Author Michael Deebs was born and raised in Grand Rapids. Prior to retiring and moving to Florida with his wife, he spent decades teaching American History. Through this he found a love for the American Civil War era, a time which is widely followed in American history. From that, a historical fiction book series was written over the course of six years.
A History with History
Lowell’s First Look first learned of Deebs when talking with Al McGeehan prior to his Civil War presentation in Lowell last fall. McGeehan mentioned Deebs as someone who would be interesting to write about with the main family in his book series calling Lowell home.
Deebs has a long history of interest in reading and research. Combined with a love for history, it was a natural progression to write books around historical events. The Civil War is one of the most followed times in American history and became the focus of Deebs’ novels.
The Drieborg Chronicles
The six novel Civil War series in which the main family is from Lowell tells the story of a Michigander entering the war. The main character, Michael Drieborg, is a teen who sets off to become a calvaryman not fully knowing or understanding what he will experience.
Deeb selected Lowell as the home for the primary family because he was looking for a small town Michigan farming community from the time in which the novels are set.
“The elements I address with the greatest enthusiasm are the socio-economic ones.” says Deebs of his works. He takes a look at how the Civil War affected local farmers, what motivated their attitudes and decisions, and how they were treated by others in the community. “I decided to use historical fiction as my vehicle rather than non-fiction because I wanted to bring history to life.”
A Focus on History
In continuing his interest in bringing to life periods in American history, Deebs is currently working on a historical novel titled Terror in the South. It takes place during the Reconstruction period and tells of two terrorist organizations – the KKK and the Union League. His novel will explore their tactics of manipulating those in the South.
Deebs also shares information on a Civil War blog and spends time giving lectures. During the summer he returns to Michigan and gives 15 to 20 such presentations and schedules another 10 to 15 in Florida during the winter months.
The Civil War is not the only subject matter Deebs has tackled in this writing. He has also authored the two-volume set The Kennedy Assassination where he takes a look at who killed JFK and why. Research on a third installment on who killed Robert Kennedy is something Deebs would like to take on as well.
Those interested in purchasing books from the Drieborg Chronicles can do so online.
Photos courtesy of Michael Deebs and used with permission.
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