BookLife
Talks with
Rachel Goss
In her debut novel, Goss
explores the intersection of
history, science, and ethics
during WWII as a German POW
carrying secrets related to the
atomic bomb is sent to America
and ultimately works with the Allies on a secret
research program.
Why do you think people enjoy historical fiction
so much?
Historical fiction makes for great escapes. People can
immerse themselves in another time and place and
forget the present for a while. If the storytelling is
good enough, readers can return from their visit with
a better perspective on the modern world.
What kind of research did you do to ensure histori-
cal and cultural authenticity?
I enjoy firsthand narratives, and the memoirs
about WWII POW camps in
America do not disappoint.
The International Red Cross
prison camp inspection
records gave me priceless
insight into daily camp life. I
talked to as many people as
would talk to me about camps
and prisoners and railroads. I
took pictures of buildings and
landscapes, looked at maps,
and studied census records. I
developed a mental picture of how people lived in
the various neighborhoods given their race, family
makeup, and occupations.What’s next for you?
I’m working on a three-part sequel to Driven by
Conscience, set between 1946 and 1950. The boys
are back from the war and Gwen loses her foot-
hold at the FBI. She and Claudette open Diamond
State Detective Agency and go on adventures. They
encounter old friends as they continue their lives.For more, visit booklife.com/gossQ&A SPONSORED
BookLife Talks with
Parker Ames
Ames’s debut work took an unusual turn during the
writing process. What began as an autobiographical
self-help book pivoted into a work of fiction. Still not
satisfied, Ames changed the main character from
male to female and voilà, the first book in the Girl
with a Future series was born.
As this is your debut, what did you find most dif-
ficult about the writing process and how did you
overcome it?
The most challenging part for me is sitting down at
the computer. Once I start writing, it usually comes
out easily. But getting in front of that computer is
always tough. There are so many distractions and
excuses. I read Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott years
ago, and it stuck with me that you just need to write.
Write every day, and eventually, you will have a story.
I make a goal of having at least a thousand words
down on the page a day. I also attempt to end with
an open thought, so the next day I know where I’m
beginning. That way there are no excuses.
Who is your ideal reader and why?
My ideal reader is anyone, male or female,
between the ages of 18 and 35 who can’t figure out
their destination in life. It is also those who are
older and went through struggles when they were
younger or are attempting to start fresh. This is
a story of breaking free from what is expected of
you, and of what you expect of yourself, and open-
ing up to change and fresh experiences.For more, visit booklife.com/amesQ&AQ&A SPONSORED SPONSORED