Conversation with novelist Lauren Grodstein set Dec. 7
The Rehoboth Beach Writers Guild, in partnership with the Lewes Public Library and Browseabout Books, is holding the first of a Coffee and Conversation series from 10 to 11 a.m., in the large meeting room at the library.
Novelist Lauren Grodstein will discuss her newly released novel, “We Must Not Think of Ourselves,” with Maribeth Fischer, guild founder and executive director.
A heart-wrenching story of love and defiance set in the Warsaw Ghetto, Grodstein’s book is based on the actual archives kept by those determined to have their stories survive World War II.
The author also will share her journey from idea to full-fledged novel, the unique challenges of developing characters vastly different from herself, writing from a male point of view, and the responsibility of writing fiction based on history and/or family stories. Grodstein, who directs the MFA program at Rutgers Camden and for 20 years has taught an intensive manuscript workshop each summer in Paris with a focus on getting manuscripts ready for publication. She will also share some of the ins and outs of navigating the ever-changing publishing landscape.
Rachel Parker, a RBWG member and aspiring novelist, said, “Lauren is great at demystifying the publishing industry in a way that not only clarifies the who, what, when, and how but also removes a lot of the anxiety and intimidation from the process.”
In addition to “We Must Not Think of Ourselves,” Lauren Grodstein is the best-selling author of “Our Short History,” “The Explanation for Everything,” and “A Friend of the Family.” Her stories, essays, and articles have appeared in various literary magazines and anthologies, and have been translated into French, German, Chinese, and Italian, among other languages.
Copies of Grodstein’s latest novel are available at Browseabout Books, where attendees who want to read the book ahead of the conversation can purchase a copy. To order by phone, call 302-226-2665. Books will also be available for sale and for signing at the event.
Light refreshments and coffee will be served, so registration is required for this event.
To sign up, go to the Lewes library calendar of events at lewes.lib.de.us and click on the Dec. 7 conversation.