My Story

A multitasker from the word go, I juggle a variety of interests and projects at once. For example, I've published five books that could not be more different. I'm currently working on two more picture books, two middle grade novels and one mainstream novel. I am an early adopter of technology, volunteer as an Extension Master Gardener, created the first completely online English 101-102 sequence at the University of Kentucky, worked with the Kentucky Attorney General to develop and implement cyber-bullying and Internet safety presentations for K-12, mentor other writers, and am known locally as the “Fig Whisperer.” Whew!

And in my spare time I play ukulele with the Hot Cookies of the Bluegrass, and love to sing.

"I live in Lexington, Kentucky with my husband, 14 year old rescue Pomeranian plus a three year old rescue Pekingnese.

Books

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Kentucky and the War of 1812

While not a single battle of the War of 1812 was fought on Kentucky soil, Kentuckians were involved to the very end. Henry Clay and his War Hawks convinced Congress and President Madison to declare war, and helped negotiate the Treaty of Ghent that ended it. After two massacres of Kentucky militia on the Northwestern front, Governor Isaac Shelby, still the only sitting governor to lead troops into battle, more than 4,000 locals and a pig marched to Canada to defeat the British and kill Tecumseh at the Battle of the Thames. Author Doris Dearen Settles explains how Kentuckians won the war of 1812 and why it is far more significant than textbooks record.

The History Press, 2023

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Leira Clara's Flowers

We need more gardeners in this world, so I wrote a children's book about a little girl who learns to love gardening from her grandmother (yes…semiautobiographical) and to share that love with her neighbors, even the local curmudgeon. Lyrical prose and pastel watercolor illustrations make this a beautiful book to share. And Leira Clara shares her favorite tips for growing zinnias!

Shadelandhouse Modern Press, 2022

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Leira Clara's Garden Journal

Leira Clara's Garden Journal is designed to accompany the children's picture book, Leira Clara's Flowers. The activities in the book encourage children to grow and share flowers, to record their gardening activities, and to enjoy nature. The varied activities will help increase a child's awareness of how plants behave and reinforce a child's knowledge and skills of gardening and the environment. Leira Clara's Garden Journal also includes activities to encourage creativity through drawing, coloring, writing, and play.

Shadelandhouse Modern Press, 2022

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Prohibition in Bardstown

When the United States enacted the 18th Amendment in 1919, it threw Kentucky into an economic and social tailspin. As the Bourbon Capitol of the World, Bardstown is the epicenter of distilling. Read fascinating real-life stories of resilient Kentuckians that found creative ways to thrive anyway. Includes traditional prohibition era cocktail recipes and bourbon-laced dishes.

The History Press, 2016

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Speaking

Doris Settles enjoys working with bookstores, nonprofits, events, libraries, schools, clubs and stores to provide talks, workshops and sign books and is comfortable talking on radio, podcast and television programs either in person or virtually. History is integrated into whatever topic I speak about, as experiences inform our perceptions of everything.

Conference Plenary or Keynote presentations on these topics can be directed to local, regional or national audiences on any of these or other topics. Contact me to discuss details.

Watch a few example talks and interviews below:

Resources

Press and Testimonials

Doris Settles has written a very sweet story with a lovely message in lyrical prose. Like Leira Clara, my sister Susie planted colorful zinnias every year in order to share. I loved that. Nature is so important in the lives of our children, and fresh flowers bring the beauty and joy of nature indoors.

Katy Moss Warner, President, Emeritus American Horticulture Society and Former President, America in Bloom

I've attended and contracted many regional and national conference workshops and keynotes done by Doris Settles and am always amazed at the depth and breadth of her understanding of how our world is changing in both positive and negative ways.

Maxine Reid, Regional Kentucky FRC Coordinator

I have been fortunate to work with and know Doris for many years. Some of my favorite memories are of us sharing an afternoon in her garden or eating a delicious homegrown meal that she prepared as we talked over the many, many inspiring ideas we had for books and projects. Doris writes and speaks with such passion with life lessons that teach and affect people's lives in meaningful ways.

Jennifer Watson, SPARKS Curriculum Design and GEM Coach