Gatherings like this were common in Lincoln’s time, when ideas and arguments were often tested in small rooms before they reached a wider audience. At writers group today I read another chapter of my Lincoln novel and received several helpful suggestions. After the reading we talked about something writers often wonder about–how books actually findContinue reading “How Participating in a Writers Group Helps Shape a Historical Novel and Career”
Author Archives: dpreisig
Researching Genealogy While Writing a Lincoln-Era Novel
This week I worked in several different realms of writing that all involved history. Chapter 7 of my Lincoln mystery is now prepared to the next reading at Scribes (tomorrow). Its an action chapter, and the tension between Lovejoy and those who oppose him is sharpening. Reading these scenes aloud to the group is theContinue reading “Researching Genealogy While Writing a Lincoln-Era Novel”
When History Becomes Part of the Family
The Mayhew Cabin stood along one of the western routes of the Underground Railroad, part of a quiet network that stretched across much of the country. Earlier this week I wrote about discovering a family connection to the abolitionist movement and the events surrounding John Brown’s raid on Harpers Ferry. The more I think aboutContinue reading “When History Becomes Part of the Family”
An Unexpected Historical Thread
This week, while working on family genealogy, I came across something I hadn’t known before–a distant connection to the events surrounding John Brown’s raid on Harpers Ferry. My great-great-great-grandmother’s youngest brother was an abolitionist living on the frontier. Hie cabin, known today as the Mayhew Cabin, still stands in Nebraska and served as a stationContinue reading “An Unexpected Historical Thread”
A Good Afternoon at Writers Group
Today’s writers’ group was larger than usual–eight of us gathered, which increased the energy in the room. It lifted everyone’s spirits after the long winter. I read my work and received some good comments to help me in my revision. So I’m feeling energized to get a lot more done. Several members, including myself broughContinue reading “A Good Afternoon at Writers Group”
Choosing the Next Story
Soon I will be doing this for both Ed and I’s work, but today I’m talking about Ed. This week I’ll begin rereading several of Ed’s stories to decide which one should be next for publication. I asked the Friends of Ed group for suggestions, but in the end, the decision rests with me. That’sContinue reading “Choosing the Next Story”
The Work of Refinement
It’s a quiet week in my world. A relief after the hustle of my week off work. Traveling There are no announcements, no finished chapters, no visible milestones. What there is, instead, is refinement. Tomorrow I’ll be revising Chapter 7 in preparation for reading at Scribes. Reading aloud is an important tool. It clarifies rhythm,Continue reading “The Work of Refinement”
Knowing the Characters
When I read at Scribes last week, I was amazed again at the response. It does my heart good. People respond as though the characters’ inner lives feel real. They ask questions about motives, tensions, and decisions as if these are living people rather than historical figures on a page. That tells me something important.Continue reading “Knowing the Characters”
Standing on the Same Ground
Abraham Lincoln grew up in Indiana. I grew up in Indiana. So did my ancestors. We didn’t live in the same century but lived in the same state. That shared geography matters. My grandparents had a photo of Lincoln that always hung in their house, and it now hangs in mine. I think this isContinue reading “Standing on the Same Ground”
What I Wish My Favorite Authors Had Shared
I’ve been thinking about blogging advice lately–especially the idea that you need to know who you’re writing for. That question became much clearer when I stopped thinking like a writer and started thinking like a reader. If I could read the blog of one of my favorite authors, I know exactly what I’d want toContinue reading “What I Wish My Favorite Authors Had Shared”
The View From The Imaginarium 