Monday 23 December 2024 I knew from the beginning that I would dedicate my Katyn book to the Polish military and police officers, border agents, and other leading Poles whom the Soviet NKVD murdered during the Katyn Massacres. However, back in July 2007 I didn’t even think doing so would be so complicated for me. […]
The Revision Diaries: Dedicating a Book Isn’t So Simple Read More »
Monday 16 December 2024 The moment I finish grading the last student’s final exam (Finals Week begins this week), I will return to my Katyn manuscript. Although my slightly younger self would have liked to have had proofread the Summer 2024 revised draft this past September, I am glad I didn’t. I would have rushed
The Revision Diaries: Proofreading Travails Read More »
Monday 09 December 2024 You served as my Katyn manuscript reader. You bore witness when I conceived of the idea of writing a book about the Katyn Massacres and when I revised the manuscript to a memoir, not a scholarly work. You read several different versions of the manuscript: fragments of ideas, working and finished
The Revision Diaries: Interview with King Arthur, My Katyn Manuscript Editor Read More »
Monday 02 December 2024 The etymology of “acknowledgment” points to a recognition, a revelation, and a discovery. And when I think of all the people (and my dog, Laska) who have in their own unique ways inspired, coached, and helped me during the writing process of my Katyn manuscript, I must recognize their friendship, love,
The Revision Diaries: Reflections on Writing an Acknowledgements Page Read More »
Monday 25 November 2024 After convincing myself that I not only can but must write a children’s book, I next posed to myself the following technical questions: Whom would I be writing for? (target audience); What kind of story—fiction or nonfiction? (genre); and What would be the narrative drama? (in other words, What would be
What Kind of Children’s Book Will I Write? Read More »
Monday 18 November 2024 Since I have embraced the idea of writing a children’s book, I now understand that what my conscious mind dismissed as a silly impulsive “joke,” is what my unconscious mind insists I need to work on next. Numerous seasons of writing (and living with) my Katyn memoir have left both intellectual
Becoming a Children’s Book Writer Isn’t a Joke Any Longer Read More »
Tuesday 12 November 2024 I thought I was being funny, answering King Arthur’s earnest question: “What’s next after your Katyn book?” I quipped, “a children’s book… (cue in my laughter) … no, better yet… a children’s coloring book (continued laughter).” King Arthur wasn’t laughing. I didn’t understand. I thought I was witty. Honestly, I hadn’t
Am I Becoming a Children’s Book Writer? … I Think So! Read More »
Monday 04 November 2024 I would never teach Elena Kostyuchenko’s (2023) I Love Russia: Reporting from a Lost Country not because it’s a poorly written book. The book is one of the best nonfiction/journalism books I have come across. I refuse to teach it because it’s too well written. The writing is relentless and merciless;
Monday 28 October 2024 On Sunday 27 October 2024, I lit a Yahrzeit candle, or Jewish memorial candle for Steve. Yesterday was the first time I ever lit a yahrzeit candle for Steve, let alone for anyone else. Frankly, I didn’t know if I was performing the ceremony correctly; after all, I’m not Jewish. I
A Yahrzeit Candle for Steve Ressler Read More »
Thursday 24 October 24, 2024 Dear Student: Your request for additional literary books and/or movies about World War II and the Holocaust both pleased and frightened me. I interpreted your question for more literature from this era as an optimistic and reassuring evaluation of my teaching about war and genocide studies. However, I was scared
Paliwoda’s World War II And Holocaust Reading And Viewing List Read More »