Women’s History Month’s Feature: Amy Tan, Novelist, Non-Fiction Writer, and Children’s Writer

Hello book lovers! In celebration of Women’s History Month, I would like to present to you novelist, non-fiction writer, and children’s writer, Amy Tan. While working as a business writer, she began writing her first novel, The Joy Luck Club, and then joined a writers’ workshop, the Squaw Valley Program to refine her draft. The Joy Luck Club subsequently won various awards and was adapted into the 1993 film of the same name directed by Wayne Wang. It was also adapted into a play in 1993.

She has written several other novels including The Kitchen God’s Wife, The Hundred Secret Senses, The Bonesetter’s Daughter (adapted into an opera in 2008), Saving Fish from Drowning, and The Valley of Amazement. In 2017, she published her memoir entitled Where the Past Begins: A Writer’s Memoir. She has also written two children’s books: The Moon Lady (1992) and Sagwa, the Chinese Siamese Cat (1994) which was turned into an animated series that aired on PBS (2001 – 2004). This animated series won her the Parents’ Choice Award, Best Television Program for Children.

In May 2021, the documentary, Amy Tan: Unintended Memoir was released initially on PBS and then on Netflix. It tells the story of her life and her successful writing career. I have to check this out.

Writing Tip: When starting out as a writer, it’s always best to hone and refine your craft by taking writing classes, joining a writers’ workshop/group, attending writers' conferences, etc. By doing so, you immerse yourself into a writing community that will support your endeavors.

Comments

Interview with Jacqueline Seewald, Author of THE INHERITANCE

Author’s Bio: Multiple award-winning author, Jacqueline Seewald, has taught creative, expository and technical writing at Rutgers University as well as high school English. She also worked as both an academic librarian and an educational media specialist. Sixteen of her books of fiction have previously been published to critical praise including books for adults, teens and children. Her short stories, poems, essays, reviews and articles have appeared in hundreds of diverse publications and numerous anthologies. What inspired you to write your book? I enjoy writing romantic mystery fiction. The idea for this particular novel just seemed to evolve organically from my imagination. Is there any particular author or book that influenced you in any way either growing up or as an adult? I would have to say reading the Bible was influential. As far as regular books go, I’m a big fan of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice. Is this your first book? How long did it take to start and

It’s A Book Thing Presents: An Interview with Debbie Stokes, author of The Stranger He Knew

Author’s Bio: Debbie Stokes was born and raised in Baltimore, Maryland. She has always had a desire to be a published author of a fiction novel, but fear stopped her. She often shares how her story ideas come to her in her dreams, and how she jumps up to write them down. Finally, one day, she pushed past her fear and allowed her vision to come to past. She is now a published author, and The Stranger He Knew is her first book. Debbie is a former CEO, blogger, and interviewer for her previous women's empowerment blog called, 3 Women Voices, where she shared empowering stories of how people overcame odds to live their best lives. She is also a former contributing writer for FEMI Magazine, a cultural lifestyle magazine, where she interviewed and shared people’s stories. When not writing, she enjoys singing, dancing, inspiring others, and spending time with family. Deliah Lawrence: What inspired you to write your book? Debbie Stokes: That is a funny story. One day, I went

National Poetry Month’s Feature: Poet Jahi Trotter

Poet’s Bio: Jahi Minkah Trotter was born in Atlanta, GA, and moved to Alabama when he was six years old. He has been writing poetry since he was 11 years old. He has written two poetry books: It Was Already Written (2016) and Adapting To Life: Poems and Quotes by Jahi Minkah Trotter (2020). He developed a love for filmmaking while receiving his bachelor's degree in social science. Jahi decided to continue his quest for filmmaking at Savannah College of Art and Design in Atlanta, GA. During his final two years at SCAD, Jahi was encouraged by his professors to go into acting while continuing to work behind the camera as well. This was a crucial time for Jahi. He lost his father in 2019 a month before taking an elective acting class that lead him into acting. He lost his mother in 2021 and continues to act and create films, including his thesis film "The Last Job," in which he acted and starred in. Jahi graduated with a master's degree in film and television from S

Vocal Expressions

Search This Blog