spent several years working at local newspapers, honing my craft as a writer and reporter. Eventually, I transitioned into writing books, where I could dive deeper into historical narratives and personal stories.
What inspired you to write The Roses: The Nuckolls Family, the Lyman Family, and One Hundred Fifty Immigrants Who Helped Shape America?
I’ve always been interested in how history shapes individual lives. This book was inspired by a series of interviews I conducted with people whose families had lived through significant historical moments. As I gathered their stories, I realized there was a common thread running through them: resilience, hope, and the ways in which history influences our personal identities. I wanted to bring these stories together in a way that would be both informative and emotionally compelling.
How did you conduct your research for this book?
Research was a crucial part of this project. I started by reading extensively on the historical periods I was covering, but the most important part was speaking directly with people who had lived through these events or whose families had been affected. I conducted dozens of interviews, visited historical archives, and spent countless hours cross-referencing facts to ensure accuracy. I wanted to make sure that each story was not only compelling but also rooted in truth.
Were there any particular interviews or stories that stood out to you?
Absolutely. One that particularly moved me was the story of a woman whose grandfather had survived a major historical conflict. She shared letters he had written during that time, and they were filled with such raw emotion and insight. It was incredible to see history through his eyes. Another memorable interview was with a man who had uncovered a long-lost family secret while researching his genealogy. Those moments of discovery and personal connection to history are what make this work so rewarding.
What challenges did you face while working on this book?
There were quite a few. One of the biggest challenges was tracking down accurate information, especially when dealing with personal accounts that had been passed down through generations. Memories can be fallible, and I had to cross-check stories with historical records to ensure they aligned with documented events. Additionally, some of the stories were deeply personal and emotional, so I had to approach them with great sensitivity. I wanted to honor the people sharing their experiences while also maintaining journalistic integrity.
What do you hope readers take away from your book?
My hope is that readers come away with a deeper understanding of how history isn’t just something that happens in textbooks—it’s something that shapes our families, our communities, and our identities. I also want to inspire people to explore their own histories. There’s so much we can learn about ourselves by looking at the past, and I hope this book encourages readers to seek out their own family stories and understand the broader historical context that shaped them.
What’s next for you? Are you working on another book?
Yes! I’m currently in the early stages of my next project, which will also explore historical narratives but from a slightly different angle. I don’t want to give too much away just yet, but it will involve another deep dive into personal histories and how they intersect with major historical events. I’m really excited about it and looking forward to uncovering more incredible stories.