I am writing a family adventure that takes place in Coloma, CA shortly after the end of the gold rush. It is mostly a light-hearted story, however as there was horrific treatment of the indigenous people in the area, any thoughts on how best (or how much) to acknowledge this in the story? Any resour...
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Go there. That tribe still exists, even if they were relocated, they still exist. Get to know the people and their stories.. plus every tribe has their own website now. Avoid white man's history sites it poisons your mind. Keep digging. You will know when you are close to authenticity.
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This component of your screenplay, could be the most intriguing compelling conflict of your script on the choice of what side of your characters go do they demonstrate compassion and rediscover who they are or do they judge ..uncomfortableness results in growth..a beautiful crescendo..
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Hey Steffany Lohn Sommers - did you see that I just heard from a manager at Circle of Confusion that 'lighthearted" material is in high demand right now? If that is what you're writing write now, you'...
Expand commentHey Steffany Lohn Sommers - did you see that I just heard from a manager at Circle of Confusion that 'lighthearted" material is in high demand right now? If that is what you're writing write now, you're in great shape.
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Hi Steffany,
Regardless of the tone/subject matter, I'd want my story to realistically depict the times/ways/environment, and in this case I would start with a visit to the El Dorado County Historical...
Expand commentHi Steffany,
Regardless of the tone/subject matter, I'd want my story to realistically depict the times/ways/environment, and in this case I would start with a visit to the El Dorado County Historical Museum, which is run by the El Dorado County Historical Society.
I spent some time up in El Dorado County back in the day and can't think of a better place to do some research on that subject - and they have a lot of old photos and documents from the time. And I would befriend one of the staffers/members, too, who could become a valuable resource as well, and who probably would let me run some stuff past him/her.
Back in those days, Placerville was the bigger city not too far downriver from Coloma, and it even had its first school and fire station by the 1850's. As the gold rush winded down (and the genocide ramped up), some of the remaining prospectors who had come from around the world in search of gold settled in the valleys for farming and for logging/milling, and to partake in the slaughter of California Indians. And regarding the slaughters - there is also a book on that (An American Genocide).
Choosing to ignore or minimize the genocide is your choice, of course - but I'd at least want to get the real ways of the times and the everyday life accurately represented, and I'd start with the Historical Society.
Best fortunes in your creative endeavors, Steffany, and stay safe!
That's great info, Bill. Thanks so much for your time and suggestions! :)