Ellen Alpsten blends historical fact with fiction in 'The Tsarina's Daughter' to create an engaging narrative.
Getting published altered Ellen Alpsten's writing approach, emphasizing the importance of meticulous research and storytelling.
Deep dives
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Ellen Alpston's Historical Fiction Journey
Ellen Alpston, a producer and presenter turned author, delves into blending historical facts with fiction in her novel 'The Zarina's Daughter'. Based on Catherine the First of Russia's daughter, Elizabeth, the book explores an engaging blend of real-life events and creative storytelling. Through meticulous research and thoughtful plotting, Alpston crafts a narrative that immerses readers in the complexities of 18th-century Russia.
The Author's Writing Process and Inspirations
Alpston's writing space, adorned with an antique desk and personal mementos, serves as a source of inspiration. Immersed in extensive research, including Russian literature, films, and historical materials, Alpston weaves a vivid tapestry of characters and settings. She embraces a flamboyant writing style, characterized by rich descriptions, metaphors, and a focus on emotional storytelling.
Navigating the Publishing Process and Future Projects
Alpston shares insights from her publishing journey, highlighting the importance of research in determining where a book fits in the market. Despite facing rejections, she persevered in finding the right agent and publisher for her novels. Looking ahead, Alpston hints at a continuation of her historical series while planning to explore new literary territories in future projects.
Ellen Alpsten has worked in TV, as a producer and presenter, she's won short story competitions, teaches creative writing, and has just published her second book, 'The Tsarina's Daughter'. It's based on Catherine the 1st of Russia's daughter, Elizabeth.
We talk about research, how she knows want to look into next, and how she blends historical fact with fiction. Also you can hear how getting published completely changed the way she writes, and get inspired by her publication story.
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