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London Writers' Salon
#087: Victoria Hislop — Writing Bestselling Historical Fiction, Researching History, Character Development, Evoking Sense of Place, Planning A Novel
Dec 17, 2023
Victoria Hislop, international bestselling author known for her historical fiction like 'The Island,' shares her journey from journalism to novel writing. She discusses how travel and history inspire her storytelling, along with the meticulous research behind her work. Hislop emphasizes creating a sense of place and character depth, and explains her approach of starting with a synopsis. She also reveals insights on writing routines, the emotional challenges of historical topics, and the balance of critique and praise in shaping her craft.
57:51
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Quick takeaways
- Victoria Hislop's journey from journalism to bestselling novelist was ignited by a profound personal experience during a family vacation in Crete.
- Character development in Victoria's novels is deeply influenced by her own emotions and experiences, enhancing reader connection and narrative impact.
Deep dives
The Journey to Writing Historical Fiction
Victoria Hislop emphasizes the unexpected path she took to becoming a novelist, which initially started in journalism. During a family vacation in Crete, she encountered a once-leprosy hospital island that sparked her imagination and emotional connection to the lives of its former inhabitants. This profound experience marked a pivotal moment that led her to write her first novel, The Island, shifting from factual corporate writing to creative storytelling. Her desire to convey the depth of human experience within historical contexts became a driving force in her writing journey.
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