Author Spotlight - India Holton
Debut author India Holton talks about her novel The Wisteria Society of Lady Scoundrels, which will be released on June 15, and why she loves historical fiction so much.
What do you hope readers will take away from your debut?
Primarily I hope they'll come away feeling uplifted and happy. It's been a rough couple of years for pretty much everyone, and if my book can add a little sunshine for people, I'll be so pleased. On a deeper level, I hope it inspires readers to feel that they can be awesome and powerful even if they're bookish or anxious or like wearing pretty, lacy clothes.
If your novel could across over with any other fictional world, which one would it be?
That's such an interesting question! Although it's not strictly fictional, insofar as it's set in the real world, I think Julia Quinn's Bridgerton series could have room for a few flying pirates in its milieu. My ladies would have a ball with all those viscounts and brave young women - by which I mean a figurative ball, a literal ball at Almack's, and a cannonball or two.
What is it about historical fiction that interests you?
My initial decision to write a historical novel was because the Victorian era offered so much opportunity to not only play with romance tropes but also explore serious issues like women's empowerment, good manners versus grace, misogyny, and self-acceptance in a highly regulated society. I also love researching, so it gave me ample opportunity to do that. But as I went on, I discovered that my voice was suited perfectly to the era, so that cemented the decision for me. I also read pretty much exclusively in the historical sub-genre when it comes to romance, with some beloved exceptions, because I have an anachronistic spirit myself, so it was natural that I'd end up writing it.
What advice do you have for aspiring writers?
I used to teach writing classes, and I believe strongly in the advice to read extensively if you wish to be a writer. But with one caveat: you can't just read and read. You have to read and think, and study, and ask yourself questions about why a book is successful or not, why writers made the choices they did with language and pacing, how they achieved effects, and so on. And then try to recreate that in your own way until you have a true understanding of it. Mindful practice is the key. Reading book reviews helps also with understanding how various elements of a book actually land with readers. Writing is a craft just like any other. Apprentice yourself to the great masters who have come before you.
Share a fun fact about yourself.
I'm not especially fun. I like sitting on the sidelines, watching (usually with a notebook in hand for inspiration). But I've done some fun things in my life, mainly by dint of living in an awesome place like New Zealand. I've sailed through storms, gone camping in deep wild forests, canoed rivers, swung on rope swings over sheer cliff faces, cuddled lion and tiger cubs, flown in a glider plane. Now I mostly sit at my typewriter creating fun adventures for imaginary characters!
Buy The Wisteria Society of Lady Scoundrels
ABOUT INDIA
India Holton lives beside the sea in New Zealand, where she spends her days writing and drinking too much tea.