Patricia Furstenberg, Writer of Historical Fiction, Children's Books
Travel via Stories
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.
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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.
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From the moment I learned to read, and even before that, I was drawn to stories. During my highschool years in Bucharest, between chemical formulas and physical vectors, I would write about fictional characters and dreamed locations. The legends and folktales of Romania’s past influenced my tales—the same narratives I had heard as a child, the same words that had stoked my passion for writing stories.
Continue reading “Discover Why We STILL Tell Stories”
Dragostea mea pentru povești a început la radio.. Vă invit, cu drag, să îmi țineți companie. ***** My love for stories began on the radio. Join me. *****
Născut în România – Invitată: Patricia Furstenberg, scriitoare de origine română stabilită în Africa de Sud (un interviu in limba română ***** Born in Romania – Guest: Patricia Furstenberg, Romanian-born author based in South Africa***** (an interview in Romanian).
Can you imagine that Romania is not merely a setting, but a vital character that breathes life into my published stories included in Transylvania’s History A to Z and Dreamland: Banat, Crisana, Maramures, Transylvania, 100-word Stories, Folklore and History, but also into my upcoming historical fiction book series? Romania’s mountains and villages, ancient legends and resilient history do more than provide a backdrop—they shape each tale, lending mystery, depth and a sense of timeless resilience.
In the same way a compelling character grows and transforms, Romania’s past and landscape infuse my books with a personality as vivid as any protagonist.
Before I dive into the top five reasons, let’s first unravel what it takes to craft an unforgettable character—and how I did it, how Romania, with all its vibrant spirit and beauty, steps effortlessly into this role.
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