MEET NANCY POTTER, THE VOICE BEHIND THE HISTORICAL EPIC BARBOURS CUT - VORAKA

ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED IN VORAKA

Article Published on 01 May 2025 by Gloria Poletti | www.vorakamag.com

Born in New Orleans, Louisiana, Nancy moved with her family to Europe at the age of nine, where her father worked in the oil industry. They spent five memorable years abroad, experiencing the charm of old Europe, where each country retained its distinct character. During this time, she learned French and developed an appreciation for diverse cultures, which later enriched her writing. Extensive travel throughout her life has also played a significant role in shaping her creativity. Her writing journey began at age ten in The Hague and has continued ever since. She was fortunate to have supportive English teachers throughout her academic career. Today, her home is filled with boxes of journals, poems, and short stories she has written over the years. 

After college, Nancy worked in Washington, D.C., including roles on Capitol Hill and in the Office of Communications at the Reagan White House, where she contributed to explaining a complex new initiative to the American public. Her entrepreneurial spirit later led her to launch a company that designed and manufactured fashionable maternity wear at a time when options were limited.

Personal challenges have deeply influenced her life, especially raising her first son, who was born with Epidermolysis Bullosa (E.B.), a rare genetic skin disorder that caused hundreds of daily blisters and required constant care. In the 1990s, she organized the first major fundraisers for E.B. at Houston’s Ritz-Carlton Hotel. Through her son’s years of pain, she learned to celebrate small victories and gained profound respect for individuals with special needs and their caregivers. Her son is now 33 and experiences minimal blistering. Donations to support those with E.B. can be made at www.debra.org.

Nancy’s debut historical novel, Barbours Cut, is inspired by the life of her great-grandfather, Captain Clyde A. Barbour. His remarkable rise from modest beginnings played a pivotal role in Houston’s development, especially in the creation of the Houston Ship Channel. His legacy later extended into transportation, construction, carbon black, and oil. A section of the ship channel still bears his name. Writing this novel was a decades-long labor of love, beginning with interviews she conducted with her grandparents in 1985. Her grandmother Lilly, Captain Barbour’s daughter, is the central figure in the sequel, which she has already begun.

Nancy’s home holds a rich collection of memorabilia related to Barbours Cut, dating back to the late 1800s. These artifacts were essential in bringing authenticity to the novel’s scenes and characters. Publishing this book after many years of effort has brought her immense joy, and she hopes readers find inspiration in this extraordinary story that journeys from a humble flatboat on the Mississippi to corporate boardrooms around the world.

ABOUT THE BOOK

"BARBOURS CUT" BY NANCY POTTER | AVAILABLE ON AMAZON

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Barbours Cut is more than a historical novel, it is a vivid, multi-generational saga of ambition, love, struggle, and legacy. Based on the life of Captain Clyde A. Barbour, the story moves from the rivers of Ohio and Mississippi to the ports and oil fields of Louisiana, Texas, Mexico, and Europe, tracing one man's determination to shape his destiny.

Clyde begins as a boy on his family’s flatboat, dreaming of more than the river trade. Through ambition and perseverance, he earns a college degree and becomes one of the youngest licensed river steamboat pilots at age 21, younger than Mark Twain. He later expanded into transportation, construction, carbon black, and oil, playing a key role in the creation of Barbours Cut on the Houston Ship Channel. His vision to shorten shipping routes through strategic dredging helped turn Houston into one of the largest ports in the country. His success comes at a personal cost. His marriage to Jennie brings stability, but their wealth creates tension. His travels expose him to powerful financiers and lead to a passionate affair with a French opera singer. His family faces struggles with jealousy, addiction, and the lack of a clear heir.

Written by his great-granddaughter, Nancy E. Potter, Barbours Cut is a story of resilience, morality, and the price of ambition. From a close escape from Pancho Villa in Mexico to restoring Oaklawn Manor in Louisiana, Clyde’s life is a powerful account of vision, sacrifice, and legacy.

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH AUTHOR NANCY POTTER

How did your early experiences living in Europe influence your voice as a writer?

As a child living in Europe, I developed a worldview that spanned continents. Experiencing different cultures and ways of life firsthand shaped my perspective. I saw life through many different lenses without judgment. The kindness of strangers and the uniqueness of each country influenced my writing, instilling empathy and open-mindedness, and a global mindset that still drives my storytelling.

What first sparked your love for storytelling at age ten in The Hague?

I remember when I was living in The Hague as a girl, I was watching Queen Juliana waving from a balcony. I saw a pair of doves in a tree and wondered what all this meant to them. I went home and wrote my first short story, which was from the doves’ perspective. That moment sparked my passion for storytelling.

How have your personal journals, poems, and short stories shaped your approach to writing novels?

Writing journals since childhood has taught me to translate thoughts and emotions into words using my experiences and observations. To do that successfully, I had to be observant of the small things others overlook; to see wonder in the ordinary. My mind is forever capturing the subtleties of life that make for vivid descriptions and more compelling characters.

What inspired you to tell the story of your great-grandfather in Barbours Cut?

All of my life, my grandmother, Lilly, told stories of her parents, Clyde and Jennie - her voice high with excitement, her eyes sparkling. It was a grand story that needed to be told, and I was the only one prepared to tell it. The history, the struggles, and the legacy needed to be shared; a great American rags-to-riches story.

How did you balance family history with fiction while writing your debut novel?

I prioritized historical accuracy, relying on extensive research, interviews, and primary sources to shape the narrative. The truth was fascinating in and of itself. I wanted to preserve the essence of real events while recognizing that some moments were open to interpretation. I was keenly aware that I had unknown relatives who might not appreciate my slant on the story.

What role did your grandparents’ interviews play in building the foundation of the story?

Those recorded interviews were truly foundational, providing the first research and setting the story’s trajectory. My grand- parents’ excitement and passion for their past brought the characters to life. I lived these stories through them. Their accounts were filled with vivid details, and through them, I gained a deeper understanding of my great-grandfather, which became the heart of the novel.

How did you stay motivated and focused during the decades-long journey of writing Barbours Cut?

I didn’t, but the story was always with me. My grandparents’ memorabilia and photographs surrounded me, keeping their essence alive. Despite setbacks, particularly the birth of my handicapped son, the deep connection to my ancestors and the need to honor their legacy kept me going. There’s a photo of me writing the first paragraph that sits on my dressing table.

What was the most rewarding part of finally publishing your debut novel?

Holding my published book for the first time was indescribable, a dream realized after decades of hard work. Receiving recognition as a serious author was a gratifying affirmation. Most rewarding was my great-grandfather’s legacy of contributions to this country finally shared, especially since Barbours Cut is the main reason Houston is one of the largest ports in the U.S. 

What major decisions does Sally make in the novel?

She decides to stay true to her own perception of the world, even though everyone else tries to convince her otherwise. She must navigate this without compromising herself. Sally likely has a rich background.

How do historical artifacts and family memorabilia influence your creative process? 

My home is filled with family memorabilia, offering constant inspiration Photographs and personal items immerse me in the past. I wear my grandmother’s engagement ring every day, and I held Jennie’s 100-year-old opera coat in my lap as I described it, helping me connect emotionally to them. They breathe life into my writing, keeping their essence close at hand.

Can you share what readers can expect from the sequel focused on your grandmother, Lilly?

The sequel follows Lilly’s resilience as she faces hardship and loss, mirroring her father’s strength. It delves into her transformation from wealth to struggle, capturing her grace and dignity through challenging times. Expect unexpected plot twists and fascinating family dynamics of betrayal and treachery. As with the first book, it leaves readers eager to learn what happens next.