Ask the Author: Greer Macallister
Answered Questions (5)
Greer Macallister
There are a lot of potential answers here, but definitely one of the best things about being a writer is other writers! The historical fiction community in particular has been a source of immense friendship and support over the years. Writing is both solitary and communal for me, at different stages in the process.
Greer Macallister
Great question! Margaret Atwood has always been my biggest influence, and fans of my debut novel The Magician's Lie who have also read Atwood's Alias Grace will note the similarity in structure. Like her, I often examine questions of female power (and lack thereof), transformation, and identity.
Greer Macallister
Selfishly, because I'm a novelist and not a nonfiction writer, the gaps in the historical record created a wonderful, inspiring space for me to fill! But I still wish her life were better documented. It would be great if more people knew about her, and the people whose stories are written down just have a natural advantage in history. Thanks for the great question!
Greer Macallister
GIRL IN DISGUISE was inspired by the real-life first female detective Kate Warne, who was hired by Allan Pinkerton in 1850s Chicago to solve cases and fight crime. When I heard her name in 2014 I wondered why I'd never heard it before -- and I'm hoping to help make hers a household name!
Greer Macallister
I always tell aspiring writers two things: don't give up, and don't go it alone. The life of a writer can be daunting on so many levels -- the writing itself, for one thing, and then the business of getting published and getting your book into the hands of readers. You need a tough skin and a willingness to keep tackling the hard tasks, the hard questions, even when you don't feel like it. And having fellow writers with you along the way -- a trusted beta reader, a critique group, an online forum -- makes the journey possible. Ups and downs are both better when you can share them.
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