Talks by Linda C. McCabe
5. Linda C. McCabe has the ability to deliver talks via Zoom to allow for the new reality via Covid19 for meetings to be held remotely.
Below are a few talks she can give to groups.
If there are other ideas for talks you would like her to give, send her an email in care of linda (dot) mccabe @gmail.com
1. A Modern Retelling of the Chansons de Geste
For several centuries, troubadours and jongleurs in southern France and Northern Italy created a cycle of legends regarding Charlemagne and his paladins. The most famous of these legends is the Chanson de Roland. These tales were popular with the nobles and the masses. The public adored hearing new adventures of characters they had come to know and love, and of the villains they loved to hate. The legends were written in both French and Italian, although ironically what has come to be called the “Matters of France,” are more widely known today in Italy than they are in France.
Linda C. McCabe read the classic epic poem Orlando furioso and became captivated by a rich narrative tapestry involving chivalry, honor, pride, secret romances, magic and heroism. McCabe adapted these legends into a series of novels for modern day audiences. She performed extensive research into Charlemagne, the Medieval period’s customs and foods, as well as religious practices of the time for both Christians and Muslims. Her research included twice traveling to France.
Her presentation will be part travelogue and part literary discussion about the legends of Charlemagne and the lasting cultural impact of these classic tales. (202 words)
2. A Modern Retelling of Italian Epic Poetry
For several centuries troubadours and jongleurs in the south of France and in Northern Italy created a cycle of legends regarding Charlemagne and his knights. These tales were popular with nobles and the masses. Later, these stories were compiled and expanded by poets in both French and Italian.
Linda C. McCabe, has undertaken the ambitious project of adapting two of these epic poems, Orlando innamorato by Matteo Maria Boiardo and Orlando furioso by Ludovico Ariosto, into a series of novels for modern day readers. McCabe traveled to France, Italy, and Germany to perform research for her trilogy. Her presentation will be part travelogue and part literary discussion about the legends of Charlemagne and the lasting cultural impact of these classic tales that are still popular in Italy, especially in Sicily where Opera dei Pupi thrives to this day. (145 words)
3. Writing Historical Fantasy: Blending historical fiction with fantasy elements
Writing historical fiction requires extensive research on historical figures, settings, customs, etc., and decisions regarding dramatic license vs. adhering strictly to the historical record, while fantasy has its own rules regarding logic and consistency. Author Linda C. McCabe will discuss the craft of balancing the needs of historical fiction with drama and fantasy. (53 words)
(Or a shorter version: Author Linda C. McCabe will discuss the craft of balancing the needs of historical fiction with drama and fantasy. (19 words)
4. Using Travel to Enhance Research for Your Writing
Reading a well-crafted novel can transport you to another time and place. Getting those details correct takes effort and research. Sometimes the only way to get a true sense of place is to travel and experience it firsthand. Linda C. McCabe, author of the epic historic fantasy Quest of the Warrior Maiden will discuss how she researched her novel set in the time of Charlemagne and her trips to France. She will show slides from her trips that helped imbue her narrative with rich historical detail. (86 words)
5. Using Archetypes and Symbolism to Create Compelling Narratives
The craft of writing a compelling narrative involves more than just plotting and pacing. Using symbolism and understanding archetypes will add complexity and resonance for your readers. Linda C. McCabe will show examples of archetypes and how they evoke unconscious emotional responses in your audience as well as how to use symbolism while avoiding continuity errors.
Below are a few talks she can give to groups.
If there are other ideas for talks you would like her to give, send her an email in care of linda (dot) mccabe @gmail.com
1. A Modern Retelling of the Chansons de Geste
For several centuries, troubadours and jongleurs in southern France and Northern Italy created a cycle of legends regarding Charlemagne and his paladins. The most famous of these legends is the Chanson de Roland. These tales were popular with the nobles and the masses. The public adored hearing new adventures of characters they had come to know and love, and of the villains they loved to hate. The legends were written in both French and Italian, although ironically what has come to be called the “Matters of France,” are more widely known today in Italy than they are in France.
Linda C. McCabe read the classic epic poem Orlando furioso and became captivated by a rich narrative tapestry involving chivalry, honor, pride, secret romances, magic and heroism. McCabe adapted these legends into a series of novels for modern day audiences. She performed extensive research into Charlemagne, the Medieval period’s customs and foods, as well as religious practices of the time for both Christians and Muslims. Her research included twice traveling to France.
Her presentation will be part travelogue and part literary discussion about the legends of Charlemagne and the lasting cultural impact of these classic tales. (202 words)
2. A Modern Retelling of Italian Epic Poetry
For several centuries troubadours and jongleurs in the south of France and in Northern Italy created a cycle of legends regarding Charlemagne and his knights. These tales were popular with nobles and the masses. Later, these stories were compiled and expanded by poets in both French and Italian.
Linda C. McCabe, has undertaken the ambitious project of adapting two of these epic poems, Orlando innamorato by Matteo Maria Boiardo and Orlando furioso by Ludovico Ariosto, into a series of novels for modern day readers. McCabe traveled to France, Italy, and Germany to perform research for her trilogy. Her presentation will be part travelogue and part literary discussion about the legends of Charlemagne and the lasting cultural impact of these classic tales that are still popular in Italy, especially in Sicily where Opera dei Pupi thrives to this day. (145 words)
3. Writing Historical Fantasy: Blending historical fiction with fantasy elements
Writing historical fiction requires extensive research on historical figures, settings, customs, etc., and decisions regarding dramatic license vs. adhering strictly to the historical record, while fantasy has its own rules regarding logic and consistency. Author Linda C. McCabe will discuss the craft of balancing the needs of historical fiction with drama and fantasy. (53 words)
(Or a shorter version: Author Linda C. McCabe will discuss the craft of balancing the needs of historical fiction with drama and fantasy. (19 words)
4. Using Travel to Enhance Research for Your Writing
Reading a well-crafted novel can transport you to another time and place. Getting those details correct takes effort and research. Sometimes the only way to get a true sense of place is to travel and experience it firsthand. Linda C. McCabe, author of the epic historic fantasy Quest of the Warrior Maiden will discuss how she researched her novel set in the time of Charlemagne and her trips to France. She will show slides from her trips that helped imbue her narrative with rich historical detail. (86 words)
5. Using Archetypes and Symbolism to Create Compelling Narratives
The craft of writing a compelling narrative involves more than just plotting and pacing. Using symbolism and understanding archetypes will add complexity and resonance for your readers. Linda C. McCabe will show examples of archetypes and how they evoke unconscious emotional responses in your audience as well as how to use symbolism while avoiding continuity errors.
Reviews from audience members from recent presentations:
"I enjoyed the presentation on Chansons de Geste! I didn't know about Roland/Orlando so thank you for introducing me to this epic poem. I enjoyed all of the small details such as the battle ax's name that became the name of France, the country. Again, thank you for a wonderful evening, you enriched my understanding of French culture!"
"Bravo Linda! Merci for a very enjoyable talk."
"Thank you, Linda...loved this."
"Fabulous info and presentation."
"I appreciate all the details you have gathered."
"Excellent presentation!"
"Her amount of research into foods, customs, etc., seemed phenomenal."
"This was one of my favorite presentations."
"Great organization to show how to write historical fiction."
"Linda, thank you! I’m so impressed with your research."
"Thank you Linda. Learning you crafted your research trip was very helpful."
"Thank you for your excellent presentation on archetypes!"
Out of 25 surveys, 23 responded to it being "strong" overall - the highest score possible.