Another Story for You to Write

No submissions for this month, so here is another of my story dreams to spark your writing, especially for those favoring historical subjects.

PREMISE:

This is a love story, possibly saga, set against the background of the large migrations that arrived in North America from Ireland.

Time story begins: Probably in the 1800s or possibly early 19^th century.

MAIN CHARACTERS: Claire and Liam.

CLAIRE’S BACKSTORY:

Claire was born to a fisherman’s family. She had few siblings, only one surviving at start of the story. Her mother died when Claire was young. Her father was lost in a recent storm and Claire finds it difficult without his support to keep the family home. She decides to emigrate. Does she take her younger sibling, does the youngster survive?

LIAM’S BACKSTORY:

Liam was born to a farmer. Due to changing weather conditions and other causes, the family is in dire trouble.

• His father is caught stealing food for his family and is transported to Australia.
• Not long afterward, Liam’s older sister who was very ill gets caught out in a bad storm. She seeks shelter at the nearby Anglican church but is refused for being Irish and Catholic. Collapsing outside the church, she lies there the entire night and is found dead in the morning.
• Her pregnant mother upon learning of her death, goes into premature labor. Neither mother nor child survive. This leaves Liam and his younger sister who is due marry soon.
• But then, her fiancé is falsely convicted of poaching on a Baron’s land and also transported before their marriage can take place.
• Unfortunately, his sister is pregnant. After being publicly shamed by their church and neighbors, she decides not to add to Liam’s burden but to enter one of the church sponsored homes for unwed mothers.
• At this point Liam heads for America.

CLAIRE AND LIAM IN AMERICA.

PROBLEM:

Though Claire received her US citizenship papers, her citizenship has been revoked when it is discovered she lied about her married status. At sometime prior to submitting her application, she married Liam who entered illegally via Canada. When he applies for US citizenship, his illegal status is discovered.

Will they both be deported? If so, will they return? The problem is yours to solve.

NOTE: the detail about Claire’s status comes from the life story of an actual Irish immigrant.

If you do choose to use this story idea, please let me know what you choose to do with it. Feel free to change any of the details I provided. Good luck.