Discussion Leader
Group: Discussion Leaders
Posts: 5
Member No.: 60
Joined: 1-February 04
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Drawn
to history from childhood, the longer Wendy
J. Dunn lives the more she uses history
as a means to make sense of life and to explore
universal themes. Wendy's first published
novel was written through a man's POV but,
besides telling his story of loving Anne
Boleyn throughout his life, her character
told the story of how women's lives in Tudor
times were very much controlled by family
and position and how their survival ultimately
depended on the men controlling their world.
Wendy is attracted to the stories of "feisty" women. Giving voice
to their stories lights the way forward in her own life; she
hopes it will also help light the way forward for others.
Sophie Masson is the author of over 30 novels, for adults, young adults and children. She is interested in the complex characterisation
of both male and female characters, and doesn't think women's
stories need to be told in a special way. But they need to be
told!
Brian Wainwright has written two published novels, both
of which centre on female protagonists. As an author he feels
it is often more interesting to address the medieval woman’s
POV precisely because of the extra social and legal handicaps
they faced. He also happens to like women, and finds them interesting
as people!
Sandra Worth's love affair with history began in childhood
and never released its hold on her imagination. Her recently
published debut novel, currently number two on the Preditors
and Editors Readers Poll for Best Books of 2003, is nominated
for the 2003 Reviewers International Award and has won three
pre-publication awards. She believes women in history figure
large in any tale and that the 'How' of writing women's tales
includes making history palatable, creating characters that are
believable and appropriate, taking care in choosing a time period
to write about, and undertaking solid research on the way people
lived and how they felt in the culture of that time. Sandra believes
that while historicals can be high adventure and enjoyable escape
literature, they also teach us valuable lessons about our past--and
about ourselves.
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