In this episode, Amy and Elyssa look at you two female writers.

If one of your accomplishments is being an award-winning science fiction writer that is impressive. What if you were raised by a widowed mom, Black and female? There is even more to Octavia Butler’s backstory.

After university, Emily Elgar worked for a non-profit organization providing support services to sex workers in the UK, her first novel “Grace is Gone” has been called “Chilling and compassionate.” Where did the idea come from? Find out this episode of Back Stories from your Indiana Johnson County Public Library.

William Golding’s “Lord of the Flies” was not an instant hit. A lot of publishers turned it down and when first published, it did no sell well. Jane Austen is known for her six major novels and frequently examines women depending on marriage for social standing and economic security. However, the film industry has gained some economic security from film adaptations of Austen’s novels. Join librarian Amy Dalton and JCPL’s Director, Lisa Lintner as they explore the backstories of Austen and Golding!

In “Back Stories” we discuss the people behind the books, movies, and yes even video games, you can borrow from the library. In this episode, Amy and Keeley share the stories behind the “Legend of Zelda” first released in 1986 and Stephen King’s 1975 second horror novel “Salem’s Lot.”

L. Ron Hubbard got his start writing science fiction stories in which he was paid by the word. There is more to that story. Emily Elgar’s first novel “Grace is Gone” has been called “Chilling and compassionate.” Where did the idea come from? Find out in this episode of Back Stories.

Do you have topics or authors you would like to hear on Back Stories? Email us at [email protected].

Author Donna Tartt has won the WH Smith Literary Award for “The Little Friend” in 2003 and the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction for “The Goldfinch” in 2014. What inspired her? Sure, the musician Prince is famous, but it wasn’t always that way. You will also be surprised by the other music he is behind.

Join us we look at the “Back Stories” behind Tartt & Prince. JCPL Librarian Amy Dalton is your host and this week's guest is fellow Johnson County Public Library (Indiana) librarian Davin Kolderup.

If you have questions comments or suggestions you can reach Amy at [email protected].

Robert Louis Stevenson is a Scottish novelist, poet and travel writer, most noted for "Treasure Island" and "Kidnapped." What fueled his ideas for stories? Ian Fleming is best known for his James Bond stories. What other book turned into a movie did he write? You will be surprised by what you learn about each author in the first episode of "Back Stories." 

Librarian Amy Dalton is your host and this week's guest is fellow Johnson County Public Library librarian Erin Cataldi.

If you have questions comments or suggestions you can reach Amy at [email protected].