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From Ghostly Challenge to Literary Icon - The Evolution of Frankenstein
Colin Mustful Colin Mustful

From Ghostly Challenge to Literary Icon - The Evolution of Frankenstein

In "From Ghostly Challenge to Literary Icon: The Evolution of Frankenstein," we peel back the layers of time to reveal how Mary Shelley's chilling challenge at Villa Diodati ignited a spark that would blaze into the literary masterpiece known as Frankenstein. Discover how an eerie contest among geniuses gave life to a story that transcends centuries, morphing from a ghostly dare into a cultural phenomenon. Witness the transformation of Shelley's creation from pages to stage, from whispers in the dark to screams on the silver screen. Join us on this electrifying journey through the evolution of one of literature's most iconic creatures—Frankenstein's monster.

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Mastering Your Craft: Join Our Historical Fiction Writing Workshop!
Colin Mustful Colin Mustful

Mastering Your Craft: Join Our Historical Fiction Writing Workshop!

Historical fiction has the power to make history come alive. It takes us on a journey through time, introducing us to fascinating characters and pivotal moments that shaped our world. But writing this genre can be tricky—you need to balance factual accuracy with engaging storytelling. That's where our workshop comes in!

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South of Sepharad Audio Excerpt
Colin Mustful Colin Mustful

South of Sepharad Audio Excerpt

Please enjoy this audio excerpt from Chapter 3 of South of Sepharad by Eric Z. Weintraub. In it, Vidal, the patriarch of a Jewish family living in Granada shortly after it has been conquered by the Catholic Monarchs, Ferdinand and Isabella, learns from his son-in-law about the Alhambra Decree. The Decree orders that all Jews must convert to Catholicism or permanently leave their homes to resettle somewhere outside of the Spanish Kingdoms. Vidal is shocked by the by the news and suddenly realizes his family is in peril.

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How Jewish Customs and Traditions Evolved: From 1492 to Today
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How Jewish Customs and Traditions Evolved: From 1492 to Today

In "How Jewish Customs and Traditions Evolved – From 1492 to Today," Eric Z. Weintraub explores the surprising modernity of some Jewish practices. He reveals that simple wooden coffins, extravagant b'nai mitzvahs, wedding chuppahs, the hora dance, and even beliefs about the afterlife have evolved significantly since 1492. Using his novel "South of Sepharad" as a reference, Weintraub illustrates how these customs have changed, noting that many traditions we see today were not practiced in medieval Spain.

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Meet the Intern: Madelyn Valento
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Meet the Intern: Madelyn Valento

Madelyn Valento is an intern at HTF this semester while she completes her Editing and Publishing Certificate at UMN – Twin Cities. She hopes to work in the literary industry in some capacity after graduation in a year. In her free time she can be found reading, writing, playing video games, or hanging out with her dog, Duey, and twin brother, Mario.

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Turning History Into Fiction: Bringing the 1492 Expulsion of the Jews from Spain to Life
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Turning History Into Fiction: Bringing the 1492 Expulsion of the Jews from Spain to Life

In "Turning History Into Fiction," Eric Z. Weintraub shares his journey of transforming the 1492 Expulsion of the Jews from Spain into a novel. Struck by the lack of personal stories, he delved into history books and visited Granada to capture the essence of the time. His book, "South of Sepharad," aims to illuminate the human experiences lost to history, giving life to the expelled Jews' thoughts, fears, and desires through the art of storytelling.

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From Expulsion to Empathy: Learning from the Past in South of Sepharad
Colin Mustful Colin Mustful

From Expulsion to Empathy: Learning from the Past in South of Sepharad

Step back to 1492 with "South of Sepharad" by Eric Z. Weintraub, where the poignant tale of a Sephardic Jewish family unfolds amidst the turmoil of the Alhambra Decree. This narrative captures the essence of their struggle, resilience, and the broader context of Jewish persecution throughout history. Uncover the layers of this often overshadowed chapter, as we explore the impact of forced exiles on a community's spirit and identity.

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From Dream to Reality: An Author’s Journey by Eric Z. Weintraub
Colin Mustful Colin Mustful

From Dream to Reality: An Author’s Journey by Eric Z. Weintraub

Eric Z. Weintraub, author of South of Sepharad, shares his journey of transforming a powerful historical moment into a compelling historical novel. Learn how he overcame self-doubt, delved into meticulous research, and navigated the challenges of writing and revising a debut novel—all while balancing life's demands. This inspiring story reveals the resilience needed to bring South of Sepharad from an idea to a published reality.

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A More Complete View of History: The other side of WWII - A guest blog post by Aubrey Taylor
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A More Complete View of History: The other side of WWII - A guest blog post by Aubrey Taylor

Discover the untold stories of WWII in this captivating guest blog post by author Aubrey Taylor. In it, Taylor writes about challenging common perceptions and delving into the German perspective of the war. Taylor's three-year journey of research reveals a complex narrative beyond Hollywood's portrayal, offering a fresh look at history's most infamous conflict. Click to explore the shades of truth in this thought-provoking piece.

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In the Shadow of The Alhambra:  The Fate of Vidal and his Family in South of Sepharad
Colin Mustful Colin Mustful

In the Shadow of The Alhambra: The Fate of Vidal and his Family in South of Sepharad

Discover the captivating tale of Vidal, a Jewish physician in 1492 Granada, whose life is forever altered by the shadows of the Alhambra Palace. As royal decrees echo from its walls, Vidal faces an ultimatum that challenges his faith and future. Uncover how this majestic palace bears witness to history's turning points and personal struggles in Eric Z. Weintraub’s novel, "South of Sepharad." Witness the intertwining of a family's fate with the grandeur and gravity of the Alhambra.

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Writing Historical Fiction: Tall Tales or the Straight Scoop?
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Writing Historical Fiction: Tall Tales or the Straight Scoop?

Discover how an author balances truth and fiction to bring to life an ordinary family's extraordinary tale, and grapples with the challenge of portraying history through a novelist's lens. Will the blend of fact and imagination capture the essence of the era? Join author David K. Wessel to explore the delicate dance between historical accuracy and storytelling magic.

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What I Didn’t Expect from the Spanish Inquisition
Colin Mustful Colin Mustful

What I Didn’t Expect from the Spanish Inquisition

Discover the shocking truths behind the Spanish Inquisition that defy common myths. Eric Z. Weintraub's deep dive into history reveals a complex narrative far removed from the exaggerated tales of horror we've been told. Read more to uncover what really happened during one of history's most infamous periods.

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