Yes. I seem to have solved a major part of the problem with my novel. I realized that I needed to make the interracial relationship at the core of the story have more issues. Give the lovers more at stake and make one seen more emotional.
This particular scene involved a cross burning and so I added the burning down of the cabin. When I told my (black) husband about it, he said that was mighty white of me. Lol
Reading about the “Black Codes” of the 1865-66 years, which are the years my story takes place. It would take too long to go into an explanation here but suffice to say, for the most part, they were old slave laws reworded to keep free blacks from gaining too much advantage from their freedom. Please google if interested. Many good articles.
I am happy with the additions I’ve made and am now on my way to finishing my first draft. Yay!!!!!!
My ancestors, even the illusive ones, would be proud of me. I hope. It’s partly, even in a small way, their story.