Grandma Dated Tarzan: Truth and Lies in Fiction
Description: Sometimes new writers try to defend their fictional work by claiming that it was based on a real person or true incident. They say, “But that’s what really happened!” Yet, in fiction (and poetry), facts should not be confused with truth. As Mark Twain wrote, “Never let the truth stand in the way of a good story, unless you can't think of anything better.” What “really happened” may not make a good story. This workshop, led by Anara Guard, will explore ways to find essential truths in our writing by relinquishing facts, to distinguish between real and realistic characters. Come prepared to do some quick writing exercises.
Anara Guard is a Sacramento novelist and poet. Her newest poetry collection, KANSAS, REIMAGINED (The Poetry Box, 2024) was inspired when she learned that L. Frank Baum had visited Kansas only once and vowed never to return. Her novel, LIKE A COMPLETE UNKNOWN (New Wind Publishing, 2022), earned Book of the Year Honorable Mention from the Chicago Writers Association, Readers Favorite, and finalist for an Eric Hoffer Award. It draws upon her memories of that city and the music that provided a soundtrack to the late 1960s.
Anara’s poems have been nominated for a Pushcart Prize, and have received a John Crowe Ransom Poetry Prize from Kenyon College, a Jack Kerouac prize, and first place from the California State Poetry Society. Her Tiny Love Story was published in the New York Times. Other works have been published in Gold Man Review, Tule Review, Persimmon Tree, On the Seawall, and several anthologies.
An experienced presenter, Anara has given writing workshops for the California Writers Club, Gold Rush Writers Conference, Chicago Public Library, American River College, and elsewhere.
Visit Anara's website at: www.anaraguard.com
