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Post by glynisj on Sept 11, 2016 13:53:27 GMT -5
I'm exploring the possibility for a story that happens during The Great Depression. Sure, there's been books and movies made about the era, but I want to attack it from the viewpoint of someone who is firstborn American whose heritage is from eastern Europe, Russia. I know about the basic culture. My grandfather was Russian-German, came over to the US when he was eighteen. Still, I'd like to know more. Are there any favorite resources for learning about cultures?
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Post by zrsouthcombe on Oct 14, 2016 1:39:20 GMT -5
Talking to people from that era is ideal if you can manage it. My second go-to would be reading books written by people of the group you want to write from, perhaps?
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Post by glynisj on Oct 14, 2016 8:04:22 GMT -5
Zee, I've been talking to my mom, who grew up during that era. However, because there is so much bias about that time in American history, I know her memories are taunted by her experiences. I might have to resort to reading. I guess I'll be spending time at the library during these cool autumn days.
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Post by Amanda Staley on Oct 14, 2016 14:33:41 GMT -5
Depending on what you are writing, you might want the bias that is present in your mother's story. It could add credibility to the story.
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Post by zrsouthcombe on Oct 21, 2016 21:12:33 GMT -5
I agree with Amanda. I just read a book called The Hypnotist (by L. Anholt - highly recommend!). It's set in 1960s southern U.S. and written from three perspectives, which were all in their own way biased, but in a way that's what made the story gripping:
-Native American girl
-African American orphan boy
-Irish educated immigrant
And showed U.S. 'white' farmer perspective, and Ku Klux Klan.
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Post by christinec on Oct 29, 2016 9:14:28 GMT -5
Another thing you could try, Glynis, is to find out if there is a local community group for people from the cultures you are writing about. Often they welcome people who want to learn about their culture. Similarly, you might find there are online communities of that nature.
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