The Marmaduke Writing Factory “Historical Fiction: Bringing The Past to Life”

Author Ben Cheever moderates a panel of four local authors discussing the challenges of producing novels based on historical events and people

Following on the heels of the successful December 15 book readings by Marmaduke Writing Factory workers Kate Buford and Bob Sullivan, the writing collective once more will open its doors to the public on Tuesday, January 25, at 7 pm for readings and discussion around the intriguing topic of “Historical Fiction: Bringing The Past to Life.”

Panelists will be Warren Berger, author of The Purples, a fictional recounting of the rise and fall of a Prohibition-era gang based in Detroit;Joe Wallace, author of Diamond Ruby, based on the life of a young woman who made headlines as a baseball phenomenon in the 1920s; and Gary Sledge, a former Reader’s Digest editor and a co-author of two novels set in 19th-century China. Joining them will be a guest writer,Esmeralda Santiago of Katonah, the author of three critically acclaimed memoirs, whose current project is a historical novel about Puerto Rico titled Conquistadora, to be published by Knopf in July. The panelists will read short passages from their historical novels as part of a larger discussion led by author and Marmaduke member Ben Cheever. Questions from the audience on the topic are encouraged.

The Village Bookstore of Pleasantville is partnering with the writers’ group to sponsor the event, and will have books available for purchase and signing. Wine will be served, courtesy of the Marmaduke Wine Club.

The Marmaduke Writing Factory, both a writers’ workspace and networking group, was started by local authors Ben Cheever of Pleasantville and Warren Berger of Mount Kisco. Nine other local writers have joined to date: Kate Buford, Marilyn Johnson, Pat Eisemann Logan, Mary McDonagh Murphy, Frank Prete, Simon Schama, Gary Sledge, Bob Sullivan and Joe Wallace. (More names to be announced soon.)

The historic Marmaduke Forster House is located at 415 Bedford Road, Pleasantville, New York. More information, articles, videos, and links about the authors, their works, and the Marmaduke Forster House are available at the Marmaduke Writing Factory websitewww.marmadukewritingfactory.com.

*See this recent article from The New York Times about the launch of the group.*