374: Historical Fiction, the Bronte Family, and the Original Mrs. Robinson - Interview with Finola Austin

Today, I have the pleasure of interviewing Finola Austin.

Finola Austin, also known as the Secret Victorianist on her award-winning blog, is an England-born, Northern Ireland-raised, Brooklyn-based historical novelist and lover of the 19th century. Her first novel, Bronte's Mistress, was published in 2020. When she’s not writing novels or her blog, she works in digital advertising.

 

In this episode Finola and I discuss: How household and gender roles have and have not changed since the 19th century. The difference between being “accomplished” and being “clever” and why it’s problematic. Why she created a timeline to help fill in gaps in knowledge as she drafted her novel.

 

Plus, her #1 tip for writers.

For more info and show notes: diymfa.com/374