MONROE — Cynthia Olsen is going to South Carolina this spring because of Robert Smalls.
Olsen of Monroe is the author of two books, “The Home for Friendless Children” and the children’s title “Old Crabby Turtle.”
Smalls (1839-1915) was a slave during the Civil War who risked his life to free his family from slavery. Later, he became a representative in the South Carolina House and helped pass a Civil Rights bill.
“I was so touched by his story that this spring my husband, Rob, and I plan to visit Robert Smalls’ home in Beaufort, S.C. We have never been to the area,” Olsen said.
Olsen learned about Smalls last summer at a writers conference in Bellingham, Wash. “Writing What You Don’t Know (and Why You Should)” with Rebecca Bruff was one of the conference’s offerings.
“I had always heard the phrase ‘write what you know.’ I had to sit in on this one,” Olsen said. “Rebecca began telling us a story so captivating and unbelievable that even today, all these months later, I’m still carrying the story and the man in my heart.”