Patricia Furstenberg, Writer of Historical Fiction, Children's Books
Travel via Stories
We are lucky each winter to spot so many colorful birds in our garden, to have it turn into a theater of feathers and folklore. There are brilliant flashes of color, bold intruders strutting like conquerors, and quite a few picturesque personalities.
I am so happy to share with you not simply a list of birds, but a procession. And each one arrives with a story. Find more African birds and their legends here.
Continue reading “Colorful Birds in a South African Garden, International Bird Day”
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”
Explore the history of Christmas trees through nine short stories and let’s be merry time traveling from ancient Rome and Dacia to the Druids and Saint Boniface, through medieval Germany and the Baltic Renaissance. Follow the journey under the glow of Martin Luther’s candles, which also adorned royal Christmas trees, and even hear whispers of those hidden under Romania’s Communist regime. Let us celebrate light and birth on one of the longest and most magical nights of the year.
Continue reading “The History of Christmas Trees in 9 Merry Short Stories”
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.
Continue reading “Top 5 Reasons Why Romania Is More Than a Setting, It’s a Character in my Books”
To celebrate International Literacy Day I had the joy of chatting with talented Magret Botman, Segment Manager: Intermediate Phase Twinkl Ltd, about the Role of Storytelling in Literacy.
We also discussed early memories of reading; my writing process; why is storytelling important in the context of literacy education; using storytelling as a tool in the classroom; how digital age impacts children’s storytelling and reading habits, and what changes I would you like to see in the way literacy is taught in schools:
Continue reading “The Role of Storytelling in Literacy, Chatting with Twinkl South Africa on International Literacy Day”