Writing Across Realities with Martha Conway

What happens when an unsettling, real-life moment completely reshapes a creative journey? In this episode, host Terry Shepherd sits down with acclaimed novelist Martha Conway to explore her deeply moving and speculative new novel, We Meet Apart.

Set in 1990s Ireland, the book follows two grieving sisters, Gabby and Sabine, navigating a dual reality: one rooted in the world we know, and another shaped by an alternate history where Nazi Germany has invaded Ireland. Separated across these parallel timelines, they are able to meet for a limited time at twilight—a narrative mechanic beautifully inspired by 17th-century Irish folklore. It is a quietly devastating exploration of love, sisterhood, and how we handle loss.

In this conversation, Terry and Martha dive deep into the writing process, discussing:

The Flight That Changed Everything: How a terrifying emergency landing during a transatlantic flight served as the creative sign Martha needed to write a novel set in her ancestral homeland.
Unlocking the Title: The Emily Dickinson poem that provided the perfect, bone-chilling title after endless lists of options fell short.
Balancing the Tension: Martha's tactical approach to pacing a dual-timeline narrative, ensuring the emotional weight of grief matches the high stakes of a wartime occupation.
The Power of Sisterhood: How growing up in a large family with six sisters shapes Martha's frequent exploration of complex sibling bonds.
A Sneak Peek at What's Next: A look into her upcoming novel, which takes place in a dangerous 1820 New Hampshire factory town.

Whether you are a fan of historical fiction, magical realism, or powerful family dramas, this episode offers a fascinating look inside a master storyteller's process.

About the Guest:

Martha Conway is an acclaimed author known for weaving richly detailed historical worlds with deeply human stories. Her work frequently centers on the unbreakable ties, loyalties, and losses that define us. Discover more about her books, research trips, and upcoming projects by visiting her official website at marthaconway.com.

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