A. Louise Staman

I have been a writer, poet, and researcher for nearly all of my adult life. I have located criminals, learned that a ‘high-born’ heroine was once a prostitute, and traced many lives through wars, occupations, corruption, and malice. I plan my searches through court houses, archives, and libraries with the same enthusiasm and care as a robber casing a bank. I also love to interview those who once knew my characters, finding their personal stories to be a fascinating addition to history.

Four years ago I was working in the archives of the University of Georgia when I found an old picture of an ancient woman, dressed to the nines, staring straight at me – almost as if to say, “I dare you to discover my story.” All I had was a name, Rebecca Latimer Felton. What I discovered was one of the most remarkable women in American history, and a story so turbulent and filled with drama, it seemed like fiction. The result is a book: "Loosening Corsets: The Heroic Life of Georgia’s Feisty Mrs. Felton, First Woman Senator of the United States." I hope to make the story of this nearly forgotten woman known once again, along with all that she did in her beloved state of Georgia.

I now live in Macon, Georgia with my husband of nearly 39 years, Dr. E. Michael Staman. My two huge Maine Coon Cats spend most of their time in my office, ‘helping me’ by lazing on my desk and dropping pens in their water bowl. "Loosening Corsets" is my fifth published book (one published in Paris) and my second biography. I have also written for French and English journals and have won several prizes for my writing. I am presently a 2006 semifinalist in the William Faulkner-William Wisdom Creative Writing Competition. I have three married daughters and love to dote on my two grandchildren, which is why I just published my first children’s book: "Rupert and the Bag."