Like most people, Jane Hulse stopped and paused when she came across the term “Spanktown” in researching her latest novel. Considered the first political prisoners of our time, the incident sparked something in Hulse, who has gravitated toward the American Revolution since childhood. Spanktown Papers succeeds two other novels from publisher Open Books: Outcasts of Essex and Prisoner of Wallabout Bay. Hulse describes the main character as her alter ego, depicting the courageous, outspoken and brave character as someone who is “completely different” than herself. “I think it’s really important to have a very strong role model for women, especially today, given the state of things politically,” says Hulse.