On the Podcast: Hotseat with Jenny Lynn Cary
Podcast Episode: Writing Family, Faith, and History — An Author Hot Seat with Jennifer Lynn Cary
Host: Jennifer Crosswhite
Guest: Jennifer Lynn Cary, Author of The Crockett Chronicles
Show Notes
Turning Family History Into Storytelling Gold
In this inspiring episode, host Jennifer Crosswhite sits down with longtime friend and fellow author Jennifer Lynn Cary to talk about her remarkable writing journey — one that began with family genealogy and grew into The Crockett Chronicles, a sweeping historical fiction series rooted in her real-life connection to Davy Crockett’s lineage.
What started as a family research project quickly evolved into a calling. After discovering generations of her ancestors in the book Notable Southern Families, Cary began wondering about their lives — their triumphs, struggles, and stories waiting to be told. When a teacher once challenged her to imagine her future, she jokingly said she’d be “lounging by a pool in Scottsdale after signing my New York Times bestseller.” God, as she later puts it, nudged her to make that dream real.
From Grief to Purpose
Cary’s first book began as a form of therapy while her son was in the hospital — and after his passing, writing became both healing and hope. She soon realized, however, that the hardest part wasn’t writing the story, but learning the business of publishing — editing, querying agents, and marketing.
Through mentorship and the Christian writing community (including American Christian Fiction Writers), Cary found her footing and her voice.
Researching Real Ancestors in a Fictional World
Writing about historical figures like the Crocketts brings unique challenges — especially when fact, legend, and family stories overlap.
“Because I actually carry their DNA,” Cary shares, “I have a great desire to honor them. I’m here because they lived.”
From conflicting names in ancestry databases to changing historical details, Cary had to strike a balance between authenticity and storytelling. “I remind myself — I’m writing fiction. If it’s not exact, that’s okay. It just needs to feel true.”
She also notes the explosion of genealogy tools like Ancestry.com and DNA testing has changed how writers approach historical fiction — making research both easier and trickier.
Writing Lessons and Advice for Authors
Cary’s journey has spanned decades, filled with lessons and perseverance. Here are a few key takeaways:
- Get the words on the page. “You can always fix bad, but you can’t fix blank,” she quotes.
- Set achievable goals. She aims for 2,000 words a day, giving herself grace when needed.
- Avoid head-hopping. Learning to master POV early will save countless edits.
- Write with purpose. Know why you write and why you’re writing this particular story.
And perhaps most importantly:
“Jesus is my agent,” Cary says. “I trust that God will get my stories to the readers who need them.”
Upcoming Books in The Crockett Chronicles
- Book 1: The Patriarch – Available now on Amazon.
- Book 2: The Sojourners – Launching this month.
- Book 3: The Prodigal – Coming January 2026.
Carey also teases her next project: Relentless Heart, inspired by the Book of Ruth and set during the Vietnam era.
FAQ
Q1: Who is Jennifer Lynn Cary?
Jennifer Lynn Cary is a historical fiction author best known for The Crockett Chronicles trilogy, inspired by her real-life connection to Davy Crockett’s family line.
Q2: What inspired The Crockett Chronicles?
Cary discovered her ancestral connection to Davy Crockett while her mother researched their genealogy. The discovery sparked her desire to tell the stories of her ancestors through fiction.
Q3: What are some challenges of writing historical fiction?
Balancing historical accuracy with storytelling, managing conflicting genealogical records, and keeping large casts of characters distinct are all major challenges Cary discusses.
Q4: What writing advice does Cary give to aspiring authors?
Start writing — even if it’s bad. Avoid head-hopping, stay consistent with daily goals, and remember your “why.”
Q5: Where can I find Jennifer Lynn Cary’s books?
You can find The Crockett Chronicles and her upcoming releases on Amazon and through her author pages and social media profiles.
