Ask the Author: Faith Mitchell
Answered Questions (8)
Faith Mitchell
Includes spoilers!
The Book of Secrets, Book 1
Questions for Book Clubs
1. Should Big Jack destroy the book of secrets instead of trying to protect it?
2. Why is Elizabeth willing to go along with Sam's plan for acquiring the book of secrets? Do you think she has any regrets about it?
3. When Finch begins to realize that she can't trust Elizabeth, why does she stay on the island instead of leaving?
4. Do you think the spirits that belong to Sam's army are evil, or is he just using them for his own purposes?
5. Whose side is Miss Myma on?
6. What should Finch do with the book of secrets? What would you do with it?
7. How does Finch change because of her experiences on St. Pierre?
8. What is this book's message about people's desire for power?
The Book of Secrets, Book 1
Questions for Book Clubs
1. Should Big Jack destroy the book of secrets instead of trying to protect it?
2. Why is Elizabeth willing to go along with Sam's plan for acquiring the book of secrets? Do you think she has any regrets about it?
3. When Finch begins to realize that she can't trust Elizabeth, why does she stay on the island instead of leaving?
4. Do you think the spirits that belong to Sam's army are evil, or is he just using them for his own purposes?
5. Whose side is Miss Myma on?
6. What should Finch do with the book of secrets? What would you do with it?
7. How does Finch change because of her experiences on St. Pierre?
8. What is this book's message about people's desire for power?
Faith Mitchell
Can we foretell the future?
Faith Mitchell
I have been writing since I was very small (elementary school). I wanted to capture my thoughts and feelings. I was also a voracious reader, which stimulated my love of words.
Faith Mitchell
Think about the books, articles, blog posts, movies, and shows that you like, try to identify the specific elements of the story, characterization, etc., that appeal to you, and try to incorporate those elements in your writing. You'll be a stronger writer if you're aware of what you're doing.
Faith Mitchell
I just start by writing *something* to help the thoughts and words start flowing. You can always edit afterwards--and I edit a lot.
Faith Mitchell
I've written a lot about research and policy. I love writing fiction because I don't need references (smile) and I can give my imagination free rein.
I also love words and language and try to practice good writing whether it's an email message or a manuscript.
I also love words and language and try to practice good writing whether it's an email message or a manuscript.
Faith Mitchell
I'm starting to think about The Book of Secrets, Part 2. I am also working on a nonfiction book about Black life at the turn of the 20th century. It combines social and family history with my grandmother's postcard correspondence with friends and relatives.
Faith Mitchell
The Book of Secrets was inspired by my experiences as an ethnographic researcher in Gullah/Geechee communities of the South Carolina Sea Islands. My book Hoodoo Medicine: Gullah Herbal Remedies is also part of that research. Sea Island Black traditional culture is rich and deep.
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