Specht's journey in composing Tisha began long after his initial encounter with the book's central figure, which eventually manifested when he transitioned into a career as a freelance writer. The significant time gap before penning her story may explain some of the creative liberties he took in narrating the tale. By the time Tisha was published in 1976, its heroine, Hobbs—who had since married Fred Purdy—was over seventy-five years old. Consequently, while she indeed lived through these events, they had transpired fifty years prior and were likely reshaped by the imperfections of memory.

This narrative, rooted in truth, unfolds the adventure of a young woman navigating the unfamiliar, offering readers more than a mere historical recounting. Specht, through his skillful writing, breathes life into a bygone era and harsh setting, transforming the account into a vivid journey worth remembering. Instead of serving as a traditional history text, the book stands out as a thrilling portrayal of one individual's remarkable courage. Although there was a suggestion of a possible sequel in Tisha, none emerged before Hobbs's passing in 1987, leaving the original tale to stand alone as a testament to her daring spirit.