True Fiction Project – Season 5, Episode 10: "Meet Me in Ivy Falls"
Release Date: November 5, 2024
Host: Reenita Hora
Guest: Amy True (also known as Amy Trueblood)
Introduction
In Season 5, Episode 10 of the True Fiction Project, host Reenita Hora welcomes acclaimed author Amy True, who delves into her journey from writing historical fiction to venturing into adult romance with her latest novel, Meet Me in Ivy Falls. This episode provides a comprehensive look into Amy's creative process, inspirations drawn from real-life figures, and the thematic depth of her storytelling.
Guest Introduction: Amy True
Amy True, known in the literary world as Amy Trueblood for her historical fiction works, discusses her dual authorial identities. She explains the choice behind using "Trueblood" to avoid confusion with the popular HBO series True Blood. Under her real name, Amy has branched into adult romance, marking a significant evolution in her writing career.
Exploring Historical Fiction: Amy Trueblood's Works
Books Discussed:
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Nothing but Sky
- Protagonist: Grace, an 18-year-old wing walker in 1922.
- Inspiration: Based on real female daredevils like Lillian Boyer.
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Across a Broken Shore
- Protagonist: Willa, the youngest in an Irish Catholic family, aspiring to be a physician.
- Inspiration: Inspired by Dr. Wanzer, the first woman to receive a medical license west of the Rockies.
Key Insights:
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Strong Female Protagonists: Amy emphasizes her penchant for creating "ambitious, really fierce women who don't necessarily fall into the traditional female role" (02:58).
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Real-Life Inspirations: The characters are deeply rooted in historical figures, adding authenticity and depth to her narratives. Amy recounts a pivotal moment of inspiration at the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago, where she discovered a mannequin of Ethel Dare, a female wing walker, igniting the story of Nothing but Sky (04:32).
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Research and Authenticity: Amy highlights the challenges of limited primary sources on these historical women, which fuels her passion to bring their stories to life through fiction. She mentions, "These women had extraordinary lives, but there's not a lot of primary source material about these women" (06:04).
Notable Quote:
"As a writer, as a storyteller, I read that plaque about Ethel Dare, and immediately my writer brain was engaged. [...] 'What if? And what if?'" – Amy True at 06:02
Transition to Adult Romance: "Meet Me in Ivy Falls"
Book Details:
- Title: Meet Me in Ivy Falls
- Release Dates:
- US Paperback: June 25th
- Ebook & UK Paperback: July 4th
- Series: First installment in a three-book series set in the quaint town of Ivy Falls.
Inspiration Behind the Shift: Amy discusses her deliberate decision to explore a different genre as a "palette cleanser" after the intensive research required for historical fiction. Watching HGTV sparked the idea of a female contractor dedicated to restoring historical homes, which organically evolved into the story set in Ivy Falls (09:24).
Creative Process:
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Balancing Genres: Amy shares how writing Meet Me in Ivy Falls allowed her to refresh her creative energies before returning to historical fiction.
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Agent's Role: Her agent recognized the potential of her "fun book" concept, leading to the formalization and publication of the adult romance novel (09:24).
Notable Quote:
"Everything has a time and a place, and so I really felt like I was meant to write Meet Me in Ivy Falls so that I could go back and write my adult historical book." – Amy True at 11:08
Themes and Character Dynamics in "Meet Me in Ivy Falls"
Setting: Ivy Falls, a small town inspired by Franklin, Tennessee, reminiscent of the charming and quirky atmosphere of Gilmore Girls.
Main Characters:
- Torin: The protagonist, depicted as a "hot mess" navigating a tumultuous period in her life.
- Tessa: Torin's younger sister, a calming presence who grounds her.
Sibling Relationships: Amy draws heavily from her personal experience as the youngest of five siblings, emphasizing the importance of strong familial bonds. She illustrates how siblings provide unwavering support and understanding, vital for personal growth and resilience.
Key Elements:
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Conflict and Balance: Torin's chaotic nature is balanced by Tessa's mellow demeanor, mirroring Amy's own family dynamics (12:31).
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Vulnerability and Support: The sisters engage in meaningful interactions, such as assessing each other's well-being with the "number" system—a metaphor for emotional transparency and support (15:11).
Notable Quote:
"Only a sibling can know you so well, but only a sibling knows when you're struggling and can say to you, 'Hey, it's going to be okay. I'm here.'" – Amy True at 14:47
Excerpt from "Meet Me in Ivy Falls"
Amy shares a compelling excerpt that introduces the protagonist, Torin, as she navigates the bustling town of Ivy Falls. The passage encapsulates Torin's internal struggles, her relationship with her sister Tessa, and the vibrant community dynamics of the town. Amy's vivid descriptions and emotional depth offer listeners a glimpse into the heart of her narrative.
Excerpt Highlights:
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Torin's Characterization: Portrayed as creative yet disorganized, Torin's ambition is juxtaposed with her personal challenges.
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Setting Description: The detailed depiction of Ivy Falls evokes a strong sense of place, establishing the town's unique charm and its influence on the characters.
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Emotional Undertones: Themes of grief, resilience, and community are interwoven, showcasing the protagonist's journey and relationships.
Publication and Final Thoughts
Amy True provides information about the publication dates and directs listeners to her website and social media platforms for more updates. Host Rinita Hora expresses excitement for Amy's upcoming work, emphasizing the importance of sibling relationships and strong female characters in literature.
Release Information:
- Current Status: Meet Me in Ivy Falls is available in US paperback and soon in ebook and UK paperback.
- Author's Platforms: amytrueauthor.com, Instagram, TikTok, and Threads under the handle @TrueBooks.
Closing Remarks: Rinita Hora concludes the episode by highlighting the essence of the True Fiction Project—transforming real-life stories into captivating fiction—and encourages listeners to engage with their own stories or nominate others for future episodes.
Contact and Subscription Information
True Fiction Project invites storytellers and writers to share their experiences:
- Contact: reenita.com/forward/contact
- Newsletter Subscription: substack.com/forward/@rinitahora
Subscribers gain access to exclusive content, including video versions of podcasts and additional special features.
This episode of the True Fiction Project masterfully intertwines Amy True's passion for storytelling with her dedication to honoring real-life inspirations. From exploring the daring lives of historical women to crafting heartfelt sibling dynamics in a charming town, Amy's narratives exemplify the transformative power of fiction rooted in truth.