Online for Authors Episode 12-9-25

​Resistance, Redemption, and Love: An 1800s Saga of Hardship with Author Holly Brough

​In the bustling world of literature, stories that deeply resonate with readers are treasures worth highlighting. This week, I had the pleasure of conversing with Holly Brough, the captivating author of "The Name I Choose," for an enlightening podcast episode. Our session was nothing short of exhilarating as we explored the intricate layers and heartfelt narratives shaping her novel.

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An Emotional Journey Through Historical Fiction
Holly's book is set against the backdrop of 19th-century Spain, a setting that might appear unexpected for someone who hadn’t visited the country before penning the novel. Yet, as Holly vividly portrayed, the lure of a historical fiction set in this era became irresistible after a fateful, vivid scene unfolded in her mind while driving. It's about more than the geographical location; it's a profound exploration of the human condition, brimming with romance, trust, deception, and struggle—a veritable emotional rollercoaster.

The Genesis of a Story
During our chat, Holly explained the origins of her storyline, tracing it back several generations to weave an understanding of her villain, Manuel Trudeau. This deep dive into the cascade of influences shaping a person challenges the simplistic notion of inherent evil. According to Holly, our past makes us who we are, and this novel captures an intense narrative evolution.

Character Depth and Relatability
The novel’s protagonist, Amalia, epitomizes resilience and authenticity. She's a character drawn solely from Holly’s imagination yet resonates universally through her resourcefulness and empathy. Amalia’s trials and the consequential choices she makes breathe life into her character, maintaining a fine balance of realism and likability.

In my discussion with Holly, we compared our methods of character creation and storytelling. While Holly visualizes her narratives like a film in her mind’s eye, my process is more auditory, with characters conversing directly with me. This diversity in storytelling methods underscores that there isn't a single path to crafting compelling narratives.

A Glimpse Behind the Writing Process
Research played a pivotal role in authentically capturing the time and setting of the novel. Holly invested countless hours into learning about 19th-century Spain, a task she initially undertook without knowing when or where her story would unfold. Interestingly, the opportunity to visit Spain later affirmed the accuracy of her novel’s setting, save for one amusing oversight about a historical landmark.

Moving Beyond Words: A Potential Cinematic Adaptation
Given the book's vivid descriptions and complex characters, I couldn’t help but wonder about the potential for a screen adaptation. Holly is open to this possibility, with aspirations for "The Name I Choose" to transition from pages to a series format, expanding on the rich, unexplored content initially trimmed from her manuscript.

Lessons Woven Within
Brimming with life lessons, Holly's novel also invites readers to consider deeper aspects of self-awareness and personal growth. The narrative reinforces the sentiment that our true selves emerge through actions unobserved by others while urging us to transcend the mistakes we’ve made along the way.

For those eager to delve deeper into Holly's world and the lessons embedded within, I invite you to join the Novels N Latte Book Club on Facebook. Here, you have the chance to win a digital copy of "The Name I Choose." Simply share a takeaway from our podcast, and you'll be in the draw!

Don’t forget to grab a copy of "The Name I Choose," and once you’ve devoured this remarkable book, please leave a review. Authors like Holly thrive on reader feedback, and your thoughts could inspire her future works—or even just make her day a little brighter.

Happy reading, everyone!

Purchase The Name I Choose on Amazon:
Paperback: https://amzn.to/3JLM2kV
Ebook: https://amzn.to/42hQf69

*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.