RCL Blog

Candace Fleming, award-winning author for Children's picture books and young adult nonfiction and fiction books, spoke at the 13th Annual Butler Lecture Series at Martin Recital Hall on Tuesday. Her lecture was followed by an audience Q&A, then a book signing alongside illustrator Eric Rohman who has illustrated many of Fleming's works.

In introductory remarks, Butler Center curator Jennifer Clemons described Fleming as a "friend to the University and Center,” having helped establish the Butler Center 15 years ago. Previous series speakers have included Kyle Lukoff (2024), Ebony Elizabeth Thomas and Renee Watson (2021), Andrea Davis Pinkney (2018), and Jane Yolen (2014).

Visceral Creativity 

A theme throughout Fleming's address was tactile experiences during the processes of research and writing. When writing drafts, Fleming said she uses cheap blue pens. That way, after a hard day of writing, with blue ink stains on her arm she can truthfully say, “I'm blue…I wrote today." 

Fleming also told a story from her youth, having just had her heart broken at a high school dance. Her mother's comfort came by means of a story from her own youth when she learned about the tragic disappearance of pilot Amelia Erhardt. Fleming remembers hearing how her mother “watched, waited, willed Amelia home” helped pull her from her own trifles and recognize the profound ways stories can be a window to empathize with feelings and experiences we don't participate in firsthand.

Like many creative souls, Fleming thrives on new experiences through travel to inspire her research. A trip to Egypt provided sensations of sand skittering beneath her feet and the dark, quiet of the tombs which informed The Curse of the Mummy: Uncovering Tutankhamun's Tomb.

Visiting Alexander Palace in St. Petersburgh, Russia allowed a critical shift in Fleming's perspective. Experiencing firsthand how close the palace gates were to the village and everyday life was a window into how the last czar family of Russia had created a psychological distance between themselves and those they were charged to lead. She then recognized that writing the award-winning The Family Romanov would need to include peasants, soldiers, and Revolutionaries to tell the story truthfully.

Finding the Story

“Searching and finding is not natural to me," said Fleming. When Dominican professor Cecilia Salvatore asked about her research process, Fleming admitted “It's so messy.”  Sometimes an unexpected spark opens the path for a project for the author. After taking six full pages of notes on Faberge eggs, Fleming joked, the author turned course to research the exciting tale of the Russian Revolution.

Fleming described the research for what was initially meant to be a true crime story to be like lifting a rock.  In The Rise and Fall of Charles Lindburgh, Fleming would write about the “underside” of a man's life who, while known to most as a national hero, was also part of a secret society of eugenicists and had secret families. “Research can take you to shocking places, and I wasn't ready for it,” she said.

Fleming prefers to do research with primary sources. “That's where the telling, intimate things are.” She begins a project by discovering which institution carries the most primary sources on her current topic of interest. Even if many documents are available digitally, Fleming prefers the hands-on experience of sifting through them. In researching for what would eventually be Amelia Lost: The Life and Disappearance of Amelia Earhart, Fleming parsed through hand-written letters of sympathy to George Putnam. This allowed her to read the endearingly personal notes Erhardt's widower put on the envelopes of these letters.

Fleming explained she has only begun to focus on nonfiction for young adult audiences in the last 5-8 years. She has a widely spanning oeuvre which includes many picture books as well as nonfiction and fiction books for older children. When an audience member asked whether writing nonfiction or fiction offers more rewards, Fleming said “I need them both.” She enjoys people's responses when she admits a fact-based story of danger and excitement like The Family Romanov is followed up by a picture book called Bulldozer's Big Day.

A Reliable Guide

Beyond being an author of high stature, Fleming is passionate about providing true stories to young readers. Her goal is to provide escapism so enticing her readers will gobble it up in one sitting like a cake. She recognizes that teens are daily awash with information, and she sees her role as guiding them through narratives and wild seas. 

At the same time, she trusts teens to wrestle with contradictions founds in her stories which embody the human condition. Such as depicted in Death in the Jungle, her forthcoming book about the 1978 “revolutionary suicide” of Jonestown. Despite some adults questioning whether such material is fit for teens, Fleming views the tale cautionary yet human, and one she trusts her teen readers to empathetically wrestle with

As a hopeful author of books for youth, these campus events are incredibly inspiring. Make sure to check out the SOIS Signature Events page for future awesome lectures on campus.

More Candace Fleming books found at Rebecca Crown Library:

This post was authored by undergraduate student Jazlyn Cordero for Professor Christine Wilson's ENG 335 assignment, Writing as Social Action. It is part of a “Student Speaks” series on the RCL blog.

As we enter adulthood, life pushes and pulls us in different directions. We are challenged to establish who we are, what we identify as, or simply where we belong. That said, finding a community that truly embraces us can be difficult and frustrating. Putting ourselves out there can be unsettling, especially when there are always demands on our time. As a current sophomore at Dominican, I understand how daunting it can be to branch out and find one's place on campus. I am all too familiar with how obligations such as commuting, working, and even studying can interfere with prioritizing yourself. 

With everything going on in the world, as well as in our personal lives, it is easy to forget being part of a community can be essential for our social, academic, and professional lives. Here at Dominican, there are many activities, events, clubs, and programs that aim to enable students from all types of backgrounds to form unique communities. The effort it takes to find your niche may seem daunting, but it requires only a little movement on your part as a student and person. Your reasons for engagement don’t even have to be fully academic; they can incorporate your interests, hobbies, or even side hustles! Trust me, Dominican will most likely have something to fit your needs. Even if they don’t – yet – you have the power and flexibility to fulfill your need and even bring others alongside who may potentially share your interests.

I also want to express that there is no judgement in not knowing where to start when it comes to becoming a more active member of a community. At times we all face some sort of pressure, or perhaps guilt, in not being aware of all we have to offer in giving back to a community. Perhaps you can gain a little confidence by recognizing there is someone in the same boat as you are. Here is something else to keep in mind if you are feeling alone in your movement to engage with others: you can consider inviting someone you are comfortable with to help you find something suitable for you. Sometimes it takes time to find your voice and power – and that's okay – but that is no excuse to withhold yourself from expanding your horizons or from finding your safe place. 

By no means am I telling anyone that their road to self-discovery and involvement will be an easy one. I know it is not. Even after being at Dominican for nearly two years, I sometimes still feel I have yet to truly leave my mark. However, I have found people ready to encourage me every day, as well as rewarding ways to build community on campus and beyond these walls. 

So even if you find yourself roaming these halls feeling a little lonely, awkward, or shy, just know you are not alone. Whether you become part of a social group like a club or engage in civic opportunities, you will – eventually – find your place here.

This post was authored by undergraduate student Catherine Luquetta for Professor Christine Wilson's ENG 335 assignment, Writing as Social Action. It is part of a “Student Speaks” series on the RCL blog.

🎵 Going to the chapel and we’re … gonna get married. 🎵

Actually, we’re going there to do homework!

As a commuting student here at Dominican, I am not always able to stay at home to get effective work done and have had to find other spaces to be productive. When I need a place to do classwork and enjoy the great things that comes with college late at night, Rosary Chapel and Noonan Reading Room have been the best spots to work. On the rough weeks leading up to finals, the place to find me while I study and do my notes is the Reading Room. I am grateful it is always so open and welcoming. 

Not only is the area pretty to admire, but it is quiet enough to not be distracted from people conversing. Although many people prefer to study at the library here at Dominican University, I prefer Noonan since it is open 24 hours and has an enjoyable ambiance. The atmosphere of Noonan Reading Room is so comforting. The coziness of the chairs makes me feel like I am at my grandparents' house. This unique space has the feeling of acceptance since anyone can go there to study, admire the architecture, or just sit there quietly. In the times I must look up from my computer while working, I find myself gazing at the stained-glass windows. When you are in Noonan or the Chapel during the daytime, there are perfect moments where you can catch sunbeams reflecting through the stained-glass windows onto the ground. Having a place to look at nice things when I am taking an eye break from my computer allows me to recoup my concentration. This also helps me when I am in need of inspiration to create new ideas.

In the library, depending on the location, the options are limited for scenic seating. When you look up from your computer screen, you are most likely going to see shelf after shelf of books. If you are lucky enough to get one of the corner spaces in the library, you can catch a view of the outside of campus. However, this is unreliable. Depending on the time you find that seat, it may be dark outside which limits the view. 

Last fall semester, right before finals rolled around, I had not found a place to sit where I could concentrate on my work without having to worry what time the library closed or if my seat was appealing to the eye. The library was a good place to work, but I had to worry if I was going to finish my work before they closed. Then I would have to pack up all my stuff up and move to another location, or for that matter, maybe head home. Getting a late-night cram session at the library means getting it done by 11pm Sunday through Thursday. At Noonan, I was able to stay until 3am completing the notes I needed for upcoming exams. There was no stressing about the time I had to move which would inevitably cause me to lose concentration. Having brought an assignment from a blank page on my computer to over a page of notes and ideas really helped me realize that I value certain spaces on campus. 

The only drawbacks I see are the lack of accessible outlets without an extension cord, table lamps that are decoration only, and an awkward table to chair ratio. Other than these things, Noonan Reading Room is perfect for enjoying a solo study session. It also works well for group studying with tables comfortably seating up to six people and additional space for chairs besides. 

Cover photo was taken from https://www.dom.edu/alumni/faith-spirituality/masses

This post was written by undergraduate student Raziel Salamanca for Professor Christine Wilson's ENG 335 assignment, Writing as Social Action. It is part of a “Student Speaks” series on the RCL blog. In-post pictures were added by the editor.

There is something special about volunteering for a local community. Many times, we do not stop to think about how volunteering can leave an impact on our own communities and deepen our understanding of civic responsibility and compassion, as well as form significant social connections. It is nice to take step back from our day-to-day schedules and find ways we can contribute to our own communities with small or big actions.  

In late January, I had the opportunity to volunteer for DU Ministry's monthly Come to The Table. This was a new and wonderful experience that allowed me to not only build connections with students and members of the community but also assist the local community at the Quinn Center (Maywood, IL) that rely on these food distributions for their families.  

I was intrigued by the flyer of the service opportunity, and I scanned the QR code to log into EngageDU to view the details and RSVP. When I decided to volunteer for Come to the Table, I wasn’t sure what to expect. I had never done a service opportunity like this before. The description noted that we would have to pack food bags and distribute them at the Quinn Center. I realized afterwards that volunteering for this service was much more than that. It was a unique experience to connect me to the heart of the community. 

One week later, the day came for Come to the Table. The first time I walked into University Ministry, I was struck by the energy of the room as it was a calm and friendly environment. The center felt like a cozy little area. There were a couple of students in the center when I walked in. The students there greeted me and asked me if I was volunteering. After I told them I was, they welcomed me to sit at the couch or chairs near the tables until University Ministry staff finished their meeting.  

After a few minutes, two members of University Ministry, Rachel and Kayla, entered with boxes of food we were going to pack to distribute at the Quinn Center. We needed to clean off the table and placed a tablecloth over before packing 100 food bags to distribute. The eight of us had an hour to make 100 sandwiches and place fruit and treats into each of the paper bags. We decided to split up the work so that each person had a task to do. I could see that everyone was focused on their task as we passed the food bags down to for the next person.  

While we were packing, Rachel started an ice breaker to give us the opportunity to know each another. It was interesting to see students from different majors represented and to get to know each other a bit. Kayla told us more about what this service opportunity is and its origin. I found it incredible that this service started at DU for around 20 years. DU Ministry partners with the Quinn Center to aid local families that rely on these resources. After half of an hour, the table was filled with food bags ready to be placed and stacked into the cart and plastic bins.  

University Ministry provided us the transportation to head to the Quinn Center, located within the St. Eulalia parish, and back to the University. When we got there, a group of individuals were already placing their food bags on the tables. We placed our food bags in sets of four with the rest of the other food bags.  

The people at the Quinn Center were very welcoming and guided us through their process. They explained that some of us would go up to the people in their cars and asked them for a number of family members so we could make sure each person received a food bag. Two other students and I were in charge of sorting the bags into another plastic bag and adding  either a cereal box or a bag of bread. Other students went up to the cars to distribute the food bags. Seeing the gratitude of the people driving by with their food was indescribable. Next, I helped sort the food pantry of the Quinn Center with two other students. I enjoyed organizing the shelves, especially because it allowed me to form a bond with this community and students.  

The drive back from the Quinn Center made me realize that volunteering is such a rewarding experience that makes you grow as a person, get out of your comfort zone, and enact the civic responsibility we have to our own communities. I plan to assist the next Come to The Table service opportunity to become more involved and aid the local community of the Quinn Center. 

I know many of us have busy schedules and it can be difficult to volunteer. However, I believe if you can find time - even if it’s for one or a couple hours per month - you will find something wonderful in volunteering and forming amazing bonds with people. I encourage you to volunteer for the next Come to the Table service opportunity. This wonderful experience will amaze you at how assisting local communities can truly make a long-lasting impact.