The Absence of African Europeans In Historical Fiction

Guest post by Tonya Briggs My grandmother instilled a love of reading in her children and many of her grandchildren. In fact, two of us are librarians. Growing up, I had access to the personal libraries of my grandmother, aunt, uncle and mother. In my aunt’s personal library, there were books with characters created byContinue reading “The Absence of African Europeans In Historical Fiction”

Books can change the world, but not by preaching at people…

Why did Jesus teach in parables? Why do we tell children fables and fairy tales? Why do we use terms like cautionary tale, morality tale, allegory? Because stories help us understand other people. Stories help us remember things. Stories open a window to understanding that preaching at people does not. When you listen to peopleContinue reading “Books can change the world, but not by preaching at people…”

Going on a Personal Writing Adventure, part 2

Last summer,  I decided I wanted to attend a writing retreat, and I had very specific goals in mind for this retreat. As luck would have it, my amazing book coach Robin Henry, announced in January that she was offering a personal writing adventure in Estonia. (see the previous post)  In this post, I wantedContinue reading “Going on a Personal Writing Adventure, part 2”

Craft Book Review: Story by Robert McKee

Story: Substance, Structure, Style, and the Principles of Screenwriting by Robert McKee is a little older, but it was recommended by Jane Friedman, a publishing professional for whom I have a great deal of respect.  I am SO GLAD I read the book.  It is insightful about what makes a story work, helpful in explainingContinue reading “Craft Book Review: Story by Robert McKee”

Book Review: Notes on an Execution by Danya Kukafka

WARNING:  there are spoilers…and there is a Howler 🙁 This book is classified as literary suspense for those of you keeping score. It is Kukafka’s second novel and now I will probably have to go read the first one. (!) The question she is asking here is all about power.  Why do we insist onContinue reading “Book Review: Notes on an Execution by Danya Kukafka”