After meticulously documenting thousands of facts, why did I choose to publish historical FICTION? Provable facts laid down without a story are intangible, boring, and forgettable. Not only that, but what is the truth about Alasco Charles White who was Barnum’s menagerie manager from 1871 until retirement?  What is the true story about Anna Matchett, the woman who became wardrobe mistress for the Greatest Show on Earth in 1872?

While I have uncovered hundreds of documents, photos, stories and references, I cannot be certain that any of what I found is fact. The characters in the story did not leave diaries. And, even though I have an 1879 interview with “Charley” White, who knows if the reporter wrote what was actually said? Charley’s own son’s account of his father’s life is conflicting.

So, I researched facts related to both Annie and Charley. I put together an excel sheet with a timeline and listed the references in order. I researched the circuses and the people they interacted with… and then set my imagination free to write their story. The story of Charley White and Annie Matchett is amazing, and I am very excited to share it!

Pet Lions and Well-Dressed Elephants is available to purchase on Amazon as well as Barnes & Noble.