Today we have a guest post from author Bob
O'Connor on the subject of writing historical fiction. Bob's book The Return
of Catesby is currently on tour with Walker
Author Tours. I loved the book (click here if you
missed my review) and hope you will, too.
I was particularly intrigued by the way that a
self-educated man like Catesby became a teacher at Storer College in Harpers
Ferry, VA. Bob kindly shared his insights into what he feels were important
aspects of that accomplishment.
You’ll find his thoughts informative. Enjoy, and
pick up your copy of the book at http://www.buybooksontheweb.com/product.aspx?ISBN=0-7414-8206-1.
"The challenges of a teacher
at Storer College were many. In a class with a wide age range of students, a
teacher like Catesby had to teach the ABCs, simple math, and other academic
subjects to students who had never been to school. On top of that, he had to
impart his wisdom, encouragement, and values upon a group who had been told
their whole lives that they couldn't do this or that because they were colored.
My job as a historical
fiction writer is to report on Catesby's efforts and show that they have made a
difference in the lives of his students. I had to weave in the school's
policies, the teacher's lessons, the opposition from the community and the
introduction of speakers, who each had a special significant message to impart.
The story unfolds in such a
way as for the reader to feel like they are sitting in Catesby's classes,
listening to the lessons, and getting the feel of how that experience might
have played out."
No comments:
Post a Comment