https://politics-prose.com/list/online-class-spotlight-booker-prize-winning-orbital-2558

Samantha Harvey’s Booker Prize winning novel Orbital is about far more than astronauts or even space travel. In her genre-defying novel she, like her astronauts, turns her gaze back upon the Earth, asking her readers to blur boundaries and consider the meaning of perspective. In this class we will consider Harvey’s layered account of six people in space, both as a stand-alone accomplishment and also in the light of her previous writing. Together, we will find respite in this beautiful novel.

Required Reading: 

Orbital by Samantha Harvey (9780802163622)

Optional Reading: 

The Western Wind by Samantha Harvey (9780802147721)

I’ll be speaking about how writers can use history.

https://www.writersconferencesu.com/

I’m moderating two panels; come join us!

https://gaithersburgbookfestival.org/master-schedule/

https://www.politics-prose.com/class/online-class-george-and-eileen-finding-mrs-orwell-2413

Eileen O’Shaughnessy, a college graduate and writer, married George Orwell (Eric Blair) in 1936, and shortly thereafter he left for the burgeoning conflict in Spain. Though Eileen followed him there, Orwell makes little mention of her in his now-famous Homage to Catalonia. Anna Funder takes this omission as a challenge and blends feminist social commentary, historical investigation, and imagination into a powerful account of a compelling woman and the Orwells’ complex relationship. This class will explore both George Orwell’s own version of his time in Spain and Funder’s investigations, combining short lectures on the Spanish Civil War with close readings of both books, plus class discussions of the themes raised in each.

Note New Dates: Two Sundays: April 28 and May 5 from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. ET Online

Through Politics & Prose:

From the Spanish Civil War to Chile's military dictatorship, Isabel Allende's A Long Petal of the Sea covers a lot of ground, both historically and emotionally. This spotlight will consider the historical and artistic background of Allende's 20th novel. We'll also explore how Allende develops her moving characters, and we will discuss what their journey means for all of us. Saturday, November 20, from 2 to 4 p.m.

Amazing writers! Check the link for registration info.

Carrie and Greer will be chatting about books, reading, and ladies who dare. Come say hi and snack on some cookies with them!

I’ll be talking Historical Fiction with the wonderful people of Bucks County, PA.

From Holland in 1633 to Minnesota in the 1950’s to a fictional city close to the present, Carrie Callaghan, author of A Light of Her Own, J. Ryan Stradal, author of The Lagar Queen of Minnesota, and Bruce Holsinger author of The Gifted School, know that time, place, and character make an historical or fictionalized world a reality. Join the authors as they discuss how these literary elements come together to build a world the reader never wants to leave.

From Humbert Humbert to Dorian Gray to Oscar Wao, literature has long embraced complicated, unique, even unpleasant male characters. The ladies are now increasingly getting their turn, as contemporary literary fiction books headline female protagonists who don’t try to earn our affection. This class will examine two complicated women in two exemplary novels: Orchid & the Wasp by Caoilinn Hughes and If You Leave Me by Crystal Hana Kim.

I’ll be joining dear friend and fellow historical writer Jenny Yacovissi to talk about history, fiction, and art.