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.
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Conviction and Purpose
- Hislop felt a strong conviction about The Island and never considered abandoning it.
- She attributes this to a deep-seated need to tell the story and correct misunderstandings about leprosy.
Inspiration for The Figurine
- The inspiration for The Figurine stemmed from Hislop's discovery of the widespread trafficking of antiquities.
- This illegal trade robs cultures of their heritage and hinders our understanding of history.
Expressing Views Through Characters
- Express your views indirectly through fictional characters, allowing them to embody and explore your beliefs within the narrative.
- Characters can carry ideas and develop in unexpected ways, enriching the story.
