Interview With James Conroyd Martin: Author of Push Not the River

Have you any similar stories to share?

Initially, it just happened what with having the diary come to me (while I was studying screenwriting). But I find myself drawn to historicals on paper and on film.

What are you currently working on?

I'm editing the sequel to Push Not the River. In the summer I'll return to an unfinished manuscript of a story set in sixth century Byzantium. I also have a modern Gothic ghost story on the back burner.

Have you ever thought about writing about person from Tudor times?

Yes, but no definite idea has surfaced. So many people are mining this genre so well already.

What do you consider is Historical Fiction? Is it fact-driven fiction, adhering to what is known of history in an attempt to bring it alive? Or is it a medium a writer uses to make sense of contemporary concepts? Or...?

It is different with each writer and work, I think. For me, it's a character who reaches out and grabs my interest...and then my imagination takes over. Parallels to contemporary times and concepts come as interesting by-products.

What (if any) are the responsibilities of the historical fiction writer?

To write an interesting story.

What is more important to you - history accuracy or writing a good story?

A good story comes first. Any inaccuracies should be deliberate and not fly in the face of the readers, causing them to be pulled out of the fiction-dream.

What elements do you consider important to your story-telling?

Appealing to the senses and keeping questions in the air.

What authors did you like to read?

Henry James, Edith Wharton, Somerset Maugham, and E. M. Forster.

Popular and literary fiction - what makes a novel one instead of the other?

I haven't a good grasp on this. Push Not the River has been called both.

Again, thank you, Jim!

You can read more about this author and his work by visiting his author's site!