Patricia Furstenberg, Writer of Historical Fiction, Children's Books
Travel via Stories
Each year, as 1 March arrives, Romanians welcome spring with Mărțișor, a red-and-white thread woven with luck, renewal, and tradition. More than just a symbol, it carries the weight of history, binding generations through its delicate strands.
Read the full Threads of Mărțișor story here. 🙂 I am so excited to share this tale with you!
Continue reading “1 March, Magic Threads of Mărțișor: a Tale of Fate, Tradition and New Beginnings”
For centuries, the white storks migrated witnessing humanity’s triumphs and tragedies unfold beneath its wings. From the old African tribes to the sacred temples of Egypt and the battlefields of the Levant; from the grandeur of Ottoman palaces to the villages of Romania, the white storks have traveled through space and time. They carry no bias, no memory of war or peace. Only the rhythm of migration and the promise of return. And so, when it takes flight again, it remains, as ever, a silent witness to the world’s unfolding tale.
Yesterday, on the 21st of February, we witnessed the white storks taking flight on their migratory journey. Let’s join them.
Continue reading “Where the White Storks Migrate, Folktales and Histories Along their Path”
Long ago, before the land bore the marks of iron and stone, the first people of the great southern lands spoke of a tree unlike any other—the Lilly Pilly. It was said that this tree had been a gift from the Spirit of the Waters who moved unseen through the world, whispering wisdom to those who listened.
Continue reading “The Legend of the Lilly Pilly and How to Make This Delicious Jam”
Here’s your list of 10 green gift ideas for Valentine’s Day or any special day that are budget-friendly and show a little love to the planet too.
Continue reading “10 Green Gifts for Valentine’s Day or Any Special Day”
In historical fiction, as in all great literature, the ability to understand and convey a character’s thoughts, emotions, and motivations is key. This cognitive skill, known as Theory of Mind—the ability to place ourselves in someone else’s shoes, to attribute mental states to oneself and others—allows writers to create deeply immersive and psychologically rich narratives.
Let’s look at the role of Theory of Mind in storytelling as exemplified by two short stories and then see how the use of theory of mind can add value to your story by creating multidimensional characters, by enhancing conflict and tension, by immersing readers into the historical mindset and by deepening a narrative’s emotional connection with the reader. Lastly, I will give you four pointers on how you can easily use theory of mind in your work.
Continue reading “Theory of Mind and Its Value in Storytelling”