BRINGING THE PAST TO LIFE

“Reading is like breathing in, and writing is like breathing out.” – Pam Allyn

By definition, fiction is a type of literature that describes imaginary people and events. The reader is aware of this when choosing a book and accepts the writer’s narrative as real or at least possible. Thus, the author is faced with the challenging task of making sure the reader is able to lose him or herself in the pages of a book. The story, the characters, everything must be credible, otherwise the reader will be disappointed.

When writing “A Tarnished Life”, one of the most rewarding and engaging aspects was researching historical references and collecting witness accounts. Not only did I want to ensure that historical facts were authentic, but I also strove to create a multi-sensory experience for the reader. Hearing that my book is emotionally resonant and vividly portrays life is particularly heart-warming.
In their reviews both Matt and Claudia mentioned a world that no longer exists. That world was the one I grew up in. I have lived most of my life abroad and writing “A Tarnished Life” has helped me to rediscover my roots and the person I once was. During the writing process I was often assailed by doubts regarding things I had taken for granted as a child or simply forgotten. An example of the this is when I describe Emma’s brothers playing ‘Snakes and Ladders’, a game that I played times out of number as a girl. My concern was whether it was available in the 1930s. I learnt that the game originated in India as far back as the 13th century. It is said to have been invented as a tool for teaching children about morality and the consequences of their actions. You live and learn!

For me this is possibly what Pam Allyn meant by, “Reading is like breathing in.” As for ”Writing is like breathing out,” I like to think it is sharing my thoughts, experiences and emotions with my readers.

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