Author to provide a guide to writing historical fiction

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Author and teacher Robyn Gioia will attend the FWA Ponte Vedra Writers meeting Saturday, July 22 to present a discussion on historical fiction entitled, “Teleporting Readers into the Past: A Guide to Writing Historical Fiction.” The meeting will be held at 10:30 a.m. at the Ponte Vedra Beach Branch Library.

Gioia’s presentation will cover the world of writing historical fiction and what it takes to transcend centuries of history. She will discuss the importance of research, where to look, how much to use and how to bridge the gap between modern times and the old world. She will talk about the importance of emotion and explain how to weave historical detail into a story and develop believable characters.

After working in both public and private schools in the U.S., Gioia ventured overseas to teach in the United Arab Emirates, Puerto Rico and Seoul, South Korea. During a two-year assignment in Japan, she worked as an international school principal and an IB/PYP teacher.

Her new middle grade novel “Under Siege!” is set in St. Augustine and based on a true event. Gioia’s controversial history book, “America's REAL First Thanksgiving, St. Augustine, Florida, Sept. 8, 1565,” was featured on the front page of the USA Today Life section, and it continues to be a topic of conversation during the holidays.

The Ponte Vedra Writers chapter is one of over 50 writers groups affiliated with the Florida Writers Association, a non-profit membership organization with nearly 1,500 members. Visit www.floridawriters.net for more information on the organization. The meeting is not limited to FWA members.