From: Karleen Bradford <karleenb>
Date: Tue, 3 Jul 2001 09:12:44 -0400

I've been lurking since I signed up and thought perhaps I should speak up now and introduce myself. The article Ruth Gordon forwarded to the list has spurred me on.

I am a Canadian author of children's and YA fiction and non-fiction. Although I have written fantasy and contemporary novels, I also write historical fiction and I have wrestled with the issues this article brings up. Especially when writing about people who actually lived. Who am I to put words in their mouths, thoughts in their heads? I research exhaustively, visiting the places I write about as often as possible. I've been asked:
"Why follow the route of the crusaders when they passed that way a thousand years ago? Everything has changed, what's the point?" And also asked: "How could you possibly know how your characters felt 'away back then'?"

I try. That's all I can reply. I immerse myself in their time and place, I read their letters, their journals whenever possible, and I try very hard to put myself in their heads. What Geraldine Brooks says about feelings and emotions being universal and timeless is so very true.

Thank you, Ruth, for forwarding that article on.

I'm looking forward to the next discussion. I've ordered Virginia Euwer Wolff's books from amazon.com (unfortunately I live in a small town and my local bookstore takes from 4 to 6 weeks to get books for me). I read her Bat 6 and am looking forward to reading the others. I've also ordered the Robert Cormier books as so far I've only read I Am the Cheese. Have been meaning to read more of his, especially The Chocolate War, so this will be a good opportunity.

Cheers to all.

Karleen


Karleen Bradford karleenb at log.on.ca http://www.karleenbradford.com
Received on Tue 03 Jul 2001 08:12:44 AM CDT