Flora Johnston and Helen Graham: Family stories in Historical Fiction

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Flora Johnston and Helen Graham discuss their latest novels in a joint event in conversation with Susan Elsley. 

Where do writers find inspiration for their stories?

Whether you enjoy reading or writing historical fiction, come along to this event as two Edinburgh authors discuss the family stories which inspired their latest novels.

The Real Mackay by Helen Graham is set in the world of 19th century Edinburgh theatre and explores the onstage and offstage life of her five times great uncle, Charles Mackay, who was both Sir Walter Scott's favourite comedian and the origin of the well-known phrase she has used as the title of her book.

The Paris Peacemakers by Flora Johnston takes place in France and Scotland in 1919 and tells the stories of three Scots trying to pick up the pieces of their lives after the trauma of war while politicians attempt to rebuild the world they have shattered. It was inspired by letters written by her great-aunt who was a typist at the Paris Peace Conference.

What stories have you often heard retold which might just contain the seed of a novel?

Join us for what’s sure to be a fascinating discussion including the research involved in bringing these stories to life, the fine line between fact and fiction, and the journey from idea to publication.