Category: About Reading & Writing
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Novel #7
Yesterday I sent my seventh novel off to the editor, Seven. I remember the excited relief I felt on finishing my first novel, and this is no different. Honestly, books are like children (although I only have two of those), each one has its own personality. My first three were Young Adult historical fantasy, featuring…
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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…