Online for Authors Episode 1-10-26

Behind the Headlines: A Woman Searching for Truth in a Divided City with Author Shelley Blanton-Stroud

In the latest episode of Online for Authors, guest host Carole O'Neill had the pleasure of interviewing the talented author Shelley Blanton-Stroud. Shelley takes us on a captivating journey into the world of historical fiction, sharing insights about her novel, "An Unlikely Prospect," and her approach to writing.

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Unearthing Overlooked History
During the interview, Shelley captures our attention by discussing the Peace Riots that occurred in San Francisco back in 1945. Despite being a significant event, it remained largely underreported. This historical oversight became the foundation for her novel, leading Shelley to question why such a monumental story had been forgotten. Her exploration uncovers not just facts, but opportunities for weaving fiction into history's gaps.

Character Dynamics and Development
Shelley's protagonist, Sandy Zimmer, is a character with a unique journey. Suddenly a widow, Sandy finds herself becoming a publisher for a major city newspaper, The Prospect, navigating the challenges of filling her late husband's shoes and dealing with a domineering father-in-law. Shelley's storytelling intricately explores ambition versus the traditional roles of women in the 1940s, giving readers an authentic view of internal and external struggles.

Influencing News Narratives
The novel also delves into the dynamics of journalism during those tumultuous times. Sandy, navigating a male-dominated field, seeks truth against the odds. Shelley's fictional character takes on the challenge of reporting on the riots, despite pressure to follow the status quo. The interwoven theme of morality versus societal expectations resonates with readers and poses the question: Who is responsible for ensuring stories are told truthfully?

Leaning on Support Networks
In her writing, Shelley emphasizes the importance of a support system. In "An Unlikely Prospect," Sandy finds allies among the medical profession and fellow reporters. Shelley uses this narrative to explore how collaboration can lead to ethical journalism, where sharing information across newspapers becomes a strategic endeavor for achieving transparency.

The Craft of Historical Fiction
Shelley's process of blending real events with fictional elements breathes life into forgotten history. This meticulous yet creative approach comes with challenges familiar to authors who write historical novels. Shelley shares her experience of balancing between being a 'plotter' and a 'pantser,' finding room for unexpected character developments within a structured framework.

The Role of Research and Librarians
Shelley's stories are enriched by thorough research with the assistance of librarians. In her previous works, like the Jane Benjamin series, Shelley utilized historical resources to depict California's past authentically. Librarians' assistance is invaluable, offering meticulous research on train schedules and the intricate details of 1930s and 1940s life.

What Lies Ahead for Shelley
Currently, Shelley is delving into a new potential project about Earl Warren, a pivotal figure in American history with a mysterious unsolved family tragedy. Her exploration of Warren's fascinating life story and its implications in shaping legal frameworks reflects her dedication to uncovering the hidden layers of history.

Shelley Blanton-Stroud's approach to historical fiction offers authors unique insights into crafting captivating narratives that bridge the past and the present. We eagerly anticipate her future works and thank Carole O'Neill for capturing this enlightening conversation. Head on over to Novels N Latte Book Club on Facebook for a chance to win a digital copy of An Unlikely Prospect. Just tell me something you liked or learned on this podcast. 

We hope you'll join us for our next episode of Online for Authors—where the stories behind the stories unfold.

Purchase An Unlikely Prospect on Amazon:
Paperback: https://amzn.to/48IkFku
Ebook: https://amzn.to/4pWLb0D

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