![]() SeminarsHeather Dune Macadam Visits Centenary College
Exploring Organic Metaphors in Fiction and Non Fiction with Heather Dune MacadamReview by Alexandra Salas Soul bearing, no holds barred acclaimed author and lecturer Heather Dune Macadam engaged Centenary College with a candid discussion about organic metaphors and their role in creative non-fiction. Forthrightly poised, Macadam expressed her passion and duty toward genuine, un-politically correct writing, and encouraged attendees to consider “how do we create poetry out of our own lives.” In addition, she emphasized having the courage to use one’s individual voice. “It is important to not be politically correct in writing. How can you show character if you are spending time being PC?” In response to a question about her writing process, she asserted the importance of revision. “Do you have to read your work out loud? Yes. You have to read it aloud so you can evaluate it, understand it, and provide perspective.” However, she admitted, “Occasionally you get lucky,” and “automatic writing” happens; this is when the writing does not need to be refined or edited. “But that takes time. You need to become aware of your own process. I used to rewrite to the point where I killed things. As you develop your craft, you understand the process.” Two of her books were available for purchase at the book signing – The Weeping Buddha, a murder mystery based on a personal life incident and Rena’S Promise, a concentration camp memoir, she co-authored. Macadam is a faculty member of the MFA in Writing Program at Stony Brook Southampton, State University of New York. For more information about her work, visit http://www.heatherdune.com/. |