Louisiana Contemporary Women Writers

1. Louisiana Contemporary Women Writers By Cristina Azzaro Twaka Bell Kandace Vallory

3. Outline • Introduction • Brief history on Authors • Books • Discussion of one book per author • Conclusion

4. Introduction • Our authors Shelia Bosworth, Rebecca Wells and Christine Wiltz were contemporary female writers that are all natives of Louisiana. They were born between 1948 to 1952 and were raised in the old catholic traditions. All three of them looked up to male figures as their primary role models. They have written multiple novels that were based in Louisiana and had some type of substance abuse with their characters.

5. Sheila Bosworth • Born in1950 in New Orleans, La • Raised and educated in the old “Catholic School” tradition • Writings are strongly influenced by Catholicism and the South • Her childhood experience left a strong imprint on her life and her writings • Received the help of literary giant, Walker Percy, on her first novel, “Almost Innocent”

6. Books Include: Almost Innocent ( 1984) Slow Poison (1992)

7. Discussion

8. Rebecca Wells • Born in 1952 in Alexandria, La. to a father best known for his storytelling • An inspirational writer who suffers from Lyme Disease • Multi-award winning novelist known for her storytelling and acting • Frequent Writer for Seattle Weekly

9. Books Include: • Little Altars Everywhere (1992) • The Diving Secrets of the Ya Ya Sisterhood (1997) • Ya Yas in Bloom (2006)

10. Discussion

11. Christine Wiltz • Born in 1948 in New Orleans, La. • Also known as Chris Wiltz • Influenced by her landlord, a retired policemen who gave her inside knowledge of police detective work • Enjoys writing from a male’s point of view • Received several Achievement Awards

12. Books Include: • The Killing Circle (1981) • A Diamond Before You Die (1987) • The Emerald Lizard (1988) • Glass House (1994) • The Last Madam: A Life in the New Orleans Underworld (1999)

13. Discussion

14. Conclusion • The Sheila Bosworth and Christine Wiltz or current living in Louisiana. Rebecca Wells is living in the Washington area. All are active in the communities and still publishing novels.