The Writer Files: Writing, Productivity, Creativity, and Neuroscience
How NY Times Bestselling Author L.M. Elliott Writes
Jan 17, 2025
L.M. Elliott, a New York Times bestselling author and award-winning journalist, shares her remarkable journey from magazine writing to crafting historical novels. She reveals how her father’s WWII experiences inspired her storytelling. Discussing her latest work, she highlights the intricate blend of historical truth with fiction, particularly in exploring the fraught political climate of the 1970s. Elliott emphasizes the critical role of research in shaping narratives that address contemporary issues like misinformation and censorship, all while captivating readers with her powerful storytelling.
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Quick takeaways
- L.M. Elliott's transition from journalism to novel writing showcases the impact of personal stories on crafting compelling fictional narratives.
- Her latest novel intricately weaves real historical events of 1973 into the narrative, highlighting themes of truth, disinformation, and women's rights struggles.
Deep dives
Accidental Novelist's Journey
The author reflects on their unexpected journey from award-winning journalist to bestselling novelist, often describing themselves as an 'accidental novelist.' They shared how a powerful personal story about their father's miraculous return from World War II inspired their first novel, showcasing the emotional resonance of real-life experiences in fiction. With a background in narrative journalism, the author believes that the skills honed through writing in-depth human interest stories greatly prepared them for the complexities of historical fiction. This approach allows them to craft engaging narratives that humanize larger historical issues while maintaining an emotional connection with readers.
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