Category: About Reading & Writing
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The Power of the Written Word
Everyone knows that the written word is powerful. A wide variety of examples exist that prove it. As an author of historical fiction, I have found primary sources to be the most powerful written word in research. One of my most precious possessions is a journal begun by my grandmother in an old composition book…
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Best Book Gifts I’ve Received
I have loved to read since I was a child, and I’ve always been a fast reader. My mother used to take my brother and I to the library, where I’d check out four or five books. In two days, I’d have them all read and want to go back again. Although I don’t remember…
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Fiction in Life
I write heritage fiction—historical novels about my ancestors. I include Author’s Notes at the back of the book and on my website, but I am still often asked how much of the book is true. Let’s think about truth a little differently. How much of your real life is fiction? The most obvious example is…
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Writing Heritage Fiction
Recently I told someone that I write stories about my ancestors. She immediately responded, “Oh, you write heritage fiction.” I liked that and decided to adopt it. Now you won’t find heritage fiction on any Google searches or Amazon categories, but it is a good description of what I write. Maybe someday, if I keep…
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Five Reasons for Adults to Read All Year
As the weather warms, summer reading for your children becomes a topic to consider. Summer reading is a thing because students have always been encouraged by teachers to read during that long school vacation. Libraries and bookstores even have special programs to encourage children to read all summer. Reading all summer should be a habit we…