Using “Imaginative Truth” When Writing a BiographyNew November 2022! Bessie Smith biographer, Jackie Kay, explains why she used "imaginative truth" in her book.
Why I Had to Write a Biography of Sylvia PlathNew October 2022! Author Heather Clark used new sources, such as letters and interviews, to write Sylvia Plath’s biography.
Michelangelo as an Architect and EngineerMichelangelo expert, Dr. William Wallace, explains how the artist’s architecture and engineering skills were used for various projects.
Jackie Kay Reads Her Poem, “The Red Graveyard”New October 2022! Author Jackie Kay reads her poem based on Bessie Smith’s abusive relationships and her own family memories.
Michelangelo’s Career as an Architect and EngineerDr. William Wallace, Michelangelo expert, discusses how the artist’s architecture and engineering skills were used to redesign and reconstruct St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome.
Writing and TellingAuthors, playwrights, poets, and other storytellers share their excitement and insights on writing and the joy and power in a story well told.
On Writing: Drama and PoetryEnjoy short videos with playwrights and poets as they discuss the why, the how, and the joy of writing.
The Power of Story: In Drama and PoetryVideos focus on creating the power of story through drama or poetry.
The Power of Story: In Non-FictionVideos focus on creating the power of story in non-fiction storytelling.
The Power of Story: Influences and InspirationWriters in various mediums share stories that influenced and inspired them and offer their own words of inspiration to aspring storytellers.
The Power of Story: Griots and Storytelling TraditionsLearn from those carrying on the traditions of oral storytelling.
Talking with Authors: Fiction: Children and Young AdultGain insights and inspiration through compelling one-on-one interviews with authors of children's and young adult fiction.
Talking with Authors: Fiction: Historical and BiographicalGain insights and inspiration through compelling one-on-one interviews with authors of historical and biographical fiction.
Talking with Authors: Fiction: Science, Fantasy, AdventureGain insights and inspiration through compelling one-on-one interviews with authors of science, fantasy, and adventure fiction.
Talking with Authors: Fiction: Thriller, Mystery, Crime, HorrorGain insights and inspiration through compelling one-on-one interviews with authors who seek to scare.
Talking with Authors: Fiction: Various Other FictionGain insights and inspiration through compelling one-on-one interviews with fiction authors.
Talking with Authors: Kwame Alexander: Keeping Poetry CoolAlexander says he writes for non-readers, talks about his past love/hate relationship with reading and writing and how he keeps poetry cool for middle schoolers.
Login to ViewBlues Legend Bessie SmithNew November 2022! Author Jackie Kay provides background into the biography of the Empress of the Blues, Bessie Smith.
Login to ViewJames Baldwin, Bessie Smith, Blackness, and RacismNew November 2022! James Baldwin didn’t listen to Bessie Smith when he lived in America but started while living in Europe and her music helped him find himself as a Black man.
Login to ViewRethinking Sylvia Plath as a “Confessional Poet”New October 2022! Author Heather Clark gives background on how Sylvia Plath crafted her poetry.
Login to ViewInsights Into Emily Dickinson as a WriterNew October 2022! Dickinson’s poetry and letter writing processes are described and other events and characteristics of her life are discussed in this video.
Login to ViewThe Research Process for Writing My Book About Emily DickinsonNew October 2022! Martha Ackmann tells how she researched her Emily Dickinson book with poems, letters and even climbing into the author’s attic.
Login to ViewReassessing the Image of Sylvia PlathNew October 2022! Sylvia Plath did have depression and mental illness but also was a productive, strong woman, author Heather Clark emphasizes.
