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Ask the Author: Ariel Lawhon

“Ask me a question.” Ariel Lawhon

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I didn't have enough space for this observation in my previous note. I appreciate your Author's Note in The Frozen River. However I was surprised at the statement (when describing your own choice of a doctor instead of a midwife) "there are times when it is wise to put your medical care in the hands of a MAN who knows how to use a scalpel". That struck me as very sexist and inconsistent with your work?
Ariel Lawhon I was only referencing the fact that my OBGYN at the time happened to be a man, nothing more. (I see a female doctor now). And I remain deeply grateful to him for saving my son's life.
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Would you ever consider writing a book involving the Titanic? I think your writing style would be perfect for this subject!
Ariel Lawhon Thank you. That's very sweet! I don't currently have any plans to cover the Titanic--but mostly because there are already so many stories out there on the subject. I'd have to find a new angle that truly spectacular.
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The Frozen River??? WHEN??? You know I'm one of your biggest fans, so I'm going to stalk you on this one. I just need an approximate estimate.
Ariel Lawhon Davida! Hi! So nice to hear from you. The Frozen River will be out in November. I'm not sure of the exact date, though. Will keep you posted.
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Hello Ariel (I hope you don't mind my calling you by your first name). I am currently reading CODE NAME HELENE and I have so many emotions.. hope, heartbreak, rage. I do plan on reading up on some nonficion on Nancy Wake, but as I read, can I ask do you know if the scene with Olivia Sautine was fictional or did that actually happen? Thank you in advance, and I look forward to reading more of your books.
Ariel Lawhon Hi Juliaa! Thanks for you question. I'm delighted you're reading the book and that you're experiencing every emotion I had while I wrote. I'm sorry to say that the scene with Olivia Sautine really did happen. It was quite a bit worse in real life, I'm afraid. It was horrible to write and I imagine it is grueling to read. But I included it because I wanted my readers to understand exactly what Nancy was facing and what the stakes for France were if she failed. There are a handful of really difficult scenes in the book but I didn't make any of them up. Nancy lived through them all and I think having them in the book helps us understand her better.

I hope you end up loving Nancy the way that I do!

Warmly,
Ariel
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Hi Ariel. I finished reading your book last night and I totally enjoyed it. I am in the process of preparing a review to post in Goodreads . I would like you to know that one of the things that drew my attention towards your book was the front cover. This morning I saw on Social Media the same cover on another book from another author. Out of curiosity, is it a common practice to use the same cover for other books?
Ariel Lawhon Hi Lillian! I'm so glad you enjoyed the book! And yes, occasionally you will find books that have the same or similar covers. It just depends on when a publisher licenses a photo and for how long. Sometimes a publisher will buy a photo for single use (meaning others can come along and use the same photo) and other times a publisher will buy all rights to an image (so it can't be used by anyone else after that purchase date). Regardless, authors don't really get a part in that process.

Have a lovely day and a great weekend filled with reading!

Warmly,
Ariel
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Where did you get the idea for your most recent book?
Ariel Lawhon I stumbled across an article online and it sparked my imagination. This happens with most of my books. I'll be puttering about, looking up a recipe on Pinterest and then something catches my eye and I fall down a rabbit hole where I learned some random bit of info about something that happened a long time ago and BOOM it becomes a book in my brain.
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How do you get inspired to write?
Ariel Lawhon I've always been inspired to write. It's just a matter of sitting down and doing it when I could be doing laundry instead.
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What are you currently working on?
Ariel Lawhon A novel about Anastasia Romanov.
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What’s your advice for aspiring writers?
Ariel Lawhon People ask me this often and I always say the same thing: finish your book. It's so easy to talk about writing but actually doing it requires consistency and determination. Just remember there is no publication without first finishing the book. (And of course revising a number of times). And there is no career without finishing another book. And another. And another. Think of it as a long obedience in the same direction.
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What’s the best thing about being a writer?
Ariel Lawhon Working from home in my pajamas. :-)
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How do you deal with writer’s block?
Ariel Lawhon I write anyway. Even when I don't feel like it. Especially when I don't feel like it. I think that's the only way to push through. I can't remember who said this but I think it's true: "The Muse is real but she has to find you working."
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Who is your favorite fictional couple, and why?
Ariel Lawhon Favorite fictional couple? Off the top of my head I'd say Jamie and Claire Frasier from Outlander. I think Diana Gabaldon is nothing short of genius and I adore this particular couple because they are a beautiful example of what love and sacrifice look like over the course of a long marriage. And that's what I want to have, a very long marriage.
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