Season 8, Episode 9 - C.W. Towarnicki
In Season 8, Episode 9 of "History Through Fiction: The Podcast," host Colin Mustful sits down with C.W. Towarnicki, author of Notes from a Deserter. They delve into the intriguing story behind the gravesite on Towarnicki's property that sparked the novel's creation. The conversation explores the craft of constructing a short story cycle, offering diverse perspectives from the Civil War era. Towarnicki also shares insights on how his MFA program has shaped his writing journey and contributed to his development as an author. Tune in for a captivating discussion on history, storytelling, and the art of writing.
About the Author
C. W. Towarnicki is a father, writer, and educator living in Perkiomenville, PA. He holds an MFA from Arcadia University where he began drafting his first novel following a research subject, William Henry Howe, who left a neighboring property to enlist in the Civil War. He writes historical fiction short stories as well as nonfiction articles in the field of education. His work appears in Education Weekly, Sundial Magazine, Fly Culture Magazine and others. He is currently working on his second novel which is set to focus on the Pennsylvania Lumber Era of the late 1800s. He and his wife are founders of a Learner-Driven School called Seeds Academy in Green Lane, PA.
The Book:
C. W. Towarnicki’s Notes from a Deserter is a haunting portrait of one man’s journey through the chaos of the Civil War, told with “gritty tenderness and stark realities” (Paul Elwork). Through vivid vignettes and heartfelt letters, Towarnicki captures the human cost of war in a story that is “a time machine, a poem, a love letter” (Nick Gregorio), leaving readers deeply moved long after the final page.
