Ireland’s Immortals: Part 3
The main focus of Chapter 5 of “Ireland’s Immortals” is early thirteenth century literature, especially the Finn Cycle, where gods decline.
Ireland’s Immortals, Part 2
Part 2 of Ireland’s Immortals discusses the tenth through twelfth centuries, when the Viking Wars ended and the island was politically stable, allowing for scholarship and monastic learning. Centuries’ old writing and stories were revived. Scholars of this period have given us most of what is known of early Irish literature.
Ancestral Gifts: Hauntings, Demons, Ghosts
Ancestral gifts: hauntings, demons, and ghosts. I’ve been listening to audiobooks with supernatural elements. Here are four recommendations.
Irish Wonders: Wives, Widows and Old Maids
Many of the tales in Irish Wonders are misogynistic. In this post, we look at Wives, Widows and Old Maids and the bad treatment they get.
Irish Wonders: Pookas and Banshees
A look at Irish wonders, focusing on stories of Pookas and Banshee as well as the behaviors of the spirits of the dead.
Fairyland: Brownies, Boggarts, and Banshees
To prepare for her next novel, the author learns a bit about the personnel of fairyland including brownies, boggarts, and banshees.
Attending Author Events: George Saunders
On November 1, I traveled to Santa Cruz to meet up with lifelong friends and attended a book launch event for George Saunders’ latest collection of short fiction, Liberation Day. Charles Duhigg, author of “The Power of Habit” and “Smarter … Continued
How to Write an Autobiographical Novel
“I told my students all the time: writing fiction is an exercise in giving a shit—an exercise in finding out what you really care about.”
A Gift of Hope
A Gift of Hope For Christmas, I received a gift of Hope: A Survival Guide for Trying Times by Jane Goodall and Douglas Abrams There’s no need to say that now is a good time to read such a book. … Continued
Acts of Contrition Book Discussion Tonight
Join Me to Chat about Acts of Contrition Tonight “I couldn’t call my parents. Believe me, I was not alone in my willingness to risk being murdered on the street before admitting to them my shame. A violent death was … Continued