Novelist Vivian Schilling Speaks at National Archives’ “Discovering The Civil War” Film & Lecture Series

Washington, D.C. (PRWeb, Dec. 13, 2010) – Award winning novelist and actress Vivian Schilling spoke about literature and Civil War era writers to a large crowd gathered on Saturday at the William G. McGowan Theater in the National Archives. Her special guest appearance was presented as part of the “Discovering the Civil War” series being presented throughout the month of December by the Center for the National Archives Experience. A screening of the film, “Ambrose Bierce: Civil War Stories,” which stars Vivian Schilling as author Gertrude Atherton, immediately followed her presentation.

“It was a great honor and privilege to speak at the National Archives,” said Schilling. “The Civil War has inspired countless writers, none more powerfully than Civil War veteran, Ambrose Bierce. In preparing for my role as novelist Gertrude Atherton opposite Campbell Scott’s Ambrose Bierce, I became intrigued with the role the Civil War played in their work and their lives. The invitation from the National Archives to speak on this subject was an opportunity that I could not refuse.”

Vivian Schilling appeared in more than a dozen feature films and television programs before embarking on a career path as a novelist. Her 1994 novel, “Sacred Prey” (St. Martin’s Press), won the Golden Scroll Award for Outstanding Achievement in Literature, and is currently under option by Warner Brothers Studios for possible production into a major motion picture. Schilling’s 2002 novel, “Quietus” (Penguin-Putnam Group), was selected as a Summer Reading hit at the Book Expo conference, and has sold over 100,000 copies cumulatively from the hardcover, tradeback and mass market editions. Schilling still appears in films on occasion, including the 2006 production of “Ambrose Bierce: Civil War Stories,” directed by Don Maxwell.

For more information on the National Archives, visit the site at: www.Archives.gov