Researching a Historical Fiction Novel: School Bell Series

Tuesday, February 17
Speaker: Erica Emmelander (pen name: Marie La Pres)
Program: Researching a Nonfiction Novel

Join us for an engaging School Bell Series program with author and educator Erica Emmelander, who writes under the pen name Marie La Pres. Erica will share how she researches and develops nonfiction narratives, drawing on historical sources, place-based research, and archival materials to bring the past vividly to life.

Erica is the author of the Key to Mackinac series, a young adult historical series set on Mackinac Island, where local history and setting play a central role in the story. She is also the author of The Turner Daughter series, a Civil War–era historical fiction series that explores national history through deeply personal, character-driven narratives.

In this talk, Erica will discuss how research shapes both fiction and nonfiction writing, how she approaches historical accuracy, and how writers and researchers can transform raw historical information into compelling, accessible stories.

The School Bell Series is a free community program featuring local speakers and local topics, created to help us learn about our community—past and present—together. Programs are informal, welcoming, and designed for lifelong learners of all ages.

Light refreshments will be served.
Donations are appreciated and help support the Zeeland Historical Society’s mission.

Erica Marie LaPres Emmelander is a middle school social studies and theology teacher based in Grand Rapids, Michigan. A lifelong lover of reading, writing, history, and faith, she brings these passions together in her work as an author under the pen name Marie La Pres.

When she’s not researching or writing, Erica enjoys spending time with family and friends, especially her nieces and nephews, and traveling—particularly to National Parks, which often inspire her interest in place-based history.

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.

Get App

Host or Publisher Zeeland Historical Soceity