History is filled with extraordinary women—pioneers, revolutionaries, and unsung heroines whose stories deserve to be told. In an upcoming discussion hosted at the Springville Library, celebrated authors Heather B. Moore, Arlem Hawks, and Allison Hong Merrill will share insights into the remarkable women who have inspired their writing.
As these three talented authors come together to discuss the women who have shaped their stories, readers will gain a deeper appreciation for the past—and the enduring impact of these extraordinary figures. Whether real or fictional, the women brought to life by Moore, Hawks, and Merrill remind us that history is not just about events, but about the people who shaped them.
Moore, a USA Today bestselling author, has dedicated much of her career to telling the overlooked stories of influential women. In The Paper Daughters of Chinatown, she introduces readers to the real-life Donaldina Cameron, a woman who rescued trafficked Chinese girls in 19th-century San Francisco. Based on true events, the novel highlights Cameron’s life and her work rescuing Chinese women and girls from human trafficking in San Francisco’s Chinatown. As the superintendent of the Occidental Mission Home for Girls, Cameron’s unwavering commitment provided hope and a safe haven for many victims of exploitation.
Moore writes primarily historical and herstory fiction. Herstory fiction is a genre of historical fiction written by women, about women. In her books, Moore delves into the humanity and heroism of everyday individuals. Publishing across various genres, Moore combines her passion for research with her love of storytelling to create immersive narratives. Her historical novels and thrillers are penned under the name H.B. Moore. Moore’s upbringing included time on both the east and west coasts of the United States, as well as international schooling in Egypt and Israel, experiences that have enriched her writing with diverse cultural insights. Moore’s passion for historical accuracy and storytelling ensures these women’s legacies are not forgotten.
Hawks, known for her meticulously researched historical fiction, brings to life strong, resilient women navigating tumultuous times. Whether it’s the daring heroine of Georgana’s Secret, who disguises herself as a boy to survive aboard a British naval ship, or the women of Beyond the Lavender Fields, who find themselves caught in the wake of the French Revolution, Hawks masterfully explores the courage and sacrifice of women in history.
Hawks began crafting stories before she could even write. Her upbringing across the Western United States and extensive travels worldwide instilled in her a deep appreciation for diverse cultures and histories. Inspired by her writer father, Hawks developed a passion for storytelling, particularly focusing on historical narratives. She holds a bachelor’s degree in communications with an emphasis in print journalism and currently resides in Arizona with her husband and three children.
Finally, Merrill’s writing blends personal experience with history, amplifying the voices of women who have faced extraordinary challenges. Her award-winning memoir, Ninety-Nine Fire Hoops, details her own journey of resilience as a Taiwanese immigrant, but she also explores the broader struggles of women navigating cultural expectations, personal sacrifice, and self-discovery. Through her work, Merrill highlights the power of perseverance and the universal strength of women throughout history.
Merrill writes in both Chinese and English, spanning fiction and creative nonfiction. Arriving in the United States at 22 years old as a university student, she overcame language barriers to earn a masters of fine arts (MFA) in writing from Vermont College of Fine Arts. Her debut memoir has garnered over 60 book awards, including the Grand Prize in the Millennium Book Award in the U.K. Allison’s work has appeared in the New York Times and HuffPost, earning both national and international literary accolades. She is a keynote speaker, instructor, and panelist at writers’ conferences across the U.S. and Asia. Merrill continues to share her heritage through empowering storytelling.
In her memoir, Merrill narrates her personal journey as a Taiwanese immigrant facing cultural challenges, language barriers, and personal upheavals in the United States. Her story reflects themes of resilience, self-discovery, and the complexities of navigating between two cultures while overcoming adversity.
These narratives not only shed light on the historical and personal struggles of these women but also celebrate their enduring strength and contributions to society. The library event will be held on March 19 from 7 to 8 p.m. Along with the discussion, there will be a bingo game and a book signing.
