Episode 56 - Willis Smiley

In this episode, we talk with author and genealogist Willis Smiley about his new Substack novel, God-Haunted: The Possible Story of Thomas Ewart. Blending meticulous genealogical research with imaginative storytelling, Willis brings to life the mysterious 1879–1880 arson attacks on his 5x great-grandfather’s Marietta, Ohio home. We explore the role of the temperance movement, the challenges of weaving fact and fiction, and how family history can inspire powerful narratives.