Joanna Miller

Joanna Miller, a historical fiction writer and alum of the Escalator New Writing Fellowships, discusses her debut novel, The Eights, which features Oxford's first female students. She reflects on the significance of strong female characters and the importance of women's voices in literature. Joanna shares her extensive research process and the themes of resilience and friendship among her characters, highlighting the complexities of life for women in the early 20th century. She also explores the interactions between male enablers and female characters, emphasizing emotional connections in storytelling.

Joanna Miller, a poet and Oxford graduate, shares insights about her debut novel, The Eights, set in 1920s Oxford. She explores the struggles of four women facing societal hurdles as they pursue higher education after World War I. Their stories reveal the challenges of identity, legacy, and sisterhood amidst strict campus restrictions. Miller discusses the symbolic significance of the title and the dynamics of female relationships against a backdrop of evolving views on women's roles in academia. It's a captivating blend of history and personal resilience.