In this episode of My Simplified Life, host Michelle Glogovac interviews authors Azul Terronez and Steve Vannoy about their book Gone Missing, the first in a historical fiction series. The conversation delves into the personal stories that inspired the book, the importance of empathy in storytelling, and the rich history of the Appalachian community depicted in their work. The authors share their writing process, the significance of family narratives, and how they aim to humanize characters often misunderstood in society. The episode highlights the impact of Ruby Bridges and the importance of celebrating community and friendship.

What We're Talking About

• The book Gone Missing is rooted in real family stories.
• Empathy is a central theme in the narrative.
• The authors aim to humanize characters often judged by society.
• Historical context enriches the storytelling experience.
• Family connections drive the writing process.
• The importance of community in shaping individual stories.
• Ruby Bridges' legacy is woven into the narrative.
• Writing with purpose can create meaningful connections.
• The collaboration between Azul and Steve enhances the storytelling.
• Celebrating the past helps preserve community identity.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Guest Background 07:41 Exploring Family Stories and Legacy 13:46 Historical Context and Real-Life Inspirations 19:46 The Impact of Place and Memory 25:36 Conclusion and Future Works 34:14 Bringing Humanity to Characters 34:43 The Story of Empathy and Education

Links Mentioned

Gone Missing by Steve Vannoy and Azul Terronez

https://bookshop.org/a/99223/9781954801721 

Authors Who Lead

https://authorswholead.com/