new episode: 37-Persistence, Patience, Practice, Passion: Elisabeth Storrs on the Writer's Life

Show notes
​Elizabeth Storrs, a former lawyer and acclaimed historical fiction writer, discusses her transition from law to writing, the challenges of balancing writing with family responsibilities, and the persistence and passion that kept her project alive for a decade. She also explores the challenges of publishing World War II fiction and the impact of Nazi research ideology. The conversation delves into the psychology of eugenics and genocide, highlighting the modern-day relevance of understanding historical atrocities. It also explores the challenges in publishing historical fiction and the power of digital books. Additionally, it discusses the Historical Novel Society, the judging criteria for historical fiction prizes, and the importance of community in writing.

Takeaways

• Balancing family responsibilities with writing requires dedication and regular practice.
• Historical accuracy in fiction requires a balance between research and storytelling. Understanding the psychology of eugenics and genocide
• The power of digital books in publishing

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction to Elizabeth Storrs and Her Novels
• 02:01 Transition from Law to Writing
• 03:20 Balancing Writing and Family Responsibilities
• 04:41 Efficiency and Growth in Writing
• 06:18 Inspiration and Creation of a Project
• 10:43 Exploring Women’s Stories in Historical Fiction
• 12:58 Balancing Historical Accuracy and Storytelling
• 15:37 Practical Tips for Organizing Research
• 18:07 Persistence and Passion in Writing
• 20:12 Challenges in Publishing World War II Fiction
• 25:03 The Ideology and Impact of Nazi Research
• 27:34 The Psychology of Eugenics and Genocide
• 29:13 Understanding Modern-Day Genocide
• 30:22 Challenges in Publishing Historical Fiction
• 35:12 The Power of Digital Books
• 38:43 The Historical Novel Society and Literary Prizes
• 46:28 Judging Criteria for Historical Fiction Prizes
• 47:55 The Importance of Community in Writing

Connect with Elizabeth Storrs
Elisabeth Storrs former lawyer who spent over fifteen years researching and writing her acclaimed A Tale of Ancient Rome trilogy. Her latest novel, Fables & Lies: A World War II Novelis set in 1940s Berlin, follows Freyja Bremer, a museum assistant who marries an SS scholar to protect her family, only to fall for an archaeologist who exposes the lies underpinning the Nazi regime. Inspired by the true, little-known story of the curators who risked their lives to save Priam’s Treasure and the Aryan myth manufactured by Himmler’s Ahnenerbe institute.

Beyond her own novels, Elisabeth is a driving force in Australian historical fiction: she co-founded the Historical Novel Society Australasia and established the ARA Historical Novel Prize, the richest literary prize of its kind in Australia and New Zealand, and is a longtime contributor to the History Girls blog. She lives in Sydney with her husband.

Website: https://elisabethstorrs.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elisabethstorrsauthor/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elisabeth.storrs/