Censored Angel by Joan Koster
Today, my alter ego is talking about the new release, Censored Angel, how nonfiction writing influences fiction writing, and the importance of doing research
Where is your favorite place to write?
I can write almost anywhere. But my very favorite place is in my cottage by the sea. It is located on the very southern most point in Nova Scotia and on the shore of the Atlantic, facing east. That means we occasionally get a passing hurricane, but more often either heavy fog or glorious dawns.
I have a writing studio on the second floor with a full view of the ocean. The sound of the surf is the best accompaniment to writing that I can think of. Here is a photo of the view at sunrise.
How did you choose the genre you write in?
I have always loved reading biographies, histories, and historical fiction, so when I took up fiction writing after many years writing nonfiction, I chose to write a historical novel. It was set during the Civil War, and inspired by my beautiful house, which was built in 1865. It ended up being over 100,000 words, had every fiction writing mistake in the book in it, won several awards, and remains unpublished. But someday…
Have you written non-fiction books? How has that influenced your fiction writing?
I learned a lot writing that first novel. The most important thing was that I needed to learn more about writing fiction. Fiction is a very different creature from nonfiction in terms of structure and prose.
When I write nonfiction, the words are myself talking to myself. I am telling or teaching my audience something. But in fiction, you have to become your characters, who are often very different from who you are. It takes a very different mindset. You must write in such a way as to create an emotional response in your reader.
So, since penning that first novel, I have taken hundreds of writing courses, and my knowledge about fiction writing has expanded until my brain feels like it is stuffed with words and guidelines. I have used my nonfiction background to share what I have learned in clear, concise language, in my Write for Success writing craft book series, in the many workshops I offer, and on my Zara’s Journal blog.
At the same time, my nonfiction experience has benefited me a great deal as a novelist, too. Writing nonfiction taught me four important things:
- How to write to a deadline.
- How to welcome criticism.
- How to work with an editor.
- How to research effectively.
How much research do you do for each book you write?
Research is key in writing a good story, or anything, for that matter. Research expands your knowledge so you can write more assuredly and more deeply about your subject matter, whether it is what prison life was like in 1900 (Censored Angel) or what type of spray paint graffiti artists use (The Skin Quartet).
I am always researching. I read constantly, not just fiction, but biography, history, science, and about current events. Second, I keep extensive, well-organized notes. This is true for my historical novels, but also for my romances.
Over the years I have explored numerous ways to organize my book “data.” I share these methods in the workshop I teach Story Bibles for Authors. It will be offered by Savvy Writers starting July 3rd. Check it out here.
Can you tell us about any upcoming books, series, or writing plans?
My upcoming release Censored Angel is book 2 in my Forgotten Women series. It is based on the life of Ida Craddock, a 19th century mystic marriage counselor. Ida’s writings were not only banned, but burned. It is partially thanks to her that you can buy hot sexy romances from Amazon and get them sent through the mail.
All proceeds from the book will be donated to the Freedom to Read Foundation.
The next book in the series will be about another amazing woman who doesn’t deserve to be forgotten, sculptress Vinnie Ream. I am aiming for a January 2024 release.
Censored Angel: Anthony Comstock’s Nemesis
by Joan Koster
A nineteenth century mystic marriage counselor and her guardian angel battle the Inquisitor of Smut in this biographical historical novel based on a true story.
She will not be silenced! Brilliant, corseted, and haunted by spirits from the Borderlands, a young girl turns her back on the constrictions of Victorian society and strikes out on her own, becoming a mystic marriage counselor. Sharing what she views as essential sexual knowledge puts her in the crosshairs of Anthony Comstock, the nation’s Anti-Obscenity Postal Inspector. He promises to silence her forever. She vows to bring him down. With prison looming, Ida and her guardian angels must prepare for a battle they may not be able to win.
This is a novel about sex, obscenity, and censorship. Any resemblance to current social issues is astonishingly remarkable. Warning: It contains blunt descriptions of sexual relations judged obscene in 1902, and of suicide.
