Book Review: Of Stillness and Storm Author Michele Phoenix (In Broken Places, The Edge of Tidal Pools) left me heartbroken, dismayed, and amazed as I came to the final page of her new release, Of Stillness and Storm. Aptly titled, but in an unexpected way, this is not your typical missionary story. The last time I was both moved and troubled in this way was after reading Barbara Kingsolver’s The Poisonwood Bible. Set in contemporary times, the characters take command of this story. Although, you would guess that the setting of Kathmandu, Nepal, would provide plenty in the way of…
More on Authentic Fiction–books I recommend
More on Authentic Fiction – books I recommend. In my last post I offered an explanation of authenticity and how it correlates to writing fiction. If you missed it, you can read it HERE. Others don’t necessarily agree with me. Some claim that fiction shouldn’t be authentic—that fiction shouldn’t lean into reality other than having plausibility. Or, that in fiction the limit of authenticity is that is it rings true to the human condition. But my point of view leans a different way. I’m more about the authenticity of the writer—whether she (or he) is writing from her heart, her…
On Writing Authentic Fiction — my Author Brand
On Writing Authentic Fiction Deciding on an author “brand” can be daunting. I mean, it’s supposed to reflect your style, your personality, your book themes—even your favorite ice cream flavor. I hadn’t given this aspect of my career as an author much thought until it was time to re-do my website. And suddenly, there is was. “Writing Authentic Fiction.” Something that felt right. Real. And maybe a bit unique. At least I hoped so. But what is Authentic Fiction? How can fiction (which is inherently “not true”) also be authentic (which is inherently based on truth)? Do inquiring minds want…