Violet Carr Moore (1939-2023) enjoyed family genealogical research for many years. She traveled to several states, interviewed relatives and cemetery hopped alone or with her twin, Vi Parsons, before inspirational writing became her focus. She published her first book, In the Right Place, A Gallery of Treasured Moments, (Carr Twins & Co. 2006). Moments of Meditation, morning and evening devotionals (Carr Twins & Co. 2006), a culmination of her featured online devotional contributions to More to Life women’s ministries was published in 2007.
Violet’s most recent publications include memoirs, fiction, and creative nonfiction short stories: “Fatal” published in California Writers Club anthology, Survival: Tales of Pandemic (October 2020), Voices of the Valley: First Press, an anthology of California Writers Club Tri-Valley Branch (December 2011). Prior to that, “The Voice” and “Time to Smell the Roses” creative nonfiction short stories were published in Tapestries: an anthology of creative writings by seniors (October 2011).
“A Real Mother,” was published in Chicken Soup for the Soul Devotional Stories for Mothers (Simon & Schuster, October 2010). “Miracle on a Train” was published in Christmas Miracles, an anthology by Cecil Murphey (St. Martin’s Press, October 2009). “Little White Lies,” Violet’s first short-story contribution to Las Positas College anthology in 2008, was the beginning of three consecutive successes, “The Search” in 2009, and “Angels Unaware” in 2010. Her Haiku-themed poetry for Bay Area newspapers premiered in 2009. She has placed in the winners circle or runner-ups multiple times. Violet shares her writing time among four suspense novels and one memoir, all works-in-progress.
Violet was the webmaster for California Writers Club, Tri-Valley Writers. She served as president from 2010 to 2012 and vice president 2008 to 2010. She is active in a novelist critique group, an avid reader, Friend of the Livermore Library, and a perpetual student. At times Violet knits hats to donate to hospitals for newborns.
Vi Carr Parsons has a passion for family history prompted by the birth of her first grandchild. That never-ending passion propelled her to certificates in Beginning Genealogy course from Brigham Young University (BYU) and the American Genealogy Course from the National Genealogical Society (NGS).
Her public genealogical accomplishments include: Instructor and lecturer for Northern California genealogical and historical groups; Newsletter Editor and Past First Vice President and Education Director for the Roseville Genealogical Society; and, Past President, Editor and Librarian for the Dragoo Family Association. She received the Dragoo Family Association Louise Sinclair Award in 2010.
Her published works include “Dragoo Cemetery, Marion County, West Virginia” (Carr Twins & Co., 2009), a history of her ancestor “The Legendary “Indian Billy” Dragoo” (Carr Twins & Co., December 2012). Vi also documented her maternal ancestors from the early 1600s in France and England. Using those materials, she published “Jacob Dragoo and our Susanna Bright Side” (Carr Twins & Co., November 2016) a family history book of her ancestors in the United States. She is currently writing a manuscript for a beginner’s guide to genealogical research.
Her most recent stories published in anthologies feature “Delivered by Angels,” published in Chicken Soup for the Soul, Angels Among Us edition in 2013. A short story of kindness, “The Red Envelope” was published in Tapestries: an anthology of creative writings by seniors (October 2011). In 2009, “Miracle on the Mexico Border,” an inspirational story of faith and perseverance, was published in Chicken Soup for the Soul, Twins & More edition.
Meanwhile, she teaches genealogy classes for beginner and advanced students. When she isn’t writing or teaching, she quilts and crochets for nonprofit organizations.
Together the Carr Twins established an independent publishing company, Carr Twins & Co. In 2005, they published Double Take, their first family genealogy book.
