The Epic Story of America: 1780-1783: Independence; as told by America's next generation.
Historical fiction authors Christopher J. Watt and Ella Quill hosted Virtual Epic Patriot Camp 2025; a reunion with camper alumni from previous years. Each of them returned once again to assume the identity of and research a Patriot, British Loyalist or French Sympathizer who significantly impacted the American Revolution between 1780 and 1783. Written by the next generation of writers from across America and one from Australia, the stories cover major events from the Siege of Yorktown to the Treaty of Paris as the fight continues for independence.
The point of camp is to encourage the next generation to learn America's epic history and to tell the story for generations to come. We taught them how crucial it is to get the research right, and to thoroughly study the good, the bad, and the ugly of history. In a collection of chapters written from the perspectives of 1780's greatest figures of the American Revolution, twelve young authors bring history to life by relaying the facts with fictional fun.
This is their story, told in their words.
Foreword by award-winning historical fiction author Jenny L. Cote.
Cote, Jenny L.: - Award-winning author and speaker Jenny L. Cote, who developed an early passion for God, history, and young people, beautifully blends these three passions in her two fantasy fiction series, The Amazing Tales of Max and Liz(R) and Epic Order of the Seven(R). Likened to C. S. Lewis by readers and book reviewers alike, she speaks on creative writing and history to schools, universities and conferences around the world. Jenny has a passion for making history fun for kids of all ages, instilling in them a desire to discover their part in HIStory. Her love for research has taken her to most Revolutionary sites in the U.S., to London (with unprecedented access to Handel House Museum to write in Handel's composing room), Oxford (to stay in the home of C. S. Lewis, 'the Kilns', and interview Lewis' secretary, Walter Hooper at the Inklings' famed The Eagle and Child Pub), Paris, Normandy, Rome, Israel, and Egypt. She partnered with the National Park Service to produce Epic Patriot Camp, a summer writing camp at Revolutionary parks to excite kids about history, research and writing. Jenny's books are available online and in stores around the world, as well as in e-book and audio formats. Jenny holds two marketing degrees from the University of Georgia and Georgia State University. A Virginia native, Jenny now lives with her husband Casey, and Jock and Liz in Roswell, Georgia.
Quill, Ella: - Ella Quill is a young writer who is passionate about using her God-given gift to serve her readers. She's always grown up telling stories to herself and others but started pursuing writing more seriously in 2020. A published author outside of Epic Patriot Camp, she is currently working towards publishing the second book in her fantasy series, The Lavender Dawn Saga. When she isn't writing, she loves to sing, knit, eat chocolate, and read good books. You can learn more about Ella and her writing at LavenderDawn.NobleKnoll.com
Watt, Christopher J.: - With a passion for historical fiction and fantasy, Christopher J. Watt loves nothing more than a good, well-written book. He is a keen swimmer, devours countless novels, and drinks far too much hot chocolate in one day. South African by birth, Christopher resides with his family and black Labrador retriever, Shadow, in Australia's capital. Find more about him and his mission to write something worth reading at www.christopherjwattauthor.com.
