Hello. My name is Cora Darrah and I live in Durham, North Carolina, with my husband and French Bulldog Vern. For thirty-two years, I taught children with special needs. When I was eligible for retirement, I decided it was time to explore life from a different perspective. So with pen and paper, I began to write and publish books.
After writing several books, including a memoir and a short novel, I began exploring my family’s history and uncovered a treasure trove of stories about my hometown, Durham, North Carolina.
Along the way, I discovered that my grandfather’s uncle played a remarkable role not only in the founding of this great city but also as a pioneer in early machine development.
In September 2023, I self-published my first historical fiction novel, A Story of Durham: Told the Wright Way, based on the life of my grandfather’s uncle, Richard Harvey Wright. The book received rave reviews, and since its release, I’ve been actively speaking to groups about the founding of Durham and our city’s rich history.
I recently completed my second historical fiction novel, based on the life of Brodie Duke, the second son of Washington Duke. Brodie’s life was haunted by the ghosts of his past, driving him to seek fulfillment through drinking, gambling, and fleeting love. He was hated by his brother, James Buchanan, one of the wealthiest men in the nation at the time. This book uncovers the surprising and untold story of Brodie Duke, a man who has been misunderstood for over a century.
When I’m not working on my next book, you can usually find me on the tennis court or traveling. I love cruising in the open ocean and walking along a sandy beach.
I also love blogging about the Lord and the peace that can be obtained when reading and applying His word. I believe He has given me the honor of sharing how the joy produced from living close to Him can transform our lives.
And one last tidbit — I recently finished a children’s book that I plan to publish in the near future. Amelia Curl has been in the making for several years, and I’m excited to share it with parents who want their children to understand the compassion of our Heavenly Father.
I’m looking forward to reading your children’s books.
Terri,
I appreciate your note about my children’s books. I am definitely going through a learning curve when it comes to setting up a website and developing an online store. I have been spending time with my grandchildren and sharing my book with them. I am excited by their response to my first children’s book. Hopefully it can be used as an effective tool to help children become more sensitive to the needs of others.