223: Sharon Virts KNOWS Historical Fiction, Ghosts, Character, Creativity, and Purpose

What if the best way to understand today's world is to step back 200 years? Award-winning author Sharon Virts joins Randall Kenneth Jones to discuss “Bargains of Fate,” the second novel in her acclaimed “Fields of Honor” historical fiction series. Set in 1820s Virginia and inspired by real people and true events, the novel is filled with political intrigue, murder, scandal, romance, courtroom drama and unforgettable characters—but as Randall quickly discovers, its greatest strength lies in the timeless questions it asks about character, integrity and the consequences of our choices. Their conversation moves far beyond the pages of the novel. Together they explore why history still matters, how little human nature has actually changed, and why the battles we choose—and the ones we walk away from—often define who we become. Among the topics explored: Why historical fiction can reveal as much about today as it does the past The true story behind “Bargains of Fate” and the remarkable real-life people who inspired it How Sharon transforms extensive historical research into compelling storytelling Why winning every battle can become its own dangerous addiction The difference between reputation, recognition and genuine respect Perception versus reality—and how they often become one powerful truth Strong women navigating a society that offered them few choices Forgiveness, grace and the courage to do what's right when it's hardest Why readers continue to connect so deeply with stories set two centuries ago Ghost stories, haunted historic homes and the real-life mysteries of Sharon’s home and Randy’s former home, Leesburg, Virginia Along the way, Randall shares why “Bargains of Fate” became one of those rare novels he simply couldn't put down, praising its memorable characters, richly detailed setting and thought-provoking themes that linger long after the final page. Whether you're a devoted fan of historical fiction or simply love conversations about courage, character and the enduring complexities of being human, this episode reminds us that while society changes, people rarely do. Because sometimes the best way to understand your future... is to listen carefully to the past. Randall Kenneth Jones' Most Quotable Moments:  "Society's rules about acceptable behavior have changed. Human nature has not." "Sometimes I think I won for the sake of winning—not because I wanted what I was fighting for." "You may have heard these themes before, but you've never heard them explored against the backdrop of 1822." "If everyone read a book as though they were going to sit down and discuss it with the author, they'd have a completely different reading experience." "If you want to understand your present, sometimes you have to look into the past." Sharon Virts' Most Quotable Moments "Choice. Consequence. Character. That's what these books are really about." "Doing the right thing is often much harder than doing the easy thing." "History didn't change people. People haven't changed." "Cancel culture existed then just as it exists now." "No one is just one thing. We're all complicated people." "Winning never feels as good as losing hurts." Sharon Virts: www.SharonVirts.com Randall Kenneth Jones: www.RandallKennethJones.com  Susan Bennett: www.SusanCBennett.com  Kevin Randall Jones: www.KevinJonesVideo.com