Archive for August 2017
Stories and Fiction and Truth
I’ve already said that history contains the word “story,” and most people think stories are “made up,” as opposed to the truth, which is, well, the truth. Let’s try to clear this up a little. Story is what we think is a uniquely human (I say think because I swear I’ve seen animals, including my…
Read MoreSymbols Matter
Flags are symbols that tell a story that is generally reflective of history and heritage. Those who display the flag are expressing their belief in whatever it symbolizes. Sometimes, there are differing interpretations of what a flag stands for. But not always. Here are a few facts: The Nazi flag was designed by Adolf Hitler.…
Read MoreHistory and Heritage: Facts and Stories
History and heritage are all over the news these days, magnified by the recent tragic events in Charlottesville. These words are closely linked, and both are composed largely of stories, rather than facts. While history is often thought of as facts and events, we rarely confine ourselves to these elements, because, as humans, we seek…
Read MoreWhy I Write What I Write
I am preparing to give a brief talk about my new novel, Back Side Of A Hurricane, and when I talk about my novels, and try to answer the question, “What’s it about?” I always focus on theme rather than plot. Literary fiction writers, it seems to me, write about themes, and use plot as…
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