Letter 17 • Who Was She to Write a Book
“She had endeavored all her life thereafter to obey her father’s wish that she “learn her book.”— Mrs. Lincoln’s Dressmaker by Jennifer Chiaverini
Hello, Dear Reader,
Before my pages were filled, there was a life lived through slavery, sorrowful years of youth, and a triumphant emergence into freedom — all while never letting go of the desires and worries of colored people.
I was born from a woman who had been born enslaved. Her gifted hands earned freedom through needle and thread. That talent led her into the homes of politicians’ wives and into friendships that rode the fine line between service and sovereignty.
Dressmaking opened doors, followed by confidantes. My creator became more than a seamstress — she became a listener, defender, steady presence — all while measuring and dressing to perfection.
It was that relationship that shaped my beginnings.
A realization that one must do for themselves, redeem their good name, and do the same for a dear friend.
Yet my arrival into the world did not unfold in celebration. I entered amid controversy — amid scandal. Words meant to clarify instead unsettled. A friendship fractured. Finances suffered. Reputation trembled.
My birth did not reflect the brightness of my intention.
But time has a way of softening sharp edges.
What remains now is not the uproar that greeted me, but the record I hold — a testimony stitched in memory rather than silk.
The woman who authored me once wrote that she had endeavored all her life to fulfill her father’s wish that she “learn her book.”
He meant literacy. He meant education. He meant the power to read, to think, to know.
And, in learning her letters, she learned how to leave them behind.
I am what she left behind.
A remarkable book entitled,
Behind the Scenes
by Mrs. Elizabeth Keckley
This letter is inspired by Mrs. Lincoln’s Dressmaker by Jennifer Chiaverini
A few lines slipped directly from its pages:
Slavery, sorrowful years of youth, and triumphant emergence into freedom
The desires and worries of colored people
Endeavored all her life to obey her father’s wish that she “learn her book
A remarkable book entitled, Behind the Scenes by Mrs. Elizabeth Keckley
Short Content Brew
This story carries both triumph and tension. You can’t help but admire Elizabeth Keckley’s brilliance — her skill, her resilience, her rise from bondage to respected dressmaker. And yet, her success is never entirely her own. It remains closely stitched to the Lincoln household, especially Mrs. Lincoln.
At times, you find yourself wondering whose story you’re truly reading. Is this about Mrs. Keckley’s hard-earned freedom — or the family whose history nearly overshadows it?
It’s the kind of book that leaves you reflecting on how proximity to power can both elevate and eclipse a woman’s voice.
Tea Date with the Book
A Sip of Quiet Testimony
Tea Blend: Darjeeling + Chamomile + Honey
Flavor Note:
Delicate but resilient. Floral notes meet gentle strength, creating a cup that does not shout — yet refuses to disappear. It lingers thoughtfully, asking you to sit with what was spoken… and what was misunderstood.
Reflection:
Have you ever told your version of events and been met with resistance?
Why This Letter?
Recently, I attended another author’s event celebrating the release of her new book. At one point, she shared this line:
“God meets people in the pages of books.”
I’ve found that to be true.
Quotes, stories, and even passing scenes have met me exactly when I needed them. And while reading Mrs. Lincoln’s Dressmaker, I came across a moment that stopped me:
“A twinge of doubt struck — who was she to think she could write a book? Who was she, indeed, she had written a book, so the question of whether she could had already been answered. Now all that remained was to explain why she had, and to what purpose.”
I felt that deeply.
If you’ve been here for a while, you know I recently wrote a book. A book I am incredibly proud of. And yet — while writing it, and now as I prepare to celebrate its release — I’ve had that very thought:
Who do I think I am, writing a book?
Who wants to hear from me?
Reading those words reminded me of something simple but grounding: the book is already written.
The question isn’t who I think I am.
It’s who I know I am.
A writer. An author. With readers.
As I celebrate my birthday today and prepare for my book release, I’m holding onto that truth.
And maybe today’s letter is a reminder for you, too:
If you’re questioning whether you can —
Perhaps you already did.
That’s the sip I’ll leave you with today.
Thanks for reading—until the next letter.
P.S. If this letter made you pause or look twice, feel free to pass it along. Or leave a note in the comments—I always love hearing what lingers.
