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A Sensitivity Presentation
Like our lives and like contemporary America, Lucky Turtle, Bill Roorbach’s newest novel, is peopled by a diverse cast of characters. Bill believes deeply in sensitivity and kindness, also compassion, is strongly aware of problems of representation, and sought help during the writing and production of the book to be sure he was getting his people right. From a female narrator to a title character of mixed origin, to characters from different parts of the world and of varied sexualities and ages and religious (and multiple other) heritages, the book is in fact about difference, and from there disparity, disrespect, and cruelty (which are unfortunately also much like contemporary America).
In this presentation, moderated by MWPA Executive Director Gibson Fay-Leblanc, Bill will talk about personal experiences that led to this story, about the making of the novel including multiple sensitivity readings, and about the difference between censorship and calls for respect. Audience participation will be encouraged, as Bill does not believe he’s an authority on anything but the writing of this book. It will help if you’ve read Lucky Turtle, but this is not required.
+ PLEASE NOTE This talk will occur online via Zoom. Attendees do not need to create an account to participate, but should test out Zoom before the presentation if they are first-time users. The presenter and MWPA staff will not have the capacity to help attendees with tech issues during the talk.
+ REQUIRED EQUIPMENT A reliable, fast internet connection (broadband wired or wireless (3G or 4G/LTE), speakers & a microphone (built-in or USB plug-in), and a webcam (built-in or USB plug-in).
If you would like to quickly and easily test your internet connection and your computer’s compatibility with Zoom, click HERE. Full details on supported Operating Systems, internet browsers, and more can be found HERE. To download and familiarize yourself with Zoom, click HERE.
Bill Roorbach’s newest book is Lucky Turtle. Also from Algonquin are The Girl of the Lake, The Remedy for Love, and Life Among Giants, which won the Maine Literary Award in Fiction in 2012. Big Bend won the Flannery O'Connor Award and an O. Henry prize, both in 2000. His memoir in nature, Temple Stream, won the Maine Literary Award in nonfiction in 2005 and along with its companion books, Into Woods and Summers with Juliet, is available in a recent Downeast Books edition. His craft book, Writing Life Stories, has been in print for 25 years. He lives in Farmington and Scarborough with his family.
REGISTRATION
This talk is free for MWPA members and $5 for nonmembers. When you register below, you will receive an automatic email confirming your registration immediately, as well as an email with the link to join the talk the week of the presentation.
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