Last week I went up to London to interview international bestselling author Tracy Chevalier as part of the Romantic Novelists’ Association 60th anniversary celebrations. A number of people who weren’t able to get to the talk were interested in hearing about it, so I thought I would report back on it here as Tracy had so many fascinating things to say about books, reading, writing and art.
Tracy Chevalier was born in Washington DC, the daughter of is best known for the book Girl with a Pearl Earring, which was made into a film in 2003. It’s based on the famous artwork of the same name by Dutch artist Vermeer, which hangs in the Mauritshuis in the Hague in Holland. As so much of Tracy’s writing life has been defined by art, we decided to base the interview around eight pieces of art or crafts that she chose to represent various aspects of her life, rather as Desert Island Discs does with music, and it proved to be a very interesting way to structure an interview.
Before we started, I asked Tracy about her well-known refusal to be pigeon-holed as a historical author and whether in an age when 
publishers and booksellers like to be able to pin authors to a particular genre, this had caused any problems. She felt that this had originally sprung from the desire not to be defined too tightly as writing one thing or another in case it restricted her. She did admit that all of her books had a historical element to them and said that these days she was a lot more relaxed about being described as a historical novelist. We talked a bit about how certain genre had a certain image and how difficult it was to change people’s often-biased views of historical fiction or romance. With regard to romantic elements in her writing, Tracy said that it wasn’t essential for her books to include a romantic relationship but that for her, all writing is about the relationships between the characters and how they learn and grow. In the end it’s all about storytelling: “Our DNA is wired for us to tell ourselves stories all the time, to make sense of the world and bring order.” She also commented that her books are so often about strong female characters who might be at odds with society and need to find their own path. Although these are often in a historical setting, there is a very strong resonance with women today.
Tracy’s first novel was the dual time book The Virgin Blue, which was based on her own family genealogy and was set in the present and 16th century France. As an author of dual time fiction, I was curious to find out whether she had enjoyed structuring a book that way and if she had any tips for authors! Like so many other authors she said that she had found it very complicated weaving the two stories together and that the main problem with dual-time fiction was that so often readers preferred one of the storylines to the other, whether it was the modern or the historical story. I have to say I completely agree with this and it’s something I wrestle with too!
It was Girl with a Pearl Earring that made Tracy famous and she said that when the book came out, 
she had no idea that it was going to strike a chord with so many people or become so popular. It was incredibly exciting seeing it turned into a film but the increase in fame also brings with it different issues. When she wrote her next book, half of the reviews grumbled that she hadn’t written about another painting! Others said that the next book wasn’t as good; ignoring negative feedback is something all authors have to do sometimes if they want to follow their own path.
It isn’t just art that inspires Tracy’s books. She also has a great interest in other crafts such as tapestry weaving, quilting and sewing. She’s known to research her books with hands-on experiences; when she was writing Remarkable Creatures, based on the story of Mary Anning, the early 19th century fossil-hunter, she went to Dorset to spend some time fossil-hunting on the beaches so that she understood the process and the experience of it. With The Last Runaway, where her heroine is a quilter, she too learned to quilt and it has become a real passion for her. She used a picture of the Gees Bend Quilt to illustrate this part of the talk and took us through the fascinating history of these quilts and the process of how they are made.
Tracy’s latest novel, A Single Thread, is her “cathedral book” she said. We were given an insight 
into the process by which she decides on a shape and subject for her novels. She wanted to write about a cathedral, but there are so many beautiful ones that she was spoilt for choice. She chose Winchester because it had such a rich history and thought she was going to write a book set during the English Civil War when parliamentarian troops threw the bones of kings and queens of England through the stained-glass windows, smashing them. Instead the story that grabbed her was of the women who embroidered cushions and kneelers in the cathedral in the early 20th century. Her heroine, Violet, is one of the “surplus women” who are single as a result of a shortage of men after the war, and is in need of carving out an independent life. It’s a quirky and fascinating bit of social history wrapped up in a story about women, friendships, embroidery and bell-ringing!
Tracy left us with the thought “Write about what interests you rather than what you know” as well as many other insights into her writing habits, process and inspirations. It was a thoroughly absorbing afternoon and a pleasure to interview her. The “desert island art” idea in particular was a lot of fun, though we should have asked her what luxury item she would have taken with her as well!
If you had to choose one picture of any sort, painting, photograph or piece of craft work, to tell the story of your life, which one would you pick? I'm still trying to decide what I'd choose for mine…
What a wonderful interview, Nicola and Tracy! In particular, I like Tracy’s comment that telling ourselves stories is part of our DNA. That is certainly true for writers, though I’ve heard that it’s not true of everyone. (Poor sad storyless creatures!)
A painting or craft work to tell the story of my life? I can’t even BEGIN to answer that one!
What a wonderful interview, Nicola and Tracy! In particular, I like Tracy’s comment that telling ourselves stories is part of our DNA. That is certainly true for writers, though I’ve heard that it’s not true of everyone. (Poor sad storyless creatures!)
A painting or craft work to tell the story of my life? I can’t even BEGIN to answer that one!
What a wonderful interview, Nicola and Tracy! In particular, I like Tracy’s comment that telling ourselves stories is part of our DNA. That is certainly true for writers, though I’ve heard that it’s not true of everyone. (Poor sad storyless creatures!)
A painting or craft work to tell the story of my life? I can’t even BEGIN to answer that one!
What a wonderful interview, Nicola and Tracy! In particular, I like Tracy’s comment that telling ourselves stories is part of our DNA. That is certainly true for writers, though I’ve heard that it’s not true of everyone. (Poor sad storyless creatures!)
A painting or craft work to tell the story of my life? I can’t even BEGIN to answer that one!
What a wonderful interview, Nicola and Tracy! In particular, I like Tracy’s comment that telling ourselves stories is part of our DNA. That is certainly true for writers, though I’ve heard that it’s not true of everyone. (Poor sad storyless creatures!)
A painting or craft work to tell the story of my life? I can’t even BEGIN to answer that one!
Thanks for an enjoyable interview. I’m pondering your question, Nicola. If I come up with a good answer, I’ll be back!
Thanks for an enjoyable interview. I’m pondering your question, Nicola. If I come up with a good answer, I’ll be back!
Thanks for an enjoyable interview. I’m pondering your question, Nicola. If I come up with a good answer, I’ll be back!
Thanks for an enjoyable interview. I’m pondering your question, Nicola. If I come up with a good answer, I’ll be back!
Thanks for an enjoyable interview. I’m pondering your question, Nicola. If I come up with a good answer, I’ll be back!
“Our DNA is wired for us to tell ourselves stories all the time, to make sense of the world and bring order.”
Not sure that I would agree with that. Imagination is important of course but to make sense of the physical world a scientist needs a lot more than stories! I have read ‘Remarkable Creatures’ and ‘Girl with a Pearl Earring’ enjoying both but much preferring the Mary Anning story, probably because I like the Jurassic Coast location and am fascinated by the way that fossils reveal so much of the history of life.
To tell (some of) the story of my life I choose the Foucault pendulum that hangs ( I assume that it is still there) in the science museum in South Kensington. It is a short walk from the Royal college of Science where I studied and it shows the earth’s rotation and measures time. I have always been fascinated by time both in my work as a scientist and through its role in history. The pendulum would be a reminder of both.
“Our DNA is wired for us to tell ourselves stories all the time, to make sense of the world and bring order.”
Not sure that I would agree with that. Imagination is important of course but to make sense of the physical world a scientist needs a lot more than stories! I have read ‘Remarkable Creatures’ and ‘Girl with a Pearl Earring’ enjoying both but much preferring the Mary Anning story, probably because I like the Jurassic Coast location and am fascinated by the way that fossils reveal so much of the history of life.
To tell (some of) the story of my life I choose the Foucault pendulum that hangs ( I assume that it is still there) in the science museum in South Kensington. It is a short walk from the Royal college of Science where I studied and it shows the earth’s rotation and measures time. I have always been fascinated by time both in my work as a scientist and through its role in history. The pendulum would be a reminder of both.
“Our DNA is wired for us to tell ourselves stories all the time, to make sense of the world and bring order.”
Not sure that I would agree with that. Imagination is important of course but to make sense of the physical world a scientist needs a lot more than stories! I have read ‘Remarkable Creatures’ and ‘Girl with a Pearl Earring’ enjoying both but much preferring the Mary Anning story, probably because I like the Jurassic Coast location and am fascinated by the way that fossils reveal so much of the history of life.
To tell (some of) the story of my life I choose the Foucault pendulum that hangs ( I assume that it is still there) in the science museum in South Kensington. It is a short walk from the Royal college of Science where I studied and it shows the earth’s rotation and measures time. I have always been fascinated by time both in my work as a scientist and through its role in history. The pendulum would be a reminder of both.
“Our DNA is wired for us to tell ourselves stories all the time, to make sense of the world and bring order.”
Not sure that I would agree with that. Imagination is important of course but to make sense of the physical world a scientist needs a lot more than stories! I have read ‘Remarkable Creatures’ and ‘Girl with a Pearl Earring’ enjoying both but much preferring the Mary Anning story, probably because I like the Jurassic Coast location and am fascinated by the way that fossils reveal so much of the history of life.
To tell (some of) the story of my life I choose the Foucault pendulum that hangs ( I assume that it is still there) in the science museum in South Kensington. It is a short walk from the Royal college of Science where I studied and it shows the earth’s rotation and measures time. I have always been fascinated by time both in my work as a scientist and through its role in history. The pendulum would be a reminder of both.
“Our DNA is wired for us to tell ourselves stories all the time, to make sense of the world and bring order.”
Not sure that I would agree with that. Imagination is important of course but to make sense of the physical world a scientist needs a lot more than stories! I have read ‘Remarkable Creatures’ and ‘Girl with a Pearl Earring’ enjoying both but much preferring the Mary Anning story, probably because I like the Jurassic Coast location and am fascinated by the way that fossils reveal so much of the history of life.
To tell (some of) the story of my life I choose the Foucault pendulum that hangs ( I assume that it is still there) in the science museum in South Kensington. It is a short walk from the Royal college of Science where I studied and it shows the earth’s rotation and measures time. I have always been fascinated by time both in my work as a scientist and through its role in history. The pendulum would be a reminder of both.
I cannot choose what I would choose the depict my life; I prefer music to art (but not by much); my life is certainly NOT grand opera! These days I do more crafting than anything else, since I’m not too deaf for music, and don’t get out to see the art in museums.
My favorite forms of crafting are the counted embroidies, particularly counted cross-stitch and needlepoint; but I’m not sure they identify my life. Like most people, my life is largely patchwork, but this is one craft I do not do.
I cannot choose what I would choose the depict my life; I prefer music to art (but not by much); my life is certainly NOT grand opera! These days I do more crafting than anything else, since I’m not too deaf for music, and don’t get out to see the art in museums.
My favorite forms of crafting are the counted embroidies, particularly counted cross-stitch and needlepoint; but I’m not sure they identify my life. Like most people, my life is largely patchwork, but this is one craft I do not do.
I cannot choose what I would choose the depict my life; I prefer music to art (but not by much); my life is certainly NOT grand opera! These days I do more crafting than anything else, since I’m not too deaf for music, and don’t get out to see the art in museums.
My favorite forms of crafting are the counted embroidies, particularly counted cross-stitch and needlepoint; but I’m not sure they identify my life. Like most people, my life is largely patchwork, but this is one craft I do not do.
I cannot choose what I would choose the depict my life; I prefer music to art (but not by much); my life is certainly NOT grand opera! These days I do more crafting than anything else, since I’m not too deaf for music, and don’t get out to see the art in museums.
My favorite forms of crafting are the counted embroidies, particularly counted cross-stitch and needlepoint; but I’m not sure they identify my life. Like most people, my life is largely patchwork, but this is one craft I do not do.
I cannot choose what I would choose the depict my life; I prefer music to art (but not by much); my life is certainly NOT grand opera! These days I do more crafting than anything else, since I’m not too deaf for music, and don’t get out to see the art in museums.
My favorite forms of crafting are the counted embroidies, particularly counted cross-stitch and needlepoint; but I’m not sure they identify my life. Like most people, my life is largely patchwork, but this is one craft I do not do.
I love her books, such a fabulous storyteller! For me, I’ve been suddenly overcome when I’ve seen particular works of art, like Mona Lisa, and have just stood and stared, often teary. To see them in the flesh, vibrant and wonderful, is almost more than my heart can bear…also hearing particular pieces of music live, or visiting a place I’ve always longed to go, wow, so moving. ! So privileged, I always remind myself to ‘remember this moment’ because it may not happen again.
Personally, I had a craft milestone when I was recovering from breast cancer. I had only just begun to crossstitch, and had gotten stuck on an overlarge ambitious project for my sister, a gorgeous picture of a little boy and a puppy climbing up some stairs. At my worst moments, sick and unable to work for a while, I couldn’t read, couldn’t concentrate, was watching too much TV and had zero energy. I picked up this tricky project and righted the mistakes I’d made and forged ahead to the end. And there it was – something beautiful I’d made that came from a distinctly unbeautiful time in my life. When I gave it to my sister that Christmas she instantly realised that I must have worked on it during my treatment, and we had a little moment together. She hung it in pride of place in her lounge room, and it’s still there. It tells my story, but in a roundabout way. I still love crossstitch.
I love her books, such a fabulous storyteller! For me, I’ve been suddenly overcome when I’ve seen particular works of art, like Mona Lisa, and have just stood and stared, often teary. To see them in the flesh, vibrant and wonderful, is almost more than my heart can bear…also hearing particular pieces of music live, or visiting a place I’ve always longed to go, wow, so moving. ! So privileged, I always remind myself to ‘remember this moment’ because it may not happen again.
Personally, I had a craft milestone when I was recovering from breast cancer. I had only just begun to crossstitch, and had gotten stuck on an overlarge ambitious project for my sister, a gorgeous picture of a little boy and a puppy climbing up some stairs. At my worst moments, sick and unable to work for a while, I couldn’t read, couldn’t concentrate, was watching too much TV and had zero energy. I picked up this tricky project and righted the mistakes I’d made and forged ahead to the end. And there it was – something beautiful I’d made that came from a distinctly unbeautiful time in my life. When I gave it to my sister that Christmas she instantly realised that I must have worked on it during my treatment, and we had a little moment together. She hung it in pride of place in her lounge room, and it’s still there. It tells my story, but in a roundabout way. I still love crossstitch.
I love her books, such a fabulous storyteller! For me, I’ve been suddenly overcome when I’ve seen particular works of art, like Mona Lisa, and have just stood and stared, often teary. To see them in the flesh, vibrant and wonderful, is almost more than my heart can bear…also hearing particular pieces of music live, or visiting a place I’ve always longed to go, wow, so moving. ! So privileged, I always remind myself to ‘remember this moment’ because it may not happen again.
Personally, I had a craft milestone when I was recovering from breast cancer. I had only just begun to crossstitch, and had gotten stuck on an overlarge ambitious project for my sister, a gorgeous picture of a little boy and a puppy climbing up some stairs. At my worst moments, sick and unable to work for a while, I couldn’t read, couldn’t concentrate, was watching too much TV and had zero energy. I picked up this tricky project and righted the mistakes I’d made and forged ahead to the end. And there it was – something beautiful I’d made that came from a distinctly unbeautiful time in my life. When I gave it to my sister that Christmas she instantly realised that I must have worked on it during my treatment, and we had a little moment together. She hung it in pride of place in her lounge room, and it’s still there. It tells my story, but in a roundabout way. I still love crossstitch.
I love her books, such a fabulous storyteller! For me, I’ve been suddenly overcome when I’ve seen particular works of art, like Mona Lisa, and have just stood and stared, often teary. To see them in the flesh, vibrant and wonderful, is almost more than my heart can bear…also hearing particular pieces of music live, or visiting a place I’ve always longed to go, wow, so moving. ! So privileged, I always remind myself to ‘remember this moment’ because it may not happen again.
Personally, I had a craft milestone when I was recovering from breast cancer. I had only just begun to crossstitch, and had gotten stuck on an overlarge ambitious project for my sister, a gorgeous picture of a little boy and a puppy climbing up some stairs. At my worst moments, sick and unable to work for a while, I couldn’t read, couldn’t concentrate, was watching too much TV and had zero energy. I picked up this tricky project and righted the mistakes I’d made and forged ahead to the end. And there it was – something beautiful I’d made that came from a distinctly unbeautiful time in my life. When I gave it to my sister that Christmas she instantly realised that I must have worked on it during my treatment, and we had a little moment together. She hung it in pride of place in her lounge room, and it’s still there. It tells my story, but in a roundabout way. I still love crossstitch.
I love her books, such a fabulous storyteller! For me, I’ve been suddenly overcome when I’ve seen particular works of art, like Mona Lisa, and have just stood and stared, often teary. To see them in the flesh, vibrant and wonderful, is almost more than my heart can bear…also hearing particular pieces of music live, or visiting a place I’ve always longed to go, wow, so moving. ! So privileged, I always remind myself to ‘remember this moment’ because it may not happen again.
Personally, I had a craft milestone when I was recovering from breast cancer. I had only just begun to crossstitch, and had gotten stuck on an overlarge ambitious project for my sister, a gorgeous picture of a little boy and a puppy climbing up some stairs. At my worst moments, sick and unable to work for a while, I couldn’t read, couldn’t concentrate, was watching too much TV and had zero energy. I picked up this tricky project and righted the mistakes I’d made and forged ahead to the end. And there it was – something beautiful I’d made that came from a distinctly unbeautiful time in my life. When I gave it to my sister that Christmas she instantly realised that I must have worked on it during my treatment, and we had a little moment together. She hung it in pride of place in her lounge room, and it’s still there. It tells my story, but in a roundabout way. I still love crossstitch.
As someone who couldn’t make this event, it’s great to be able to read the write-up here-thank you, Nicola! Interesting re what Tracy said about dual timelines which I (attempt to) write. Have had that feedback as well where one timeline is preferred to the other, and it’s interesting that Tracy then moved onto historical fiction based in one era. Look forward to reading A Single Thread.
As someone who couldn’t make this event, it’s great to be able to read the write-up here-thank you, Nicola! Interesting re what Tracy said about dual timelines which I (attempt to) write. Have had that feedback as well where one timeline is preferred to the other, and it’s interesting that Tracy then moved onto historical fiction based in one era. Look forward to reading A Single Thread.
As someone who couldn’t make this event, it’s great to be able to read the write-up here-thank you, Nicola! Interesting re what Tracy said about dual timelines which I (attempt to) write. Have had that feedback as well where one timeline is preferred to the other, and it’s interesting that Tracy then moved onto historical fiction based in one era. Look forward to reading A Single Thread.
As someone who couldn’t make this event, it’s great to be able to read the write-up here-thank you, Nicola! Interesting re what Tracy said about dual timelines which I (attempt to) write. Have had that feedback as well where one timeline is preferred to the other, and it’s interesting that Tracy then moved onto historical fiction based in one era. Look forward to reading A Single Thread.
As someone who couldn’t make this event, it’s great to be able to read the write-up here-thank you, Nicola! Interesting re what Tracy said about dual timelines which I (attempt to) write. Have had that feedback as well where one timeline is preferred to the other, and it’s interesting that Tracy then moved onto historical fiction based in one era. Look forward to reading A Single Thread.
Interesting question, Nicola and Tracy. I’ve dabbled in a lot of arts in my day, but no singlular item or activity came to mind until I recognized the elephant in the room: the room itself, or more specifically, the house(s). As an adult, I’ve lived in around eight of them, each totally different but connected as I took along as much as I could but contributed new ideas to the decor and usefulness of each. The houses furbished and refurbished my life and relationships. Thanks for the chance to recognize this, I’m having a happy thinking about it!
Interesting question, Nicola and Tracy. I’ve dabbled in a lot of arts in my day, but no singlular item or activity came to mind until I recognized the elephant in the room: the room itself, or more specifically, the house(s). As an adult, I’ve lived in around eight of them, each totally different but connected as I took along as much as I could but contributed new ideas to the decor and usefulness of each. The houses furbished and refurbished my life and relationships. Thanks for the chance to recognize this, I’m having a happy thinking about it!
Interesting question, Nicola and Tracy. I’ve dabbled in a lot of arts in my day, but no singlular item or activity came to mind until I recognized the elephant in the room: the room itself, or more specifically, the house(s). As an adult, I’ve lived in around eight of them, each totally different but connected as I took along as much as I could but contributed new ideas to the decor and usefulness of each. The houses furbished and refurbished my life and relationships. Thanks for the chance to recognize this, I’m having a happy thinking about it!
Interesting question, Nicola and Tracy. I’ve dabbled in a lot of arts in my day, but no singlular item or activity came to mind until I recognized the elephant in the room: the room itself, or more specifically, the house(s). As an adult, I’ve lived in around eight of them, each totally different but connected as I took along as much as I could but contributed new ideas to the decor and usefulness of each. The houses furbished and refurbished my life and relationships. Thanks for the chance to recognize this, I’m having a happy thinking about it!
Interesting question, Nicola and Tracy. I’ve dabbled in a lot of arts in my day, but no singlular item or activity came to mind until I recognized the elephant in the room: the room itself, or more specifically, the house(s). As an adult, I’ve lived in around eight of them, each totally different but connected as I took along as much as I could but contributed new ideas to the decor and usefulness of each. The houses furbished and refurbished my life and relationships. Thanks for the chance to recognize this, I’m having a happy thinking about it!
I’m so pleased you enjoyed it, Mary Jo. Yes, I think most writers and readers feel that storytelling is part of our make-up and hugely important!
I’m so pleased you enjoyed it, Mary Jo. Yes, I think most writers and readers feel that storytelling is part of our make-up and hugely important!
I’m so pleased you enjoyed it, Mary Jo. Yes, I think most writers and readers feel that storytelling is part of our make-up and hugely important!
I’m so pleased you enjoyed it, Mary Jo. Yes, I think most writers and readers feel that storytelling is part of our make-up and hugely important!
I’m so pleased you enjoyed it, Mary Jo. Yes, I think most writers and readers feel that storytelling is part of our make-up and hugely important!
LOL, Kareni, I’m glad you liked the interview. Thank you!
LOL, Kareni, I’m glad you liked the interview. Thank you!
LOL, Kareni, I’m glad you liked the interview. Thank you!
LOL, Kareni, I’m glad you liked the interview. Thank you!
LOL, Kareni, I’m glad you liked the interview. Thank you!
Hi Quantum. Interesting! Perhaps I misrepresented Tracy’s words; I think she meant that we tell stories (or read) to impose some sort of psychological order on things or to reassure ourselves (eg people enjoy crime novels because generally the criminal is caught). I agree we can’t “explain” the physical world without science!
Remarkable Creatures is my favourite of her books too although I’m currently reading A Single Thread and finding that very engrossing.
I love your choice of Foucault’s Pendulum! Very apt.
Hi Quantum. Interesting! Perhaps I misrepresented Tracy’s words; I think she meant that we tell stories (or read) to impose some sort of psychological order on things or to reassure ourselves (eg people enjoy crime novels because generally the criminal is caught). I agree we can’t “explain” the physical world without science!
Remarkable Creatures is my favourite of her books too although I’m currently reading A Single Thread and finding that very engrossing.
I love your choice of Foucault’s Pendulum! Very apt.
Hi Quantum. Interesting! Perhaps I misrepresented Tracy’s words; I think she meant that we tell stories (or read) to impose some sort of psychological order on things or to reassure ourselves (eg people enjoy crime novels because generally the criminal is caught). I agree we can’t “explain” the physical world without science!
Remarkable Creatures is my favourite of her books too although I’m currently reading A Single Thread and finding that very engrossing.
I love your choice of Foucault’s Pendulum! Very apt.
Hi Quantum. Interesting! Perhaps I misrepresented Tracy’s words; I think she meant that we tell stories (or read) to impose some sort of psychological order on things or to reassure ourselves (eg people enjoy crime novels because generally the criminal is caught). I agree we can’t “explain” the physical world without science!
Remarkable Creatures is my favourite of her books too although I’m currently reading A Single Thread and finding that very engrossing.
I love your choice of Foucault’s Pendulum! Very apt.
Hi Quantum. Interesting! Perhaps I misrepresented Tracy’s words; I think she meant that we tell stories (or read) to impose some sort of psychological order on things or to reassure ourselves (eg people enjoy crime novels because generally the criminal is caught). I agree we can’t “explain” the physical world without science!
Remarkable Creatures is my favourite of her books too although I’m currently reading A Single Thread and finding that very engrossing.
I love your choice of Foucault’s Pendulum! Very apt.
Sue, I love the comparison of your life to patchwork! As someone who is completely untalented at any craft I so admire people who can perform the intricacies of embroidery and needlepoint. It is exquisite!
Sue, I love the comparison of your life to patchwork! As someone who is completely untalented at any craft I so admire people who can perform the intricacies of embroidery and needlepoint. It is exquisite!
Sue, I love the comparison of your life to patchwork! As someone who is completely untalented at any craft I so admire people who can perform the intricacies of embroidery and needlepoint. It is exquisite!
Sue, I love the comparison of your life to patchwork! As someone who is completely untalented at any craft I so admire people who can perform the intricacies of embroidery and needlepoint. It is exquisite!
Sue, I love the comparison of your life to patchwork! As someone who is completely untalented at any craft I so admire people who can perform the intricacies of embroidery and needlepoint. It is exquisite!
Malvina, that’s a beautiful story! Thank you for sharing it with us. Beautiful works of art, music etc can be very moving but special personal works like yours have so much meaning as well, especially when something so wonderful springs from a difficult time.
Malvina, that’s a beautiful story! Thank you for sharing it with us. Beautiful works of art, music etc can be very moving but special personal works like yours have so much meaning as well, especially when something so wonderful springs from a difficult time.
Malvina, that’s a beautiful story! Thank you for sharing it with us. Beautiful works of art, music etc can be very moving but special personal works like yours have so much meaning as well, especially when something so wonderful springs from a difficult time.
Malvina, that’s a beautiful story! Thank you for sharing it with us. Beautiful works of art, music etc can be very moving but special personal works like yours have so much meaning as well, especially when something so wonderful springs from a difficult time.
Malvina, that’s a beautiful story! Thank you for sharing it with us. Beautiful works of art, music etc can be very moving but special personal works like yours have so much meaning as well, especially when something so wonderful springs from a difficult time.
Hi Anita. Yes, I had a very personal interest in that question as well! I do hear this a lot, and also the comment on how complex it is to weave the two stories together well. I can quite understand why she decided to write in one period, although with her new book she did mention that she was trying something new, structure-wise. Should be interesting!
Hi Anita. Yes, I had a very personal interest in that question as well! I do hear this a lot, and also the comment on how complex it is to weave the two stories together well. I can quite understand why she decided to write in one period, although with her new book she did mention that she was trying something new, structure-wise. Should be interesting!
Hi Anita. Yes, I had a very personal interest in that question as well! I do hear this a lot, and also the comment on how complex it is to weave the two stories together well. I can quite understand why she decided to write in one period, although with her new book she did mention that she was trying something new, structure-wise. Should be interesting!
Hi Anita. Yes, I had a very personal interest in that question as well! I do hear this a lot, and also the comment on how complex it is to weave the two stories together well. I can quite understand why she decided to write in one period, although with her new book she did mention that she was trying something new, structure-wise. Should be interesting!
Hi Anita. Yes, I had a very personal interest in that question as well! I do hear this a lot, and also the comment on how complex it is to weave the two stories together well. I can quite understand why she decided to write in one period, although with her new book she did mention that she was trying something new, structure-wise. Should be interesting!
Oh, how lovely, Mary! I’m glad you enjoyed the process of thinking this question through and came up with such an interesting and personal answer. It’s fascinating what we take with us to each new place and use as the foundations of our life going forward. A really interesting idea!
Oh, how lovely, Mary! I’m glad you enjoyed the process of thinking this question through and came up with such an interesting and personal answer. It’s fascinating what we take with us to each new place and use as the foundations of our life going forward. A really interesting idea!
Oh, how lovely, Mary! I’m glad you enjoyed the process of thinking this question through and came up with such an interesting and personal answer. It’s fascinating what we take with us to each new place and use as the foundations of our life going forward. A really interesting idea!
Oh, how lovely, Mary! I’m glad you enjoyed the process of thinking this question through and came up with such an interesting and personal answer. It’s fascinating what we take with us to each new place and use as the foundations of our life going forward. A really interesting idea!
Oh, how lovely, Mary! I’m glad you enjoyed the process of thinking this question through and came up with such an interesting and personal answer. It’s fascinating what we take with us to each new place and use as the foundations of our life going forward. A really interesting idea!
What a terrific interview. Thank you so much for creating so many interesting pathways to thought.
What a terrific interview. Thank you so much for creating so many interesting pathways to thought.
What a terrific interview. Thank you so much for creating so many interesting pathways to thought.
What a terrific interview. Thank you so much for creating so many interesting pathways to thought.
What a terrific interview. Thank you so much for creating so many interesting pathways to thought.
This is a brilliant interview! Nicola, thank you for this look into an amazing author who is very circumspect. I was dazzled by her Girl with a Pearl Earring, and she has remained one of my favorite authors.
This is a brilliant interview! Nicola, thank you for this look into an amazing author who is very circumspect. I was dazzled by her Girl with a Pearl Earring, and she has remained one of my favorite authors.
This is a brilliant interview! Nicola, thank you for this look into an amazing author who is very circumspect. I was dazzled by her Girl with a Pearl Earring, and she has remained one of my favorite authors.
This is a brilliant interview! Nicola, thank you for this look into an amazing author who is very circumspect. I was dazzled by her Girl with a Pearl Earring, and she has remained one of my favorite authors.
This is a brilliant interview! Nicola, thank you for this look into an amazing author who is very circumspect. I was dazzled by her Girl with a Pearl Earring, and she has remained one of my favorite authors.
Adding my thanks to those of everyone else. One of the things I loved about Girl with a Pearl Earring was that so many of the characters were so fully made known to us, we knew their thoughts and their personalities, their larger dreams and their petty squabbles. However, the center of the book’s universe, Vermeer, remained a mystery, which I think is entirely appropriate because genius such as his is a mystery.
As for everyone needing stories, I think that’s true. It all depends on how you define story. I think one can create a narrative, a worldview, a story, that is based on fact.
Adding my thanks to those of everyone else. One of the things I loved about Girl with a Pearl Earring was that so many of the characters were so fully made known to us, we knew their thoughts and their personalities, their larger dreams and their petty squabbles. However, the center of the book’s universe, Vermeer, remained a mystery, which I think is entirely appropriate because genius such as his is a mystery.
As for everyone needing stories, I think that’s true. It all depends on how you define story. I think one can create a narrative, a worldview, a story, that is based on fact.
Adding my thanks to those of everyone else. One of the things I loved about Girl with a Pearl Earring was that so many of the characters were so fully made known to us, we knew their thoughts and their personalities, their larger dreams and their petty squabbles. However, the center of the book’s universe, Vermeer, remained a mystery, which I think is entirely appropriate because genius such as his is a mystery.
As for everyone needing stories, I think that’s true. It all depends on how you define story. I think one can create a narrative, a worldview, a story, that is based on fact.
Adding my thanks to those of everyone else. One of the things I loved about Girl with a Pearl Earring was that so many of the characters were so fully made known to us, we knew their thoughts and their personalities, their larger dreams and their petty squabbles. However, the center of the book’s universe, Vermeer, remained a mystery, which I think is entirely appropriate because genius such as his is a mystery.
As for everyone needing stories, I think that’s true. It all depends on how you define story. I think one can create a narrative, a worldview, a story, that is based on fact.
Adding my thanks to those of everyone else. One of the things I loved about Girl with a Pearl Earring was that so many of the characters were so fully made known to us, we knew their thoughts and their personalities, their larger dreams and their petty squabbles. However, the center of the book’s universe, Vermeer, remained a mystery, which I think is entirely appropriate because genius such as his is a mystery.
As for everyone needing stories, I think that’s true. It all depends on how you define story. I think one can create a narrative, a worldview, a story, that is based on fact.
Thank you, Keira. I am so glad you enjoyed it! It was wonderful to have an insight into Tracy’s inspiration and working.
Thank you, Keira. I am so glad you enjoyed it! It was wonderful to have an insight into Tracy’s inspiration and working.
Thank you, Keira. I am so glad you enjoyed it! It was wonderful to have an insight into Tracy’s inspiration and working.
Thank you, Keira. I am so glad you enjoyed it! It was wonderful to have an insight into Tracy’s inspiration and working.
Thank you, Keira. I am so glad you enjoyed it! It was wonderful to have an insight into Tracy’s inspiration and working.
Thank you, Susan. Yes, Vermeer was the mystery at the heart of the book and that feels very appropriate. I love the way that Tracy constructs her books and characters. I learn a lot whenever I read her.
Thank you, Susan. Yes, Vermeer was the mystery at the heart of the book and that feels very appropriate. I love the way that Tracy constructs her books and characters. I learn a lot whenever I read her.
Thank you, Susan. Yes, Vermeer was the mystery at the heart of the book and that feels very appropriate. I love the way that Tracy constructs her books and characters. I learn a lot whenever I read her.
Thank you, Susan. Yes, Vermeer was the mystery at the heart of the book and that feels very appropriate. I love the way that Tracy constructs her books and characters. I learn a lot whenever I read her.
Thank you, Susan. Yes, Vermeer was the mystery at the heart of the book and that feels very appropriate. I love the way that Tracy constructs her books and characters. I learn a lot whenever I read her.
Lovely interview, Nicola. I can’t choose any one item to represent my life or journey, but I will share a little story told to me by a woman who lived and worked for a year or so in a remote and isolated outback community. At the end of her time there, one of the women presented her with a necklace, handmade of all different indigenous seeds and nuts, some painted, some not. She said: “This necklace is to remind you of all the people you helped, a different bead for each person.” She pointed to one bead, and added, “And that one’s for me.”
I saw the necklace being worn at a big city conference, and admired it, and that’s how I learned the story.
Lovely interview, Nicola. I can’t choose any one item to represent my life or journey, but I will share a little story told to me by a woman who lived and worked for a year or so in a remote and isolated outback community. At the end of her time there, one of the women presented her with a necklace, handmade of all different indigenous seeds and nuts, some painted, some not. She said: “This necklace is to remind you of all the people you helped, a different bead for each person.” She pointed to one bead, and added, “And that one’s for me.”
I saw the necklace being worn at a big city conference, and admired it, and that’s how I learned the story.
Lovely interview, Nicola. I can’t choose any one item to represent my life or journey, but I will share a little story told to me by a woman who lived and worked for a year or so in a remote and isolated outback community. At the end of her time there, one of the women presented her with a necklace, handmade of all different indigenous seeds and nuts, some painted, some not. She said: “This necklace is to remind you of all the people you helped, a different bead for each person.” She pointed to one bead, and added, “And that one’s for me.”
I saw the necklace being worn at a big city conference, and admired it, and that’s how I learned the story.
Lovely interview, Nicola. I can’t choose any one item to represent my life or journey, but I will share a little story told to me by a woman who lived and worked for a year or so in a remote and isolated outback community. At the end of her time there, one of the women presented her with a necklace, handmade of all different indigenous seeds and nuts, some painted, some not. She said: “This necklace is to remind you of all the people you helped, a different bead for each person.” She pointed to one bead, and added, “And that one’s for me.”
I saw the necklace being worn at a big city conference, and admired it, and that’s how I learned the story.
Lovely interview, Nicola. I can’t choose any one item to represent my life or journey, but I will share a little story told to me by a woman who lived and worked for a year or so in a remote and isolated outback community. At the end of her time there, one of the women presented her with a necklace, handmade of all different indigenous seeds and nuts, some painted, some not. She said: “This necklace is to remind you of all the people you helped, a different bead for each person.” She pointed to one bead, and added, “And that one’s for me.”
I saw the necklace being worn at a big city conference, and admired it, and that’s how I learned the story.