The Early Station Legend

The light moves slowly along the train tracks, sometimes getting brighter and sometimes fading to almost nothing. It often sways slightly from side to side, as if someone was carrying it, but it might stop for brief periods. Hundreds of people have seen it over the years. Some believe it is a ghost, and others don't know what to think. One legend says that years ago a hobo tried to hop on the train and didn’t make it. He fell back, some of the railroad cars ran over him, and his head was severed. Now the man’s ghost carries a lantern at night as he walks up and down the tracks on both sides of the crossing where he fell and searches for his head.

Another account says a homeless man lived here in Early Station in Eastern North Carolina. He had once owned a business there, but it failed, and he began to drink. He was likely drunk when he stumbled and fell off the platform where the train ran over him. They found his body but never his head. Other versions can also be found. One says a railroad worker ended up being decapitated when he fell under the train. Some curious people have also gone to investigate the light and run back declaring that it started chasing them. Others have tried to shoot it, but they’ve never managed to stop it, and the light always returns.

The town of Early Station was named for the Early family. The town once boasted a post office, several stores, depot, and Early’s Baptist Church. When the Atlantic Coast Railroad stopped running and the depot closed, the town began to dry up. The Early Station trains once provided passenger rail service to Ahoskie, Rocky Mount, Suffolk, and Norfolk, running three trains a day just to Norfolk. In addition, those trains brought the mail, grocery products, and merchandise to Bertie County. The station has been closed for years, however, and no trains stop there now.

 Nonetheless, people still say the unexplained light continues to appear. No one has been able to get close enough to tell what it is. Most get scared and leave before they get that far, and others tell of the light suddenly vanishing. But that mystery and mystique are what keep the legend alive, and what better time to remember it than near Halloween.

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The Renaissance Brought Huge Changes to Language and Literature

I have come to appreciate the huge changes the Renaissance brought to the English language as never before. Being a history and English major, the period has always fascinated me, but when I began writing novels set in the medieval period, the different and limited vocabulary really hit me. 

I found myself too much of a purist to pen words not used in the Middle Ages, so I looked up most of the words in a sentence to find the dates they were introduced into the language. Not many of the words we use today were used in Medieval times. Many of them didn't come into the vocabulary until the Renaissance with its explosion of writers, like Shakespeare. For example, there is no word we would recognize for the word "dress." Words like happy, smile, laugh, flag, shed, and thousands of others had not come into usage yet.

The first book I wrote in this time period was Roslyn's Rescue, a novella based on "Little Red Riding Hood" but written for adults with all the magic and make-believe taken out. I published it as an ebook only, as I did Glenda's Gold, based on "Rumplestiltskin." I combined these two novellas to make the print book, Time-Told Tales, Volume One.

I just finished the rough draft of Patricia's Prison, loosely based on "Rapunzel." It will also be published as an ebook. Down the road, when I write Jack's Jewel ("Jack and the Beanstalk"), I will combine them to publish Time-Told Tales, Volume Two. The research for these books, since I look up almost every other word to check its date, is so time-consuming that I need a break between them.


Each of these stories is a standalone, and yet they are connected because the characters continue to appear in them all. Despite all the extra work, they're a joy to write, and readers have told me they are a joy to read as well. The ebooks in the series can also be found on Kindle Unlimited. Here are the links if you would like to check them out.

Roslyn's Rescue - https://www.amazon.com/Roslyns-Rescue-Janice-Cole-Hopkins-ebook/dp/B07MDSJKJC

Glenda's Gold - https://www.amazon.com/Glendas-Gold-Time-Told-Tales-Book-ebook/dp/B07NBSCLW6

Time Told Tales (print) - https://www.amazon.com/Time-Told-Tales-Janice-Cole-Hopkins/dp/1798059363/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=

Time-Told Tales (audible) - https://www.audible.com/pd/Time-Told-Tales-Volume-One-Audiobook/B07XDBZSCS?qid=1567869893&sr=1-1&pf_rd_p=e81b7c27-6880-467a-b5a7-13cef5d729fe&pf_rd_r=EW7MYQZB4PGR81FV6SWE&ref

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When Doing the Right Thing Is Wrong

(See Luke 10:38-42)

Martha was a practical doer, a hard worker who took her tasks seriously. Therefore, when she had guests in her home, she worked diligently to provide them with a good meal. Yet, her younger sister had her mind somewhere in the clouds and sat visiting with the guests without offering to help. Martha's hospitality would have normally been a good thing. However, in this case, her sister Mary's choice was actually better. You see, Martha saw her kitchen chores as more important than hearing what Jesus had to say, while Mary chose to learn at the feet of Jesus. It is wrong to view anything as more important than our Lord.

(See Luke 15:11-32)

An older brother ended up in an even worse situation. His younger brother had talked his father into giving him his inheritance early and then went away to blow it all in partying and wild living. When times became hard and all his money ran out, his so-called friends deserted him, and he ended up slopping hogs and eating some of their food to keep from starving. Realizing that even his father's servants had it better, he decided to go home and ask to be taken back as a servant. But when his father saw him coming home, he welcomed him with joy and threw a feast in his honor.

The older brother came home and couldn't believe what was happening. He refused to take part in the celebration and could not reconcile that his sibling would be welcomed after what he had done. After all, the elder brother had been faithful and true to their father, while the younger one had been foolish and uncaring. His father tried to explain that the younger son would not get any further inheritance, but the older brother would have none of it and stomped away mad. It was good that the older brother had remained a dutiful son, but his unforgiving, jealous attitude was sinful. Doing the right thing did not give him the right to be harsh and judgmental toward someone who had chosen the wrong course but repented.

There are lessons for us in both of these situations. If we don't stay in God's Word daily, pray often, and let the Spirit be our guide, we might think we are doing right but actually be in the wrong.

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Unexpected

I am happy to announce the release of my latest book. Unexpected is set in Oakboro, North Carolina, in 1961. Oliver Hartsell had no idea when he went to repair Mr. Austin's windows that he'd end up proposing to the man's daughter, but that's exactly what happened. He didn't regret it, however, because he’d secretly been in love with Marie for a long time. He doubts that she feels the same way about him, but he's determined that she will. Yet, life can be hard and has a way of throwing unexpected surprises. 

I enjoyed doing the research for this novel. Although all the main characters are totally fictitious, the town, businesses, and some of the minor characters were real. To make sure I got it right, I had special readers from Oakboro who double-checked the story for setting accuracy. I hope you enjoy reading Oliver and Marie's story as much as I enjoyed writing it. 

Since Amazon is now taking a week or more to link together the different formats of a book, the print and Kindle editions are presently listed separately. Hopefully, they will be linked soon. An Audible edition will also be coming out early spring. Here are the links for you to check it out:

Kindle -  https://www.amazon.com/Unexpected-Janice-Cole-Hopkins-ebook/dp/B07Z9F3QGH

Print - https://www.amazon.com/Unexpected-Janice-Cole-Hopkins/dp/1700486772

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Libraries on Wheels

Especially in the past, bookmobiles proved a delight for many rural families across the country. In my early childhood, I can still remember the thrill of walking into the large van that had rows and rows of shelved books for me to choose from, and likely some of you can too.

Bookmobiles came remarkably early.  Fairfax County, Virginia, had a horse-drawn one operating as early as 1890. Washington County, Maryland, had one in 1902, and Chester, South Carolina, started one in 1904. However, bookmobiles didn’t become widespread in the United States until they were funded as part of President Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s Works Progress Administration program from 1936-1943.  Even though the WPA ended in 1942-43, support for these mobile libraries did not. They'd become too successful because they had the unique flexibility to go to the clientele rather than requiring those patrons to come to them.

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The state of North Carolina provides a good example of bookmobile growth. Durham County offered the first bookmobile service in North Carolina in 1923. The one-ton, blue Chevrolet held 600 books. Other counties followed, especially in the forties and fifties, when federal funds were readily available. Prior to 1926, only thirty-two percent of North Carolinians had access to library books. By 1942, over eighty percent did. In a survey done in fifty-seven North Carolina counties in 1978, only three did not have a bookmobile service. The survey also showed that nearly one book was put into circulation for each contact minute of a bookmobile, an excellent ratio. North Carolinians used their bookmobiles.

Davidson Co., NC, 1960

These mobile libraries made stops wherever people needed them. This included places like schools, daycares, and children’s centers; recreation centers; rest homes; churches; post offices; fire stations; stores, and private residences. Bookmobiles began to decline in the seventies and eighties when federal funding for them began to dwindle. Federally funded bookmobiles ended in 1972.  Local county commissioners often argued that they were not necessary anymore since more people now owned cars and could get to a library themselves. However, there were grant monies to be had and agricultural funds kept the mobile libraries going in some locations. Even though it’s rarer nowadays, it’s still exciting to see a brightly painted bookmobile on the road or pulled into a stop for people to check-out books. 

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Barnabas, the Encourager

Barnabas was one of Paul's closest friends. When most other followers of Christ were afraid to let Paul into their fellowship since he had once persecuted so many of them, Barnabas saw something special in the new apostle and stood up for him. When he was sent to help the fledgling church at Antioch, Barnabas asked Paul to go with him, and thus began Paul's serious ministry to the Gentiles.

Barnabas was an encourager. In fact, his name means "son of encouragement." Barnabas accompanied Paul on his first missionary journey and encouraged young John Mark after he left their journey not to leave the ministry. Although Paul was displeased with the young follower at the time, years later, he would praise Mark and consider him a friend.

Barnabas may have often worked more in the background, but he was an integral part of the ministry. His positive attitude, the ability to see the best in people, and the encouragement he gave went a long way in furthering the gospel message. We can learn much for his stalworth disciple.

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Deceitful Matters on Audible

I am happy to announce that Deceitful Matters has just been released on Audible. This book is set near Winston-Salem, North Carolina and has more mystery to it than any of my other books so far. Amy Duncan and Seth Conners were just starting to connect in high school when Seth was arrested, Amy’s parents died, and everything changed. They don’t see each other again for ten years, but now someone is trying to make sure they never become too serious about each other again. Who would do such a thing, and will their love survive or will they be torn apart permanently?

I grew up about 50 miles to the west of Winston-Salem, so I know the area well. When Winter Is Past is the only other book I've written so far that has much mystery, but it's a historical, while Deceitful Matters is a contemporary novel. Although it doesn't have many reviews, readers tell me they love it, and I may think about putting some more mystery in my books in the future. When Winter Is Past has had phenomenal sales. 

Jennifer Groberg narrates the Deceitful Matters. I love her clear, expressive voice, and this is the fourth book she's produced for me. She also narrated Mountain Mishap, It All Started at the Masquerade, and On the Road to Jericho. She has over 70 audio-books to her credit and is a real pro at what she does. She will also narrate the second book in the In from the Storms series, Past Storms. Book 1, Mountain Storms, is in production now with a male narrator.

Be sure to check out Deceitful Matters in whatever format you prefer. You won't be disappointed, and I think you will especially love the Audible. https://www.amazon.com/Deceitful-Matters/dp/B07YZ9YGRL

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Stede Bonnet

There was a time when pirates roamed the shores of the Eastern United States, and North Carolina had its share of them. Stede Bonnet was perhaps the best known of the pirates, after Blackbeard, and was almost the antithesis of Blackbeard. He came from a better background than most pirates, purchased his ship instead of stealing it, and hired his crew instead of conscripting them. He was educated and had been a major in the British army. In fact, he became known as the “Gentleman Pirate.”

For a brief time in 1718, Bonnet joined up with Blackbeard, but the partnership didn’t last long. Reportedly, Blackbeard tried to take advantage of Bonnet, and the two parted ways. After receiving a gubernatorial pardon, Bonnet tried to turn to the more acceptable pursuit of privateering. He changed his name to Captain Thomas and that of his ship from Revenge to Royal James but soon returned to keeping all the spoils for himself and the life of a pirate.

In Bonnet’s last days, he stopped off at the mouth of the Cape Fear River in North Carolina to make some needed repairs to his ship. Colonel William Rhett, who had been sent in pursuit of pirates, followed. Both his and Bonnet’s ships ran aground near Bald Head Island, and they traded gunfire. Rhett’s ship got free first, and Bonnet and his men were taken to Charles Town to stand trial. Although Bonnet escaped for a brief time, he was recaptured on Sullivan’s Island and hanged on December 10, 1718. His career as a pirate had been a short one.

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Stephen's Martyrdom

Painting of Stephen (1476)

And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people (Acts 6:8).

Stephen was a young man who had a zeal for the Lord and wanted to share the good news with others. He was one of the seven deacons appointed by the apostles to distribute charity to the needy in the early church. He drew the attention of the religious leaders, just as Christ had, and was brought to trial for blasphemy. After a long discourse where Stephen defended the faith of those who followed Christ, he was taken outside the city and stoned to death.

And they cast him out of the city, and stoned him: and the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man's feet, whose name was Saul. And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit (Acts 7:58-59).


Saul of Tarsus was among those in the crowd watching Stephen's stoning. At the time, he had his own zealous passion, but it burned for persecuting this new group he considered heretics to the Jewish faith. Saul even watched over the cloaks of the men who stoned Stephen that day. Yet, one can't help but wonder what effect this event had on Saul, a man of great intelligence who was headed to become one of the top leaders in Judaism. Did it prepare the way for his coming experience and conversion on the Damascus Road?

Therefore they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the word (Acts 8:4).

Stephen's death was far-reaching. One of the things that happened because of Stephen's death, is that the gospel began to quickly spread outside of Jerusalem. After the stoning of this innocent man and Saul's continued persecution, many who followed Christ left the city and went to other areas, taking their faith and teachings with them. Philip is one such man. He left Jerusalem and went to Samaria where he continued to teach about Jesus. He was there when word came for him to go and meet the Ethiopian, who was converted and then took the gospel back to his country. This is just one of many examples of how the new faith grew rapidly. It could happen today, too, if we shared the gospel as earnestly.

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How Much Is a Book Worth?

Today's value system leaves many questions. When professional athletes and entertainment stars make mega-millions, and in some states, our teachers' children often qualify for reduced-price school lunches if both parents don't work, we might scratch our heads.

It's the same with books. Most people balk at paying $20 for a book. Many even frown at paying nearly $5 for an ebook. Yet, these same people have no problem paying over $5 for a cup of Starbucks coffee or a dish of frozen yogurt that will be gone and forgotten in a few minutes. 

With indie authors and publishers sometimes offering free ebooks, is that our expectation now? Do readers expect their books to be free? I'm an avid reader, too, and I find my mindset changing over the years. There're whole groups of people out there, especially on social media sites, who expect authors to send them free books for their reviews or even with no strings attached. Are we defeating the rising writing stars before they get off the ground? Is writing only going to be left to a select few and those who do it as a hobby?

More and more authors are finding it hard to contend with the market changing and values falling. However, I love books, both reading and writing them. This is one of the reasons I write and publish. However, a part of me still wishes people valued them more. How much are several hours of entertainment really worth? How much does it cost to go to ballgames, concerts, or amusement parks? A book even lasts longer than these. Perhaps, we publishers and authors have helped in devaluing our books. When one considers the time and work that goes into writing and producing a book, free and ninety-nine-cent books look rather ridiculous. Even $5 - $20 is a real bargain.

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More Unusual Museums in North Carolina

North Carolina has many museums spread across the state. Here are three you may not know about. And if these aren't convenient for you, they may give you ideas for finding ones in your area.

Elsewhere Collaborative
606 S. Elm Stree
Greensboro, NC
336-907-3271

This museum began as a thrift store and was run by Sylvia Gray for fifty-eight years. When she died in 1997, she left a jumble of objects covering three floors of the store. Her grandson, artist George Scheer, began organizing the collection into something more aesthetically pleasing. What evolved is both a museum and an art organization.

Renamed "Elsewhere," it is a place where artists can come, work, and use their creative skills to create something different from the items they find there; or the public can come to see the displays. Memberships are available. Call for details because elsewhere is certainly something different.

Korner's Folly
413 S. Main Street
Kernersville, NC

Jule Gilmer Korner, an artist and designer, built a 6,000 sq. ft. Victorian. brick home in Kernersville in 1880. The twenty-two room house has many unique architectural details. For example, the three floors have fifteen unusual fireplaces. He originally built the house to showcase his talent and help his business, but after marrying and having a family, he turned it into his private residence. If you like architecture, interior design, or historic houses, this is a must-see.

Whirligig Park and Museum
301 Goldsboro Street
Wilson, NC
252-243-8440

Just as the name indicates, Whirligig Park is all about whirligigs, those fascinating creations that work with the wind. However, many of the ones in the park are large and made from industrial parts.

When Vollis Simpson retired from repairing farm machinery, he started making large whirligigs. He worked on them every day until his death at ninety-four years old.

At first, his displays just attracted the local people. However, without any advertising, his work was soon bringing in out-of-state visitors as well. Soon, Simpson's farm became one of the most sought-after tourist attractions in Wilson County.

By Stef Rae - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.

As Simpson's health declined, he wasn't able to maintain the whirligigs, some of which rose for fifty feet. In 2010, town leaders decided to establish the Vollis Simpson Whirligig Park and Museum and obtained grants to help make it happen. Vollis was delighted all his hard work would live on after him. The park is available for rent to individuals and groups.

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Bearing Fruit

Bring forth therefore fruits worthy of repentance... (Luke 3:8a).

The Bible tells us that we are to bear fruit in light of the love, grace, and mercy we receive from God. These works in no way save us, but they are evidence of our salvation. When we accept Christ as our Savior and begin to understand His great gifts, we want to be obedient and surrender to His Spirit within us. This produces fruit.

I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in Me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without Me ye can do nothing. If a man abide not in Me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned. If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will and it shall be done unto you (John 15:5-7).

Is your life dedicated to following Christ? Is your greatest desire to please Him because He gave His life for you? Are you producing the fruit He wants you to? If not, seek and you shall find. We don't have to and shouldn't do this on our own. We need only to surrender and His Spirit dwelling within us will guide us. We just need to follow in obedience. All our work won't produce much fruit until we do, and it also helps to have the right heart, motives, and attitude. But what an abundant way to live when we do!

I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. Every branch in me that beareth not fruit, He taketh away; and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit (John 15:1-2).

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Where My Book Profits Go

Some of you may have read or heard that all my profits go to a scholarship fund for missionary children. However, I still get questions about this. In the school year of 2005-2006, my husband and I served as missionaries, teaching in Oaxaca (deep southern), Mexico. I taught high school history, and Jim taught Bible classes at Oaxaca Christian School, mainly working with children of Bible translators. The state of Oaxaca has about 150 different languages spoken, most of which are indigenous languages. Missionaries from all over the world go there to translate the Bible into these different languages.

During that year, we noticed that some of the missionaries couldn't afford to send their children to Oaxaca Christian School, and they home-schooled them instead. Of course, this cut into their ministry time. Although the school is a non-profit, it has expenses and overhead costs. The teachers are all volunteers, but the school has rent, utilities, books, supplies and a couple of support staff to pay, and therefore, they charge tuition. 

When I started to publish my books, I looked for a Christian charity to donate my profits to. I talked with several larger organizations, but I didn't feel my small amount would make a great impact there, and some didn't seem interested. After prayerful consideration, I felt led to establish a scholarship fund for needy students at Oaxaca Christian School. I knew of them first-hand and felt even a small amount could make a difference in the lives of many since the missionaries' work will touch others.

I give all the profits to this fund, taking only the costs for the books I sell personally from it. I spend personal funds for all other expenses, such as traveling to events, advertising, etc. I truly feel that my writing is both a gift and a calling from God. I have seen how He's used it to touch lives, and I'm amazed. Both my books and my blogs have been well-received, and I thank God every day for the opportunities. Donating my profits to the scholarship fund is just another way of being obedient and making a difference.

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