Karen
asked
Tracy Chevalier:
Thank you for your message regarding the new book At the Edge of the Orchard. As an Ohioan and a birdwatcher, I spend many hours in the Black Swamp in Ohio. (Considered the Warbler Capital of the world) Looking forward to reading historical fiction taking place in that area. How did you choose the Black Swamp?
Tracy Chevalier
Hi Karen,
Sorry to take so long to answer. I chose the Black Swamp because it was the last part of Ohio to be settled (in the late 1820s/early 1830s) and it fit in well with my timescale. Also I was fascinated with it and the hard life the settlers had there. Of course as you know there isn't much left, but I visited the nature reserves - and saw a lot of birdwatchers. Maybe one of them was you!
Sorry to take so long to answer. I chose the Black Swamp because it was the last part of Ohio to be settled (in the late 1820s/early 1830s) and it fit in well with my timescale. Also I was fascinated with it and the hard life the settlers had there. Of course as you know there isn't much left, but I visited the nature reserves - and saw a lot of birdwatchers. Maybe one of them was you!
More Answered Questions
Miranda
asked
Tracy Chevalier:
Research is obviously a big part of your writing process. Each of your books are rich with historical detail, but manage not to hit the reader over the head with facts. Do you have any tips on research and integrating historical facts into fictional writing for aspiring historical fiction authors?
vicki honeyman
asked
Tracy Chevalier:
The Glassmaker (I read the ARC) is now my favorite book of yours . . . which is hard to admit because all of your books are so terrific. While writing the book, how did you wrap your head around Orsola living through all the time periods? I thought it was brilliant that she witnessed the world . . . and her place in it . . . as time seemed to stretch on and on for her.
Sherril
asked
Tracy Chevalier:
Big fan here. I’ve read all of your books and I look forward to The Glass Maker. Would you consider delving into the world of a little known Jewish Scientist named Rosalind Elsie Franklin (1920-1958)? She was an influential British physical chemist and X-Ray crystallographer whose work was central to the understanding of the molecular structures of DNA. In the end she was overshadowed by men who got the Nobel Prize.
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