I am welcoming Alison Atlee to my blog today, the debut author of a historical fiction story set inside Victorian England, and engages the reader into the life and world of a woman bent on forging her own path and declaring her own right to choose the way in which she wants to live. I am always keeping a steady eye on the historical fiction market, as I have come to realise just how much this particular branch of literature means to me, now that I have been hosting blog tours for the Historical Fiction Virtual Book Tours run by Amy Bruno {of Passages to the Past} for nearly a year now. I had always felt historical fiction was one of my absolute favourites to select amongst other offerings, but after reading such a lovely variety thus far forward within a twelvemonth, I have realised it is of utmost necessity! I simply love becoming engrossed inside narrative stories heavily wrought out of the annuals of history! Therefore, it is always a pure honour when I can ask an author of this genre I love so much to drop by for a conversation! I welcome Ms. Atlee as she is engaged in the conversation which came out of the questions that left me a bit curious; especially on ‘typewriters’ and the culture therein.
Book Synopsis:
When Betsey Dobson disembarks from the London train in the seaside resort of Idensea, all she owns is a small valise and a canary in a cage. After an attempt to forge a letter of reference she knew would be denied her, Betsey has been fired from the typing pool of her previous employer. Her vigorous protest left one man wounded, another jilted, and her character permanently besmirched.
Now, without money or a reference for a new job, the future looks even bleaker than the debacle she left behind her.
But her life is about to change … because a young Welshman on the railroad quay, waiting for another woman, is the one finally willing to believe in her.
Mr. Jones is inept in matters of love, but a genius at things mechanical. In Idensea, he has constructed a glittering pier that astounds the wealthy tourists. And in Betsey, he recognizes the ideal tour manager for the Idensea Pier & Pleasure Building Company.
After a lifetime of guarding her secrets and breaking the rules, Betsey becomes a force to be reckoned with. Together, she and Mr. Jones must find a way for her to succeed in a society that would reject her, and figure the price of surrendering to the tides of love.
Author Biography:
Alison Atlee spent her childhood re-enacting Little Women and trying to fashion nineteenth century wardrobes for her Barbie dolls. Happily, these activities turned out to be good preparation for writing historical novels. She now lives in Kentucky.
What do you feel is the hardest to convey as a writer? The historical backdrop inside the story or the narrative voice of the historical figure?
Atlee responds: The narrative voice is the bigger challenge to me. It takes time to get to know characters and figure out how they would tell their part of the story. Plus, there’s the fact that modern outlooks and attitudes can be very different from those of the past, so as an author, you’re constantly questioning character authenticity in that way, too.
How young were you when you first started to write? Who was your best cheerleader?
Atlee responds: Some experiences in fourth grade helped me understand what writers do and how fun it can be to have an audience for your stories. My mom used to carry around in her purse a short story I wrote in middle school. At least, I think it’s “used to”–really hoping she doesn’t still do that! :D
What were your early influences and wanderings in literature!? Which authors spoke to you as far as a style of story-telling endeared itself to you ahead of creating your own stories? Are there any titles you could share which are still brought forward to mind in fond affection?
Atlee responds: I was very into mysteries as a child, as well as stories with magical elements to them–fairy tales, dolls with secret lives once their owners had left the playroom. :) Around third grade, I discovered Louisa May Alcott and kept An Old-Fashioned Girl on permanent check-out from the school library for the next three years.
Is there a timescape of the historical past which intrigues you personally but one you are trepiderious to explore as a writer?
Atlee responds: I’ll happily read fiction or non-fiction about any historical period. I suppose I feel that if something captures my interest enough to want to write about it, I trust my ability to do the needed research. Not that it wouldn’t be intimidating to begin with, but I imagine many novels begin with the writer tentatively exploring an idea, not quite sure if it will work out.
Being that your novel is about ‘typewriters’, are you familiar with the sub-culture known as “The Typosphere” which is heavily present in the blogosphere? Where ‘typecasters’ not only blog by typing their thoughts on typewriters but host meet-ups where typewriter enthusiasts hold ‘type-ins’ and/or ‘typing contests’? IF you did know of these during your research what were your thoughts at a type-in?
Atlee responds: Well, The Typewriter Girl is much more about the girl than the typewriter, and the typewriter-related research I did was focused on a fairly narrow period. But yes, there is a lot of interest in vintage typewriters out there. Funny thing–typing contests were huge at the turn of the century, even to the point that a few competitive typists gained some celebrity status. The contests were a way to promote interest in this new technology.
Do you own a retrofitted and vintage typewriter? If so, what is your favourite one to use and what makes it uniquely special? (i.e. the way the keys move, noisy/silent, style of letters, etc)
Atlee responds: I have two manual typewriters. One is from 1917, and I love the fact it doesn’t have an exclamation point key. You could make an exclamation point, but it required typing an apostrophe then backspacing to add the period. By the time you’ve done all that, you’ve really put thought into how necessary that exclamation point is. One could hardly avoid becoming a better writer.
On the level of strong language inside the novel, I read that you once said in an interview you always make the choices which best honour the character your creating. Has any of the feedback from previous readers made you question if some of the inclusions should be tempered in future novels, to make the story more agreeable to those who prefer creative ways of expressing the same denotation?
Atlee responds: No. I think about words and their power and impact constantly as I write. I’m always writing toward a certain effect and purpose, so I can only choose words that help me create that effect and achieve my purpose.
What tools and materials do you use to write? And, where do you write the most? Time of Day?
Atlee responds: Post-it notes, yellow lined paper, Scrivener software, a hard-copy thesaurus. I do most of my writing at home, but the time of day changes with my schedule.
Outside the realm of writing and research, what enriches your spirit the most? Where do you find your serenity?
Atlee responds: My family and faith. Nature and being still. Laughter and wonderful stories.
Author Connections:
Site | @AlisonAtlee | Facebook
I would like to thank Ms. Atlee for taking a moment out of her touring schedule for The Typewriter Girl to answer my questions and to give us all a bit more insight into your writing life and the choices you make as you compose your thoughts inside the stories. I appreciate your honesty and your willingness to give us a bit of who you are ‘behind the pen’ so to speak! I especially enjoyed finding out that you own a vintage typewriter, and yes, I had known of the ‘typing’ contests in the past, but what encouraged me is that there is this whole counter-culture thriving in the 21st Century and slowly encouraging people back to the technology of the past. I think having a balance between different technologies is always a mindful way of preserving our living histories, as much as endeavouring our spirits to look outside of the box.
Blog Book Tour Stop,
courtesy of Historical Fiction Virtual Book Tours
Virtual Road Map of “The Typewriter Girl” Blog Tour found here:
I will be sharing my thoughts on the novel today as well!
see what I will be hosting next for
and mark your calendars!
Similar to blog tours, when I feature a showcase for an author via a Guest Post, Q&A, Interview, etc., I do not receive compensation for featuring supplemental content on my blog.
Reader Interactive Question:
What part of the typewriter culture of today are you curiously interested in yourself!? The stories set around the age of typewriters in fiction (novels and/or tv series or motion pictures) OR are you readily engaged with the “Typosphere” or own your own vintage typewriter? I’d love to hear your thoughts and which vintage typewriter you currently own vs the one(s) you want to acquire in the future!
{SOURCES: “The Typewriter Girl” Book Cover, synopsis, tour badge, author photograph and HFVBT badge were provided by Historical Fiction Virtual Book Tours and were used by permission. Blog Tour badge provided by Parajunkee to give book bloggers definition on their blogs. Post dividers by Fun Stuff for Your Blog via Pure Imagination.}
Copyright © Jorie Loves A Story, 2014.
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