Author/teacher Robyn 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 continues to be a topic of conversation during the holidays. She’s now writing historical fiction and will present “Teleporting Readers into the Past: A Guide to Writing Historical Fiction” at the Saturday, July 22 FWA Ponte Vedra Writers meeting, 10:30 a.m. at the Ponte Vedra Library.

Robyn’s presentation looks at the world of writing historical fiction and what it takes to transcend centuries of history. She’ll discuss the importance of research, where to look, how much to use and talk about bridging the gap between modern times and the old world. She’ll also look at weaving historical detail into your story, developing your characters to be believable and talk about the importance of emotion.

After ​working in both public and private schools in the U.S., Robyn ventured overseas to teach in the UAE, Puerto Rico, and Seoul, 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.

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 about the organization. You do not need to be an FWA member to attend the meeting.