Online for Authors Episode 4-14-26

​Overture to War: An American Opera Student’s Daring Life in Wartime Berlin with Author Janis Robinson Daly

Hello, fellow enthusiasts of historical fiction! Today, I am thrilled to share insights from my recent chat with Janis Robinson Daly, the brilliant author of Under Two Flags. As the host of "Online for Authors," I had the pleasure of delving into the fascinating world Janis has created through her book, as well as her journey in transforming an old memoir into a captivating historical novel.

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A Unique Structure: Bringing Opera to the Page
One of the elements that sets Under Two Flags apart is its unique structure. Janis creatively framed her book using components of an opera, a choice inspired by her main character, a student studying opera. The narrative unfolds through an overture, act one, intermission, and finally, act two, offering readers a refreshing twist on conventional storytelling.

The Inspiration Behind the Story: Discovering Josephine
Janis shared with us the serendipitous moment that led to the creation of her book. It began with an unexpected visit from her brother, who presented her with an old book titled With Old Glory in Berlin, penned by Josephine Therese, and published in 1918. Interestingly, this memoir was edited by Janis’s grandfather, who she believes was the true ghostwriter. Captivated by Josephine’s story and the realization of her grandfather's involvement, Janis decided to rewrite the memoir into a novel that would bring more character depth and emotional resonance to Josephine's experience as an American trapped in Berlin during World War I.

From Memoir to Fiction: Challenges and Opportunities
Turning a dense, emotionally neutral memoir into engaging historical fiction posed unique challenges for Janis, including adding layers of intrigue and character depth. She skillfully filled in the gaps of Josephine’s story, researching snippets from newspapers and using resources like ancestry.com to trace her family background. Janis was dedicated to staying true to Josephine's story while introducing fictional elements that would captivate readers.

Behind the Scenes: Research and Authorship
In crafting Josephine’s vivid world, Janis had to embrace a variety of research techniques. From diving into another memoir titled An English Wife in Berlin to exploring opera culture, Janis left no stone unturned. Her dedication extended to uncovering Josephine's Jewish background, allowing her to incorporate meaningful cultural references authentically.

The challenges were manifold, requiring her to ensure opera references were accurate and historically feasible while balancing the demands of turning a memoir’s content into gripping fiction.

The Importance of Beta Readers
Throughout the writing process, Janis emphasized the invaluable role beta readers played in shaping her work. By selecting readers knowledgeable in specific areas—such as opera and Jewish culture—Janis received crucial feedback that enriched her story. Their insights helped her stay true to historical facts while enhancing the narrative with inviting fiction elements. This collaborative approach significantly streamlined her subsequent editorial process.

A Glimpse into Janis's Writing Life
As a fellow author, I was intrigued by how Janis approaches writing. Her process is not rigid but accommodates other life commitments, with writing often occurring at night. Her method involves capturing a balance of research and writing, which she reviews each morning. She describes historical fiction as somewhat easier due to its inherent historical anchors, which provide a framework for storytelling.

What's Next for Janis Robinson Daly?
While currently focused on launch activities for Under Two Flags, Janis is already planning her next project. Her upcoming work will continue to explore women's historical fiction set in the early 1900s, including connections to Boston and further exploration of World War I. With a hopeful publication date in December 2027, Janis anticipates immersing herself in continued research and writing.

For those interested in historical fiction, Janis Robinson Daly offers a compelling example of how old stories can be beautifully transformed with a blend of dedication, research, and creativity. Her ability to navigate the crossover between memoir and fiction inspires us all to explore the untold stories embedded in history.

I deeply enjoyed our conversation, and I highly recommend reaching out to Janis via her website for those interested in engaging with her work further. Thank you for joining me on this journey into the world of Under Two Flags.

Purchase Under Two Flags on Amazon:
Paperback: https://amzn.to/4qvihEK
Ebook: https://amzn.to/3MbjEu9

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