I began writing SugarMoon in 2013. I began writing this blog in 2016. In both cases, that’s a long time ago. It includes years of writing about the Philippine-American War, and in particular the Balangiga incident—a central event shaping the character of my redemption-seeking, whistleblower character, Ben Potter.
Let’s say you know nothing about what happened in Balangiga—or even nothing about the Philippine-American War. Don’t worry, you won’t need to in order to read Sugar Moon. But let’s say you’re a history geek like me? Well, I’ve written a lot of content just for you!
I have tried to organize this by the most logical questions. Read the captions, and if you want to know more just click on the link below the image. Geek out!
Question 1: Where is this book set?
Most of the Sugar Sun series takes place in the Visayan Islands in the central and southern Philippines.
Sugar country founded by Spanish & Chinese mestizos in the 19th century. Come for whale sharks, stay for the pretty.
Beaches, mountains, sugar, missionaries, & sinners. This town is still one of my favorite places in the Philippines.
This town is a case study in occupation & a name that every American should know. Essential reading for the upcoming novel, Sugar Moon.
Explore this beautiful town at the center of piracy, two anti-American wars, and a grand celebration of peace.
And now let’s go north: The Americans found a perfect place to wait out the steamy Philippine summers. But how to get there—alive?
Learn about the troubled, faded glory Hotel Oriente in the center of Manila, the Pearl of the Orient.
Question 2: Why were Americans in the Philippines?
American imperialism was a cause and effect of the Spanish-American War. Why fight at all? It’s the economy, stupid!? Find out more.
Navy accidents, fake news, and a New Yorker bent on war. I mean the Spanish-American War of 1898. What were you thinking? Find out more.
Mission creep was a thing before we had the phrase. How the war in the Caribbean turned into an empire in Asia. Also, imperial euphemisms. Find out more.
The good, bad, and ugly of your great-great-great grandparents’ Vietnam War: the Philippine-American War. Also, why it matters to you now more than ever. Find out more.
Question 3: What happened in Samar?
The good, bad, and ugly of your great-great-great grandparents’ Vietnam War: the Philippine-American War. Also, why it matters to you now more than ever. Find out more.
A case study in occupation, and a town that every American should know. Essential reading for the upcoming Sugar Moon. Find out more.
The US returned war booty known as the bells of Balangiga in December 2018, over 117 years too late. Why now? Find out more.
The Pulahan War was a millennialist insurrection, like ISIS. Why don’t we study it more? Find out more in Part 1, Part 2, and Part 3.
Question 4: WHAT WAS THE US ARMY LIKE IN 1901?
Talk about mission creep: a war against Spain fought in Cuba blossomed into a new war in the Philippines that lent soldiers to fight yet another campaign in China. Find out more.
Soldiers in…negligées? My research rabbit hole on daily life in the U.S. Army in 1901. Find out more.
Question 5: What else should I know about the world of Ben Potter?
For the Americans sweating it out in Manila, all roads led to Baguio—once they built them, that is. Find out more.
Baseball was a perfect metaphor for American colonial rule. Find out more.
Question 6: What should I know about the world of Allegra Alazas?
The wealth of the Gilded Age reached both sides of the Pacific, but nowhere was it gaudier than at Newport. Find out more.
What did Gilded Age authorities teach about sex, virginity, and pleasure? The results may surprise you. Find out more.
And you can find out more about Allegra, her home, her family, and her background by reading through these annotated glossary posts:
Question 7: Where can I find the book?
Question 8: What are people saying about Sugar Moon?
On Frolic, Joanna Shupe called it one of the best historical romances with sports! Reviews on Amazon and Goodreads help new readers find my books, and I appreciate the time it takes to write them.
I hope you enjoy the book too! I wish you a great history-ever-after!
